Qdoba Mexican Grill vs Wahoo's Fish Taco's Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Qdoba Mexican Grill Franchise
Wahoo's Fish Taco's Franchise
Investment $475,500 - $1,095,000$540,000 - $715,000
Franchise Fee $30,000$25,000 - $30,000
Royalty Fee 5%5%
Advertising Fee 1.25%2% local
Year Founded 1995-
Year Franchised 1997-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee $5K-


Business Experience Requirements

 
Qdoba Mexican Grill Franchise
Wahoo's Fish Taco's Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • Real estate
  • We prefer applicants who have restaurant experience as well as multi-unit experience. Depending on some other factors, we will consider applicants who have other types of multi-unit retail experience.

    Financing Options

     
    Qdoba Mexican Grill Franchise
    Wahoo's Fish Taco's Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/Yes-/-
    Start-up Costs No/Yes-/-
    Equipment No/Yes-/-
    Inventory No/Yes-/-
    Receivables No/No-/-
    Payroll No/No-/-

    Training & Support

     
    Qdoba Mexican Grill Franchise
    Wahoo's Fish Taco's Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 179 hours Classroom Training: 37 hours -
    Support 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 -
    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.

    -

    Expansion Plans

     
    Qdoba Mexican Grill Franchise
    Wahoo's Fish Taco's Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion Yes-
    International Expansion No-

    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 Wahoo's Fish Taco's

    In 1988, the Wahoo brothers decided to import the fish taco to Orange County, California, and give it a unique twist. They combined the fish taco with their Brazilian favorites and Asian inspired items. The brothers decorated the original restaurant with the donations of near-by surf companies and that's how Wahoo's Fish Taco was born. Wahoo's then quickly developed a loyal and steady following, to where some locals came in daily and servers automatically knew what their customer would order. In 1990, Steve Karfaridis, joined as a partner and the one location in Costa Mesa rapidly developed into multi-locations in Laguna Beach and Huntington Beach. Today you will find over 50 locations of Wahoo's all throughout California and Colorado, including Texas and Hawaii. We are looking for franchisees who have the experience and financial resources to develop an area of at least 3-5 stores.
    Wahoo's Fish Taco's initial franchise fee is $35,000 (and just $27,5000 for each additional store)