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Head-to-head · 2025 FDDs

Qdoba vs Taco Bell — 2026 FDD comparison

Side-by-side comparison of Qdoba and Taco Bell using data from each brand's latest Franchise Disclosure Document — investment ranges, royalty rates, unit counts, and Item 19 financial performance.

The numbers, side by side

Every figure pulled straight from each brand's latest FDD.

Metric Qdoba Taco Bell
Industry Food & Beverage Food & Beverage
Total Initial Investment $235K - $1.3M $288K - $858K
Franchise Fee $40K $23K
Royalty Rate N/A N/A
Total Units 652 221
Item 19 financials Disclosed None

▪ SOURCE: 2025 FDDs · ITEM 5 / 6 / 7 / 19 / 20

Quick read

Where they differ

Qdoba Franchisor LLC typically requires lower upfront investment than Taco Bell Franchisor, LLC. Qdoba Franchisor LLC discloses Item 19 financial performance representations; Taco Bell Franchisor, LLC does not.

Get the full comparison

Compare both brands head-to-head

Side-by-side stats are a starting point. The full evaluation requires reading both FDDs in detail — Item 19 cohort data, Item 17 renewal/termination clauses, Item 11 support obligations, and Item 22 sample contracts. The 3-pack lets you compare both brands head-to-head plus a third for context — three full Research Reports at $33 each instead of $49.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the total investment for Qdoba Franchisor LLC vs Taco Bell Franchisor, LLC?

Based on the most recent FDDs, Qdoba Franchisor LLC total initial investment is $235K - $1.3M, while Taco Bell Franchisor, LLC total initial investment is $288K - $858K. Both ranges depend on real estate, build-out, and submarket. Always consult the current FDD Item 7 for exact figures.

Which has higher royalties — Qdoba Franchisor LLC or Taco Bell Franchisor, LLC?

Qdoba Franchisor LLC discloses a royalty of NaN%; Taco Bell Franchisor, LLC discloses NaN%. Royalty rate alone does not determine total cost — read FDD Item 6 for both brands to see the full ongoing fee structure including advertising fund, technology fees, and other recurring costs.

Does Qdoba Franchisor LLC or Taco Bell Franchisor, LLC disclose Item 19 financial performance?

Qdoba Franchisor LLC discloses Item 19 financial performance representations in its FDD. Taco Bell Franchisor, LLC does not disclose Item 19. Where Item 19 is disclosed, read carefully — the disclosed performance representations are required to have a reasonable basis but cohort breakdowns and submarket variation matter for evaluating your specific opportunity.

How do I decide between Qdoba Franchisor LLC and Taco Bell Franchisor, LLC?

The decision depends on your capital, your target market, and your operational appetite. Start with a thorough FDD review of both brands, talk to existing franchisees in markets that resemble yours, validate Item 19 numbers against your specific situation, and run a unit-economics model on actual real estate options. The right brand is the one whose economics, support model, and territory availability fit your specific situation — not the brand with marginally better headline stats.

Where can I get more detailed analysis?

For a 12-section deep-dive on either brand — unit economics, litigation analysis, support obligations, and competitive positioning — VetMyFranchise sells a $49 Research Report per brand, or a $99 3-pack to compare both head-to-head. These reports surface material that headline FDD summaries typically don't and save significant due-diligence time.