Growing Consumer Love of Fresh, Homemade Mexican-Inspired Food Served Quickly & Franchise-First Approach Fuels National Growth
Toronto, ON (April 26, 2018) – Canadian owned and operated Quesada Burritos & Tacos is proud to announce the opening of its 100th location with plans to double units by 2020. The restaurant chain is part of a rapidly expanding category in Canada known as ‘fast-casual’ with the brand’s national growth fueled by a growing consumer love of its fresh, delicious homemade Mexican-inspired menu and an award-winning franchisee-first approach.
“We deliver on a growing consumer desire for fresher and healthier menu options but mouthwatering Mexican-inspired flavour ultimately defines everything we do. Opening our 99th and 100th locations on the same day made this milestone that much more exciting,” said Steve Gill, Founder and Chief Recipe Officer, Quesada Burritos & Tacos. “Franchisees recognize Quesada’s made from scratch approach stands out in the clutter of quick service restaurants in Canada. At the same time, they can buy a location for a fraction of the cost compared to others in the Mexican food category.”
Unlike global chains that only recently introduced some healthier items in an effort to drive lackluster traffic, Quesada has been solely focused on offering Mexican-inspired food made with fresh, whole foods, from its beginnings on Wellington St. in Toronto in 2004. In fact, Quesada is part of a burgeoning food category in Canada known as ‘fast casual.’ According to leading market research firm NPD Group, the category is fast-growing as it offers higher quality, healthier menu items in a more elevated restaurant setting than fast-food chains while also offering convenience and value.
Quesada’s business model is unique in that it is privately owned, bucking the industry trend of publicly owned chains. This allows for a hands-on, personalized approach that connects franchisees directly with the owners of the company, such as President Tom O’Neill, a seasoned restaurant industry veteran with experience setting up successful global chains across Canada.
“What appealed to me about Quesada is that it aligned with my lifestyle. When I was searching for a franchise, it was at a time when I was making a change to live better and eat better. I ate a lot of burritos and Quesada’s food had a kick that others in the category just lacked,” said Moe Surani, franchisee owner of the 100th Quesada location in Surrey, B.C.
Surani joins the growing ranks of happy, successful franchisees that own more than one Quesada restaurant. To date, almost half of all Quesada locations are run by multi-unit owners.
In addition to its menu, Quesada’s success is attributed to several years of double digit sales growth and the personal dedication of company owners to the success of individual franchisees. In fact, franchisee satisfaction was recently recognized by the Canadian Franchisee Association’s ‘Franchisees Choice Designation.’
The ‘Joy of Mex’ describes the essence of the Quesada brand. Authentic salsas and sauces are made fresh daily and recipes are developed using traditional Mexican spices and herbs. Guests can customize burritos, tacos and salads with a delicious assortment of fresh toppings like refried beans, homemade Mexican coleslaw and pickled onions.
To celebrate reaching this milestone, loyal fans will be rewarded with 100 bonus points when they use the Quesada app at any location on June 2.
About Quesada
Quesada currently operates 100 restaurants nationally with 25 locations in development for opening. It was founded in Toronto in 2004 by Steve Gill, a former technology consultant turned restauranteur who was hungry for healthier choices with a Mexican flare. Today Quesada’s ‘made fresh for you’ philosophy and lighter, fresher unique flavour profiles distinguish the brand.
For more information, please contact:
Victoria Kirk
V & Co. PR
416.558.4507