As a Construction Project Manager, Andrew Davies spends much of his time behind the scenes, helping bring Border Foods restaurants to life. From new builds and remodels to testing new equipment and layouts, his work plays an important role in creating spaces that work better for the team members who use them every day. That behind-the-scenes impact is exactly why Andrew’s Q3 Core Value Callout means so much.
It means a lot to know that the work we do and the impact we have is recognized by others across the company.
– Andrew Davies, Construction Project Manager
Taking on New Challenges
Andrew has been with Border Foods in his current role for five years, but his Taco Bell journey started much earlier. As the son of our VP of Facilities, Taco Bell has been part of his family’s story for more than four decades. At 15 years old, he joined our Elk River, MN restaurant as a Service Champion working there for about two years. Now, he’s helping shape the future of our Taco Bells through projects that require flexibility, creativity and plenty of problem-solving!
During our third quarter, Andrew helped complete our first ever Kitchen X in Carver, MN, followed swiftly by our second in Rochester. Because Kitchen X projects differ from a traditional new build, they require new ideas, trial and error, and a willingness to keep improving the concept.
“I’m proud of the projects we’ve completed and the challenges we’ve worked through along the way,” Andrew says.
Improving the Restaurant Experience
Andrew’s work extends beyond completing construction projects. He’s also been partnering with Taco Bell Corporate’s engineering team to test new equipment and kitchen layouts that could benefit restaurant teams across the business.
These efforts are focused on improving efficiency and convenience for team members while reducing repair and maintenance costs associated with equipment. For Andrew, seeing the finished product is rewarding, but the best part is seeing how it affects the people who work in our restaurants.
“Knowing that our work can make their jobs easier and give them a space they’re proud of makes all the hard work worth it,” he says of the direct impact on restaurant teams.
Whether Andrew is working through an unexpected construction challenge or testing a new idea, he keeps the people using these spaces top of mind.
Learning From Others
Andrew credits much of his growth to the opportunities he’s had to learn from people across different departments at Border Foods.
Operations leaders like LouAnn Hansen and Jarrett Persons, along with Facilities leaders Chris Brown and Nate Wenger, have all helped him expand his knowledge and develop a better understanding of the business as a whole.
This cross-functional learning has helped Andrew build the skills he needs to take on new challenges and continue growing within the company. His next goal is to keep developing professionally and prepare for future opportunities, including the possibility of advancing into a Senior Construction Manager role.
It’s great being part of a company where people truly care about each other both inside and outside of work.
– Andrew Davies, Construction Project Manager
Growth, Family & Opportunity
For Andrew, growth means being willing to step outside his comfort zone and take on challenges that create opportunities to learn.
His advice to other Border Foods team members looking to grow and make an impact is to build strong relationships, take pride in their work and focus on making a positive difference for the people around them.
It’s a philosophy that fits naturally into Andrew’s own Border Foods experience, which he describes in three words: Growth, family and opportunity.
Family has a special meaning for Andrew. Not only is he the second generation to join Border Foods’ “family,” he also met his wife at the Roseville Taco Bell for their first date! Today, Andrew is building a story of his own here — one project, challenge and opportunity at a time. This core value recognition is a reflection of the impact he’s making along the way.
