QDOBA Welcomes Former Applebee's COO to Leadership Team

Kevin Carroll, a 30-year veteran in the restaurant industry who formerly served as chief operating officer of Applebee’s for nearly eight years, has joined the QDOBA team. The recently announced move follows impressive comp sales growth and will be an important contributor to QDOBA’s growth as the brand chases the 800-unit mark and beyond.

John Cywinski, president of Modern Market Brands (QDOBA’s parent company), also worked at Applebee’s previously.

"We are thrilled with Kevin's decision to join the QDOBA family," Cywinski said in a press release. "Kevin is a truly exceptional leader and one of the most respected operators in the restaurant industry. I've worked alongside Kevin for many years, and I know first-hand the invaluable leadership and partnership he'll bring to the QDOBA brand."

Carroll’s addition to the team is one of multiple steps the franchisor has taken this year as it prepares to more than double its footprint in the next decade. Earlier this year, QDOBA signed a 30-unit deal with a restaurant group in the Carolinas and launched a $100,000 cash incentive for operators looking to grow in the system.

While growth-focused initiatives like the above will bring valuable contributions to the system, it’s likely Carroll’s new position will be equally important. 

“Tenacity and persistence are core beliefs that shape both my personal and professional endeavors,” Carroll told 1851. “They reflect my ability to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to changes and stay focused on long-term goals, even when faced with temporary obstacles. I’m a determined individual who doesn't back down when challenges arise. In fact, I find [in] those times, that is when I truly excel, embracing even the most difficult environments. I believe it will manifest itself in creating a winning team that delivers best in class results regardless of what challenges we may face.”

In the industry, Carroll is known for a guest-focused approach, and his operational guidance will provide valuable direction in the system, ensuring restaurants are not just purchased and opened successfully but continue to be run in a way that represents the QDOBA name well.

Read more on Carroll’s appointment here.

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