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Sault entrepreneur expands restaurant portfolio

Co-founder of Wacky Wings partners with QDOBA Mexican Eats to expand chain in Northern Ontario
QDOBA
Burgess Enterprise is expected to open multiple QDOBA locations in Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, Timmins, North Bay, and Thunder Bay

Craig Burgess, co-founder and operator of Sault Ste. Marie-based restaurant Wacky Wings, will open five new Mexican chain restaurants across Northern Ontario in the next few years.

Mexican fast-casual chain QDOBA Mexican Eats recently announced a new agreement with Burgess Enterprise in an Aug. 19 press release. Burgess Enterprise is expected to open multiple QDOBA locations in Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, Timmins, North Bay, and Thunder Bay.

The first restaurant will open in Sault Ste. Marie in early 2020.

“I understand the value in providing an elevated dining experience,” said Craig Burgess, CEO of Burgess Enterprise, in the press release. “When we looked to grow our portfolio with another restaurant, we were immediately impressed with QDOBA – everything from the delicious food to the experienced leadership team. We're excited to bring the QDOBA brand to fans across Northern Ontario.”

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QDOBA Mexican Eats boasts hand-smashed guac, fresh pico de gallo, savory meats, and flame-griled veggies. The chain also tries to create an inviting and welcoming atmosphere in each of their locations, and offers extensive benefits to their employees. In 2019, QDOBA was voted “Best Fast Casual Restaurant” in the USA Today 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards.

“In Wacky Wings, Burgess Enterprise has done an incredible job creating and incubating a crowd-pleasing restaurant branch from scratch,” said Keith Guilbault, CEO at QDOBA. “Canada is a growing market for us, and we're excited to have Craig and his team on board, bringing the QDOBA brand to event more area guests.”

Craig Burgess and his brother Damon Burgess originally established Wacky Wings in December 2007 in Sault Ste. Marie. It has since expanded across Northern Ontario to become a popular restaurant for families and sports enthusiasts.