QDOBA x Tara Lynch: Embracing the Unfamiliar

You’ve probably heard the saying that life begins at the end of your comfort zone — and if you ask QDOBA Sr. Manager of National Marketing, Tara Lynch, it’s definitely true. After nearly five years working for big name agencies in New York, Tara moved across the country and eventually started a product marketing job in the food and beverage industry — one that turned out to be much different than she anticipated. Nine days after starting her new role, COVID-19 hit, drastically changing the restaurant industry as the world knew it. Now Tara is sharing how she rose to the occasion, along with the most enlightening and entertaining things she learned along the way. Bring your appetite, because we’re talking brisket birria, mango salsa, citrus lime shrimp, and so much more on this tasty episode of the pod! Key Takeaways: We discuss the key differences between agency and in-house life and the experiences that transcend both worlds.Curious how restaurants bring new flavors and menu items to life? Tara gives us the behind the scenes scoop we never knew we needed.We learn all about the most pivotal marketing metrics in the food and beverage industry.Tara explains how she helped successfully transform QDOBA’s fast casual dine-in model into a digital takeout and curbside experience during the pandemic.Guest Bio: Tara Lynch is a marketing & advertising professional that has over 10 years of experience. She started her career in advertising as a summer intern at Saatchi & Saatchi working on Procter & Gamble’s Olay brand. After securing a full-time job on the account after graduation, she worked in New York advertising at Saatchi & Saatchi and Ogilvy & Mather for almost 5 years before moving to San Diego.Tara made the jump to client side in 2020, and currently serves as the Sr. Manager of National Marketing at QDOBA Restaurant Corporation. She oversees the national marketing efforts for the brand, including the test & launch of new menu innovations, and activation of brand promotions and partnerships. Food is her love language, and while she never got the chance to work on a restaurant account during her time in the advertising world, she’s happy she gets to work growing QDOBA – a brand that is close to her heart.