QDOBA Partners with Lockheed Martin to Bring F-35C Lightning II-Inspired “Carrier Command” Burrito to Fans

San Diego, CA – November 8, 2023 – QDOBA FRANCHISOR LLC, the fast-casual restaurant chain known for its customizable burritos, bowls, and salads, today announced a surprising – and delicious – collaboration. They’ve teamed up with Lockheed Martin to create a limited-time menu item: the “Carrier Command” Burrito, inspired by the cutting-edge F-35C Lightning II fighter jet. You might be wondering, “Burritos and fighter jets? What’s the connection?” Well, QDOBA believes both are about delivering a powerful, customized experience. Just like pilots configuring the F-35C for specific missions, QDOBA guests can build their perfect burrito with a range of flavorful ingredients. “At QDOBA, we’re all about giving our guests control,” explains Sarah Johnson, QDOBA’s Chief Marketing Officer. “The F-35C is all about customizable power and precision. We thought, 'What if we built a burrito that felt that way?'” So, what is the “Carrier Command” Burrito? This isn't your everyday burrito. The “Carrier Command” is built for performance. It starts with a large, warm flour tortilla – think of that as the aircraft carrier deck. Then comes the 'fuel' - a generous portion of cilantro-lime rice. Next, a layer of seasoned black beans, providing the 'ground control' stability. But the real firepower comes from your choice of protein. Customers can choose from grilled adobo steak (the ‘precision strike’ option), citrus-marinated chicken (the ‘agile maneuver’ choice), or seasoned jackfruit for a plant-based ‘stealth’ experience. “We wanted options that reflected the F-35C’s versatility,” says Chef David Lee, QDOBA’s culinary innovator. “The steak is bold and powerful, the chicken is quick and responsive, and the jackfruit… well, it’s surprisingly effective!” To complete the ‘mission profile,’ the burrito is layered with QDOBA’s signature three-cheese queso, fresh pico de gallo (representing the ‘target lock’), creamy guacamole (‘the afterburner’), a sprinkle of seasoned tortilla strips (‘radar coverage’), and a fiery kick from QDOBA’s signature smoky chipotle adobo sauce (‘the payload’). QDOBA & Lockheed Martin: A Surprising Partnership It's certainly an unconventional pairing. Lockheed Martin, a global security and aerospace company, is best known for building advanced defense systems, including the F-35C Lightning II. QDOBA, on the other hand, focuses on providing fresh, flavorful, and customizable Mexican-inspired cuisine. “We get it. It seems a little out there,” admits Mark Thompson, Lockheed Martin’s Director of Brand Engagement. “But we’re always looking for ways to connect with people and showcase the innovation behind our work. This is a fun, unexpected way to do that. Plus, who doesn’t love a good burrito?” Thompson explains that Lockheed Martin's engineers are constantly thinking about customization and optimizing performance - core principles QDOBA shares. The F-35C isn’t just a fighter jet; it’s a highly adaptable platform designed to meet a wide range of mission requirements. The "Carrier Command" burrito reflects this same philosophy. “It's about building something that’s specifically tailored to the user’s needs,” he says. “Whether you’re a pilot or a burrito enthusiast.” The F-35C Lightning II: A Brief Overview The F-35C Lightning II is the Navy variant of the fifth-generation multirole combat aircraft. It’s designed to operate from aircraft carriers and is equipped with advanced stealth technology, powerful sensors, and a wide range of weaponry. It represents a significant leap forward in naval aviation capabilities. Key features include: Stealth: Designed to minimize radar signature, making it difficult to detect. Sensor Fusion: Integrates data from multiple sensors to provide pilots with a comprehensive view of the battlespace. Networked Warfare: Can share information with other aircraft and ground stations, enhancing situational awareness. Carrier Capability: Features a robust landing gear and folding wings for operation from aircraft carriers. Multi-Role Capability: Can perform a variety of missions, including air-to-air combat, air-to-ground attack, and electronic warfare. The F-35C is a complex piece of machinery, representing years of engineering and innovation. QDOBA hopes the "Carrier Command" burrito, while significantly less complex, captures a bit of that same spirit of ingenuity and performance. Availability & Details The “Carrier Command” Burrito is available for a limited time at participating QDOBA locations nationwide. QDOBA is also offering a special "Pilot's Pack" combo meal that includes the burrito, a side of chips and queso, and a drink. “We encourage everyone to come in and experience the ‘Carrier Command’ burrito,” says Johnson. “It's a bold, flavorful, and customizable creation that’s sure to take your taste buds on a mission.” QDOBA and Lockheed Martin are also partnering on a social media campaign, encouraging customers to share their "Carrier Command" burrito creations using the hashtag #CarrierCommandQDOBA. Participants will have a chance to win prizes, including a trip to the Lockheed Martin facility in Fort Worth, Texas, to learn more about the F-35C Lightning II. QDOBA FRANCHISOR LLC is committed to providing fresh, flavorful, and customizable Mexican-inspired cuisine. With over 700 locations nationwide, QDOBA is a leading fast-casual restaurant chain. Learn more at [QDOBA website – placeholder]. Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 116,000 people worldwide. The company’s products and services range from defense systems and space exploration to cybersecurity and advanced technologies. Learn more at [Lockheed Martin website – placeholder].