Mexican fast-casual concept Qdoba is following up a multi-unit agreement signed earlier this year in California for openings in Ventura and Santa Barbara with a development deal for San Diego County. The agreement is with Hyperion Brands, led by CEO Cesar Shih, a multi-unit owner and operator with Habit Burger & Grill. Qdoba has 875 locations in 45 states across the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Japan and South Korea.
Emerging concept Mike’s Red Tacos, based in San Diego, is adding to its development pipeline with a 15-unit agreement for markets in Michigan. Leading the development is Michael Khalil, whose career began in accounting before he became a franchisee, now operating 11 Little Caesars locations and 14 Jersey Mike’s locations in California, Indiana and Michigan. Founded in 2020, Mike’s Red Tacos began franchising earlier this year. It has three locations in California and recently received an investment from LeBron James.
Drive-thru coffee concept Lola Beans signed a pair of development deals to open 11 stores in Florida and Delaware. In Delaware, the development is close to home, as Lola Beans founder Donny Bradley’s brother, Jay Bradley, signed on to open six locations. Jay Bradley, who brings experience in the medical space as a trainer for a spine biologics company, is opening the locations in partnership with his wife Beth.
In the Sunshine State, Lola Beans inked a five-unit agreement to expand in the Miami market. Opening the shops is Joangel Lopez, who brings experience in revenue management and analytics for automotive services company Driven Brands. Lopez is opening the locations with business partner Daniela Gonzalez. Launched in 2020, Lola Beans began franchising in 2025 and has been steadily signing deals to grow beyond its two locations…