America's appetite for burritos isn't slowing down - even as many restaurant chains battle soaring costs, shrinking profits and a wave of bankruptcies.

Qdoba Mexican Eats, one of Chipotle's biggest rivals, has unveiled ambitious plans to dramatically expand across the US, announcing more than 100 new restaurants are set to open as the chain looks to nearly double its footprint over the next eight years.

The fast-casual Mexican brand said it has signed agreements to open 50 new restaurants in Atlanta and Nashville, while one of its largest franchise partners has also committed to opening another 63 locations across the western US.

The expansion comes at a time when many restaurant operators are struggling with higher labor costs, inflation, weaker consumer spending and changing dining habits that have forced several chains to close locations or seek bankruptcy protection.

While legacy casual dining brands including Red Lobster, TGI Fridays and Buca di Beppo have all filed for bankruptcy in recent years, even fast-casual chains have faced mounting pressure as Americans become more selective about where they spend their money.

Against that backdrop, Qdoba is betting consumers are still willing to pay for customizable Mexican food.

The company currently operates more than 865 restaurants across 46 states and says it wants to grow to around 2,000 locations within the next eight years, opening roughly 100 new restaurants every year while expanding its franchise network.

'We're thrilled to partner with proven franchise operators who share our people-first culture, exceptional standards for guest service and commitment to disciplined growth,' said Jeremy Vitaro, Qdoba's chief development officer.

'Together, we're bringing Qdoba's bold flavors to more communities across the US.'

Thirty of the new restaurants will be built in the Atlanta area by a former McDonald's franchise operator who previously helped turn the city into one of the burger giant's best-performing US markets.

Another 20 restaurants are planned for Nashville, where a major Zaxby's operator has agreed to bring the chain to Middle Tennessee after rapidly expanding its own business there.

The company is also growing through existing franchisees.

Investment firm B Wild Investments has completed the acquisition of 22 Qdoba restaurants in the Pacific Northwest, increasing its portfolio to 42 locations across Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Montana and Washington.

The group has also increased its long-term commitment to 63 new restaurants across Colorado, Utah, Washington, Nevada and New Mexico.

'Mexican fast casual is one of the most attractive segments in restaurants, and Qdoba has the brand, menu and unit economics to win,' said Barry Dubin, founder and CEO of B Wild Investments.

'Just as important, the Qdoba leadership team has been an exceptional partner - aligned, commercial and genuinely invested in advancing the brand in partnership with franchisees. 

'That partnership approach is why we're committed to growing meaningfully alongside Qdoba.'

Industry analysts say Mexican-inspired fast food has remained one of the strongest-performing sectors of the restaurant industry, with brands such as Chipotle continuing to attract customers looking for fresh, customizable meals despite higher menu prices.

Qdoba hopes to capitalize on that demand by expanding not only in traditional shopping centers but also into airports, universities and military bases, while focusing future growth in high-demand states including California, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and Texas.

One of the chain's biggest selling points is that customers can add its signature three-cheese queso and hand-crafted guacamole to any create-your-own entrée at no extra charge - a perk that differentiates it from larger rivals such as Chipotle, where guacamole typically costs extra.

The aggressive expansion signals confidence that, despite an increasingly difficult climate for the wider restaurant industry, consumers are still willing to spend on fast-casual dining - especially when they feel they're getting value for money.