– BORDER FOODS –

A TACO BELL FRANCHISEE

  • Watch: Border and Carol Williams Scholarship Recipients Revealed

    When it comes to working at Border Foods, one thing’s for sure: We’re about more than just making tacos (although let’s admit it, our tacos are pretty dang tasty). This month marked the inaugural unveiling of the Border Foods and Carol Williams Scholarship recipients — an event that took our scholars by complete surprise as Border leaders traveled to a few locations to deliver checks and celebrate with friends and family.

    The scholarships were created in tandem as a way to help Border Foods team members reach higher education goals. The Carol Williams Scholarship carries extra special meaning as it celebrates the memory, passion and dedication of Carol — the founder of our family culture — who passed away last year (watch a quick clip about the scholarship).

    “We’re so grateful to see this scholarship come to fruition,” said Krysta Corrigan, Carol’s daughter, about the Carol Williams Scholarship. “My mom had a huge heart for her employees. She would be honored and so thankful to know that she had an opportunity to impact their lives outside of Border Foods.”

    Scholarship applications opened in the spring with a few requirements to apply. Recipients needed to be actively pursuing secondary education and have been employed for at least six months, averaging an 18-hour work week (as of the application deadline). After we received applications, we worked with International Scholarship and Tuition Services (a third-party vendor) to help us make recipient decisions.

    “When we sat down to develop this scholarship, we did it with one goal in mind: to provide a resource for you to further your education,” Lee Engler, CEO, said in a family letter to scholars. “With a mission to Make Lives Better, we truly feel like this gift will do just that.”

    Congratulations to these Carol Williams scholars, each receiving $5,500:

    • Wyatt Plavan – Greenville, MI
    • Ian Herman – Fitchburg, WI
    • Daejynae Sumrell – Gains, MI

    Congratulations to these Border Foods scholars, each receiving $3,000:

    • Brianna Talaska – Allendale, MI
    • Brittney Jordan –  Casper, WY
    • Tommy Holloway – Cloquet, MN
    • Ryan Little – Middleton, WI
    • Kevin Hegna – Buffalo, MN
    I know that I need an education in order to better myself and better my family,” said scholar Tommy Holloway. “Thank you for believing in me.”

    Border Foods

  • 2018 Rewind: A Celebration of Accomplishments

    Building a great team takes trust, and developing that trust takes time and loyalty. At Border Foods, we attribute so much of our business success to our teams’ commitment. Our Border Foods 2018 Recognition Rally embodied all the great things we look for in excellent hospitality and pristine restaurants. And we’re not just serving tacos. We’re providing an experience for team members that feels more like coming home. Below, find the year’s accomplishments:

    Metrics
    • Border Foods is bringing 70+ employees to Mexico this year on the Best of the Best Trip.
    • 2 restaurants (Robert St., MN – 2395 & Golden Valley, MN 2421) were both recognized for their outstanding sales over $3 Million!
    • 43 other restaurants in the company achieved 2018 annual sales of over $2 Million
    • We have a wealth of tenure at Border Foods, especially thankful for Tina Pufahl (35 years of service), Joyce Cox & Vicky Marshall (25 years of service)
    • Speed matters. Last year, we had 5 restaurants running under 3:00 DT SWS; 20 additional restaurants ran below 3:30 in 2018.
    Of the Year Awards

    As a family of nearly 5,000 team members today, the Of the Year Awards honor just a few who stand out above the rest. These important team members understand people development, have a solid history of internal promotions and show they can master metrics. 2018 of the year awards recipients included:

    • General Manager of the Year: Alfredo Briones, Bloomington, MN, 3333
    • Area Coach of the Year: Deb Fraser, Area 32
    • Region Coach of the Year: Pam Hare, Region 1
    Circle of Excellence Award
    • Vera Sanchez, Stinson, MN, 2384
    Heart of Border Foods Winners

    This award was built to honor the traits we valued in Carol Williams and inspire all team members to live and breathe the culture of Border Foods. We recognize team members who exemplify the attitude, dedication and family culture that Carol embodied. The core principles that make up the heart of this award include, development, achievement and culture. Every Heart of Border Foods recipient personifies a family driven culture in all aspects of work, grows team members both personally and professionally, executes long and short-term goals and exceeds business metrics. Congratulations to our Heart of Border Foods winners!

    • Brian Davies, Facilities Director
    • Ken Lund, Region Coach

    Congratulations to all our team members who received recognition for 2018 accomplishments. Bring on 2019!

    Border Foods

  • Introducing: The Heart of Border Foods Award

    As most of you know, Carol Williams was an integral part of our business since inception. When she began working with Taco Bell 30 years ago, we knew there was something special about Carol. Sure, she could make a taco, manage a restaurant, oversee an area. But she could also help a team member fulfill a dream, capture goals and put them into action, listen when it mattered most, and so much more. Her innate ability to lead propelled her through the Border Foods career path, moving her from team member to sole leader of our Taco Bell business as the Vice President of Operations.

    Over the last 20-some years, Carol both shaped our company culture and encouraged team members to follow in her footsteps along the way. To that end, it’s with great pride that we formed the Heart of Border Foods Award, inspired by Carol Williams.

    The award was built to honor the traits we valued in Carol and inspire all Border Foods team members. Leadership happens throughout the inner workings of our business, not just in a corner office. It transpires behind the counter, in front of the customer, in the back of the house. It shows up in your conference calls, your team huddles, your area and region meetings. Congratulations to the three 2018 recipients – Sharla Hennek, Pam Hare and Aurora Tapia. We’re honored to celebrate this inaugural group, and look forward to the impact our culture will continue to have in coming weeks, months and years ahead.

    Border Foods