– BORDER FOODS –

A TACO BELL FRANCHISEE

  • Corrine Kindred: Border Foods Fills Her Bucket!

    Corrine Kindred: Border Foods Fills Her Bucket!

    This is Corrine Kindred, our Human Resources (HR) Business Partner and one of our inaugural Heart of Border Foods recipients. While she obviously holds an important role with the company professionally, Corrine brings so much more to the big, beautiful picture here at Border Foods. She’s one of several passionate culture keepers in our midst.

    Nominate a Coworker

    A Brief History

    Corrine joined our company as a Region Coach (RC) – when we acquired the Wisconsin/Illinois market – after working many years for Taco Bell Corporate. She says she heard which franchisees are the “good ones” during her time with Corporate. Naturally, Border Foods was on that list!

    When Corrine “got a tap on the shoulder” to interview with our late, great operator Carol Williams, she recalls spending hours talking to her. “I knew that I had to work for her,” Corrine confesses.

    “[Carol] was unlike any female leader I had ever encountered,” she shares. “The way she spoke about how she led her teams, how she supported her family … I sensed her connection with people.”

    For Corrine, it was clear their values aligned. As she got to know the rest of the team, she found more of the same!

    When I joined Border, it was like I was meeting my family that I hadn’t met yet. That is genuinely how I felt.
    – Corrine Kindred, HR Business Partner

    Today, as an HR Business Partner, Corinne is most often on site in our restaurants working directly with teams and location leaders. She supports Border Foods Taco Bells in Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota. 

    “We are field-facing HR partners, meaning we’re on both sides of the fence,” she explains. “We understand the operations piece of running Taco Bells and on the HR side, we support all of the HR functions – culture support; analytics around retention, hiring, turnover; employee relations; a lot of training.”

    Human Resources has become the perfect fit for Corinne. “That people connection is in my DNA,” she says. “I’m really interested in why people do the things that they do and why they are the way they are.” 

    The Here and Now

    Beyond her HR duties, Corrine has become instrumental in helping elevate voices all over Border Foods as an enthusiastic member of two dynamic groups at Border Foods – the Culture Committee and our women’s initiative, EmpowHER. 

    “I feel even more embedded than ever,” she says. “These are the things that make me feel valued – that I get to participate in committees or initiatives that have real impact on people.”

    “The Culture Committee allows people to be a part of something bigger than them,” she explains. Committee members bring the voices of their peers and departments back to the group, and then together, they make things happen! For example, a past survey on accountability revealed that people didn’t actually understand accountability. The result? Accountability training for restaurant leaders and above.

    Culture Committee initiatives are far reaching, according to Corrine. “We’re doing some incredibly exciting things this year that are going to have a real impact.” 

    What she’s talking about:

    • the launch of a new points-based recognition program,
    • enhancements to Border Foods’ employee assistance program (Border Cares), and 
    • the dissemination of “stay surveys” designed to gain a better understanding of the whole Border Foods employee experience. 

    Corrine is ecstatic about the progress. “Man, it fills my bucket!” she says.

    At Border Foods, your voice is heard.
    -Corrine Kindred, HR Business Partner

    Corrine is also passionate about female leadership development (cue EmpowHER). Once again, our beloved Carol was a powerful source of inspiration, having built a successful career in a once male-dominated industry.

    “Carol was able to balance being a strong female leader and having a family,” Corrine says. “I’ve never seen someone be able to do both – be a powerful leader and be present with her family.”

    Border Foods’ EmpowHER initiative was founded in 2024 to further develop and build up women within the company. The group meets in-person twice a year – read up on our most recent workshop!

    “EmpowHER really works to help support our female leaders with confidence; having a voice; and connection with other wonderful, strong female leaders,” Corrine shares. 

    I don’t know how you can go wrong when you connect women with other fabulous women. It’s a recipe for success.
    – Corrine Kindred, HR Business Partner

    Corrine has become a strong leader here in her own right. It’s impossible to put into words the amount of good that comes from her own positive energy and commitment to our people. We may be filling her bucket, but lucky us, she’s pouring her heart into our workforce!

    “I get the gift of making an impact on people.” -Corinne Kindred, HR Business Partner

    christopher

  • Alexis Kamrowski Receives Scholarship Surprise at Her Grad Party

    Alexis Kamrowski Receives Scholarship Surprise at Her Grad Party

    For Alexis Kamrowski, a Service Champion at our Buffalo, MN Taco Bell, graduation day became even more memorable when she received an unexpected surprise.

    While celebrating with friends and family at her graduation party, Alexis was surprised with a Carol Williams Scholarship by Border Foods. Surrounded by the people who have supported her along the way, Alexis described the moment in one word: unreal.

    “I could not have dreamt of a better day,” Alexis says.

    Receiving this scholarship means that people who do not know me personally believe in my ability to make a difference in the world.
    – Alexis Kamrowski, Service Champion

    A Scholarship with Lasting Impact

    Alexis first learned about the Carol Williams Scholarship opportunity through her General Manager (GM) Calista Korbel.

    The scholarship will make a significant difference as Alexis begins college. In fact, she expects it will allow her to complete her first year of college debt free! But beyond that, it’s a reminder that people believe in her and her ability to make an impact in the world.

    If I could thank everyone who supported me, I would tell them how much a difference this scholarship will make in my educational future.
    – Alexis Kamrowski, Service Champion

    Finding Support at Taco Bell

    Alexis has been part of the Buffalo Taco Bell team for just over a year and continues to grow her skills and take on new opportunities at the restaurant.

    Some of Alexis’ favorite parts of being a member of our Buffalo team are the supportive environment at her restaurant and the encouragement she receives from her coworkers.

    Her Assistant General Manager (AGM), Reno Knutson, has also made a lasting impact on her. Alexis credits Reno with teaching her how to find a little fun even on the hardest days.

    “The support from my coworkers has made my time at Taco Bell so special,” Alexis shares.

    That encouragement has helped Alexis build confidence and create connections that she will carry with her into her next chapter.

    Pursuing a Future in Accounting

    This fall, Alexis will begin her college journey at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, where she plans to pursue a degree in accounting.

    Alexis’ passion for the field started close to home. She was inspired by her father (who is an accountant) and has always enjoyed mathematics. Now, she’s excited to turn that interest into a career!

    Alexis has set an ambitious goal for herself: maintain the 4.0 GPA she earned in high school while continuing to challenge herself academically. Within five years, she hopes to begin her professional career as a forensic accountant.

    Words of Wisdom: Just Apply

    Alexis hopes other Border Foods team members will take advantage of the Carol Williams Scholarship. Her advice is simple: just do it!

    “The worst that can happen is you don’t get it,” Alexis says. “There can never be any harm in applying.”

    For Alexis, taking that chance opened the door to an opportunity that will help shape her future. Congratulations, Alexis! We’re proud to support you as you take this exciting next step! 

    christopher

  • GM Lexxy Husted Cultivates Belonging at College Town Taco Bell

    GM Lexxy Husted Cultivates Belonging at College Town Taco Bell

    General Manager (GM) Lexxy Husted remembers a time when she definitely didn’t want to be the boss at her Taco Bell, our remodeled Allendale, MI restaurant. Today, she’s Allendale’s GM! 

    I love my people, my job and the opportunities I get from it.
    Lexxy Husted, GM

    Lexxy ended up on the fast track to leadership at a time when Allendale needed her most and helped us turn a struggling location – with no manager and poor hiring practices –- into a profitable, fully staffed restaurant.

    She joined as a crew member in 2021 after serving as manager of the on-campus dining center for her alma mater, nearby Grand Valley State University. She knew her experience in foodservice would serve her well, but didn’t think anything of the job becoming a career.

    “I went in and immediately felt comfortable,” she says of joining the Allendale team.

    From College to Career Climb

    Lexxy’s leadership development didn’t launch in the most conventional of ways. Not too long after joining the Allendale Taco Bell, Lexxy’s mentor and supervisor suffered the first of several strokes. Being a helpful person at heart, Lexxy knew she had to do something.

    “I thought, I have to step up and help this woman,” she recounts. ”I’m gonna have to stay here and help her.” 

    And stay she did! As time went on, Lexxy was encouraged to take the next step in her career. One of her cheerleaders, Area Coach (AC) Connie Horan, knew she had potential and pushed her forward. Six months later, Lexxy was promoted to team trainer.

    Whenever I doubt myself, I always have someone in the company that says ‘yes, you can do it.
    – Lexxy Husted, GM

    It’s at this point, Lexxy says, that she really picked up on Border Foods’ care for its people. Territory Training Leader (TTL) Tranquility “Tran” Devereaux worked closely with her to prepare her for a Shift Leader position; six months later, she was promoted again!

    For Lexxy, Tran’s one-on-one training meant a lot – it meant someone “higher up” cared enough to make sure she was getting the proper training needed for her to make a difference at her restaurant.

    Allendale went on to become a training store, which Lexxy says gave her the chance to do outreach and train others. 

    Lexxy was acting like an Assistant General Manager (AGM) long before she received the next promotion. And at two years in, she knew she didn’t want anyone else to come in and take over her Taco Bell!

    In 2026, Lexxy was named Border Foods’ Assistant Manager of the Year. 

    She thought, I’m going to stay here, and I’m going to keep doing this and get better, she shares. “I’m going to see what I can do to improve everyone’s experience [on] the job.”

    [pull quote] “Border Foods is really good at recognizing people for their achievements – picking out the people who are putting in the most effort.”-Lexxy Husted, GM

    Caring for the College Crowd

    Lexxy ended up in Allendale much like many of her college-aged crew – as a student at Grand Valley. She obtained a degree in psychology and a minor in women, gender and sexuality studies. 

    I love helping others – it’s who I am as a person.
    -Lexxy Husted, GM

    She originally wanted to become a therapist for LGBTQ+ teens and go back to school for her masters. But having a friend working at Taco Bell changed that plan!

    What Lexxy didn’t anticipate back then was how her college education would impact the team she leads today.

    At least half of Allendale’s restaurant team are Grand Valley students and graduates.

    “It has helped me so much,” she says. “A lot of being a manager is understanding the people.” 

    Lexxy says her team members, several of whom are part of the LGBTQ+ community, know they can talk to her anytime about student life or their class schedules, and she will listen and accept them for who they are.

    “A lot of them were already customers,” she says. “They were coming in and seeing:  This is a place where I can feel accepted.”

    According to Lexxy, the majority of the Allendale team have been with her the past three years; many for all five. They stay through college, sometimes work through the summer, and many continue working at Taco Bell long after graduation.

    And what keeps Lexxy around? She’s very attached to her team and enjoys the training piece of her job. In fact, Allendale’s goal is to achieve training location status again.

    And we think they can do it! If you’re interested in joining a team with high standards like Allendale, hop over to our job board and check out our open positions.

    christopher

  • Border Foods Makes it Sweet 17 in Box Elder, SD!

    Border Foods Makes it Sweet 17 in Box Elder, SD!

    Border Foods recently celebrated the grand opening of our newest Taco Bell restaurant in Box Elder, SD with a ribbon-cutting ceremony alongside local officials, community members and team members. The new restaurant marks Border Foods’ 17th Taco Bell location in South Dakota and another step in our continued growth across the Midwest!

    We’re excited to become part of the Box Elder community and look forward to serving Taco Bell fans in the area.
    – Aaron Engler, CEO & President

    Landing in the Community

    The restaurant is located just down the road from Ellsworth Air Force Base, giving us an opportunity to serve members of the Air Force community alongside Box Elder residents.

    To make opening day even more exciting, the first 100 guests received a golden ticket good for free tacos for a year! The special promotion gave local Taco Bell fans an extra reason to be among the first through the doors and join in the celebration.

    A Team Effort From Start to Finish

    Opening a new restaurant takes a team, and for Region Coach Carlos Fuentes, the Box Elder grand opening was especially meaningful. Hired in March, Carlos celebrated his first grand opening with us just months later!

    It takes a whole village to open a restaurant, so I think my favorite part about this is just the teamwork that’s been involved by everybody.
    – Carlos Fuentes, Region Coach

    Creating Opportunities in Box Elder

    The new restaurant is also bringing new job opportunities to the Box Elder area! We’re hiring for positions, with openings ranging from cashiers and cooks to shift leaders and management roles.

    Come grow your career with us!

    685 Cimmaron Drive
    Box Elder, SD

    christopher

  • BOTB Spotlight: Mindy Cegielski on Showing Up, Moving Forward

    BOTB Spotlight: Mindy Cegielski on Showing Up, Moving Forward

    General Manager (GM) Melinda “Mindy” Cegielski was an awestruck first timer on our Best of the Best (BOTB) trip to Mexico this year. While it’s supposed to be reward and recognition for her, we actually receive fulfillment in seeing someone with so much potential overcome challenges in her restaurant.

    Mindy has worked for Border Foods since she was 16, steadily moving up the ladder. She currently manages our Hudson, WI Taco Bell. When Hudson failed its CORE audit two years in a row, right after she was promoted to GM, Mindy’s disappointment was palpable (she’s still emotional about it). Mindy worried she wouldn’t perform strong enough as a leader.

    “It really just taught me that every day, you can’t skip those little things that you absolutely need to ensure get done,” she says. “Show up every day, be the best you can every day.”

    That’s great advice from a gal who can now say she crushed it in 2025! Mindy was not only named GM of the Year for her region, but Hudson also made top place companywide for Best Overall CORE Average!

    Meeting Mindy in Mexico

    “Being here today … it’s an unreal experience,” Mindy says during her interview at BOTB in Punta de Mita, Mexico.

    Everybody here treats me so nicely – I couldn’t imagine working for another company.

    – Mindy Cegielski, GM

    It was Day 1 and she already had a pretty good idea of what she wanted to do. “For sure hit the pool,” Mindy shares. “We need to go to every restaurant probably; utilize that swim up bar … do the casino night.”

    Mindy says she was looking forward to meeting new people. “There [are] so many GMs here that I’ve never met before, so it’s really cool to see everybody together,” she says.

    When asked why she thinks she made the BOTB winners list this year, she points to her resilience.

    “I think it takes a lot every day to get up and make sure that you are being the best of the best,” she says. “You’re trying your hardest and you’re there for your team –  you’re giving that follow up and feedback.”

    Being a Border’s Best

    A recent nomination for recognition via our employee hub confirms Mindy practices what she preaches.

    “Mindy is the best boss in so many ways,” writes Assistant General Manager (AGM) Amanda Haro. “She takes care of us like family and really sets the tone for our culture at the store.”

    At Border Foods, what makes us proud of Mindy are the lessons she’s learned and the determination with which she’s moved forward. “I want people to know I’m human, too,” she says. “Not everybody’s perfect.”

    That kind of self-awareness is valuable for being a compassionate leader. She gives credit to her team. “There’s no ‘I’ in the word ‘team,’” she confesses. “We live by that in Area 2. Without them, there’s no me, there’s no anything.”

    We’re excited to see what Mindy and her team accomplish this year! In the meantime, she entertained us with a little This or That: 

    Early shift or late shift? For sure late shift.
    Beach or pool? If there’s a bar, the pool – but otherwise the beach.
    Sleep in or wake up early? Definitely sleep in.

    christopher

  • A New Way to Bell: Border Foods Opens its First Taco Bell Kitchen X in Carver

    A New Way to Bell: Border Foods Opens its First Taco Bell Kitchen X in Carver

    If you’re not first, you’re last. And when there are free tacos for a year on the line, you better believe people take that seriously! A group of eager fans camped out overnight and lined up outside to be the first – for concert tickets? Nope. For a big game? Not quite. For Taco Bell!

    The excitement was real on August 10 as fans at Carver Commons waited to be among the first through the doors of Border Foods’ newest restaurant, Minnesota’s first-ever Taco Bell Kitchen X. Check out KSTP 5’s coverage and interview with Director of Operations Ken Lund!

    As one of the fastest-growing communities in the Twin Cities metro area, Carver is the ideal place to introduce Kitchen X.

    – Aaron Engler, President & CEO 

    The first 200 guests at our grand opening had even more reason to hustle. Each received a “golden ticket” good for free tacos for one year, making it a can’t-miss event for Taco Bell enthusiasts.

    Minnesota Milestone

    Our Kitchen X grand opening was a major milestone for us – our first Kitchen X restaurant in Minnesota and our 101st Taco Bell location in the state!

    The celebration included a ribbon-cutting ceremony with local officials, community members and Border Foods team members. 

    Carver didn’t just welcome a new Taco Bell. It showed up ready to make history.

    Designed Around a Better Experience

    Kitchen X is more than a new look for Taco Bell. The concept was designed from the inside out to create a better experience for team members and guests.

    Our Carver Kitchen X location features an open kitchen and 24-hour lobby access. Its redesigned layout shortens travel paths between workstations while improving visibility across the drive-thru, front counter and mobile order pickup areas.

    The restaurant also features upgraded 15-inch kitchen display screens to give team members greater visibility and make food production more efficient.

    “By rethinking the traditional restaurant layout and implementing a modern approach, we’ve created a workspace that enables our teams to operate more efficiently, communicate more effectively during busy periods and enjoy a better overall work environment,” says Border Foods’ Vice President of Development Zach Zelickson.

    Kitchen X was designed with our team members in mind, which directly translates to a better experience for our customers.

    – Zach Zelickson, Vice President of Development 

    Guests camped out for the opening, now it’s time to dig in. Welcome to Kitchen X, Carver!

    See it to believe it:

    Taco Bell Kitchen X

    1700 Market Avenue
    Carver, MN

    christopher

  • Border Foods & Taco Bell Foundation Team Up for Local Youth

    Border Foods & Taco Bell Foundation Team Up for Local Youth

    In late July, we were invited to join the Taco Bell Foundation and 20 of its amazing Live Más scholars at the Mount Airy Boys & Girls Club in St. Paul, MN for an afternoon of volunteering and a surprise $177,000 community grant check presentation. 

    I just want to give a huge shout out to the Border Foods team for all they do for Round Up. This wouldn’t be possible without you.

    – Andrew German, Taco Bell Foundation

    As an annual corporate partner of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities, we were honored to participate! Our communities are part of every single day we’re open – without strong communities, strong restaurants and teams are next to impossible. 

    “Some of these kids could be future leaders in our Taco Bell system,” says Max Corrigan, Border Foods’ Vice President of Analytics & Marketing.

    Max, Sharla Hennek (Chief People Officer)  and Ken Lund (Director of Operations) were among those who represented Border Foods’ office that day. The primary focus was helping second through sixth grade youth finish standardized testing in order to analyze their progress and identify gaps for future learning, according to Ken.

    “When they were talking about it, they said this would take so much time because they have limited resources,” Ken shares of the club’s needs. “But having all of [us] come in and do it together, they can knock out in one day what it would take them a week or two to do.”

    “I’m, you know, thinking about my three kids at home, how fortunate we are,” Max says of the experience. “I want to improve our community and give back in any way that [I] can.”

    The group of volunteers also helped fill backpacks that day with back to school items designed to set local youth up for success.

    Just giving back to the community, being able to help out in any small way that I can … brings warmth to my heart.

    – Max Corrigan, VP, Analytics & Marketing

    christopher

  • Four Scholarships, One Unstoppable Student!

    Four Scholarships, One Unstoppable Student!

    Quinn Ohlemacher-Lonetti (O-L) is crushing it! He’s a four-time Carol Williams Scholarship recipient on his way to graduating from The University of Wisconsin – Stout in spring 2027 and starting a career in construction management. Anytime he comes home, we’re lucky to have him back at our Buffalo, MN Taco Bell working!

    Quinn has received four scholarships from Border Foods totalling $43,500!

    We caught up with Quinn, now a Team Trainer, during summer break to talk scholarships, Border Foods, school and more.

    Interview Insights

    One story Quinn shares is about a powerful moment with one of our company leaders during a scholarship reveal party. Admitting aloud that he didn’t see a long-term future with Taco Bell (because his passion is construction), Quinn was surprised to be met with support anyway. He recalls being told, “‘I’m just glad that you chose to work at Taco Bell through your high school and college years, and that we can help you pursue your future goals.” 

    “That interaction meant a lot to me,” Quinn says.

    Border Foods truly cares about me as an individual and supports my personal goals, rather than seeing me as just another employee … my dreams and aspirations are important to them, even if they lie outside of the company.
    Quinn O-L, Team Trainer

    Support at Border Foods also comes in the way of schedule flexibility. This is something Quinn has witnessed over and over.

    “One of the main reasons I’ve stuck with Border Foods for the past 5-1/2 years is because I know that if I go home for a week, I can message my manager and get some shifts,” Quinn shares. “I know that if a family matter comes up, I can get my shift covered … Border Foods was very accommodating to my ever-changing schedule and while I was in high school, that meant so much to me. I was able to work after school [and] weekends, and get days off for sporting events, family reunions, [etc.].”

    Beyond flexible schedules, our scholarships are another major perk for working students at Border Foods. Check out the full list of this year’s winners!

    “These scholarships have enabled me to graduate college debt-free, a foundation for which I am incredibly thankful,” Quinn shares. “It will allow me to start my professional career on solid footing as I build my future.”

    Here’s more from our interview:

    Q: How do you juggle work and school?

    A: Over the last two years, I have served as an Resident Advisor (RA), held leadership roles in multiple clubs, and consistently maintained a course load of over 15 credits per semester. A significant part of my [college] experience includes my involvement with CRU (Campus Crusade for Christ) … being surrounded by this supportive community helps me stay focused on my academic responsibilities while providing the balance I need to succeed. My motivation is rooted in my faith, which serves as the foundation for my hard work. 

    Q: What are your career goals following college?

    A: Following graduation, my goal is to secure a position within the construction industry as a project manager, specifically leading projects within the Midwest … I hope to further develop my networking abilities, deepen my knowledge of the industry, and refine the technical skills essential for an effective construction manager.

    Q: What do you think your college experience would have looked like WITHOUT this scholarship support?

    A: Without this financial support, I would not have been able to engage with my college community so deeply. These scholarships, combined with my role as a Resident Advisor, are the two primary reasons I am graduating debt-free.

    Q: Looking back over the last four years of school, what has Border Foods really given you in the way of support?

    A: To put it simply, receiving these scholarships has been a blessing that provided peace of mind for both my studies and extracurricular activities. This support allowed me to maintain good grades while balancing multiple clubs and building a deep community. 

    Want to win like Quinn? You must be employed by Border Foods! Check back in early 2027 for Carol Williams Scholarship application deadlines. Border Foods team members can also apply for Taco Bell Foundation’s Live Más Scholarships and take advantage of tuition reimbursement. Good luck!

    christopher

  • The Big 5-0: Border’s Market Footprint & Coaching Roster Reach Major Milestone

    The Big 5-0: Border’s Market Footprint & Coaching Roster Reach Major Milestone

    Summer kicked off with a celebratory bang when we added a 50th market area to our operations map and promoted Betty Burgess to Area Coach (AC) of the area. Betty will oversee three Taco Bells located in Casper, Laramie and Rawlins, WY.

    Region Coach Octivia Erickson, who oversees the nine-location Wyoming market, says Taco Bells in the “cowboy state” are widely spread out, which means ACs like Betty often have to travel two hours one way to visit their locations.

    But it doesn’t bother Betty, who makes it her goal to arrive with a solid, purposeful plan for every restaurant visit.

    “I definitely get a lot of windshield time,” she remarks, sharing that she lives 20 minutes from one location and drives two-plus hours to the other two. “But I don’t let the drive time hinder how I show up in the stores.”

    And show up she does! From a leadership perspective, Octivia shares this: “Betty is very much a teacher by nature. She does an outstanding job going in and shouldering the systems and processes with her team … a driver of empowerment, she builds her teams’ capabilities.”

    Beyond that, as distance between locations can be isolating, Betty says she takes every opportunity to build community and connection for her teams. One example she shares is bringing team members from one location to another for additional support like she does for Laramie, a college town, during football season.

    Climbing the Ladder

    Betty has been with Border Foods since 2012. Like many, she joined Taco Bell as a teenager and was promoted to Shift Leader by age 18. She remembers doing some “crazy things” during high school like opening her restaurant before heading in to school and handling late-night closings before the weekend. At one point, she juggled two jobs – receptionist by day, Taco Bell by night. 

    “It wasn’t filling my cup the same way as Taco Bell,” Betty says of the office role. So she continued climbing our career ladder, being promoted to Assistant General Manager (AGM), bouncing between two Casper locations, and eventually becoming manager and then Market Training Manager (MTM). She spent two of those years traveling to support restaurants in other markets.

    “I’ve had the opportunity to support over 20 locations across four states,” she shares. 

    At every step along the way, Betty confirms having people believe in her made the difference. “As much work as I was willing to put into it, he was always giving me as much feedback,” she says of her manager at the time. 

    Eventually, Betty was nudged to consider the AC program but she didn’t think her supervisors were serious! So, the idea was pushed aside. After some reflection, Betty says she decided to give AC training a shot with the notion that it was worth the effort, even if she didn’t pursue an AC position.

    [pull quote] “Growth doesn’t stop. Seeing that Area 50 wasn’t there before, [Border Foods] grew so that I could continue growing.” – Betty Burgess, Area Coach

    Just as she started her three-month training, the current AC (her supervisor) had to take a leave of absence. Betty says this unexpected turn of events gave her access to multiple ACs instead of just one.

    “I was very lucky to have that opportunity to learn and grow through a variety of perspectives,” she says.

    She credits Octivia for setting her up for success during that time and also continuing to model great leadership. Alyssa Lara, now an MTM, has also been a role model. “She really showed me how important it is to care for your people as a leader.”

    Wondering About Wyoming?

    According to Octivia, company leadership have their eyes on some additional sites throughout Wyoming. Betty confesses she’d love to have a fourth location under her, specifically in Casper. “I think both of the Casper stores are set to be $4 million-plus restaurants this year,” she shares.

    With these strong female leaders at the helm, we’ll be ready however our growth plays out in the region.

    “There is no challenge that Betty won’t accept and work through,” says Octivia. “What gives me full confidence that Betty will be a successful AC for [Area 50] is her willingness to thrive. She is relentless and her approach shows.”

    Area 50’s future is in good hands!

    christopher

  • Allendale, MI: Looking Bell-issimo with Recent Remodel

    Allendale, MI: Looking Bell-issimo with Recent Remodel

    General Manager (GM) Lexxy Husted is incredibly excited about having an updated Taco Bell. And for us, a happy leader means everything! Lexxy is GM of our Allendale, MI location, a growing college town with Grand Valley State University just down the street.

    Remodeling the Allendale Taco Bell, according to Lexxy, made her team feel important, seen and truly cared for.

    Allendale’s midterm refresh took less than two weeks and was completed in May. Operations only had to shut down fully for two days (while the kitchen was updated); drive-thru service remained available the rest of the time!

    Lexxy says her team, many of whom are college-aged, were equally excited. They’d often move the plastic floor-to-ceiling sheeting to sneak a peek at what was going on during their shifts.

    The Details

    Allendale’s exterior has been transformed from Taco Bell’s previous color palette to a more modern mix of purple, grey and white accents that’s becoming more prominent today. Lexxy says other outside updates included redoing sidewalks, a new building sign and artwork, and the welcome addition of purple LED lights.

    Allendale’s kitchen refresh included expanded dish space, new countertops and more shelving. Lexxy says she asked for a bigger freezer and got it! At Border Foods we pride ourselves on listening and giving our restaurant teams a voice.

    The lobby reopened with new furniture, tables and lighting; an updated front counter area; a new slushy machine; and freshened up walls. The bathroom was also remodeled, which any guest or member of the team will appreciate. 

    “I like how the customers really enjoy it,” Lexxy says. “It looks nice; now it’s new and inviting more people in.”

    Perhaps most importantly, Lexxy got the DoorDash walkup window she’s wanted for so long! Previously, door dashers would hold up the ordering line. Now, with the new sliding window, these guests only have to come into the vestibule (between exterior and interior doors) to buzz and notify the team; they no longer have to enter the lobby. This is especially helpful during late-night shifts.

    “It really helps my speed a lot,” Lexxy says. “And the safety of my crew members.”

    Several QSR competitors are in the area – including Burger King, McDonald’s and Arby’s – but they all close earlier, according to Lexxy. So with lots of traffic, kids being out of school for the summer and plenty of people living in surrounding areas, the Allendale Taco Bell sees lots of action – day or night! 

    Check out the Allendale glow up for yourself! Visit today:

    4989 Lake Michigan Drive
    Allendale, MI

    christopher