UPDATED 4/6:
So much has changed in the last few weeks. We’re happy to share that every Border Foods location is open for orders through the drive-thru and we’ve been working hard to keep team members hours whole. As a way to say “thanks” to our healthcare professionals and first responders, for a limited time, they can receive 50% their entire order at every Border Foods Taco Bell location.
“It’s the right thing to do,” says Aaron Engler, Border Foods’ Chief Financial Officer. “Now is the time to come together as a community and give back in any way we can.”
As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, we’ve been receiving many comments regarding the use of masks in our restaurants. Of course team member safety is our number one priority.Taco Bell corporate approved the use of non-surgical masks for team members working inside Taco Bell restaurants as an added protection. They’re currently working toward system-wide supply. In the meantime, Taco Bell leaders recommend the following:
- If possible, our team members may purchase masks in local communities where available.
- Our team members may also wear cloth face coverings or cloth face masks.
We recognize this solution isn’t perfect, but please trust that we’re trying to do the right thing for everyone as quickly as possible.
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UPDATED 3/16:
We’ll continue to update our teams and communities here as the COVID-19 situation evolves. Effective today, in an abundance of caution, all locations are moving to drive-thru only. All dining rooms and dining room doors will be closed (our restaurant on Franklin Ave. in Minneapolis does not have a drive thru, and that location is accepting orders at the counter). Guests can continue to order using the app, Grubhub, and the drive thru. We appreciate your business!
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To our teams, guests and communities we do business in: We feel like it’s important to take a minute to share all the ways we’re working through this challenging time.
To start, every Border Foods Taco Bell location has always upheld the highest cleanliness and food safety standards. We take pride in operating a pristine restaurant, and keeping every restaurant clean and safe is part of our company promise. The declaration of a National emergency and subsequent state of emergencies enacted in our local communities has driven us to take the following extra precautions:
Extra sanitization and hand washing
Every Border Foods Taco Bell restaurant has appointed a team member dedicated solely to cleaning high-traffic touch points. Kiosks, restrooms, counters, cash registers, door knobs and handles are wiped down on rotation throughout the day. We’re also following Taco Bell Corporate’s recommendation to use chemical solutions proven to mitigate COVID-19 throughout our locations. Plus, every Border Foods team member has been re-certified on proper hand washing procedures.
Extra care for our teams
We understand the severity of coming into contact with someone who’s tested positive for COVID-19. To that end, we’ve implemented a new sick leave policy ensuring our team members will be paid for scheduled hours for 14 days in the event of individual quarantine. To our knowledge to date, no Border Foods team member has tested positive for COVID-19 or come into close contact with someone who’s tested positive for COVID-19.
Work from home policies
Border Foods support staff all have the option to work from home using Skype and Zoom technologies.
Dining room closures
On a case-by-case basis, we’re evaluating the need to close dining rooms and keep drive through windows open in specific locations. We take social distancing seriously. Even if a dining room is open, guests can order through the app and our team members will walk the food out to your car if needed.
We’re closely monitoring updates from the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization and will continue to seek guidance from YUM! and Taco Bell Corporate in coming days and weeks. We’re also continuously reviewing our policies to ensure we can provide the resources and flexibility our team members need during this time.
