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

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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.

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!

On Nov. 18, we officially opened our new Taco Bell restaurant in Virginia, Minn., at 1475 South 12th Ave. This  is our first location in Virginia, 99th restaurant in Minnesota and 248th restaurant in the Upper Midwest.

“We are thrilled to be joining the Virginia community and look forward to welcoming everyone to our brand-new restaurant,” said our President Aaron Engler. “From new customers to future employees, we can’t wait to provide good food and good service to the fine folks of the Iron Range.”

“Our excellent team members are ready and excited to serve northeastern Minnesota’s taco lovers,” said Director of Operations Ken Lund. “Come be one of the first to visit us at our Virginia location today!”

A big thanks to Virginia’s restaurant leadership team, including:

• Steve Daggett, Region Coach 
• Jenn Coleman, Area Coach 
• Ashley Burger, Restaurant General Manager

Thanks to this group, and Ashley’s restaurant team, we set a Border Foods “First Day” sales record, and we did it just within the opening hours of 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Way to go!

We’re currently hiring at the new Taco Bell location, as well as several others across the state. Positions available at the Virginia location range from cashiers and cooks to shift leads and management.

A complete list of job openings and an online application can be found here!

We’re excited to officially welcome our new North St. Paul Taco Bell to the Border Foods family! This brand-new location known as “McKnight” opened its doors on Wednesday, October 9th, marking an exciting addition to our Minnesota portfolio. For a glimpse of how far we’ve come, check out this Instagram reel showing the transformation from demolition to opening day.  McKnight is more than just a new restaurant; it’s a reflection of the hard work, passion, and commitment of our team members, and we couldn’t be prouder to introduce them. 

Trevor Lantz, our new Restaurant General Manager (RGM), brings over five years of experience with Border Foods, having previously managed the Roseville location. Trevor’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping the culture at McKnight, fostering a team environment centered on excellence and high standards. Outside of work, he’s passionate about engineering cars for racing and spending time with his two cats, Raven and Tiger.

Alongside Trevor, Assistant General Manager (AGM) Scott Lyon brings six years of Taco Bell experience to the role, offering invaluable knowledge to this new location. Two recent hires, AGM Alyssa Herr and Shift Lead Korren Schrade, round out the management team, each bringing fresh energy and dedication to Border Foods. With a total of 27 employees on staff, McKnight is set to become a community staple, offering great service, a welcoming atmosphere and, of course, delicious food.

In preparation for opening day, Trevor and his team hosted a “Family & Friends” day, allowing team members and their loved ones to experience the new restaurant and get a taste of the Taco Bell hospitality. It was an incredible day of team-building and celebration.

Special thanks to Region Coach Octavia Erickson, Area Coach Alyse Eckert, and the entire Region 3 support team for their efforts in training and onboarding new hires. Their teamwork and dedication truly reflect the strength of the Border Foods family. Join us in welcoming Trevor and his team to North St. Paul! 

At Border Foods, we believe in supporting our team members both inside and outside of the restaurant. That’s why we’re excited to announce— for the first time ever — the Taco Bell Foundation’s Live Más Scholarship applications opened early on October 1st exclusively for team members.This scholarship is designed for innovators, dreamers, and those who are passionate about making a difference in their lives and communities through education. Whether you’re planning to attend college, vocational school, or another accredited post-secondary institution, the Live Más Scholarship can provide the financial support you need to turn your educational dreams into reality.

Border Foods Team Member Success in 2024

Last year, our very own team members shined brightly in the Live Más Scholarship program. Border Foods employees received over $122,500 in scholarships to help fund their educational pursuits! We’re incredibly proud of each and every one of our recipients.  hard work, creativity, and determination are what make our team so special.

How to Apply for the Live Más Scholarship

Applying for the Live Más Scholarship is easy. No essays or GPA requirements here! Simply create a short video (2 minutes or less) that shares your passion, your educational goals, and explains why you deserve the scholarship. This is your chance to tell your story and show how furthering your education will help you reach your goals.

Learn More

Eligibility information and frequently asked questions may be found here. Please reach out to your RGM or AC with any questions about the early application process. Application deadline is 5 p.m. PST, January 3, 2024, so don’t delay! Let’s make this year another incredible success for Border Foods and the Taco Bell Foundation.

We recently sat down with Vince Bosscher, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Border Foods, to discuss his reflections on his first year in the role, the challenges he has faced, and his vision for the company’s future.

Building a Strong Leadership Team

Looking back on his first year as COO, Vince highlights the accomplishment of assembling a robust above-store leadership team. “We promoted two new Directors, two Region Coaches, and eight Area Coaches. ” he says. “Getting this team together has been a great accomplishment.”

Navigating Challenges

The past year wasn’t without its difficulties. “The biggest challenge has been the cost of doing business,” Vince explains. “Cost of goods is higher, and financially it’s harder to perform. We had to look at managing more effectively—from labor to productivity and how we manage cost of goods.”

One of the significant initiatives Vince introduced is the annual operating plan with three strategic pillars. “We didn’t used to have that,” he notes. “Planning it out and sharing it with our team in the field has been a big part of what we’ve accomplished.”

Fostering Inclusivity and Consistency

Reflecting on his perception of the role, Vince acknowledges its magnitude. “It’s a big job that affects a lot of lives,” he says. “Collaborating with other departments—HR, finance, training—is essential.”

The biggest thing I’ve learned is to bring as many smart people around me as possible.

Vince Bosscher, COO

Vince is proud of initiatives that promote inclusivity and diversity. “We started a women in leadership group called EmpowHER,” he shares. “It’s a group of women meeting regularly to invest in their leadership and work on projects within the company.”

He also emphasizes the importance of consistency in company culture. “We like to say consistency is the gateway to fairness,” Vince explains. “Being consistent in how we operate and treat people is crucial.”

Feedback from his team has influenced Vince’s focus on leadership development. “They’ve asked us to keep investing in leadership,” he says. “We’ve done more leadership training this year than ever before, starting in the first quarter and continuing throughout the year.”

Vision for the Future

Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, Vince outlines his vision for the company. “Our vision statement is ‘Shaping the Future,’” he reveals. “It’s about investing in people’s leadership—from team members to RGMs—because they are the ones who will shape the future of Border Foods for the next 10, 20 years and beyond.”

The three pillars of the 2025 operating plan are:

• Empowerment
• Operational Excellence
• Financial Leadership

As he reflects on the past year, Vince expresses deep appreciation for his team. “They have been amazing, going after every goal we set in 2024 and reaching it. All their hard work has really paid off,” he says.

I just absolutely love working for Border Foods, and the team I get to work with is incredible.

Vince Bosscher, COO

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. 

When it comes to making lives better at Border Foods, there’s usually plenty to taco ‘bout! 

One place we review with laser focus is the “back of house” or kitchen area. Behind-the-scenes updates can go a long way for comfort, ease, convenience and efficiency. And that’s what we want for our people! Enter … Border Foods’ first installation of rolling rack shelving on a track. 

Simply investing in better layout and equipment gives team members the safe, clean environment they deserve.

All About the Install

As part of a product test underway at our newly remodeled South Washington Taco Bell in Holland, MI, the new, easily movable shelving has our facilities and remodel teams excited. If it works well, 56 other restaurants owned by Border Foods with the same or similar layout (small kitchens with little dry storage space) could greatly benefit — at a reasonable cost.

According to VP of Facilities Brian Davies, the addition of just three shelves increases one location’s storage by more than 50%!

”The remodel team [has] been looking for cost-conscious options to increase dry storage room without having to do additions to the buildings or lose seating in the lobby,” Brian shares. So while updates to storage impact the team, it doesn’t disrupt the guest experience. It’s a win-win!

And, just a couple of weeks in, we’re already hearing good things. Restaurant General Manager (RGM) Sara Van Beek says her crew at South Washington loves the new shelving.

“We definitely gained space, not only for storage/shelving, but it opened up our back of house and created more floor space as well,” she says. Area Coach Hanna Wright agrees saying, “it has been a great solution for limited space.”

According to Brian, this simple, low-cost improvement creates efficiency that makes work better. It’s about addressing team needs now and in the future. “We’re spending for the best long-term benefits for the company.” 

Want to work for a company that reinvests to make jobs easier? Apply today! 

Spring has barely sprung and we’ve already completed four of our 2024 Taco Bell remodels!

One recently completed project in Holland, MI is holding our attention. Located on South Washington, it’s a midterm remodel (occurs every 10 or 12 and a half years) with updated exteriors, digital drive-thru menus, new décor and updated LED lighting.

Eighty percent of Border Foods’ 2024 remodels through June are midterm.

What makes this revamped Taco Bell one to watch is the installation of the company’s first rolling rack shelving system. 

New shelving may not sound groundbreaking, but if it works well, it’s a solution that can be quickly installed at other locations as soon as 2025! 

According to Brian Davies, VP of Facilities, South Washington desperately needed dry storage space but like many older restaurants with small kitchens, it had very little.

This sturdy new shelving will comprise several rollable units on a track. Shelves will be efficiently stored out of the way when not in use, or can be slid easily back and forth when needed.

Remember, remodels aren’t just for looks. It’s how we make work life better for employees!

SAVINGS IN SBAs

The South Washington project involved a standard business agreement (SBA) between Border Foods and Taco Bell, whereby our company agrees to handle midterm remodels on our own while adhering to Taco Bell’s supreme standards. It’s a new approach for Border Foods.

Somewhat by chance, Brian and his team learned about this more economical way of handling midterm remodels last year during a routine meeting with Taco Bell Brand Designer Dave Yocom. Dave mentioned SBAs as a cost-conscious alternative to hiring general contractors — and it sounded appealing.

Consequently, Border Foods decided to perform five midterm SBA remodels in 2023 and voilà, reaped significant unexpected savings! According to Brian, about $30,000 per project!

“That’s over 10% savings per project just by performing [them] ourselves,” Brian shares. 

This year, the team plans to perform nine SBA remodels with expected savings of $305,000!

DIGGING INTO THE DETAILS

At time of print, we’re putting the finishing touches on our Waverly Road remodel, also in Holland. It’s expected to reopen the first week of May.

Perhaps one of the remodel projects that excites Brian the most is in Elk River, MN. Opening just one year before Border Foods was founded, our Elk River Taco Bell is “near and dear” to Brian because it was the first location he opened as a general manager. Living in the area, he still drives by it every day!

While Elk River wasn’t due for its remodel until 2027, Zach Zelickson (VP of Border Foods’ real estate company, Marvin Development) was able to negotiate it into the schedule sooner. Upon completion, exterior improvements will be impressive. The showstopper according to Brian, however, will be the big, lit sign on the rooftop that’s viewable from Highway 169.

“It’s going to really pop!” Brian says.

And if it pops, you should stop! Come visit Elk River and any of our remodeled locations, and see how we actively reinvest in our operations!