You’re not alone if you’ve ever wondered where to get Mexican food in Australia. There are many options available. Qdoba, Moe’s Southwest Grill, and Baja Fresh Mexican Grill are just a few. Nevertheless, none of them compare to Chipotle, despite being popular in many cities.
Chipotle
While there are some local Mexican restaurants in Australia, Chipotle is the closest thing you can find. The chain currently has about 3,000 locations in the United States and plans to expand to as many as 7,000. Fortunately, there are some Aussie locations, too.
The company is also investing in technology. During its Q2 earnings call, executives cited Project Square One, which focuses on improving employee training and order execution efficiency. The chain is also testing a new kitchen management system and a location-based technology platform. These will help the brand strengthen its service and reduce wait times while increasing sales.
Chipotle claims its beef is 100% grass-fed but will not reveal which Australian companies supply it. Chipotle also does not tell its consumers which companies provide the beef, so they can’t assess the environmental impact of importing the meat. The chain also says that all beef it imports is USDA-labeled and certified by AusMeat; those claims do not address the ecological impact of producing and importing the meat.
Another way to avoid gluten is to avoid using flour tortillas. However, you can still eat the toppings like salsa, guacamole, and tortilla chips without the flour tortilla. If you’re avoiding gluten, you can try a substitute such as Tabasco Chipotle Hot Sauce. The sauce has a similar taste, so that you can use it as a substitute for the real thing.
Qdoba
If you’re looking for a fast-casual Mexican restaurant chain in Australia, Qdoba is a good option. It combines the convenience of fast-food restaurants with a healthier menu and atmosphere. It costs more per meal than a typical fast-food restaurant, but that doesn’t mean it’s less nutritious. Qdoba’s burrito bowl has fewer calories and is higher in protein than a Chipotle meal.
Chipotle is known for its “food with integrity” campaign, which advertises products made by hand from quality ingredients. Its slogan, “For Real,” refers to the 51 ingredients used in its dishes, including avocado, chipotle chili, cilantro, and tomato paste. Qdoba’s tagline, “Fast, Fresh, and Local,” is a play on the same idea.
Qdoba is known for its burritos. Its burritos are packed tightly and could do with more chicken, but they make up for it in richness and cheese. A burrito costs $7.80 and comes with free guacamole.
Qdoba is the closest thing for Australians to Chipotle. The company was initially scheduled to open the new restaurant by August 2020, but delays in the planning and approval process have pushed back the opening date. The company also has to fabricate the interior of the building, which makes the timing of the opening uncertain. However, it is hoped to open sometime in the winter of 2021. It’s also worth noting that the restaurant will only have one entrance. The second entrance will be blocked by landscaping.
Moe’s Southwest Grill
Although the two fast-casual Mexican chains are similar in taste and philosophy, the two brands are not the same. According to a survey by Harris Poll, Chipotle won the fast-casual Mexican restaurant category for three straight years. However, Moe’s recently took that title, leapfrogging Taco Bell and Qdoba Mexican Grill.
Moe’s first opened in Georgia in 2000 and has since expanded to over 600 locations across the United States. Despite their similarities, some people dislike fast-casual Tex-Mex-style restaurants. This article will help you to decide which is better, using four categories: quality, quantity, and price.
Baja Fresh Mexican Grill
When it comes to Mexican fast food, the closest thing to Australia comes from California. Baja Fresh Mexican Grill is a California chain without freezers. Its food is fresh and low in calories. It also offers gluten-free and low-fat options. There’s a casual dress code and free parking. Moreover, the prices are reasonable: most meals cost less than $15.
Baja Fresh Mexican Grill is operated by the MTY Food Group, which also operates La Salsa Fresh Mexican Grill. The chain has recently undergone a makeover and introduced a new look. In 2016, MTY bought both Baja Fresh and La Salsa Fresh Mexican Grill. Both brands focus on fresh ingredients and have self-serve salsa bars. The two companies share corporate headquarters.
Chipotle has been a significant player in the fast-casual dining sector. It has expanded its business due to increasing demand for Mexican food and fast-casual dining. Its main competitors include Moe’s Southwest Grill, Qdoba Mexican Eats, Rubio’s Coastal Grill, and Baja Fresh Mexican Grill. The competition is fierce, and it’s crucial to understand where Chipotle stands among other fast-casual restaurants.
While Chipotle’s sales soared in 2013 and 2014, the industry has been hit by rising food prices. This caused restaurants across the industry to pass on rising costs to their customers. In 2013 alone, Chipotle’s food costs increased by more than 30% year-on-year, significantly higher than the average for fast-casual restaurants. This cost increase was primarily driven by rising prices for beef, avocados, and dairy products.
Rubio’s Coastal Grill
If you’re looking for Mexican-style food in Australia, you’ve come to the right place. Rubio’s Coastal Grill has been serving authentic Mexican dishes since 1983. Founded by Ralph Rubio, the restaurant was inspired by his time living in Mexico. Rubio loved the food and culture there and returned to the United States with a new appreciation for seafood.
Rubio’s caters to large groups with regular taco bars that feed up to 10 people and deluxe taco bars that serve up to 12 guests. For vegetarians, the restaurant also offers a selection of fruit-studded salads. Rubio’s has a comprehensive allergy list for those with dietary restrictions or allergies, which makes ordering a meal a breeze.
Although Rubio’s isn’t as widely known as Chipotle, the Mexican-style chain is growing at 25% yearly. The rebranded Rubio’s has a more extensive menu and expanded its range of seafood. The restaurant has over 190 outlets in six states, and its fish tacos are a firm favorite.
The restaurant is owned by MTY Food Group, which operates La Salsa Fresh Mexican Grill and Baja Fresh Mexican Grill. In 2013, the company introduced a new design. It later acquired La Salsa Fresh Mexican Grill, which had 23 outlets in the U.S. The company also owns Rubio’s, Coastal Grill.
