Nothing makes a large scholarship check look better than a photo op with a football star! In a unique twist for this year’s celebrations, we were thrilled to surprise our 2023 Live Más Scholarship winners at wide receiver Davante Adams’ Youth Football Training Camp in Las Vegas (Adams and Taco Bell have an active partnership). 

Each year, the Taco Bell Foundation generously awards scholarships toward higher education to ambitious youth and Taco Bell team members all over the country. This year, the Foundation awarded $2.5 million to Taco Bell‘s own alone. We’re proud to have awarded $100,000 to our employees in addition to the consumer scholarships. 

Congratulations to these DRG Restaurant winners!

$10,000

Amadeo Guerra, Menifee

Anthony Mele, Las Vegas

Arnold Mendoza, Santa Clarita

Austin Tollenaar, Wildomar

Daisy Garcia Soto, Long Beach

Kristen Juarez, Los Angeles

Maria Palafox Gonzalez, La Palma

Melody Silva Gutierrez, Jurupa Valley

Yohanese Yilma, Las Vegas

$5,000

Evan Mertz, Henderson, Las Vegas

Francisco Romero, Indio

 

More About Live Más Scholarships

The application phase typically begins in November. Deadline for submissions is January 2024. For more information about the Live Más Scholarships for Restaurant Employees, click here. This could be YOU!

 

At DRG, we’ve devoted this year to a race to the top. But equally important is how we get there. We can’t be No. 1 without our people. And high performers need a little recharge before the next victory lap! 

Each year we welcome a new group of top performing leaders into DRG’s esteemed Champions’ Club and reward them with a special retreat away from the restaurant scene. Here’s who made the list for 2023. We lured these champions off the beaten track and into paradise for a few days in May!

 

Champions’ Club Trip to San José del Cabo

DRG CAN’T STOP, WON’T STOP: ONE TEAM. ONE DREAM. ONE DRG!

Meet the lovely Sarita Singh, an RGM who’s devoted her entire career to Taco Bell. And boy is it showing! Sarita is a two-time Golden Bell winner who also recently helped her Pittsburg, CA Taco Bell achieve Signature Restaurant status. Now, she’s the latest manager to be named Taco Bell’s GM of the Year, the top performing GM for the brand’s entire system! We’re beyond proud to see her in the spotlight!

For Sarita Singh, being named GM of the Year was a really proud moment.

Sarita says this is her life. “This” refers to her role at Taco Bell, regular night shifts and beloved chosen family away from home. She’s been with Taco Bell for 26 years and calls Store 30937 her “first house” because of how much time she spends in the workplace where she is loved and supported by her team and other restaurant leaders.

“I love my job.” – Sarita Singh, RGM

Surprise, Surprise!

For Sarita, this latest accolade was a total surprise. She didn’t find out she was GM of the Year until she was already in Hawaii, enjoying her much-deserved “top GM” spot on the annual Golden Bell reward trip. 

“Even my kids didn’t tell me!” she says (Sarita’s son and daughter were made aware of the forthcoming announcement). “It was really amazing. It was a proud moment.”

Sarita brought her daughter as her “plus one” on the trip. She was in for yet another surprise when she showed up to the airport and found out her son had booked a plane ticket to join them! You see, both children have seen Sarita work really hard over the years, especially as their father’s employment had highs and lows, and were involved in paying tribute to her (her son is featured in the video that was played during the presentation in Hawaii). 

For Sarita, an escape to Hawaii was amazing on so many levels. Other than when DRG whisked her away to Cabo last year for another reward trip, she’s not had a vacation away from Taco Bell in her two-plus decades of service.

“I’m really grateful for DRG,” she continues. “And my kids were more happy than me!”  

Sarita couldn’t believe the event setup in Hawaii. “Wow, that was for us!” she says, recalling how she felt in the moment, as she was excitedly taking photos of the tables and decor.

Sarita, at DRG, we think you’re worth all that fuss and more! Congratulations on this incredible achievement. We appreciate how you lead and inspire others around you!

 

Striving to be the best never gets old around here. We’re delighted to announce this year’s premier Taco Bells and good as gold general managers (aka Golden Bell winners). Congratulations to the following DRG restaurants and leaders for their well deserved recognition throughout the Taco Bell system and the DRG family.

Signature Restaurants

CALIFORNIA Store 30740, Santa Cruz, CA GM: Luis Romero AC: Mike Scheidegger Store 30752, Benecia, CA GM: Sara Trejo AC: Angelica Chavez Store 30754, Pacifica, CA GM: Janet Amador AC: James Aman Store 30757, Hayward, CA GM: Stephanie Howard AC: Diana Flores Store 30764, Freedom, CA GM: Teresa Marin AC: Mike Scheidegger Store 30766, Livermore, CA GM: Zafia Begum AC: Griselda Godinez Store 30774, San Leandro, CA GM: Maria Briseno Bernal AC: Diana Flores Store 30784, San Leandro, CA GM: Denia Pena Paez AC: Diana Flores Store 30785, South San Francisco, CA GM: Yessica Nieto AC: Chris Castellanos Store 30787, Redwood City, CA GM: Araceli Madrigal AC: Chris Castellanos Store 30788, Foster City, CA GM: Soledad Nestoso AC: Chris Castellanos Store 30795, Hayward, CA GM: Concepcion Avina Lopez AC: Diana Flores Store 30796, San Carlos, CA GM: Bryan Hermoza AC: Chris Castellanos Store 30807, Danville, CA GM: Mir Alam AC: Yiovani Rodriguez Store 30808, Alamo, CA GM: Zulaikha Ali AC: Yiovani Rodriguez Store 30810, Tracy, CA GM: Guadalupe Martinez AC: Griselda Godinez

Store 30937, Pittsburg, CA GM: Sarita Singh AC: Dolores Gonzales Store 32289, San Leandro, CA GM: Erick Ortiz AC: Diana Flores Store 37320, Danville, CA GM: Pedro Favela AC: James Aman Store 39790, Sylmar, CA GM: Olga L Mata Romero AC: Maria Villicano Store 39791, San Fernando, CA GM: Francisco Pina Romero AC: Maria Villicano Store 39799, San Fernando, CA GM: Gloria Valencia AC: Martha Medina Store 39810, Lancaster, CA GM: Juanita Zermeno AC: Teresa Jimenez KANSAS Store 34404, Overland Park, KS GM: Jennifer Guthrie AC: Albert Green MISSOURI Store 35243, Independence, MO GM: None AC: Layla Awo NEVADA Store 31896, North Las Vegas, NV GM: Alejandra Bonilla Mendoza AC: Connie Bejar Store 31915, Las Vegas, NV GM: Jesus Salazar Morales AC: Ali Orduno Store 32366, Las Vegas, NV GM: Darren Espy AC: Debbie King Store 34080, Las Vegas, NV GM: Christina Oconnor AC: Ali Orduno Store 34350, Las Vegas, NV GM: Allison Warner AC: Mark Peck

2023 Signature and Golden Bell Metrics

Signature Restaurants are restaurants that deliver best-in-class service, people and unrivaled culture, and have the fundamentals in place to serve delicious Taco Bell faves from open to close! 

To become a Signature Restaurant, strive to be a five-star restaurant all year long with a clear focus on people, customers, fundamentals and sales. Most importantly, strive to be a five-star restaurant all year long: 

By meeting the above requirements, the top 100 general managers and area coaches have a chance at Golden Bell status and a spot for the annual reward trip (most often in Hawaii!) based on:

• Average star standing for the year, rounded to the nearest half star;      
• Less than two integrity letters;
• Highest number of five-star periods;
• Best of the best ACs must have at least one restaurant in top 200 and an overall grade “A” for area span; and
• The top 25 ACs are determined based on the highest number of “A” periods.

Bryan Hermoza, General Manager
Store 030796, San Carlos, CA
Area Coach: Chris Castellanos

Gloria Valencia, General Manager
Store 039799, San Fernando, CA
Area Coach: Martha Medina

Janet Amador, General Manager
Store 030754, Pacifica, CA
Area Coach: James Aman

Luis Romero, General Manager
Store 030740, Santa Cruz, CA
Area Coach: Mike Scheidegger

Maria Briseno Bernal, General Manager
Store 030774, San Leandro, CA
Area Coach: Diana Flores

Sarita Singh, General Manager
Store 030937, Pittsburg, CA
Area Coach: Dolores Gonzales

Teresa Marin, General Manager
Store 030764, Freedom, CA
Area Coach: Mike Scheidegger

Zulaikha Ali, General Manager
Store 030808, Alamo, CA
Area Coach: Yiovani Rodriguez

DRG enjoyed a recent pit stop in Las Vegas for the company’s annual Leadership Summit, where we fueled up on the desire to continue racing toward the top in franchisee leadership and innovation. 

We’ve been in the QSR industry for over a decade. DRG’s initial acquisition of Taco Bell restaurants happened in 2012 and at the start of this year, we celebrated a milestone ten times that original transaction with 300 restaurants and counting!

“The winner ain’t the one with the fastest car. It’s the one who refuses to lose.” – Dale Earnhardt, Jr.

This year, DRG has its sights set on the prize. We’re committed to being a winning team. Here’s how we’ll take over the finish line, by:

• Sticking to our core values, not forgetting them in the rearview;
• Continuing to promote our people;
• With every lap, valuing diverse perspectives (check out our Women in Leadership initiative);
• Gaining momentum with growth and innovation; and
• Continuously improving the Taco Bell experience (hint: cantina).

Join a Winning Team

At DRG, there’s no shortage of drive. We won’t stop until we’re No. 1! Want to join our crew? Try and catch us during the next stop — we won’t break for long!

 

At DRG, we have the best people and culture. We’re committed to recognizing and rewarding leaders that make DRG a great place to work. At the end of May, we’ll whisk a big excited group off to San José del Cabo, Mexico, for the Champions’ Club reward trip. 

We recently announced our top performers on stage at the annual DRG Leadership Summit, where they were surprised with a plaque and a seat in the 2023 Champions’ Club.  

Check out who’s going to Cabo to enjoy an all-expenses paid vacation and celebrate in paradise!

 

2023 Champions’ Club Trip Attendees

• Ashley Hernandez, GM, Restaurant #35231, Kansas City
• Bina Patel, Cantina GM, Restaurant #31685, No. California
• Bryan Hermoza, GM, Restaurant #30796, No. California
• Corinne Canavan, GM, Restaurant #7781, DRG Meats Las Vegas
• David Salazar Morales, GM, Restaurant #31915, Las Vegas
• Dion McKinnon, Area Coach, Reno
• Geno Woolard, Director of Operations, Las Vegas
• Griffen Long, GM, Restaurant #30762, No. California
• Isaiah Ritchie, Director of Operations, So. California
• James Aman, Sr. Cantina Specialist, No. California
• Jenny Lemke, GM, Restaurant #37673, Kansas City
• Jesus “David” Salazar Morales, GM, Restaurant #31915, Las Vegas
• Jesus Vargas, Area Coach, So. California
• Junior Bolanos, HR Business Partner, So. California
• Karlo Kosca, Financial Analyst, RSC Las Vegas
• Khrystyn Ortiz, Payroll Manager, RSC Las Vegas
• Laury Ketcham, Manager of Ops Services, RSC
• Layla Awo, Area Coach, Kansas City
• Marcos Leos, GM, Restaurant #1650, DRG Meats Alaska
• Monica Lopez, GM, Restaurant #36242, Las Vegas
• Pearly Eveland, GM, Restaurant #39824, So. California
• Renee Martinez, GM, Restaurant #39815, So. California
• Steve Mizer, Area Coach, DRG Meats Alaska
• Victoria Eckert, Area Coach, DRG Meats Las Vegas
• Zafia Begum, Marketing Training Manager, Restaurant #30766, No. California

Check out last year’s trip highlights!

It was a fast, fun, and unforgettable 2023 DRG Leadership Summit! DRG Restaurant leaders from each market around the country made a pit stop in Las Vegas April 2-4 to connect, share best practices, and learn what it takes to race to to the top this year. 

The 2023 Summit unveiled best practices and key ways to excel in these categories, as well as exciting new initiatives, particularly, the company’s new Women In Leadership (WIL) initiative, formed to change the perception of women’s roles throughout DRG. Inspired by the upcoming World Class Car Race events being held in the same city, we were “race ready” to celebrate a year filled with major victories. 

 

Congratulations to our 2022 list of top performers!

2022 AREA COACH OF THE YEAR

• Steve Mizer, DRG Meats Alaska

2022 DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR

• Geno Woolard, Las Vegas

GEORGE PSAROS – HELPING HANDS AWARD

• Junior Bolonas, HR Business Partner, So. California

RESTAURANT SUPPORT SERVICES – MAKING A DIFFERENCE

• Karlo Kosca, Financial Analyst, RSC Las Vegas

HOW WE LEAD …

• Isaiah Ritchie, Director of Operations, So. California
• James Aman, Sr. Cantina Specialist, No. California

UNSUNG HEROES

• Khrystyn Ortiz, Payroll Manager, RSC Las Vegas
• Laury Ketcham, Manager of Ops Services, RSC

AREA COACHES OF THE YEAR

• Chris Castellanos, No. California
• Dion McKinnon, Las Vegas
• Jesus Vargas, So. California
• Layla Awo, Kansas City
• Victoria Eckert, DRG Meats Las Vegas

GENERAL MANAGERS OF THE YEAR

• Ashley Hernandez, Kansas City
• Bryan Hermoza, No. California
• Corinne Canavan, DRG Meats Las Vegas
• Jesus “David” Salazar Morales, Las Vegas
• Renee Martinez, So. California

MTM OF THE YEAR

• Zafia Begum, No. California

CANTINA GM OF THE YEAR

• Bina Patel, No. California

GENERAL MANAGER HONORABLE MENTIONS

• Pearly Eveland, So. California
• Marcos Leos, DRG Meats Alaska
• Griffen Long, No. California
• Jenny Lemke, Kansas City
• Monica Lopez, Las Vegas

Core Value Winners

WE ARE INNOVATORS – Embrace Change & Challenge the Status Quo

• Mike Racklin, Field Maintenance Coach, No. California
• Shane Grant, Director of Operations, So. California
• Kelly Harden, Office Admin and Marketing Manager, DRG Meats

WE DO THE RIGHT THING – Take Personal Accountability & Lead with Integrity

• Dolores Gonzales, Area Coach, No. California
• Ariana Gomez, Area Coach, Las Vegas
• Katrina Davis, HR Business Partner, Kansas City

WE HAVE FUN – Positive Energy is Contagious

• Laurent Moulin, Field Training Coach, No. California
• Carlos Portillo, Sr. Area Coach, No. California
• Hayley O’Connor, Field Training Coach, Kansas City

WE ARE AUTHENTIC – Be Yourself & Show You Care

• Katherine Hemminger, Area Coach, Las Vegas
• Griselda Godinez, Area Coach, No. California
• Crystal Velasco, Financial Analyst, RSC Las Vegas

WE WIN TOGETHER – As ONE DRG

• Tamika Norah, Area Coach, Kansas City
• Renae Rizzo, Accounts Payable Manager, RSC Las Vegas
• Tanya Szabo, Area Coach, Reno

 

We’re proud to announce a new companywide initiative to empower more DRG women to sit at the head table, an idea that came directly from the President and CEO, SG Ellison. While our company has successfully cultivated plenty of female restaurant managers and area coaches, historically, DRG’s executive team has remained all male. And we admit, it’s noticeable!

 

At DRG, we’re committed to giving more opportunities to women that they wouldn’t otherwise have.

 

Our new Women in Leadership (WIL) Initiative aims to impact everyone — not just women — to change the perception of women’s roles throughout DRG. According to Communications & Media Manager Sierra Burk, who has been tapped to co-lead the initiative, SG wants to see the executive team look diverse within the next couple of years.

DRG plans to double in size by 2028. To successfully lead a company of that size, we cannot excel without diversity. We need female leaders at the top, too.

As the only female currently highlighted on our team page, Sierra is personally invested in this cause. Often times, she’s found herself being the only woman in the room and on business trips. She wished there had been another female to connect with in those instances.

“I want to make it so when a promotion does open up, our women are top of mind and feel confident and competent enough to chase after that next stage of their careers,” Sierra says. 

For months, Sierra has been working closely with WIL Initiative co-lead Katrina Davis, DRG’s Kansas City HR Business Partner, to define the goals of this program. Together the two have researched and vetted several women-focused programs and organizations. Women’s Foodservice Forum (WFF) is the perfect fit!

“Their ‘bread and butter’ is lifting up women in the restaurant industry,” Sierra says.

So What Now?

We recognized the first group of WIL honorees at our recent Leadership Summit with a special pinning ceremony and private luncheon with some of Taco Bells’ leading ladies: Kelly McCullough (Global Chief People Officer), Julie Davis (Global Chief Legal Officer) and Liz Matthews (Global Chief Food Innovation Officer). It was a great kickoff!

Annually, DRG will invite a new class of female stars to join the WIL group, which will include a mix of office and restaurant leaders (area coach or coordinator level and up). WIL members will become privy to some special professional development perks including:

• A membership to WFF;
• Access to WFF content and events;
• Monthly “lunch and learn” events with female leaders to facilitate discussion on obstacles, growth, professional goals, etc;
• The opportunity to network, mentor and empower other women at DRG!

“We want it to feel like a tight-knit, supportive family,” Sierra shares. The goal is to find ways to regularly lift women up and inspire. 

This is our year to see what we can unlock inside ourselves.

Meet Our First Class of WIL Honorees

Without further ado, please join us in congratulating our first cohort of WIL honorees, an impressive group of women we’re lucky to have in our ranks! 

• Alexys Andaya, HR Coordinator
• Ariana Gomez, Area Coach, Winner of Core Value Award: We Do the Right Thing
• Criselle Quiambao, Controller
• Debbie King, Area Coach
• Diana Flores, Area Coach
• Dion McKinnon, Sr. Area Coach, “Area Coach of the Year” for Taco Bell Nevada
• Dolores Gonzales, Area Coach, Winner of Core Value Award: We Do the Right Thing
• Hayley O’Connor, Field Trainer, Winner of Core Value Award: We Have Fun
• Katherine Hemminger, Area Coach, Winner of Core Value Award: We Are Authentic
• Katrina Davis, Kansas City HR Business Partner
• Laura Fuentes, Area Coach
• Maria Villicano, Area Coach
• Paola Heredia, Area Coach
• Sarah Schneider, Sr. IT System Admin
• Sera Lee, Accounting Manager
• Sierra Burk, Communications & Media Manager
• Stephanie Juarez, Area Coach
• Tanya Szabo, Area Coach, Winner of Core Value Award: We Win Together as ONE DRG
• Tiyanna Mothershed, North Calif. HR Business Partner
• Victoria Eckert, Area Coach, “Area Coach of the Year” for Arby’s Nevada

Other Notable Female Leaders

Read about some of the other ambitious women who’ve developed a career at DRG:

• Area Coach Patty Alvarez
• General Manager Estefania Ortiz
• General Manager Dede Crawford
• General Manager Miriam Aguilar
• Area Coach Paola Heredia
• Marketing Training Manager Pearly Eveland