Qdoba has declared fall the season of dipping with its new 'Diptember' promotion, an initiative that emphasizes its range of sauces, salsas, and dips. The campaign, running from September 1 through November 2, centers on a new limited-time offering called Queso Fundido. This dip features Qdoba's signature three-cheese queso blended with seasoned ground beef, Picante Ranch, and fresh cilantro, served with house-fried tortilla chips seasoned with salt and lime juice. The Queso Fundido starts at $6.25.
As part of the promotion, Qdoba is offering free dips on National Guacamole Day and National Queso Day. On September 16, customers can receive a free regular serving of chips and guacamole with the purchase of a regular-sized entree by using the code GUACDAY. On September 20, National Queso Day, customers can get a free regular serving of chips and queso with the purchase of a regular-sized entree using the code QUESODAY. These offers are redeemable through Qdoba's website and at participating restaurants, but not through third-party delivery services.
The chain has also introduced its first-ever sweet dip, Churro Chips Chocolate Dip, designed to complement its recently launched Churro Chips. These dessert chips are fried in-house and coated with churro flavor, paired with the chocolate dip.
Qdoba's focus on dips and sauces aligns with a broader industry trend. Data from Technomic indicates that 34 percent of consumers consider available sauces when choosing a restaurant. Similarly, Datassential found that 60 percent of consumers, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, anticipate unique sauces, condiments, or dressings when dining out. This growing appetite for flavor customization has not gone unnoticed by competitors, including Chipotle, which has also expanded its sauce offerings in recent years with items like Cilantro Lime Sauce and Adobo Ranch.
"Customization is at the heart of the Qdoba experience," said Chef Katy Velazquez, vice president of Culinary Innovation at Qdoba. "With 14 dips, salsas, and sauces available across our menu, guests can create a different flavor experience every time they visit."
Qdoba operates 870 locations across 46 U.S. states, Canada, Puerto Rico, Japan, and South Korea. The company is leveraging its extensive sauce and dip selection to differentiate itself in the competitive fast-casual Mexican food market.