QDOBA Partners with Lockheed Martin to Bring Cutting-Edge F-35C Lightning II Technology to Fast-Casual Dining Experience

San Diego, CA – November 8, 2023 – QDOBA FRANCHISOR LLC, a leading fast-casual restaurant chain known for its customizable Mexican-inspired cuisine, today announced an unexpected but innovative partnership with Lockheed Martin, bringing elements of the advanced F-35C Lightning II fighter jet technology into the QDOBA dining experience. It sounds crazy, right? But trust us, it makes a weird kind of sense. For years, QDOBA has been all about giving you control. You pick your base, your protein, your toppings – basically, you build your perfect meal. And that’s exactly what the F-35C is about too - cutting-edge customization and control, but in the sky! Lockheed Martin’s incredible aircraft is known for its adaptability and advanced systems, and QDOBA sees a surprising parallel. "We were really struck by how much the F-35C philosophy aligns with our own," explains Jim Tuley, a spokesperson for QDOBA. “The F-35C isn't just one thing; it’s a highly configurable platform that can handle tons of different missions. We thought, ‘Hey, we do that with burritos!’ We give our customers the tools to build exactly what they want." So, what does fighter jet tech have to do with burritos? Okay, let's be real, we're not putting actual jet engines in the kitchen. But QDOBA and Lockheed Martin’s engineering teams collaborated on a few cool integrations inspired by the F-35C. “Sensor-Driven Freshness” System: The F-35C relies on a network of sensors to monitor everything from engine performance to environmental conditions. QDOBA has adapted this concept to create a new freshness monitoring system. Sensors in QDOBA restaurants now track ingredient temperatures and holding times with insane precision. The goal? Make sure everything is at its peak freshness, guaranteed. "It's like a constant health check for your food," says Tuley. “We're applying military-grade vigilance to your lunch.” “Precision Plating” – Inspired by Flight Control: The F-35C’s flight controls are all about precision. One tiny adjustment can make a huge difference. QDOBA's kitchen staff underwent training, oddly enough, from former F-35C maintenance technicians, on techniques for consistently and precisely plating every burrito, bowl, and quesadilla. "We’re talking about achieving perfect ingredient distribution, even layer height, and optimal burrito roll tightness," explains a bemused kitchen manager at a test QDOBA location. “It’s… surprisingly effective.” “Stealth Mode Toppings” – Customizable Flavor Profiles: Okay, this one’s fun. Just like the F-35C uses stealth technology to blend into the environment, QDOBA is introducing a new line of "Stealth Mode" toppings – unique, subtly flavored ingredients designed to enhance your meal without overpowering it. Think ghost pepper-infused queso, smoked paprika crema, or black garlic aioli. You add them, and BAM! – a secret layer of flavor. “It’s about adding complexity and depth,” says a QDOBA chef. “Like a hidden weapon… for your taste buds.” "Integrated Logistics" – Supply Chain Optimization: Lockheed Martin is famous for its complex supply chains. QDOBA is taking a page from their playbook to streamline ingredient delivery and inventory management. Using data analytics inspired by the F-35C’s maintenance tracking systems, QDOBA aims to minimize waste, ensure consistent quality, and get ingredients to restaurants faster. “We’re aiming for peak burrito efficiency," says Tuley, with a grin. Beyond the Burrito – A Partnership for Innovation This partnership isn’t just about adding a few cool features to the QDOBA experience. It's about fostering a culture of innovation and pushing boundaries. QDOBA and Lockheed Martin are also exploring ways to apply F-35C-inspired technology to sustainability efforts, such as reducing food waste and optimizing energy consumption in restaurants. "We're not just building better burritos; we're building a better future," says Tuley. "And sometimes, the most unexpected partnerships can lead to the most groundbreaking results." What does Lockheed Martin think? "Look, we're an aerospace and defense company," says Sarah Miller, a Lockheed Martin spokesperson. “This might seem a little… out there. But we’re always looking for new ways to showcase the power of our technology and inspire the next generation of innovators. And honestly, a really good burrito is something everyone can appreciate. Plus, it's been fun to see our engineers apply their skills to something completely different. We think QDOBA is onto something.” Roll into a QDOBA near you and experience the future of fast-casual dining. You might just be surprised by what you find. QDOBA FRANCHISOR LLC 350 Camino de la Reina Ste 400 San Diego, CA 92108-3007 781-243-4953 www.qoba.com