A new Qdoba Mexican Grill is set to replace the former PNC Bank at 5471 New Albany Rd W this September, according to Nate Baker of the multi-concept family-owned franchise group, SAPP Restaurant Enterprises.
“We look so forward to serving New Albany. We’re excited to get in there and bring Qdoba’s flavorful food to the community,” Baker tells What Now Columbus.
SAPP Restaurant Enterprises was founded by Baker’s father-in-law Jim Sapp. Today, the company is operated by Baker and wife Rachel, along with brother- and sister-in-law Kasey and Rebecca Kist, and mother Patty.
As area locals, the family has deep ties to the New Albany community. Not only does the group operate various Popeye’s and Freshii restaurants in the region – as well as one existing Qdoba – but Kasey Kist also sits on New Albany’s City Council.
Qdoba was founded in Denver, CO in 1995 under the name Zuma Fresh Mexican Grill, before rebranding to Z-Teca in 1997. Two years later, the company landed on its current moniker, Qdoba Mexican Grill. Today, the company operates upwards of 750 locations across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.
Its menu consists of all the staples that have come to define the Mexican quick-service industry, with signature dishes such as the Cholula Hot & Sweet Chicken Bowl, Steak Fajita Quesadilla, and a Fajita Bowl made with plant-based Impossible meat.
“Of course, we not only pride ourselves on crave-able, rave-able food,” says Baker, “but great customer service and it’s always a bonus to have free queso and free guac,” a luxury offering that can’t be said of some of the other quick-service Mexican restaurants around.
