Our Story

What We Do

 

We are a restaurant owner, operator and franchisee, priding ourselves in loving each guest and creating an experience that keeps them coming back. We also love what we do and it shows in our diverse offering of casual dining, upscale and quick-serve restaurants.

What Makes Us Different

 

Our team is deeply committed to not just meeting, but exceeding our customers’ expectations. Our disciplined, challenging culture encourages team members to make the most of their capabilities through extensive training and development that sets them up for success.

How It All Started

Our story began in 1967, when a single BURGER KING® opened in Benton Harbor, Michigan. It was one of the first few hundred BURGER KING® restaurants ever built and the very first Quality Dining establishment for founders Ezra H. Friedlander and the late Benjamin Schulman. Friedlander is a current board member of Quality Dining, Inc.

In 1981, a transformation began as budding entrepreneur Daniel B. Fitzpatrick, now Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Quality Dining, Inc. took the helm. Fitzpatrick – who started his career as an hourly employee at a quick service restaurant – worked alongside brothers John, Jim and Jerry Fitzpatrick to envision and bring to life dynamic growth for the organization. With dedication and care for each and every guest, Quality Dining expanded from the humble beginnings of a few quick serve restaurants to a multi-concept restaurant company. Headquartered in Mishawaka, Indiana, QDI presently owns and operates nearly 150 restaurants in 3 states.

Our Brands

 

BURGER KING® restaurants fill the quick-service niche, with fire-grilled burgers and a variety of great-tasting, healthy foods at a great value - complemented by fast, friendly service.

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Uptown Kitchen, is a family business, centered around great food made with quality ingredients. Our energetic atmosphere and positive vibe echo our motto: Eat well. Drink Well. Be Happy.

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Papa Vino's is our Italian Dining Division. Our specialties combined with the commitment, professionalism, and spirit of an exceptional team make us a continual success.

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FAQ
But we operate more than 150 BURGER KING® restaurants as a franchisee.
Papa Vino's Italian Kitchen Restaurants and Uptown Kitchen are developed, owned and operated by QDI.
Case in point: Our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Daniel B. Fitzpatrick, began his QDI career as an hourly employee in a quick-service restaurant. We have quite a history of promoting from within. Mishawaka, Indiana. Excellent place for a headquarters. Right next to Notre Dame. Stop by sometime. As a matter of fact, we are always looking for exceptional team members - from cooks and servers to restaurant managers and multi-unit supervisors. CLICK HERE for employment opportunities.
Really. Because your comments and questions are important to us, contact us HERE!