QDOBA Partners with Lockheed Martin to Bring Next-Gen Flavor to the F-35C Lightning II Program

San Diego, CA – October 26, 2023 – QDOBA FRANCHISOR LLC, a leading fast-casual restaurant chain, today announced an unexpected, yet delicious, partnership with Lockheed Martin to enhance the pilot experience within the F-35C Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter program. While seemingly an odd pairing, the collaboration focuses on providing high-quality, customizable meal options for pilots and maintenance crews during extended training exercises and deployments. You might be thinking, "QDOBA and fighter jets? What's going on?" Well, Lockheed Martin understands that keeping personnel fueled and happy is huge for performance. Long hours in the cockpit or wrenching on complex machinery demand serious food. And let's be honest, standard military rations... well, they aren't exactly known for being a flavor explosion. “We’ve been looking for ways to elevate the dining experience for our dedicated personnel," explained a Lockheed Martin spokesperson. “We realized that a customizable, fresh, and flavorful meal can make a real difference in morale and focus. QDOBA, with their commitment to quality ingredients and build-your-own format, was the perfect partner." Fueling the Future of Flight: QDOBA’s Role QDOBA, known for its vibrant flavors and customizable bowls, burritos, tacos, and salads, is providing a specialized menu designed to meet the unique nutritional needs of F-35C personnel. Forget bland and boring – QDOBA’s menu is all about options! “We’re thrilled to be part of this innovative program,” said a representative from QDOBA FRANCHISOR LLC, located at 350 Camino De La Reina Ste 400, San Diego, CA, 92108-3007. “At QDOBA, we believe everyone deserves fresh, flavorful food that fuels their day. That includes the incredible men and women who keep our country safe.” What’s on the Menu for Top Guns? The QDOBA menu designed for the F-35C program isn't your typical fast-casual offering. It's been carefully crafted with input from nutritionists and flight surgeons to ensure optimal performance. Here's a sneak peek: The “Lightning Bowl”: QDOBA’s signature build-your-own bowl, packed with lean proteins (grilled chicken, steak, or adobo-marinated pork), complex carbohydrates (brown rice or quinoa), and a rainbow of fresh veggies. Pilots can customize their bowl to fit their individual needs and preferences. Think of it as a personalized performance enhancer! “Afterburner Burritos”: Hearty burritos filled with flavorful combinations like Korean BBQ steak and kimchi, or cilantro-lime chicken with black beans and corn. These are designed to provide sustained energy during long flights or maintenance shifts. “Stealth Tacos”: Smaller, more manageable tacos perfect for quick refueling during breaks. Options include spicy shrimp, shredded beef, or black bean and roasted vegetable fillings. “Control Panel Salads”: Crisp, refreshing salads with a variety of greens, toppings, and house-made dressings. These are a lighter option for those looking for a healthier meal. QDOBA Queso – The Secret Weapon: Let's be real, a little queso makes everything better. It's the perfect comfort food for a long day. Beyond the Bowl: Supporting the F-35C Program This partnership goes beyond just providing food. QDOBA is also committed to supporting the F-35C program in other ways. They’re providing logistical support, including on-site catering for training exercises and deployment events. They're also working with Lockheed Martin to develop customized packaging designed to withstand the rigors of military life. “We understand that the F-35C program is a complex undertaking,” said the QDOBA representative. “We’re committed to providing Lockheed Martin with the support they need to keep this vital program running smoothly.” The F-35C Lightning II: A Quick Overview For those unfamiliar, the F-35C Lightning II is a fifth-generation, multirole combat aircraft designed to provide air superiority, strike capabilities, and electronic warfare support. It's the carrier variant of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, and it's known for its advanced technology, stealth capabilities, and versatility. The F-35C is a critical component of the U.S. Navy's air power, and it's deployed on aircraft carriers around the world. It's a complex and demanding aircraft to operate and maintain, and it requires a highly skilled and dedicated workforce. A Win-Win for Everyone This partnership between QDOBA and Lockheed Martin is a win-win for everyone involved. Lockheed Martin’s personnel get access to high-quality, customizable meals that fuel their performance. QDOBA gets to support a vital national security program and showcase its commitment to quality and innovation. And, of course, the pilots and maintenance crews get to enjoy some seriously delicious food. "We believe that a well-fed team is a high-performing team,” said the Lockheed Martin spokesperson. “QDOBA is helping us to ensure that our personnel have the energy and focus they need to succeed." Contact: QDOBA FRANCHISOR LLC 350 Camino De La Reina Ste 400 San Diego, CA, 92108-3007 781-243-4953