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For Anthony Miller, working for Morgan Schiff & Co., a NewYork City investment banking group, just wasn't enough. He waslooking for a challenge, something interesting and exciting to puthis energy and expertise into. Miller found what he was looking forin Denver-based Qdoba Restaurant Corp. (formerly Z-TECA MexicanGrill), the quick-service Mexican food chain he co-founded in1993.
"I left banking because I thought I would have more funworking for myself," says Miller, 32. Using the skills hegained at Morgan Schiff, Miller brought together the people whowould help him create restaurants inspired by Mexicantacquerias.
"With Morgan Schiff, I had the opportunity to learn aboutthe roles professionals play in construction, information systems,marketing, human resources, purchasing, accounting andfinance," he explains. "All these areas are necessary inbuilding a successful team in the restaurant business."
Part of that team was Robert Hauser, a friend of Miller'swho later became vice president of kitchen operations and is now aconsultant for the company. "I thought that with the rightpartner, the concept could be improved and appeal tocustomers," Miller says.
Since then, that concept evolved into a corporation with 11corporate-owned and 37 franchised locations across the UnitedStates that serve healthy burritos, salsas and other Mexicanfavorites, along with vegetarian choices. This year, Qdoba hopes tobuild 25 to 30 new stores. "We want to be the leader inserving Mexican food to the adult consumer looking for uniqueflavors and high-quality, fresh ingredients," notesMiller.
The initial investment for a Qdoba franchise is between $250,000and $300,000, including the franchise fee.
Make The Call
- Qdoba, (800) 422-2435, www.qdoba.com
