ALBERT LEA — Mexican fast food restaurant Qdoba is slated to open in Albert Lea this fall.

The restaurant is expected to be at 2526 Bridge Ave., in front of Northbridge Mall, next to a Verizon store. The opening date is expected to be in late September or early October.

Co-owner Mike Cooper said the restaurant is expected to employ 30 part-time and full-time employees.

“We’re really excited about it,” he said. “It’s going to be really cool.

“It’s going to do really well.”

Cooper will own the branch with Mark Miller, who already owns Qdoba restaurants in Hutchinson, Willmar and Alexandria. Cooper, of Austin, is part-owner of the Austin Bruins and Rochester Grizzlies hockey teams.

Cooper, owner of Papa Murphy’s Pizza in Albert Lea for 18 years, said he is familiar with the community.

He said he is “proud” of the Qdoba brand and expects the restaurant to be heavily used by the community and travelers passing by on interstates 35 and 90.

“You’ve gotta have something you’re proud of,” he said.

Cooper said the restaurant will have an economic impact on Albert Lea and bring a different style of restaurant.

“It’s great to get something new,” he said.

The company has restaurants in 48 states and Canada, according to its website.