2 popular Southwestern-style food chains to open metro Phoenix locations

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Qdoba and Moe’s Southwest Grill—two big Southwestern food chains—will open standalone shops in the Valley in the coming weeks.

Qdoba to open standalone locations

Qdoba Mexican Eats has on-campus locations at Arizona State University in Tempe and Grand Canyon University in Phoenix. But over the next couple of months, one of the fastest-growing restaurant brands will launch its first standalone locations in Phoenix and Scottsdale.

Qdoba’s Phoenix shop will be in Ahwatukee, a busy shopping area just west of Interstate 10 on Ray Road. Its Scottsdale location is slated just north of Scottsdale Fashion Square, in the same plaza that houses Postino and Modern Market Eatery.

“QDOBA is an exceptionally well-positioned brand in one of the most attractive restaurant categories with the Greater Phoenix area offering significant growth potential,” said Jeremy Vitaro, the chain’s chief development officer. “We are excited to bring our delicious, bold flavors, freshly prepared food and everyday value to local residents for the first time.”

Qdoba plans to open 10 restaurants in the region over the next two years. The chain currently has about 800 restaurants across North America.

Phoenix, say hello to Moe’s Southwest Grill.

In order to complete the trifecta of fast-casual Southwestern cuisine, the Valley needs to say hello to Moe’s.

Moe’s Southwest Grill will open on Friday at Pebble Creek Parkway in Goodyear. The franchisee plans to open five locations across metro Phoenix.

“We’re thrilled to bring Moe’s quality and fresh southwestern food to Arizona and look forward to becoming part of the Goodyear community,” said Namit Mangat, the franchisor and restaurant manager. “After years of experience in the commercial real estate and trucking industry, I’m eager to step into this entrepreneurial role in an industry I’m passionate about.”

A second location is also slated for the West Valley to open by next summer in Peoria, featuring a new concept: Cinnabon Swirl.