– BORDER FOODS –

A TACO BELL FRANCHISEE

  • Brandan’s Best of the Best Year Begins

    Brandan’s Best of the Best Year Begins

    Manager Brandan Wagner’s year is off to a pretty saucy start. Fresh off the plane from Cancún, Mexico (our treat!), Brandan has been flying high in recent months with extra attention and recognition from within the company.

    Brandan is Border Foods’ GM of the Year, which earned him a coveted spot in Cancún for our annual all expenses paid “Best of the Best” (BOTB) reward trip. Part of his recent success has been in transforming an underperforming restaurant into a training location, he shares. Training restaurants provide a safe space for to train our people internally for the next level up in their careers.

    As for BOTB, the trip was a blast. For Brandan, it was his first trip out of the country! “This is freakin’ awesome … it’s amazing,” he gushed mid-trip. 

    At Border, we believe everyone deserves a break.

    And, we give credit where credit is due! We’ve made internal recognition super easy with our new online form. Anyone at any location can now give a “shout out” to co-workers or supervisors by simply taking the time to submit feedback.

    About Brandan

    Brandan joined Border Foods in 2019 when our company acquired the Quad Cities market. He’s been with the Taco Bell brand since 2003. Today, he serves as Restaurant General Manager (RGM) for our Bettendorf, IA Taco Bell, which is one of about 13 Border Foods’ Taco Bells in the Quad Cities. Thanks to his time in Cancún, he can now add “Best Dressed Male” to his list of recent accolades, one of several “on the fly” awards created during the trip to dial up the fun factor. 

    We’re Taco Bell, we live más …

    Brandan Wagner, RGM

    Border Foods

  • Area Coach Nicole Leads by Example

    Area Coach Nicole Leads by Example

    Nicole Terry began her career with Taco Bell as a crew member in 1996 at the age of 19. After a brief hiatus, she returned in 2019, shortly after welcoming a baby. Nicole did a lot of growing up during those years away, and it’s safe to say Border Foods did, too! Border owned just 81 stores when Nicole stepped away and now we’re up to 240 locations!

    One thing that hasn’t changed about Border Foods? “It’s still very family–oriented,” Nicole shares.

    Not a surprise, given that “family” is one of our core values! Nicole says the main reason she returned to the company was because of the culture — something Border Foods has worked hard to build over time.

    Hands-on Approach for This Coach

    As an Area Coach (AC) for Area 4, Nicole is responsible for six stores throughout Minnesota, including Border Foods’ history-making Defy Taco Bell in Brooklyn Park.

    Nicole is excited to have the opportunity to continue to develop her team in 2024. As a leader, she prides herself on walking her team through new processes and describes herself as “hands on.”

    I would rather teach you how to get there than just tell you to get there.

    Nicole Terry, Area Coach

    Before becoming an AC, Nicole was a training manager for many years with Border Foods, and that training instinct still kicks in for her. Knowing the proper way to manage a restaurant is the key to building a healthier business and Nicole says confidently, “I’m gonna show you how to get there.”

    Border Foods

  • TJ: Happy To Be Back At Border

    TJ: Happy To Be Back At Border

    TJ Wegler is a repeat hire at Border Foods. He worked for us a decade ago, left to explore other opportunities in restaurant management, and then returned in the midst of the pandemic. He‘s now RGM of our Osseo, MN Taco Bell on the border of Osseo and Brooklyn Park.

    TJ can tell you exactly what drew him back to Border Foods in 2020 — it was a career defining moment! He read an article that claimed “GMs at Taco Bell were making six figures,” he says. It made an impression on him and he thought, I’m doing this all wrong. 

    “I switched from my old restaurant and got [back] into the Border Foods family,” he recounts. “And then my salary went up, you know, a large percentage year over year.”

    Not bashful to admit that compensation triggered the move (we offer competitive pay and attractive benefits), he goes on to share that his decision was also based on the fact that he already knew our company and what we stand for (see our core values).

    The company’s great, love them. Love all my bosses.

    TJ Wegler, RGM

    What’s Not to Love at Border?

    TJ is also very complimentary about his people. He’s proud of the Osseo team’s commitment to being on time, performing the work, keeping the restaurant clean, and going “above and beyond.”

    “I’m very happy,” he says. “I’m probably the most happy I’ve been in a long time.”

    Having taken a brief reprieve from employment with us, TJ’s satisfaction with being part of the Border family again is evidenced by more praise. 

    “I think that the upper management is a lot more understanding than my previous experiences,” he says. “They actually get to know you, they care about you … and I think there’s value in that.” 

    For TJ, it starts with greeting his team members and showing everyone respect. After all, it’s our managers that drive the culture.

    We’re all in this together — as a family.

    TJ Wegler, RGM

    “You could have the worst metrics … terrible customer service …” he explains. “Get the right people, the right culture, the right attitudes — everything else just falls right in line.”

    For TJ, having the right people in place and seeing his restaurant perform well has proven personally rewarding. It’ll be his second time attending the company’s annual “Best of the Best” (BOTB) Mexico trip in April, which he asserts is an actual vacation focused on rest and relaxation not “shop talk” and all-day workshops.

    After the trip, TJ looks forward to what’s next. He’s confident 2024 is going to be a good year — “we’re gonna crush it,” he says. Join the team and be a part of it!

    Border Foods

  • RGM Matar is Fluent in Family

    RGM Matar is Fluent in Family

    Matar Ndiaye is the Restaurant General Manager (RGM) of Border Foods’ Roseville, MN Taco Bell, but his story begins much farther away in Senegal, West Africa, where he is from. His international upbringing allowed him the opportunity to learn four languages and instilled a mindset to approach new opportunities with excitement. 

    Matar may have moved thousands of miles away from where he grew up, but he has found family in Border Foods. “I feel the love,” he shares.

    Matar came to Border Foods with a lot of experience in the quick service restaurant (QSR) industry. After taking a brief hiatus from working with the company, Matar found his way back because at Border Foods, “they treat you with respect” – something Matar said was lacking at his other employers.

    I want to work for this company forever.

    Matar Ndiaye, RGM

    The Roseville Taco Bell opened in October 2023. Matar says hiring and training for a location that was still being built, was a challenge. But his team believed in the project and their patience paid off. “I cannot tell you how thankful and grateful [I am] to my team,” Matar shares.

    If you want to understand the real Border Foods, Matar urges people to take a look at our core values. “Think about each word of those core values,” he shares. “You can see how Border Foods is a great company.”

    We will unlock the full potential of our employee … by creating a safe, welcoming environment where everyone can strive.

    Matar Ndiaye, RGM

    Citing Border Foods’ many benefits, like tuition reimbursement and bonus opportunities, Matar emphasizes, “It’s more than tacos and burritos. They’re taking care of their employees.” 

    If you’re looking for a career at Border Foods, Matar is ready to provide a warm welcome.

    “Whatever you are looking for, we are here to support you,” he assures. RGMs like Matar are what the heart of Border Foods is made of.

     

    Border Foods

  • RGM Tim is Family-Focused in West St. Paul

    RGM Tim is Family-Focused in West St. Paul

    Tim Engel is a Restaurant General Manager (RGM) for Border Foods’ Taco Bell on Robert Street in West St. Paul, MN. He was working for another QSR franchise when, with fatherhood on the horizon, he says he “ … was looking for something that could manage work and life a little bit easier.”

    That’s where we came in! Tim joined the Border Foods team two years ago and, “it’s been good ever since.”

    Hiring was one pain point made easier when Tim joined our Robert Street location — applications to join the team are stacked! Having a great team doesn’t hurt either! One of his team members has been with Taco Bell for 35 years! And several others boast 10-plus years with the restaurant. 

    What’s the key to all of this longevity? “We all stick together and work together as a team,” Tim says.

    Everybody just wants to work for Taco Bell.

    Tim Engel, RGM

    Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

    Our Robert Street Taco Bell is a busy location, but Tim and his team still manage to have fun while working hard. He says many on his team talk about being like a family, which makes being away from home a little easier. It may also explain why Tim sounds like a proud father when talking about his people. “I enjoy the team that I work with,” he says, adding, “It’s just been a blast.”

    It’s pretty important to have the right people around you.

    Tim Engel, RGM

    Goals & Advice

    When asked to share his top tips for other managers in the business, Tim shares his two favorites: “Stay true to yourself” and “don’t ever take anything too personally.” Solid advice! Encouraging career growth and development are also key pieces to his managerial success.

    Tim has big goals for 2024! His restaurant is already on its way to becoming a training location, and he personally has his sights set on becoming an Area Coach (AC). Even though it’s been a mild Minnesota winter, Tim also dreams of warmer temps and one day earning a spot on Best of the Best trip to Mexico! No wonder everybody wants to work for Taco Bell! 

    Border Foods

  • Sharla Hennek Celebrates 31 Years with Border Foods

    Border: What are your pronouns?
    Sharla: She/Her

    Border: What is your current title?
    Sharla: VP of Human Resources

    Border: What date were you hired?
    Sharla: 5/27/1992

    Border: What was your title on the date you were hired?
    Sharla: Assistant General Manager

    Border: Why have you stayed with Border for all these years?
    Sharla: The PEOPLE!!  I have been surrounded by great co-workers and leaders throughout all of my years with Border Foods.  I have had many opportunities to learn and grow and am grateful to be a part of the Border family where I feel valued and appreciated. I am so proud to be on the team, and want to “give back” and provide others with opportunities I have had during my career.

    Border: What’s the greatest lesson you’ve learned in your time with us?
    Sharla: It would be the power of a single person to impact and positively change the experiences of those around us – taking the time to get to know people can make them feel important and provide a sense of belonging. It can be as simple as smiling and greeting people, listening to and talking with someone about a challenge they are facing, teaching someone something they didn’t know, or giving recognition for another’s success.  Each of us can do things every day that could make someone else’s life better!

    Border: What would you say to a new hire, or someone starting their career with Border Foods?
    Sharla: This is a great place to work!  Learn all you can from each person you work with, there are so many life lessons that will help you in your job and your career, whether you stay with Border Foods or you move on to other places!

    Border: What makes Border different than other QSR?
    Sharla: Border is Family – we celebrate everyone’s successes and support each other through challenges.

    Border: What’s your favorite Taco Bell menu item?
    Sharla: Chili Cheese Burrito is my favorite comfort food item on a cold winter day in MN – but I do love a chicken quesadilla with jalapeños too!  Yummy!

    Border: Name three people at Border (employed or past employees) who helped you where you are today.
    Sharla: I can only give 3 names?!  There are so many people who have impacted my life here at Border Foods:  Carol Williams was the most amazing human being and leader.  She believed in me.  She gave me opportunities to grow and taught me so many life lessons.  I miss her every single day.

    Ken Lund has always been someone I can count on to give me honest direct feedback, along with an unlimited amount of support when needed.

    Dean Detienne, the now retired GM of Menomonie WI, was set up as my mentor when I was first promoted to GM in St Cloud MN.  He visited my restaurant once a week for months, and answered my endless questions until I was confident in the role.

    There are just so many more people I could name……I am sad I don’t have more space to list them all!

    christopher

  • Barb Bunney is One of Border’s Best

    This is Barb Bunney, RGM at our East North Street Taco Bell in Rapid City, SD. She’s in her seventh year of service with us and says she’s does a little bit of everything: a little service; a little food; a little office management, training and teaching.

    “I have had the opportunity to be at all [of] the stores in Rapid City, managing or setting them up from when they’re brand new,” Barb shares. North Street is where she’s worked the longest.

    Barb joined Border Foods as an external hire, transferring into the quick service restaurant (QSR) world from the grocery business. In her former position, she traveled extensively which got to be too much with a family.

    “You know when you’re gone 200 some days out of the year and not home, it’s just very frustrating,” she shares.

    She’s found a healthier balance at Border Foods. Today, Barb manages her own restaurant and while she says she helps out at other locations sometimes, it’s not weeks at a time. 

    “I love coming to work every day.” – Barb Bunney, RGM

    “I love seeing my team, I love interacting,” she says. “I love to grow, I love to promote … I love to train and work with people, and help people the best I can.” 

    A ‘Lil Winning Streak

    To say Barb has had a great couple of years professionally would be an understatement. She’s just returned from her second reward trip in two years! Under Barb’s leadership, her Rapid City Taco Bell was one of 47 of our restaurants to reach best-in-class signature status this year. She was also named one of Taco Bell’s top 100 GMs in the country, also known as a Golden Bell winner. 

    “We met every single metric in the best way we could,” she says. “We were not expecting it at all, we were just going to work doing our job, doing the best we can.”

    Next thing Barb knew, she was on a plane to Hawaii for an amazing trip. And last year, as a regional “GM of the Year” for Border Foods, she and her husband went to Cancun! She also received the company’s Heart of Border Foods award, the highest form of recognition internally. 

    Catching a Break

    There was an unexpected hiccup in paradise. Barb unfortunately tripped on her last day in Hawaii and is recovering from a broken wrist. How’s it going? It’s been all hands on deck at work. According to her, Border Foods is the kind of company that will “push for you” and stand up for you. She cites her injury as an example.

    “I can’t work with food but they made sure I can do something and stay busy,” she explains. “I hope I am making a difference for them, one handed.” 

    “It’s an amazing company to work for,” Barb says. “The people are so genuine and so caring.”

    At Border Foods, it always comes back to our core values. Barb says teamwork and family are her top two.

    “They mesh together — if you’re family, there’s teamwork,” Barb says of company culture. We agree! We like to think we’re making lives better and with people like Barb on the team, we feel pretty confident we are. Join the fun!

    christopher

  • Gay Demaree Celebrates 31 Years with Border Foods

    At Border Foods, we’re lucky enough to have many incredible, tenured employees. After celebrating accomplishments at the Border Foods rally this winter, and after reviewing the list of folks who have been with us for decades, we think it’s only fitting that we highlight a few special anniversaries. Join us in a fun new series where we’ll touch base with employees who truly feel more like family. Next up, Gay Demaree!

    Border: What is your current title?

    Gay: Director of Operations

    Border: What date were you hired?

    Gay: June 10, 1992

    Border: What was your title on the date you were hired? 

    Gay: Assistant General Manager (AGM) 

    Border: Why have you stayed with Border for all these years?

    Gay: Opportunity, family, culture, passion to grow and to learn!

    Border: What’s the greatest lesson you’ve learned in your time with us?

    Gay: Learn from your experience and from your mistakes, this is what helps you grow. Family is key. When we take care of each other and help each other, personally and professionally, we are making everyone and the company better. And lastly, your success is our success; the better you do the better the company does.

    Border: What would you say to a new hire, or someone starting their career with Border Foods?

    Gay: You can do anything; go anywhere you want to within the organization based off of your performance.  Everyone on the team adds value and growing within the organization is up to you. Your options are unlimited.

    Border: What makes Border different than other QSR?

    Gay: So many things! Below are a few of my favorites:

      • Culture and our family environment. Caring for our team is a priority for everyone! 
      • Doing the right thing  🙂
      • The ability to make lives better.
      • The ability to ask questions and offer solutions.

    Border: What’s your favorite Taco Bell menu item?

    Gay: Bean burrito no onion

    Border: Name three people at Border (employed or past employees) who helped you where you are today.

    Gay: This is a hard one

      • Carol Williams, Carol Williams, Carol Williams…
      • Ed Heskett
      • Mark Bloomquist, a prior employee who gave me a great deal of opportunity with opening new restaurants, which developed my skills, taught me lessons on coaching.  He hired me and introduced me to world of fast food and to teaching and learning from others.
      • Jeff Williams

    christopher

  • Juli Sargent Celebrates 41 Years with Border Foods

    At Border Foods, we’re lucky enough to have many incredible, tenured employees. After celebrating accomplishments at the Border Foods rally this winter, and after reviewing the list of folks who have been with us for decades, we think it’s only fitting that we highlight a few special anniversaries. Join us in a fun new series where we’ll touch base with employees who truly feel more like family. First up, Juli Sargent!

    Border: What is your current title?

    Juli: Sr. Safety & Risk Manager

    Border: When were you hired?

    Juli: 6/28/1982

    Border: What was your title on the date you were hired?

    Juli: Crew Member

    Border: Why have you stayed with Border for all these years?

    Juli: I love this job!

    Border: What’s the greatest lesson you’ve learned in your time with us?

    Juli: Have kindness and compassion throughout your work day.

    Border: What would you say to a new hire, or someone starting their career with Border Foods?

    Juli: We have so many great opportunities here at Border. If you want to grow with us, the sky’s the limit. 

    Border: What makes us different than another QSR?

    Juli: Our leaders make decisions based on what is best for the employee

    Border: What’s your favorite Taco Bell menu item?

    Juli: There are way too many! I love them all, but if have to choose, I’d have to say the Nacho Supreme/Bellgrande 

    Border: Name three people at Border (employed or past employees) who helped you where you are today.

    Juli: Carol Williams, Jeff Williams, and Jeff Steely — thank you all!

    christopher

  • A Note from Founders Jeff and Lee

    For the last few years, we have embarked on a journey to grow our business from 80 to more than 200 restaurants. Today, we’re excited to share that the strategy we seeded years ago has evolved into what we are today – a leading Taco Bell franchisee with a meaningful purpose: To Make Lives Better.

    Image of Aaron Engler

    As founders of this company, we’ve acted as CEO and Chairman together for years. And while we love being in the business, we know it’s time for yet another new Border Foods chapter.

    We’re ready to welcome new thinking, a more collaborative approach to leadership, and more accountability across teams. We’re also eager to spend more time in acquisitions, a part of the business that we both feel passionate about. To that end, please join us in congratulating Aaron Engler in his new role as President and CFO of Border Foods.

    Aaron has been part of the Border Foods family since he was 15, finding summer work in the restaurants and aiding the Facilities Department. Throughout his college years, Aaron worked with the Technology Department, learning the intricacies of the back of house, POS and office systems. After a few years as Director of Marketing at our sister company, Delaget, Aaron rejoined Border as Director of Corporate Initiatives, leading special projects across teams. Just last year he became Chief Financial and Administrative Officer where under his leadership, the Finance Department successfully implemented NetSuite, a new Enterprise Resource Plan across the company.

    In his role as President, Aaron will lead the Leadership Team, where together they’ll manage operations, development, finance and technology. Aaron will report directly to the Board of Directors as we move into a Strategic Advisory role. This scalable approach to leadership allows us to build a bridge across departments, continue to move away from a siloed leadership approach, and make room for new ideas and strategies.

    It’s time for the next generation of leadership to begin shaping the Border Foods future.

    Congratulations, Aaron! We look forward to watching you grow in this role.

    Border Foods