In the fast-paced world of quick-service restaurants, success hinges on more than just serving great food; it’s about creating a seamless, efficient, and welcoming environment. For Kelly Vik, the Restaurant General Manager (RGM) at the new Lakeville Theater Taco Bell in Lakeville, MN, this journey has been both a challenge and a rewarding experience.
Kelly entered Border Foods with fresh eyes and a wealth of experience from the restaurant and bar industry. “This is the first quick-service restaurant I have ever worked at,” Kelly shares. Transitioning from a full-service environment to the fast-paced world of Taco Bell, has been a significant shift. Yet, it’s a change she’s embraced wholeheartedly.
In the quick-service industry, every second counts. “I go from having a half hour to make an impression with a guest to seconds,” Kelly says. This condensed timeframe makes it crucial for her team to be on point the moment a customer steps through the door. Creating a positive experience quickly is a challenge she’s taken seriously.
Opening a new store is no small feat, and for Kelly, organization has been the key to success.
“For opening a new store, be organized, be organized, and follow up with people,” she advises. This attention to detail hasn’t gone unnoticed. “My AGM said, ‘Wow, I think you’re one of the most organized people I have ever met.’ I don’t think I’m that organized, but it felt really good to hear,” Kelly recalls.
Building Upon a Winning Team Culture
One of the most significant challenges Kelly faced was building a team from the ground up. I had to take a hard look at what kind of culture we wanted to build and how to get there,” she shares. Choosing the right people and igniting passion within the team has been a top priority. “It’s about bringing that excitement of like, ‘Hey, this isn’t just a job, we’re all in this together,’” she explains.
As the Lakeville Theater Taco Bell prepares to open its doors, Kelly is most looking forward to bringing the entire team together. “Since I’ve had people training at three different locations, I’m excited to assess those skill sets, see where we can help and empower people,” she shares. The enthusiasm within the team is palpable, with multiple team members already stepping up and asking about how they can advance within the company. “That’s the biggest compliment to my training stores—they have built this love all around Taco Bell,” Kelly says proudly.
With 36 staff members and seven managers already on board, the Lakeville Theater Taco Bell is off to a strong start. Kelly is especially appreciative of the support system at Border Foods, which stood out from the very beginning. “One thing that drew me into Taco Bell and specifically Border Foods, is that I could tell that they really do have a family culture,” she explains. “Not every restaurant chain has everything like that.”
Embracing Innovation with AI Technology
One of the most exciting aspects of the new Lakeville Theater Taco Bell is the upcoming implementation of AI technology, making it one of the first Border Foods’ Taco Bell locations to do so. “We won’t open with it, but we are going to be having the new AI technology,” Kelly reveals. The team is thrilled about this innovation, which has also influenced the hiring process.
Visit the new Lakeville location at:
17750 Kenwood Trail in Lakeville, MN.
