Shantel
Key Takeaways:
- Prashant Budhale, with nearly three decades of experience in technology leadership, has been appointed as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Modern Restaurant Concepts (MRC).
- As CTO, Budhale will spearhead all technology across MRC brands.
- Modern Restaurant Concepts operates nearly 800 units across two fast-casual brands, QDOBA and Modern Market Eatery.
- Budhale sees a massive potential for technology to positively impact guest and team member experiences at MRC.
- QDOBA has a history of robust same-store sales growth, making it an exciting venture for Budhale.
An Insider’s Look at Modern Restaurant Concepts
Modern Restaurant Concepts (MRC) is a fast-growing powerhouse in the North American fast-casual restaurant industry, operating close to 800 units across two brands, QDOBA and Modern Market Eatery. The company’s brands are spread across the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico. LA-based private equity firm Butterfly Equity owns MRC, and its expansive portfolio includes companies ranging from growth-stage startups to Fortune 500 enterprises.
The Fresh Face of MRC: Prashant Budhale
In a significant move, MRC recently welcomed Prashant Budhale as its new Chief Technology Officer. Budhale, a seasoned veteran in the technology realm, boasts an impressive 28 years of experience in tech leadership roles. His appointment marks the beginning of a new tech-focused era for MRC’s brands.
Budhale’s previous assignments include serving as the Head of Technology for SONIC Drive-In, a part of the Inspire Brands portfolio. At SONIC, Budhale was instrumental in developing and implementing technology initiatives across the vast, 3,550-unit, $6B brand. Before SONIC, he was the Senior Director for Pizza Hut (YUM! Brands) leading retail technology. His career history also includes stints at tech giants like IBM, Allstate, Oracle, Capgemini, and Fujitsu America.
Quoted: MRC and Budhale on Tech and Growth
John Cywinski, CEO of Modern Restaurant Concepts, lauded Budhale’s arrival, stating, “I view technology as a foundational enabler of all that we do in the restaurant business, from a guest, team member, and corporate enterprise perspective.” He further highlighted that Budhale would lead the strategy to leverage technology as a powerful brand differentiator for MRC.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Budhale remarked, “I’m excited about QDOBA’s history of strong same store sales growth, potential for net unit growth, and the ability for technology to make a positive impact on both guest and team member experiences.”
Meet the Brands: QDOBA and Modern Market Eatery
QDOBA, with over 750 locations in the U.S. and Canada, is committed to bringing flavor to people’s lives. The fast-casual Mexican restaurant prides itself on hand-prepared, fresh, in-house ingredients that allow guests to customize their meals to fit personal tastes. QDOBA has consecutively been voted the “Best Fast Casual Restaurant” for five years in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
Modern Market Eatery operates in Colorado, Texas, Arizona, and Indiana, offering fresh, sustainable meals at reasonable prices. The menu spans protein-centric bowls, garden fresh salads, toasted sandwiches, and brick-oven pizzas, redefining what it means to eat well.
As Budhale steps into his new role as CTO, both QDOBA and Modern Market Eatery anticipate a technological revolution that will not only set them apart from competitors but also enhance the dining experience for their customers. The future of the fast-casual restaurant industry looks more exciting than ever.
