Qdoba Names Ex-Applebee’s President as CEO Amid Expansion Push

Qdoba, the Mexican-themed restaurant chain recently acquired by Butterfly Equity, named former Applebee’s head John Cywinski as its chief executive officer on Thursday.

Cywinski, whose appointment is effective immediately, will be leading growth plans for the chain that competes with Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. and other fast-casual eateries. Cywinski will lead a group of brands under the Modern Restaurant Concepts name, which includes Qdoba, along with Modern Market Eatery and Lemonade.

Qdoba, which has about 730 locations in North America, was purchased in August by Beverly Hills, California-based Butterfly Equity for an undisclosed amount. Cywinski said it’s “realistic ...