– BORDER FOODS –

A TACO BELL FRANCHISEE

  • New Heart of Border Foods Winners

    New Heart of Border Foods Winners

    We’ve been busy celebrating all the amazing people who help make us the best in the business year after year. Today we’re honoring our Heart of Border Foods (HOBF) winners for exemplifying the positive attitude, dedication and family culture at the core of our business. The Heart of Border Foods Award is one of the highest honors a person can achieve within our company. Huge congratulations to this year’s worthy winners!

    Richelle Johnson

    It’s no surprise that a woman described as having “the heart of the people” is one of our HOBF winners. Richelle is an authentic team player who’s developed an impressive career with Border Foods and now helps do the same for her peers.

    Tony Christiansen

    Tony is someone who makes everybody feel like a somebody. Whether you’re a team member or a guest, you can feel welcome in Tony’s orbit. This Taco Bell “father figure” embodies our family core value.

    Brenda Foley

    A 29-year veteran of Border Foods, Brenda has been described as the heart of our Stillwater Taco Bell. And it’s easy to see why! A consistent supporter of her community and “Taco Bell Mom,” Brenda is a caring mentor to anyone lucky enough to cross her path.

    Border Foods

  • Introducing Our Circle of Excellence Winners!

    Introducing Our Circle of Excellence Winners!

    Congratulations are in order for this impressive group of Area Coaches (ACs) whose commitment and drive was recently honored with our Circle of Excellence Award! Positive, helpful, team player — these are all character traits shared by this special group of ACs. We could not be the best of the best at what we do without their hard work and dedication.

    Constance “Connie” Horan

    Connie truly goes above and beyond for her team AND other teams within the Border Foods family. And she does it all with a smile. Described as “a ray of sunshine,” there’s no day (or restaurant) she can’t brighten.  

    Aaron Mechtel-Kilborn

    Aaron sets career goals and immediately works hard to achieve them. And he doesn’t stop there! Aaron has established himself as a helper, often lending a hand to other Border Foods team members outside of his restaurant. Truly living our teamwork core value! 

    Lori Sumner

    Described as a passionate go-getter, Lori empowers her team to bring their best to the job every day. She embodies the growth mindset that helps everyone in her orbit succeed. Excellence personified!

    LouAnn Hansen

    A compassionate team player, LouAnn is dedicated to living out our core values in everything she does. She’s a natural–born teacher in the AC role and a fierce advocate for the Border Foods culture we’re so proud of. 

    Border Foods

  • New “Of The Year” Winners

    New “Of The Year” Winners

    Recognition is one of the pillars to success here at Border Foods, which is why we’re thrilled to celebrate this year’s “of the year” award winners. Congratulations to the following hard working group of leaders!

    AC of the Year

    Angela Love-Hamlin

    Genuine, willing to help, always smiling. These are common descriptors when talking about Area Coach Angela “AJ” Love–Hamlin, which makes it easy to see why she was awarded our AC of the Year accolade. We’re thankful to have you captain our team, Angela!

    RC of the Year

    Nathan Besler

    Nathan Besler is a genuine leader who has truly blossomed in the Region Coach role. Nathan’s quiet confidence and excellent communication skills made him a natural choice for RC of the Year.

    RGM of the Year

    Brenda Gillispie

    Restaurant General Manager Brenda Gillispie is a goal-oriented, avid learner with a gift for connection. Thank you for teaching us all how to be the best we can be, Brenda!

    Border Foods

  • Simply the Best of the Best Winners 2025

    Simply the Best of the Best Winners 2025

    It’s the BEST time of the year! We get to celebrate our Best of the Best winners. This hard working group of people exemplifies the values we live by while serving the customers we love.

    Since recognition is one of our favorite things, we’re showing our thanks in the form of sunshine! These deserving reward trip winners get to celebrate in style at Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres.

    Congratulations are in order for the following:

    Area Coaches

    AJ Love-Hamlin: Area 36

    Alfredo Briones: Area 10 

    Alyse Eckert: Area 2    

    Amanda Hobbs: Area 9 

    Brad Halverson: Area 17   

    Constance Horan: Area 40  

    Deb Wilber: Area 35     

    Donald Mendoza: Area 18 

    Heather Aos: Area 31    

    Hillary Roelse: Area 23   

    Jeremy Stepp: Area 7    

    Melvin Mora: Area 11     

    Nicole Davis: Area 4

    Pete Ledum: Area 37      

    Tina Brown: Area 39     

    Vince Monreal: Area 38 

    Restaurant General Managers

    Alicia Schaefer: Albertville      

    Alyssa Harrison: Wyoming Blvd. 

    Amy Dawson: Plymouth Station                   

    Angela Buffington: Crystal  

    Araceli Aguilar: Hopkins  

    Barbara Bunney: North St.

    Brandon Rosillo: Fairmont               

    Brandon Wagner: Bettendorf  

    Brenda Gillespie: Rockford MI 

    Brittany Caldwell: Monmouth  

    Calista Korbel: Buffalo  

    Chad Zinda: Little Falls              

    Christian Scribner: University                                   

    Dakota Gleason: Sherman 

    Daniele Oliver: Hwy 14         

    Daniel Grovenstein: Laramie     

    Daniel Mulhair: Spearfish    

    Douglas Sibley: Whitehall 

    Edna De Leon Sanchez: Edina   

    Elizabeth Moody: Waverly    

    Ethan Scribner: West Fargo  

    Ezra Young: Alexandria  

    Gerardo Dominguez: Lake and 35  

    Jessica Miller: Cliff Road 

    Jordan Melaragno: Brookings         

    Jose Jimenez: Woodbury  

    Juan Balbuena: Chanhassen  

    Justin Perry: Sturgis                   

    Kevin Stimeling: Henderson St.      

    Laura Swenson: Perryville    

    Lindsay Mitchell: East Main St. 

    Lindsay Wuhrman: Marinette  

    Luann Fuerstenberg: Sun Prairie                                                                           

    Mackenzie Hass: Willmar   

    Manasseh Williams: Ridgedale      

    Maria Flores: Holiday Lane  

    Martika Cox: Whitney Way           

    Mary St Clair: Maple Grove

    Matar Ndiaye: Roseville

    McKenzie Murphy: Hanson Blvd.   

    Nicholas Cochran: Wausau           

    Nid Lee: Vadnais Heights

    Pamela Burns: Standale              

    Paula Volenski: Allegan    

    Purnell Moralez-Barnes: Cottage Grove  

    Sandy Avila: Richfield        

    Shawn Mcaleese: Hastings                                                    

    Stacy Kirkpatrick: Grand Rapids        

    Tara Miles: Verona             

    Tiffany Bowyer: Cedar Springs         

    Tracy Broton: Coopersville          

    William White: Lowell  

    Support Staff   

    Brandi Pearce 

    Crystal Kovach    

    Lynsey Lindholm 

    Mollie Sommer   

     

     

     

    Border Foods

  • David Ziemer Celebrates 30 years with Border Foods

    David Ziemer Celebrates 30 years with Border Foods

     

    When David Ziemer joined Border Foods in June 1994, he was simply looking for a summer job at a new Taco Bell in Cottage Grove, MN. “They were opening a Taco Bell a couple of blocks from my house,” he recalls. “There was a lot of buzz about it, and I was excited to work at a new restaurant.” Little did David know this first job would grow into a nearly 30-year career shaping the company’s technology.

    Learning on the Fly in Cottage Grove

    David’s early days were nothing short of hectic. With a brand-new crew and virtually no prior restaurant experience, it was trial by fire—long lines, frantic service, and a team figuring it all out on the go. “We had literally a line out the door from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.,” he laughs, recalling how their limited training led to extended wait times. Despite the chaos, David found it fun and rewarding. “Even with all that, we enjoyed it and obviously it got better.”

    By the late ‘90s, Border Foods had purchased the market that included his store, and opportunity came knocking. David, then a Shift Manager, was offered a chance to move into a bigger role as Assistant General Manager (AGM). After helping out at “troubled” restaurants, he was asked to assist with the company’s new KFC acquisitions—an unexpected opportunity that set the stage for his future.

    Embracing Tech, One Store at a Time

    When KFC units joined the Border Foods family, they came with minimal technical infrastructure. David jumped at the chance to install much-needed software. “They were using a calculator and pencil the first day,” he says, “Give me eight hours and I can have software on these systems.” The project was a success, showcasing David’s natural knack for IT. Soon, he was splitting his time between operations and field tech work, honing a unique blend of restaurant expertise and technology support.

    We no longer operate the KFC units, but fortunately for us, we retained David. Today, as the IT Operations Manager, David oversees everything from broadband connections and point-of-sale systems to security cameras and headsets. 

     I really enjoy making a difference and having a larger impact.

    David Ziemer, IT Operations Manager

    Why Stay So Long? The Culture

    David never imagined sticking around for decades, but our culture and leadership gave him reasons to stay. “There’s just something different here,” he explains. “I have counterparts at other companies that don’t have this same feeling. We rally around each other when something happens” Over the years, David has seen firsthand how the leadership invests in people’s futures and treats everyone like family.

    I’ve always loved working with IT

    David Ziemer, IT Operations Manager

    Reflecting on the nearly 30-year journey, David feels both proud and grateful. “I’m very blessed to be here,” he says. “My hope is to stay until I retire, if Border Foods will have me.” David’s story underscores the breadth of opportunity within Border Foods. What starts as a summer job might become a lifelong career.

     

    Border Foods

  • Congrats to our 2024 Signature Restaurants & Golden Bell Winners!

    Congrats to our 2024 Signature Restaurants & Golden Bell Winners!

    It’s no wonder we’re one of the nation’s leading Taco Bell franchisees with results like these! We’re celebrating the Border Foods teams awarded Signature Restaurant status AND the Restaurant General Managers (RGMs) who have the impressive distinction of simultaneously receiving Taco Bell’s coveted Golden Bell award.

    To become a Signature Restaurant, you must achieve five-star status all year long with a clear focus on people, customers, fundamentals and sales. Golden Bell winners represent the Top 100 RGMs in the Taco Bell system. Well done to all! Your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed.

    2024 Signature Restaurants:

    Store 27883 – Spearfish, SD

    • *Restaurant General Manager: Daniel Mulhair
    • Area Coach: Nic Gerry
    • Region Coach: Pam Hare

    Store 33000 – Coopersville, MI

    • *Restaurant General Manager: Tracy Broton
    • Area Coach: Connie Horan
    • Region Coach: LouAnn Hansen

    *Also a Golden Bell winner!

    Border Foods

  • Carol Williams Scholarship: Now Accepting Applications!

    Carol Williams Scholarship: Now Accepting Applications!

    Are you interested in gaining access to funds to fuel your secondary education? Here’s your chance! Applications for the Carol Williams Scholarship by Border Foods are officially open for eligible team members. You can apply beginning January 16th through April 4th.

    The Carol Williams Scholarship is named in honor of our late Vice President of Operations who valued (among so many other things) education and hard work. Carol is known as one of the greatest Taco Bell operators of all time, and is the founder of our deeply rooted family culture. By applying, you’re part of a legacy that supports the next generation of leaders. Last year, we gave away $50,000 to four award winners, and we can’t wait to do it again in 2025.

    To be eligible, you need to be:

    • Pursuing any post-secondary education
    • An employee of Border Foods
    • Employed for at least three (3) months with an average of 6 hours per week as of the application deadline

    Apply now!

    Border Foods

  • A Look Back at 2024

    A Look Back at 2024

    As the new year unfolds, there’s no better time to reflect on the stories that captivated us most in 2024. From remarkable team member journeys to inspiring community initiatives, each of these blog posts represents a chapter in the ongoing story of Border Foods. Here are our top 10 most-read articles from the past year, starting with the most popular!

    1. Remodeling Season Revs Up

    Read the full post

    Border Foods launched into 2024 full throttle, rolling out fresh restaurant remodels that improved both efficiency and comfort. Discover how our updated store designs continue to elevate the guest experience and energize our teams.

    2. A Golden Opportunity for GMs & ACs

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    From leadership conferences to professional development workshops, we offered our General Managers and Area Coaches countless ways to refine their skills. Get the inside scoop on why 2024 was a year of golden opportunities for our rising stars.

    3. Area Coach Nicole Leads by Example

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    This inspiring feature on Area Coach Nicole shows how mentorship, encouragement, and leading from the front can spark team success. Learn what sets her approach apart and why her leadership style resonated with so many readers.

    4. Always a Blast at Border’s BOTB

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    Border’s BOTB (Best of the Best) brought fun, flair, and friendly competition to the forefront this year. Revisit the most memorable moments and find out why this rewards trip earned a top spot on our blog leaderboard.

    5. Growing Up With Taco Bell: Dominic’s Story

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    Dominic’s heartfelt tale of evolving from a wide-eyed new hire into a confident leader reminded us all that growth often happens when we least expect it. His personal journey is proof that with hard work and a supportive culture, any dream can become reality.

    6. Ed Heskett Retires After 50 Years in QSR Industry

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    Few individuals leave as lasting an impression as Ed. After half a century shaping the quick-service world, his retirement celebration became a heartfelt tribute to service, friendship, and a career defined by passion and perseverance.

    7. Volunteering in Our Communities

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    From local food drives to youth mentorship programs, our team gave back in a big way. This roundup of volunteer efforts highlighted the heart and generosity of our employees, showing that making a difference is as much a part of Border Foods as making great meals.

    8. Maria Flores Continues Flourishing

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    In a year full of standout performances, Maria’s continued professional growth inspired many. Her commitment to learning, improving, and supporting her colleagues illustrates how true success is always a team effort.

    9. Susy Leads by Example in Maple Grove

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    At our Maple Grove location, Susy’s leadership and enthusiasm set a new standard. Delve into how her focus on integrity, empathy, and understanding made an impact on her team and propelled her to the forefront of this year’s most read stories.

    10. 2023: Another One for the Books

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    Before we took on 2024, this retrospective highlighted the achievements and milestones that positioned us for even greater success. Revisit the wins and lessons that made 2023 a springboard into a future filled with possibilities.

    Border Foods

  • President Aaron Engler Earns Chief Executive Officer Title

    President Aaron Engler Earns Chief Executive Officer Title

    We are so excited to officially congratulate Aaron Engler on his promotion to Chief Executive Officer of Border Foods and Marvin Development. This is a new addition to his current role as President.

    Aaron’s Taco Bell roots run deep. His dad, Jeff, and Uncle, Lee, co-founded Border Foods in the early ’90s. By the time Aaron was 15, he was working in the restaurants, learning the ins and outs of the business. In 2003, Aaron moved to Border Foods head quarters in New Hope, MN and worked in IT and Finance Departments while earning his degree from the University of Minnesota. Years later, Aaron moved to Border’s sister company, Delaget, and held roles in both product development and marketing. By 2016, the drive to be part of the family business pulled him back to Border Foods.

    Since becoming President in 2019, and with guidance and support from the Board of Directors and the Border Foods team, Aaron has successfully led two acquisitions, built 38 restaurants and held focus on the things that matter most in our business: our teams and our people. In the last 5 years, Aaron’s implementation of our new core values and subsequent Culture Committee has helped turn the page on an important new chapter in the business — one with new leaders, and fresh perspective.

    “Aaron spent several years building and shaping his leadership team,” says Lee, Border Foods Chairman of the Board.  “He selected and vetted each member, ensuring they worked together seamlessly, which enabled the growth momentum we have enjoyed over the last decade to continue.”

    The change in CEO title from Lee to Aaron completes the Engler family’s vision for succession, from founders to the second-generation.

    “Aaron has demonstrated excellent leadership as well as team building, and decision-making skills,” says Jeff, Border Foods Co-Founder. “His leadership as President and now as President and CEO, provides a superb path forward for the business.”

    We look forward to a bright future full of growth and opportunity. Congratulations, Aaron! 

    Border Foods

  • Small town, Big Wins: St. Croix Falls Taco Bell Opening Thrives

    Small town, Big Wins: St. Croix Falls Taco Bell Opening Thrives

    Please join us in celebrating the grand opening of our newest Taco Bell restaurant in St. Croix Falls, WI, which took place on Friday, December 6th. This exciting event marked a milestone for Border Foods, as the store achieved record-breaking sales in less than 11 hours on its first day!

    Nestled in the heart of this charming small town, the new location is surrounded by scenic views and sits near the beautiful Interstate State Park. Located on the border of Minnesota and Wisconsin along Highway 8, just an hour north of the Twin Cities, this prime spot is already attracting both locals and tourists. With its vibrant surroundings, we are confident this Taco Bell will become a community favorite.

    Meet the Team Behind the Success

    The St. Croix Falls store launched with a dedicated team of 28 employees, many of whom began their training at sister stores to ensure a seamless opening. The leadership team is led by Brandon Haggard, the RGM, who brings six years of experience and delivered an outstanding performance on opening day with his infectious energy. Supporting him is Samantha Opitz, an RGM in training and external hire with a wealth of hospitality experience. Currently, four MICs are also undergoing training to solidify this strong team foundation. A huge shoutout goes to the support teams from Border Foods locations across the company who played a critical role in making this opening a resounding success.

    The Best is Yet to Come

    From the moment the doors opened, the St. Croix Falls community showed up in full force. The lobby and drive-thru stayed busy throughout the day, creating a buzz of excitement that continues to grow. This incredible start is just the beginning, and we’re thrilled to be a part of the future of Taco Bell in this vibrant town.

    Thank you to everyone who worked tirelessly to make this opening such a success. Here’s to a bright future ahead for the St. Croix Falls Taco Bell!

    Border Foods