Taco Del Mar Introduces Totchos and Tots!

By QSR Magazine

Taco Del Mar is introducing its new variation on Totchos, according to a press release.

The brand’s take on Totchos is made with crispy, Tajín Clásico seasoned tater tots stacked with queso, black beans, customer’s choice of protein, and topped with pico de gallo, sour cream, guacamole, jalapeños and made-in-house roasted chipotle salsa. Guests can enjoy Taco Del Mar’s signature Totchos build or customize it to their liking.

“We are always looking for ways our restaurant can keep guests warm in the cooler months and our take on Totchos is the perfect blend of party food and comfort that will add an extra burst of flavor to our menu,” Mike Gieseman, vice president of culinary innovation, said in the press release. “Pair our Tajín seasoned tots with a favorite entrée or enjoy our version of the Totchos as a main course this season.”

Taco Del Mar’s Totchos are available now while supplies last.

REGO Restaurant Group Revolutionizes Franchise Experience Through Partnership with BCubed Manufacturing

BUSINESSWIRE

As part of its brands’ continued transformations, REGO Restaurant Group – parent company of fast casual sandwich chain Quiznos and regional Mexican chain Taco Del Mar, among other brands – has inked a strategic partnership and development deal with BCubed Manufacturing LLC, a Michigan-based manufacturing company that makes high quality, fully outfitted free standing drive-thru restaurants.

With approximately 650-sq ft layouts designed for flexibility and efficiency, BCubed restaurants include both drive-thru and walk-up windows. Designed to fit on parcels of land that are too small for traditional restaurant development, BCubed restaurants contribute to a lower cost structure that supports labor and operating cost efficiencies. The modular restaurants – dubbed “The Qube” for Quiznos and “Baja Shack” for Taco Del Mar – are readily manufactured off-site and then shipped fully equipped, pre-wired, pre-plumbed and inspected to any site, dramatically reducing the development timeline.

The innovative concept was created by BCubed President Jeff Konczak, a real estate developer and entrepreneur who developed a modular restaurant concept with a streamlined development process to improve the economic model for investors and offer a unique and appealing experience to consumers. As the exclusive manufacturer of modular restaurants for REGO, BCubed Manufacturing is vertically integrating its process to reduce the cost and development timeline for Quiznos and Taco Del Mar franchisees, including decreased inventory lead times and accelerated production timelines. For Quiznos, which has recently invested in improvements to nearly every aspect of its business – from an updated store design and re-branding initiative to a revamped menu and new kitchen equipment – the prospect of offering a new, unique model along with traditional site development opportunities provides multiple growth avenues for potential and existing franchisees.

“When Quiznos first started in 1981, it was a complete disruptor, not unlike BCubed,” says Tim Casey, CEO of Quiznos. “It was doing things that no other brand was doing and we’re now returning to those roots as the most innovative franchise, by reinventing the brand and making Quiznos an outstanding investment opportunity for entrepreneurs who are seeking profitability and growth. This exciting partnership with BCubed is an important aspect of Quiznos’ overall growth efforts designed to prioritize ROI potential for franchisees.”

Information about “The Qube” can be found on the new website OwnaQuiznos.com, created to support the resurgence of interest in Quiznos as it reclaims its position as a category pioneer. Ownaquiznos.com, which contains details about the brand’s improvements to its business model as well as information about ongoing innovation efforts, has already gained significant attention from potential investors.

“I look forward to working with REGO and its brands, bringing them not just our building expertise but also an ability to scale through reduced construction lead time and a simplified process,” said BCubed President Jeff Konczak, whose business Alpena Marc, LLC recently signed a two-unit development agreement to build and operate a Quiznos and a Taco Del Mar in Alpena, MI, in the coming months. “Their approach aligns with mine, which ultimately comes down to wanting to do creative things with brands that are making an impact.”

“We have every reason to believe that Quiznos and Taco Del Mar will be as ubiquitous as ever once again,” added Casey. “How fast we achieve that depends on franchisee enthusiasm, which to date has been resounding.”

For those interested in owning an iconic sub franchise, visit OwnaQuiznos.com.

About REGO Restaurant Group / High Bluff Capital Partners

Based in Denver, Colorado, REGO Restaurant Group is a fast-casual restaurant platform backed by High Bluff Capital Partners. The portfolio currently includes Quiznos, home of the original toasted sub, and Taco del Mar, which offers coastal Mexican cuisine. REGO Restaurant Group manages nearly 800 restaurants in 32 countries.

High Bluff Capital Partners is a private investment firm specializing in consumer-facing companies and brands with the potential for transformation and significant growth. The firm’s team has extensive experience investing in, managing, leading and reinvigorating consumer businesses across the restaurant, entertainment, food, beverage and retail markets. More information can be found at www.highbluffcap.com.

About BCubed Manufacturing LLC

The idea came about when a traditional food service store front location couldn’t support a drive-thru and owner Jeff Konczak thought it needed one. One day at lunch, he sketched plans for a modular drive-thru facility on the back of a napkin.

Jeff pitched his idea to Biggby Coffee, the fastest growing coffee franchise in America. They loved it! The first BCubed for Biggby Coffee store was installed in 2018 with the 40th building scheduled to be installed in the fall of 2022.

Manufactured in a reclaimed foundry in Alpena MI, BCubed units are superior quality, standalone, sectional drive-thru buildings. BCubed Manufacturing buildings are “plug and play” as they come pre-plumbed and pre-wired. They are a capital investment that is movable and expandable.

More information can be found at www.bcubedmanufacturing.com.

Contacts

Marie Espinel
The LAKPR Group
mespinel@lakpr.com

Quiznos Introduces Hickory Smoked Burnt Ends Sandwich

By QSR Magazine

Quiznos is introducing the Hickory Smoked Burnt Ends sandwich to its menu today, combining the favorite seasonal flavor of BBQ with premium burnt end cuts – a classic barbecue craving in the U.S. that continues to grow in popularity internationally. 

The Hickory Smoked Burnt Ends sandwich is made with carefully selected prime rib cuts smoked with hickory wood chips that offer a tender, juicy and flavorful bite with crispy bark. The burnt ends are complemented by pickles, red onions, melted cheddar cheese, and topped with Blue Ribbon BBQ sauce. Guests can order the sandwich on their choice of bread, including Italian White, Whole Wheat, Jalapeno Cheddar, and Rosemary Parmesan.

“At Quiznos, we are always looking to create flavorful and unique items for our guests that they may not expect to find in our restaurants, and we are excited for them to try out this sandwich,” says Mike Gieseman, Vice President of Culinary Innovation. “We really wanted to create something reminiscent of long summer days spent outside enjoying time with friends and family, and we believe this new sandwich conveys that feeling.”

This latest limited time offer from Quiznos showcases the brilliant innovation seen in this year’s previous offers like the fan-favorite Lobster and Seafood sub and the Philly Cheesesteak, which sold out sooner than expected across the country. The Hickory Smoked Burnt Ends sandwich is now available in participating U.S. Quiznos locations starting at $8.50 while supplies last.

REGO Restaurant Group Signs Exclusive Development Deal with CF Lifestyles Investments, LLC

BUSINESSWIRE

DENVER–(BUSINESS WIRE)–REGO Restaurant Group, which includes the Quiznos and Taco Del Mar brands, announced today the signing of an exclusive development agreement with Dominik and Monica Mendoza, owners of CF Lifestyles Investments, LLC, to build Quiznos and Taco Del Mar restaurants across Denver.

The deal follows a separate multi-unit agreement by CF Lifestyles Investments for openings later this year in Hobbs, NM. At this time, the Mendozas have also acquired six existing Quiznos restaurants in the Denver market, making Mendoza’s business one of the largest franchisees for the brand.

“This is a great opportunity to leverage Quiznos’ enduring customer base and high customer affinity for future high growth potential,” said Dominik. “I’m thrilled to be part of both brands’ active expansion and am excited to deepen our partnership with REGO.”

The Mendozas have been in the Quiznos system for the last two years as a franchise owner of Quiznos in Hobbs, NM. During this time the Mendozas have increased sales in that location and become a valuable member of the growing Quiznos community. In signing this agreement, the Mendozas will be among pioneers of the new, prototype Quiznos and Taco Del Mar restaurant models which are accelerating growth and expansion of REGO Restaurant Group’s iconic brands.

This agreement with CF Lifestyles Investments, LLC is another step in REGO Restaurant Group’s pursuit of new growth via multi-unit partnerships and area development programs with a refreshed focus on franchise expansion. Both Quiznos and Taco Del Mar continue to experience systemwide sales increases and are actively targeting expansion in regions identified as prime markets for the brands.

“We couldn’t be happier to expand our partnership with Dominik and his team under this new agreement which is an important growth milestone,” said Tim Casey, President and CEO of REGO Restaurant Group. “After working closely together over the past few years, it’s clear that this is a strong mutually-beneficial relationship built on trust, respect and the exciting opportunity to grow.”

For interested franchisees that would like to learn more about REGO Restaurant Group’s brands and growth, contact Vice President of Global Franchise Development Brett Larrabee, at blarrabee@regorestaurants.com.

About REGO Restaurant Group / High Bluff Capital Partners

Based in Denver, Colorado, REGO Restaurant Group is a fast-casual restaurant platform backed by High Bluff Capital Partners. The portfolio currently includes Quiznos, home of the original toasted sub, and Taco del Mar, which offers coastal Mexican cuisine. REGO Restaurant Group manages nearly 800 restaurants in 32 countries.

Founded in 1981, Denver-based Quiznos is a chain restaurant designed for today’s busy consumers who are looking for a high-quality, tasty, freshly prepared alternative to traditional fast-food restaurants. With locations across the United States and 32 countries, Quiznos is one of the world’s premier quick-service restaurant chains and pioneer of the toasted sandwich.

Founded in 1992, TACO DEL MAR® is a quick-service restaurant chain of nearly 100 locations throughout the U.S. and Canada inspired by southern Baja, Mexico and the coastal beach shacks known for serving the tastiest burritos and tacos. As a fresh, fast alternative to traditional Mexican food, TACO DEL MAR® features Burritos, Baja Style Tacos, Savory Enchiladas and much more, even offering an array of vegetarian and vegan friendly options.

High Bluff Capital Partners is a private investment firm specializing in consumer-facing companies and brands with the potential for transformation and significant growth. The firm’s team has extensive experience investing in, managing, leading and reinvigorating consumer businesses across the restaurant, entertainment, food, beverage and retail markets. More information can be found at www.highbluffcap.com.

About CF Lifestyles Investments, LLC

Dominik and Monica Mendoza, owners of CF Lifestyles Investments, purchased their first Quiznos in Hobbs, NM in February 2020 and have since successfully grown their franchise business. The husband-and-wife duo — whose backgrounds are in the oil and gas industry and in local government, respectively — purchased land and developed a shopping center in Hobbs which is the location of their second Quiznos. Their business continues to expand as they recently purchased several Quiznos locations in the Denver Metro area where they are pleased to be part of the growing community.

Quiznos Canada Launches Classic Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches

By Canadify

Quiznos Canada is inviting fans across Canada can try something new this winter with the launch of its Philly Cheesesteak sandwich seasonal offer at participating locations.

Fans across Canada can now enjoy the popular Philly Cheesesteak classic recipe in four different ways.

The Chicken Philly features chicken with sautéed onions and peppers smothered in mozzarella and topped with banana peppers. It can also be enjoyed spicy with the addition of jalapeños and Batch 83 sauce.

The Steak Philly features chopped steak with sauteed onions and peppers smothered in mozzarella and topped with banana peppers. You can also get it spicy adding jalapeños and Batch 83 sauce.

Batch 83 sauce is a spicy four-pepper chili sauce.

To celebrate the launch, participating locations will be offering any nine-inch Philly sub for $6 from February 14 through February 20, 2022.

Additionally, fans can utilize their Quiznos Toasty Points later this Spring and receive any nine-inch Philly sub, chips, and a regular fountain soda for only $10.

The classic Philly Cheesesteak sandwich can be found at participating locations across Canada for a limited time starting February 8, 2022.

Taco Del Mar Introduces Crispy Shrimp Tacos

By QSR Magazine

Taco Del Mar, a Pacific Northwest favorite known for its Rippin’ Fish Tacos, announced the launch of a new item inspired by coastal flavors and good times – Crispy Shrimp Tacos. Guests can satisfy their cravings for warmer days by enjoying the limited time offer crafted to provide comfort and deliver a taste of Baja.

The Crispy Shrimp Taco is chef-inspired and piled high with shredded cabbage, made-in-house Baja white sauce, and topped with fresh pico de gallo. Taco Del Mar puts a twist on the classic recipe by adding a kick of spice to the fan favorite. In addition to the taco, guests can add crispy shrimp to any menu entrée including burritos, taco salads, burrito bowls and more. They can further customize their meal by adding extra meat, picking their favorite made-in-house salsa, and piling on their preferred toppings.

“Bringing the Crispy Shrimp Taco to our restaurants is something we are very pleased about, and we can’t wait to see our guests enjoy this delicious, limited time offer,” says Mike Gieseman, Vice President of Culinary Innovation. “We had so much fun integrating the coastal flavors into our menu and finding new ways for guests to enjoy the crispy shrimp by adding it to our other entrees.”

The large, lightly breaded, oven-baked crispy shrimp are an additional seafood option joining the menu alongside Taco Del Mar’s well-loved signature item Rippin’ Fish. The price for two tacos starts around $8, though prices vary by market.

The Crispy Shrimp Taco is available for a limited time starting February 22 in U.S. and Canada locations while supplies last.

Taco Del Mar Adds New Loaded Tortilla Soup

By ChewBoom

Taco Del Mar introduces new Loaded Tortilla Soup as the chain’s latest limited time seasonal menu offering.

Loaded Tortilla Soup features zesty tortilla soup loaded with Mexican seasoned rice, either black or refried beans and choice of protein, topped with fresh pico de gallo, shredded cheese, sour cream, and crispy tortilla chips.

You can find Loaded Tortilla Soup at participating Taco Del Mar locations in the US and Canada for a limited time only.

Quiznos Lobster Classic Returns to Menu

By QSR Magazine

The long-awaited return of Quiznos’ favorite Lobster Classic signals that spring is just around the corner. This seasonal limited time offer is joined again by the Old Bay Lobster Club making for a flavorful adventure.

 The Lobster Classic Sub is made with a lobster and seafood salad mix with shredded lettuce on butter-toasted Italian white bread with a lemon wedge garnish. Likewise, the Old Bay Lobster Club includes the same lobster and seafood salad mix along with Old Bay seasoning, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and spicy mayo on a butter-toasted Italian white bread with the lemon garnish. Guests can enjoy their sandwich of choice and more by adding a beverage and chips and making it a combo.

“We are thrilled to be bringing back these two sandwiches this year,” says Mike Gieseman, Vice President of Culinary Innovation. “The delicious Lobster Classic and newer, but just as loved, Old Bay® Lobster Club are some of our most popular seasonal treats and we can’t wait for our guests to enjoy them again.”

Quiznos Goes Bold with Bison Reuben Sandwich

By QSR Magazine

Quiznos is shaking up its fall menu with its latest innovation, the limited-time only Bison Reuben, bringing a unique twist to a popular sandwich. The Bison Reuben features tender and delicious, premium bison from High Plains Bison and is piled high with sauerkraut, swiss cheese and tangy Thousand Island dressing, all served on toasted rustic rye bread.

Quiznos partnered with High Plains Bison to push the boundaries of fast-casual sandwich options and offer a flavorful, high-quality corned bison, free from growth hormones, antibiotics, steroids, or animal by-products and produced in small artisan batches. The Bison Reuben is a creative and tasty alternative to traditional corned beef with significantly less fat and 49g of protein in each 8” sandwich.

“While our guests find familiar items appealing, they are also consistently looking for new and adventurous menu items to try,” says Chef Mike Gieseman, Director of Culinary and Innovation for REGO Restaurant Group, which owns Quiznos. “The Bison Reuben provides a unique protein option to the beloved traditional Reuben sandwich. Bison is a tender and flavorful meat that can elevate a well-loved sandwich to new heights.”

The Bison Reuben is available in the U.S. and Canada at participating locations while supplies last beginning October 20.

Quiznos NFT on sale for 24 hours

By Fast Casual

Quiznos, in collaboration with Crypto.com and The NFT Agency, has launched a series of non-fungible tokens. Marking its entry into the NFT space, the collection of Quiznos “Out of this World” sandwich coins are available for 24 hours, according to a company press release. The sale ends at 9 a.m. Tuesday morning.

The artwork — created by Sameer Baloch, a 3D digital artist hailing from Oman — features astronauts embarking on a brave mission to different planets throughout the crypto galaxy with the purpose of introducing innovative and alternative methods of sustainability.

“Sameer has built a reputation among the art and NFT community through his jaw-dropping, one-of-a-kind 3D artwork, said NFT Agency’s Chief Operating Officer Jesse Galati. “His brilliant and artistic mind is behind some of the most exciting NFT projects happening right now.”

Each NFT purchaser will have the chance to win a Quiznos gift card. Quiznos will provide the gift cards.

The NFT Agency, a marketplace consultancy that connects creators, communities and brands through NFT experiences with ownable digital content, will handle the fulfillment and setup.

The collaboration isn’t Quiznos’s first foray into embracing the future of cryptocurrency and blockchain. Just a few months ago, the brand launched a pilot program that allows customers to pay with Bitcoin at select Quiznos locations across the Denver metropolitan area, including Denver International Airport.

“This is an exciting opportunity for digital coin collectors to pair their love of the planet, unique art and our boldly-flavored food with an act of generosity for the global good. We’re excited to take this one small step into the NFT space and look forward to exploring more ways we can virtually — and maybe someday physically — plant flags for our out-of-this world Quiznos sandwiches in space,” said Mark Lohmann, president of REGO Restaurant Group, which owns Quiznos.

Quiznos plans to donate proceeds from its “Out of this World” token sales to the World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit founded by Chef José Andrés that uses the power of food to nourish communities and strengthen economies in times of crisis and beyond

Founded in 1981, Denver-based Quiznos has over 700 locations across the United States and 32 countries.