Mexican Chain Set For Elmhurst

ELMHURST, IL – A Mexican chain with more than 800 locations across the United States plans to open in Elmhurst.

Qdoba Mexican Eats is set to move into 295 N. York St., according to city documents. The same strip mall also features Jersey Mike's Subs.

According to its website, San Diego-based Qdoba has 21 locations in Illinois. The nearest to Elmhurst are in Schaumburg and Wheaton.

The chain offers tacos, burritos and bowls, among other things.

As part of the process, the building owner is requesting that the city ease the off-street parking rule for the restaurant. The owner says a quick-service eatery will bring in more traffic than other types of businesses.

Last month, the city's zoning panel approved the exception with a 4-3 vote.

On Monday, a City Council committee is set to take up the issue.

The committee has received three written comments supporting the strip mall's request.

Resident Peter Graham, who works in commercial real estate, said securing a tenant like Qdoba is not easy.

"They are selective about where they open and require significant investment from both the Landlord and the Tenant," Graham wrote. "In my professional opinion, this is a great use of space with no downside for nearby residents."

Residents Justin and Mia Allen said the restaurant would be a good addition to the neighborhood.

"As frequent patrons of Jersey Mike's and the other businesses in this center, we've never experienced parking issues, even when the Qdoba space was occupied," they said.