Shift Lead April Holden has been a beacon of hospitality for over three decades, having worked at several Taco Bells throughout her admirable tenure. She celebrated 31 years with Taco Bell in September! She joins several longtime employees like Daniel Dobmeyer, Brian Davies and Sharla Hennek in our honorary gallery of folks with 30-plus years with the brand and/or Border Foods.
“April is one of the most dedicated and caring people, not just to the company, but to everyone [with whom] she has worked and interacted with over the years.” -Kelly Lawver, Area Coach
In honor of April’s work anniversary, we wanted to introduce this beloved team member.
Meet April in the Machesney Drive-Thru
Three decades into her career, today, April is most often seen manning the drive-thru window at our Machesney Park, IL Taco Bell location, where she’s been a part of the team for almost 10 years.
“April is a staple in her restaurant … there is no doubt that people come to eat there just to interact with her,” says her Area Coach Kelly Lawver, who has known April her entire career and says she’s reliable and always willing to go the extra mile to make a customer happy.
From the drive-thru view, April asserts that guests’ faves include the Breakfast Crunchwraps, Deluxe Cravings boxes and $2 burritos.
The Machesney Taco Bell is surrounded by a mix of residential, commercial and industrial development, according to April. There are several factories in the area, so it’s become a hotspot for hungry shift workers. In fact, the location’s hours of operation were recently updated to 6 a.m. to 4 a.m., being open nearly 24 hours (but not quite).
The Back Story
April arrived at Taco Bell after gaining on-the-job experience with Famous Corn Dog and Pizza Hut. She started out as a cashier and Cleaning Captain with Taco Bell.
April’s best advice: “Be who you are.”
So what is the key to April’s career longevity? Border Foods is a great company that supports its people, she says. Training, scholarship opportunities, employee recognition — these are all ways we show we care and believe in our people.
For April, finding a compassionate, supportive employer has been essential. Sadly, she suffers from chronic back pain. She appreciates the ways our company has tried to be accommodating, often placing her in positions that take less of a toll on the body.
And April keeps persevering! She says she’s very happy with her job. The uplifting environment at her location is what gets her to work every day.
“I pretty much know the regulars, so [I] can’t wait to go to work to see them,” she says. Want to love where you work, too? Apply today!
