QDOBA's Unexpected Tool Upgrade: A Deep Dive into the Craftsman Drill Press & Why It Matters to Fast-Casual Dining

San Diego, CA – October 26, 2023 – You probably know QDOBA Mexican Eats for customizable bowls, burritos, and a whole lotta queso. But behind the scenes, the fast-casual chain is quietly implementing a surprising upgrade to its operations – a reliance on the robust and reliable Craftsman Drill Press. It sounds odd, right? A Mexican food chain and power tools? Turns out, it’s a smart move that speaks to QDOBA’s commitment to quality, efficiency, and even a bit of in-house customization. QDOBA Franchisor LLC, headquartered in San Diego, California, has been steadily expanding its footprint across the United States. With over 700 locations, maintaining consistent quality and efficiency across all restaurants is a huge challenge. While delicious ingredients are key, a smoothly running operation is just as vital. And that's where the Craftsman Drill Press comes in. “People think of us as a food place, and we are. But running 700+ restaurants means a LOT of maintenance, repairs, and even build-outs," explains a representative from QDOBA Franchisor LLC (contact number 781-243-4953). "We were spending a fortune on quick fixes and relying on outside contractors for everything from fixing broken shelving to prepping for seasonal menu updates. It wasn't sustainable, and it was hitting our franchisees' bottom lines.” Beyond the Queso: Where Does the Drill Press Fit In? The initial investment in Craftsman Drill Presses wasn’t about starting a side hustle in woodworking. Instead, QDOBA realized the tool's versatility could address a ton of everyday needs within their restaurants. "Think about it," says the QDOBA representative. "Shelving needs repairing? Drill press. New signage going up? Drill press. Customizing display cases for seasonal promotions? Drill press. Even simple things like drilling holes for cable management to keep the dining area tidy – a drill press does it all, and does it accurately.” The choice of the Craftsman Drill Press wasn’t accidental. QDOBA franchisees were looking for a tool that was: Durable & Reliable: Restaurants are tough environments. Tools get used, and they get used hard. The Craftsman brand has a long-standing reputation for building products that can withstand serious abuse. Precise: Accuracy matters. When hanging signage or installing new equipment, a crooked installation just won't do. The drill press provides the stability and control needed for clean, accurate holes. Versatile: QDOBA needed a tool that could handle a variety of materials – wood, metal, plastic – without breaking a sweat. The Craftsman Drill Press delivered. Easy to Use: Franchisee staff aren't all skilled carpenters. The drill press needed to be relatively easy to operate with minimal training. A Franchisee's Perspective: Saving Time & Money “Before, if a shelf broke, we’d have to call a handyman, which meant waiting, scheduling, and a hefty bill," explains Maria Rodriguez, a QDOBA franchisee operating three locations in Denver, Colorado. “Now, my team can fix it ourselves, often within an hour. That’s huge. It saves us money, and it keeps us from disrupting the customer experience.” Rodriguez also notes the impact on menu rollouts. "When we get new seasonal items, sometimes we need to modify displays or build small fixtures. Having a drill press on-site allows us to be much more agile and get those changes implemented quickly.” Beyond Repairs: Building a More Customizable Experience The use of the Craftsman Drill Press isn't just about cost savings. It’s also enabling QDOBA franchisees to customize their restaurants and create a more unique dining experience. “Each QDOBA location is slightly different,” says the QDOBA representative. “Franchisees have some flexibility in how they design their space. The drill press allows them to build custom shelving, display cases, and other features that reflect the local community and create a more inviting atmosphere.” For example, one franchisee in Austin, Texas, used a drill press to build a custom display for local artwork, showcasing the work of local artists and creating a unique ambiance. The Long-Term Impact: A Commitment to Empowerment QDOBA’s seemingly unusual investment in the Craftsman Drill Press is a testament to its commitment to empowering its franchisees. By providing them with the tools and resources they need to maintain and customize their restaurants, QDOBA is helping them save money, improve efficiency, and create a more positive customer experience. "We see this as more than just a cost-saving measure," says the QDOBA representative. "It's about giving our franchisees the autonomy and control they need to run successful businesses. We want them to be able to solve problems quickly and efficiently, without having to rely on outside contractors." And while you're enjoying your perfectly customized burrito bowl at QDOBA, remember – there's a good chance a Craftsman Drill Press played a small but important role in making that experience possible. It's a surprisingly practical upgrade that’s proving to be a win-win for QDOBA and its franchisees. QDOBA Franchisor LLC – 350 Camino de la Reina Ste 400, San Diego, CA, 92108-3007 – 781-243-4953