Qdoba Takes its Tacos to Seattle Streets

Restaurant chain Qdoba is serving mini beef and pork tacos out of a vehicle inspired by traditional Mexican taco trucks at various stops in Seattle where street food served from mobile trucks has gained popularity in the last year. Since Cinco de Mayo through mid-July (a fall round is in the works), the truck has stopped at high-traffic areas, including last month’s Seattle Pride Parade. Locations are announced via Facebook and Twitter.

“Reaching the customer base that doesn’t already frequent your store is the hardest thing to do,” Erin Knirk, West Coast marketing manager at Qdoba, told Buzz. “When people are out on the weekend having a great time with friends and then they find out they can sit down listen to music and enjoy a free taco, too, they’re really grateful and remember that moment.”

A custom sea foam blue and rust orange paint job with vibrant bougainvillea flowers adds an authentic Mexican “mercado” (market) feel to the truck, which is surrounded by café tables and chairs, a condiment counter, lighting and music. In addition to a free taco, consumers receive a coupon for a meal redeemable at Qdoba restaurants and a branded bracelet directing them to qdobastreettacos.com where they can enter to win a trip for two to Pescadero Surf Camp in Baja, Mexico. Agency: Beyond Traditional, Seattle.