Major Food Chain Expanding in North Carolina, South Carolina

It's always nice when more food options are available in your area, and now, the Carolinas are getting some new food spots. A major food chain is expanding in North Carolina and South Carolina, and I'm here for it. As it turns out, this food chain is actually opening 30 new restaurants in the Carolinas, so it's a big deal.

Mexican food chain QDOBA has announced that it's inked a 30-unit development agreement with Thrive Restaurant Group, led by CEO Jon Rolph. Thrive is one of America's biggest franchisee operators, so the partnership will really help the brand expand. With the new deal in place, the major food chain will open 30 restaurants in North Carolina and South Carolina, especially centering on Greenville, Wilmington, Myrtle Beach and Columbia. These restaurants are also expected to open quickly.

"We are thrilled to partner with Jon and his Thrive team," John Cywinski, CEO of QDOBA, said in a statement. "Jon Rolph is a tremendous leader, partner, and culture-builder, and one of the best franchisees I’ve had the pleasure to partner with throughout my career. QDOBA is an exceptionally well-positioned brand in the most attractive restaurant category and I’m confident Thrive will help us unlock our full potential in the Carolinas." Rolph added, "We are delighted to enter the QDOBA system alongside John Cywinski and the QDOBA team. QDOBA is a powerful brand with big-time momentum and an unbelievably bright future. We can't wait to get started." QDOBA is all about the Carolinas. Jeremy Vitaro, Chief Development Officer at QDOBA, also discussed his excitement about the expansion into the Carolinas, stating, "Thrive is planning to enter the Carolinas with boldness and speed. We believe that Thrive will propel our system in reaching new heights with the high quality of their buildouts and operations, and their deep focus on guest hospitality."

The news comes as QDOBA has been working to expand in not just the Carolinas but beyond. The major food chain is on target to open more than 50 restaurants this year in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Believe it or not, QDOBA also plans to have 1,600 restaurants open over the next decade, which is about twice as much as it currently has. So, they're on the rise, and if you're a fan of QDOBA, know that you shouldn't have a difficult time finding on in coming years. Keep reading below for some foods you should skip when you're out to eat.

From fluffy pancakes and crispy bacon to fruits and omelets, the breakfast buffet offers an abundance of choices. As tempting as it may be, there are times when it's probably best to avoid certain food items to ensure a healthy and enjoyable dining experience.

Overall, breakfast buffets make a great choice if you're on the hunt for an economical meal or have specific dietary restrictions or preferences, as they allow you to handpick the items that perfectly match your requirements.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that foodborne illnesses were responsible for sickness in approximately 48 million Americans. Within this number, it is estimated that around 128,000 cases required hospitalization, and tragically, 3,000 cases resulted in fatalities.

Breakfast buffets that lack proper maintenance and supervision may fall prey to stale and unappetizing food items. Dishes sitting out for too long lose their freshness and flavor, posing a risk to your taste buds and stomach. It’s best to opt for recently prepared items to savor the true essence of a breakfast buffet.

In breakfast buffet setups, hygiene can sometimes take a backseat. With numerous diners handling the serving utensils, there is a potential for the spread of germs and contaminants. Items like communal bread baskets and self-service stations may be susceptible to bacterial growth.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), buffets should prioritize swapping food trays rather than refilling them with new food to prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses and ensure food safety. The duration for which an old batch of food has been sitting on the buffet is often uncertain. After two hours at room temperature, the risk of harmful microorganisms thriving on the food increases significantly. Refilling food trays creates a potential risk of cross-contamination between the fresh food and any remaining food on the tray.

When encountering a breakfast buffet, knowing which foods to skip is wise. Here's a rundown of foods to avoid at breakfast buffets.

Many establishments opt for powdered eggs instead of fresh ones, as it's a cost-effective way to prepare large quantities of scrambled eggs to cater to numerous guests at once. However, powdered eggs cannot compare to the taste, texture, and color of their fresh counterparts. Another concern lies in the fact that these eggs are pre-cooked, which means they might sit at unsafe temperatures for extended periods.

According to the FDA, serving eggs immediately after cooking is crucial to prevent foodborne illnesses. Unfortunately, in a buffet setting, it's challenging to determine how long the eggs have been sitting out.

Unless you witnessed the fruit being freshly prepared in the kitchen, it's nearly impossible to gauge how long that eye-catching fruit display has been sitting there. According to the FDA, when fruits are cut, their protective skins are breached, leaving the flesh vulnerable to the surrounding environment and any potential bacteria. This creates two primary reasons that heighten the risk of contamination. Firstly, cutting the fruit makes its water content and nutrients readily available to microorganisms. Secondly, without any heating process, disease-causing germs aren't eliminated, further contributing to the potential hazards of consuming cut fruits from a buffet display.

There’s a joy of pouring your own batter into a Belgian waffle maker, flipping it eagerly, and waiting for that gratifying green light before embellishing it with toppings. However, it's best to exercise caution and avoid the waffle station. As per TikToker Brandi Augustus, a former hotel employee, the waffle batter served there is often old and sour. Instead of disposing of the old batter, new batter is mixed with it. It's worth noting that not all places offering breakfast buffets adhere to this practice, but it's wise to stay informed and make a decision based on the circumstances.