Case Study: Another Burrito Place? Qdoba Mexican Grill Enters the Fast Growing, Fast-Casual Mexican Food Segment

ABSTRACT

This is a case study of an upstart fast-casual Mexican restaurant that caught the eye of executives at Jack in the Box Corporation. Denver-based Qdoba Mexican Grill was founded in 1998 in the same town another burrito giant, Chipotle. As did Chipotle, Qdoba found success under the oversight of hamburger experts and is skyrocketing in popularity. This case will outline the history of this young company, its operating environment, and the way ahead for this San Francisco-style burrito shop. With success comes imitation; Qdoba faces fierce competition from Moe's Southwest Grill, Chipotle, Salsarita's Mexican Cantina, and a host of many local burrito restaurants. How much demand is there for fast-casual Mexican food? competitors.

KEYWORDS:

• Fast-causal
• Mexican
• Qdoba

Notes

Jack in the Box Annual Report 2006, Jack in the Box Inc

Jack in the Box Annual Report 2005, Jack in the Box Inc.

Jack in the Box Annual Report 2004, Jack in the Box Inc.

Jack in the Box Annual Report 2003, Jack in the Box Inc.

Lewis, C. (2006, December 4) Jack in the Box Orders Up Experimental Self-Serve Kiosks: UTC Manufacturer Says ATM-Like Machines Save Time, Money San Diego Business Journal, pp. 64–65.