Qdoba, the fast-casual brand known for its 3-Cheese Queso and free guacamole on entrées, is putting the smack-down on bland tacos with the launch of its Knockout Tacos.

Featuring warm corn or flour tortillas and savory slow-cooked and flame-grilled meats, Knockout Tacos introduce a mashup of bold and unexpected flavor combinations that awaken the taste buds.

“The taco has evolved! It was a rigorous flavor innovation journey, and we can’t wait to share our Knockout Tacos with our guests,” says Tim Casey, president of Qdoba. “We’re recreating the Qdoba experience for our guests, starting with our food. Knockout Tacos let our guests explore flavors and mix and match different tacos to get an all-new, unmatched experience.”

Guests have six Knockout Taco options to choose from:

·      Drunken Yardbird is made with tequila lime chicken, hand-smashed guacamole, salsa verde, cilantro, minced onion, and Cotija cheese.

·      Mad Rancher is filled with grilled chicken, bacon, guacamole, picante ranch, lettuce, pico de gallo, and Cotija cheese.

·      Two Timer features pulled pork, salsa roja, shredded cheese, lettuce, pico de gallo, Cotija cheese, and a crispy taco wrapped in a flour tortilla spread with 3-Cheese Queso.

·      Triple Threat is comprised of juicy steak, bacon, 3-Cheese Queso, fajita veggies, pico de gallo, and Cotija cheese.

·      The Gladiator has steak, bacon, pico de gallo, lettuce, Mexican Caesar dressing, cilantro, and Cotija cheese.

·      Bohemian Veg is covered in shredded cheese, black beans, corn salsa, guacamole, salsa verde, minced onions, cilantro, and Cotija cheese.

From their funky names to their crave-worthy combinations, Knockout Tacos are launching as part of the brand’s evolution from Qdoba Mexican Grill to Qdoba Mexican Eats. As the new name suggests, Qdoba Mexican Eats is embarking in a bold, new direction in every aspect of the guest experience—from the restaurant environment and in-dining experience to new menu items such as the Knockout Tacos, new uniforms, and more.

“Our research showed that our guests want rich combinations and like to explore new menu items rather than settle for tired, plain food options,” says John Cooke, vice president of menu strategy and innovation. “We tested dozens of taco combinations, and these six recipes really stood out with their bold profiles. There’s even a vegetarian option that really packs a flavor punch.”

Guests can enjoy a single taco for $3.50, or any three for $9, at participating locations (prices exclude tax and may vary by location).