Qdoba Mexican Eats requires a $732K–$1.5M investment depending on build-out format. SBA 7(a) is the primary financing vehicle. Here's how lenders structure a Qdoba deal.
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Qdoba Mexican Eats is a fast-casual Mexican chain with over 750 locations, owned by Apollo Global Management. The brand competes in the build-your-own burrito, bowl, and taco segment. Qdoba's menu includes queso as a standard included item — a differentiator versus competitors that charge for it. This guide covers financing mechanics only. For a startup cost breakdown, see the companion cost-to-start guide.
Per the current FDD, total estimated initial investment runs $732K–$1.5M depending on unit format, geography, lease structure, and whether the location is a new build or conversion. Lenders evaluate the following when underwriting a Qdoba deal:
Qdoba is owned by Apollo Global Management (private equity) — no public SEC filings are available for independent AUV validation. Lenders rely on FDD Item 19 financial performance representations. The make-your-own bowl/burrito format requires higher kitchen equipment density than lighter fast-casual concepts (grills, steam tables, refrigerated make-line) — equipment financing layered on top of the SBA 7(a) can separate the equipment tranche and improve collateral coverage. At the $1M+ range with inline real estate, SBA 7(a) up to $5M covers the full build without a 504 pairing.
The SBA 7(a) loan program is the primary financing vehicle for Qdoba franchise acquisitions. Qdoba's listing on the SBA Franchise Directory allows lenders to bypass independent franchise agreement review — shortening timelines by 2–4 weeks. Key parameters:
The SBA 504 program applies when a franchisee acquires freestanding or end-cap real estate as owner-occupied commercial property. Structure: 50% conventional bank loan + 40% SBA 504 debenture (long-term fixed rate) + 10% borrower equity. At Qdoba's $1M+ investment range for full build-outs, the 504's long-term fixed rate on the debenture portion can meaningfully reduce blended financing cost compared to an all-variable 7(a).
Flat-top grills, steam tables, refrigerated make-line units, commercial refrigeration, exhaust hood systems, and POS equipment are Qdoba's primary equipment line items. Equipment can be financed separately via loans or leases layered on top of the SBA 7(a) tranche. Equipment loans typically run 3–7 year terms, collateralized by the equipment itself. Confirm with Qdoba's franchise development team which vendors and equipment specifications are approved.
Qdoba does not operate a direct in-house lending program for franchisees. The company maintains preferred vendor and lender relationships and may provide introductions to lenders experienced in the Qdoba system during the franchisee approval process. Multi-unit area development agreements may carry incentive structures — review the current FDD and engage directly with Qdoba's franchise development team for current program details.
Specific Qdoba financial qualification thresholds are disclosed in the current FDD — review Item 7 with your lender before applying. As a planning benchmark, on a $1M total project the SBA equity injection requirement is $100K–$200K from non-borrowed liquid funds. Qdoba's investment range at the higher end of fast-casual puts it in range for experienced operators or well-capitalized first-time franchisees. Working capital for the ramp period before reaching steady-state AUV is important to budget carefully.
ClearValue Lending works with franchise operators at every stage — from first-unit acquisition to multi-unit expansion financing. Start at small business financing or apply at Find my match. Your file routes to the funding partners in our network best matched to your file. Related: SBA 7(a) loans explained · SBA 504 loan explained.
Yes. Qdoba is on the SBA Franchise Directory, allowing lenders to skip independent franchise agreement review. SBA 7(a) can finance the portion of the deal above your equity injection, up to $5M.
Specific liquid capital requirements are in the FDD. Plan for a 10–20% SBA equity injection on the financed portion plus working capital reserves. At Qdoba's $732K–$1.5M range, the injection floor is typically $73K–$150K minimum.
Qdoba does not operate a direct lending program. Preferred lender relationships are maintained and introductions may be provided during franchisee approval, but the actual debt is market-rate from third-party lenders.
Most SBA lenders require 680+ personal FICO for franchise deals. Compensating factors — strong liquidity, multi-unit operating experience, net worth above the loan amount — can sometimes support exceptions.
Expect 60–90 days from a completed SBA application to funding. SBA Preferred Lenders can issue conditional commitments in 3–4 weeks. Coordinate Qdoba franchisee approval in parallel to avoid sequencing delays.