Major Food Chain Expanding in North Carolina, South Carolina
It’s always nice when more food options are available in your area, and now, the Carolinas are getting some new food spots. A major food chain is expanding in North Carolina and South Carolina, and I’m here for it. As it turns out, this food chain is actually opening 30 new restaurants in the Carolinas, so it’s a big deal.
North Carolina, South Carolina: Major Food Chain Expanding
Mexican food chain QDOBA has announced that it’s inked a 30-unit development agreement with Thrive Restaurant Group, led by CEO Jon Rolph. Thrive is one of America’s biggest franchisee operators, so the partnership will really help the brand expand. With the new deal in place, the major food chain will open 30 restaurants in North Carolina and South Carolina, especially centering on Greenville, Wilmington, Myrtle Beach and Columbia. These restaurants are also expected to open quickly.
“We are thrilled to partner with Jon and his Thrive team,” John Cywinski, CEO of QDOBA, said in a statement. “Jon Rolph is a tremendous leader, partner, and culture-builder, and one of the best franchisees I’ve had the pleasure to partner with throughout my career. QDOBA is an exceptionally well-positioned brand in the most attractive restaurant category and I’m confident Thrive will help us unlock our full potential in the Carolinas.” Rolph added, “We are delighted to enter the QDOBA system alongside John Cywinski and the QDOBA team. QDOBA is a powerful brand with big-time momentum and an unbelievably bright future. We can’t wait to get started.” QDOBA is all about the Carolinas. Jeremy Vitaro, Chief Development Officer at QDOBA, also discussed his excitement about the expansion into the Carolinas, stating, “Thrive is planning to enter the Carolinas with boldness and speed. We believe that Thrive will propel our system in reaching new heights with the high quality of their buildouts and operations, and their deep focus on guest hospitality.”
The news comes as QDOBA has been working to expand in not just the Carolinas but beyond. The major food chain is on target to open more than 50 restaurants this year in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Believe it or not, QDOBA also plans to have 1,600 restaurants open over the next decade, which is about twice as much as it currently has. So, they’re on the rise, and if you’re a fan of QDOBA, know that you shouldn’t have a difficult time finding on in coming years. Keep reading below for some foods you should skip when you’re out to eat.
You Should Probably Skip These Foods At A Breakfast Buffet
Eggs
Many establishments opt for powdered eggs instead of fresh ones, as it’s a cost-effective way to prepare large quantities of scrambled eggs to cater to numerous guests at once. However, powdered eggs cannot compare to the taste, texture, and color of their fresh counterparts. Another concern lies in the fact that these eggs are pre-cooked, which means they might sit at unsafe temperatures for extended periods.
According to the FDA, serving eggs immediately after cooking is crucial to prevent foodborne illnesses. Unfortunately, in a buffet setting, it’s challenging to determine how long the eggs have been sitting out.
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Fruit
Unless you witnessed the fruit being freshly prepared in the kitchen, it’s nearly impossible to gauge how long that eye-catching fruit display has been sitting there. According to the FDA, when fruits are cut, their protective skins are breached, leaving the flesh vulnerable to the surrounding environment and any potential bacteria. This creates two primary reasons that heighten the risk of contamination. Firstly, cutting the fruit makes its water content and nutrients readily available to microorganisms. Secondly, without any heating process, disease-causing germs aren’t eliminated, further contributing to the potential hazards of consuming cut fruits from a buffet display.
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Waffles
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There’s a joy of pouring your own batter into a Belgian waffle maker, flipping it eagerly, and waiting for that gratifying green light before embellishing it with toppings. However, it’s best to exercise caution and avoid the waffle station. As per TikToker Brandi Augustus, a former hotel employee, the waffle batter served there is often old and sour. Instead of disposing of the old batter, new batter is mixed with it. It’s worth noting that not all places offering breakfast buffets adhere to this practice, but it’s wise to stay informed and make a decision based on the circumstances.
