Qdoba Mexican Grill vs Moe's Southwest Grill Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Qdoba Mexican Grill vs Moe's Southwest Grill including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Qdoba Mexican Grill Franchise
Moe's Southwest Grill Franchise
Investment $475,500 - $1,095,000$457,400 - $911,500
Franchise Fee $30,000$30,000
Royalty Fee 5%5%
Advertising Fee 1.25%2%
Year Founded 19952000
Year Franchised 19972001
Term Of Agreement 10 years20 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years20 years
Renewal Fee $5KThen-current franchise fee


Business Experience Requirements

 
Qdoba Mexican Grill Franchise
Moe's Southwest Grill Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • Real estate

  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • Excellent attention to detail

  • Financing Options

     
    Qdoba Mexican Grill Franchise
    Moe's Southwest Grill Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/YesNo/Yes
    Start-up Costs No/YesNo/Yes
    Equipment No/YesNo/Yes
    Inventory No/YesNo/Yes
    Receivables No/NoNo/Yes
    Payroll No/NoNo/Yes

    Training & Support

     
    Qdoba Mexican Grill Franchise
    Moe's Southwest Grill Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 179 hours Classroom Training: 37 hours On-The-Job Training 125 hours Classroom Training: 22.6 hours
    Support Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform
    Marketing National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Loyalty program/app Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
    Operations Franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 90% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 15

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed.

    65% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 15

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (80% of current franchisees are owner/operators)


    Expansion Plans

     
    Qdoba Mexican Grill Franchise
    Moe's Southwest Grill Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion YesNo
    International Expansion NoYes

    Company Overviews

    About Qdoba Mexican Grill

    The fast casual franchise chosen by the world's toughest restaurant critics: Successful Franchisees. We've attracted successful multi-unit franchisees from such brands as Jack in the Box, Papa John's, Burger King, Sonic, Popeye's and Village Inn, as well as a former president of KFC and a former CEO of Church's and Rally's. Clearly, they know a winning system when they see it.
    * Exceptional sales-to-investment ratio
    * 9 consecutive years of same store sales growth
    * Leader in the exploding Fast-Casual Mexican category
    Qdoba is more than just incredible food; it's a brand in the right place at the right time.
    Requirements for becoming a Qdoba Multi-Unit Developer
    Qdoba Mexican Grill is seeking multi-unit development partners in territories throughout the United States.
    To be considered, individuals or partnerships must meet the following minimum characteristics:
    * 3 years multi-unit restaurant management experience as an owner and/or operator
    * Minimum financial net worth of $2 million and liquidity of $500,000
    * Development agreement commitment of 3-20 units
    * Knowledge of real estate and trade areas in development territory
    * Must have enthusiasm, drive, and passion for the restaurant industry
    * Operating partner must live in the territory
    * Single unit franchises require a $750,000 net worth and are considered on a case by case basis
    If you meet the above criteria and are interested in taking the next step, please contact us.

    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Qdoba restaurant is $475,500 - $1,095,000. This includes $30,000 which must be paid to the franchisor or their affiliates.
    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a non-traditional Qdoba restaurant is $251,500 - $815,000. This includes $15,000 which must be paid to the franchisor or their affiliates.
    The franchisor may offer the right to enter into a development agreement to develop a minimum of two Qdoba restaurants pursuant to a development agreement. You must pay a development fee to the franchisor in the amount of $10,000 for each restaurant to be developed (there are no additional fees payable to their affiliates).
    The total investment necessary under the development agreement, based on a commitment of two Qdoba restaurants, is $952,000 to $2,195,000. This includes $20,000 of development fees that must be paid to the franchisor or their affiliates.

    "Entrepreneur

    #152 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #293 in Franchise 500 for 2021.

    About Moe's Southwest Grill

    In December of 2000 in Atlanta, Ga. a handful of local entrepreneurs created Moe's Southwest Grill in the spirit of not-taking-yourself-too-seriously with menu names like the Homewrecker burrito, Closetalker salad and the Billy Barou nachos as well as a store design that includes abstract artwork with tongue-in-cheek sayings. Maybe it's the personal experience that keeps people coming back for more. Maybe it's the huge selection of customizable Southwest favorites. Or maybe it's the laid-back vibe and signature "Welcome to Moe's" greeting our customers hear each time they walk through the door. Regardless of the reason behind the popularity of the brand, it works - and now, after being purchased by FOCUS Brands, Inc., in August 2007, Moe's has more than 370 locations across the country with plans to grow domestically and internationally. As a testament to the wild popularity of the brand, Moe's was named the #1 fast-casual chain based on change in system-wide sales by QSR magazine and the #2 fast-casual chain under 300 units in 2006. When you join the Moe's franchisee family, you'll be working with passionate, experienced professionals who have extensive brand-building, development and operational experience in all functions of the foodservice industry. We're dedicated to the success of your franchise, and are committed to providing you with world-class support and service based on respect and trust.
    Join Moe's-- owning your own restaurant doesn't have to just be a dream.
    Veteran Incentives  $10,000 off franchise fee

    "Entrepreneur
    #362 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #191 in Franchise 500 for 2021
    .