Qdoba names restaurant veteran as chief development officer

Fast-casual Mexican chain Qdoba has appointed a new chief development officer and head of international to lead future growth for the company.

Jeremy Vitaro has joined Qdoba’s C-suite, bringing more than 20 years of restaurant development experience to the San Diego-based chain. Prior to joining Qdoba, Vitaro served as chief development officer for Little Caesars Pizza, opening hundreds of new units over the past three years.

Before Little Caesars, Vitaro was an executive with Dunkin' Brands for 18 years. From 2018 through 2020, as VP of U.S. development, Vitaro opened more than 1,000 Dunkin' restaurants. From 2012 through 2017, he held the position of VP of International Development, where he opened more than 4,000 new Dunkin' and Baskin-Robbins units.

"We are thrilled with Jeremy's decision to join the Qdoba leadership team," said John Cywinski, CEO of Qdoba and Modern Market Eatery. "Qdoba is an exceptionally well-positioned brand and what I consider to be the best kept secret in the restaurant industry. I'm confident Jeremy is the right leader to partner with our franchisees to unlock our full potential, both in and outside of the U.S."

As chief development officer, Vitaro will be responsible for Qdoba’s asset light development strategy, including new restaurant growth, system remodeling, refranchising, acquisition, prototype design, and real estate and construction. Last August, Qdoba announced plans to double its store footprint in the next 10 years.

“The brand has a unique and attractive position within a great category and a very talented team, as well as a strong franchisee and corporate restaurant foundation upon which to build,” said Vitaro.

Qdoba operates over 750 locations in the U.S. and Canada.