WILMINGTON — A popular fast-casual eatery specializing in Mexican-inspired food is opening two franchises locally in the coming year.
The San Diego-based chain Qdoba will open on Tuesday, Dec. 16, in Lumina Commons at the former Epicurean Bistro location, 1978 Eastwood Road. Then another eatery will launch in Hanover Center, 3501-13 Oleander Dr., by March 2026.
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Qdoba is known for its customizable burritos, bowls, tacos, quesadillas, nachos, and salads, with fresh ingredients. The restaurant is also hailed for its always-free hand-smashed guacamole, with its three-cheese queso trailing closely behind as a customer fave.
There are already 20 or so restaurants in North Carolina, but Qdoba signed a deal with Thrive Restaurant Group — a franchisee behind brands like Applebee’s, Modern Market Eatery, Bakesale, Carlos O’Kelly’s, and Homegrown — in 2024. The goal is for Thrive to open 30 stores by 2028 across the Carolinas, including in Myrtle Beach, Columbia and Greenville, South Carolina.
The restaurant once existed in Mayfaire but closed years ago.
According to Kim Smith, marketing project manager from Thrive, the group chose Wilmington because of its vibrant, fast-growing population. In essence, there is a “strong demand for high-quality, fast-casual dining.”
“The area’s blend of families, students, professionals, and tourists makes it a natural fit for Qdoba’s bold flavors and fully customizable menu,” she added.
Lumina Commons and Hanover Center are the only confirmed locations currently.
Restaurants aren’t slated for growing Brunswick or Pender counties either yet, though Smith added they’re always “evaluating opportunities for additional sites in the region.”
“We have set the standard for delicious, freshly prepared food through our signature dishes and customizable meals and are pleased to bring QDOBA’s signature flavors and everyday value to NC residents,” Qdoba CEO John Cywinski said in a statement announcing its entry into Wilmington.
The Lumina Commons location is almost 2,400 square feet, with 70 seats indoors. Site plans indicate Lingle Design Group and Elevate Consulting Engineers worked on the project.
The restaurant will open Sunday through Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and will bring 25 new service industry jobs to the region.
Folks will be able to order from its menu either online or through the app, though drive-thru options aren’t available at either location. According to Smith, the service model is built for efficiency and speed, as guests customize orders from the line, building their own bowls, burritos and the like.
Qdoba has more than 800 restaurants nationwide and has been around in the U.S. for 25 years, but recently made its way into Canada and Puerto Rico as well. It has a goal to double its footprint overall in the next decade.
USA Today has awarded Qdoba “Best Fast Casual Restaurant” for six years through its 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
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