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is the Restaurant General Manager (RGM) for our Riverside, CA Taco Bell. She has a fantastic track record, though she’s only been with us for four years. You could say Miriam has a magic touch for turning restaurants.
From the very start, we handed Miriam a challenge. She says her first Taco Bell in San Jose, CA, was in poor shape upon arrival, but she was able to quickly transform it into a best-in-class Signature Restaurant. Then she got pregnant, had a baby, took time off, came back to us … and found herself in the same position, different location!
But we knew we could count on her. Miriam works hard to “fix” restaurants and inspires teams to do better. In one instance, she became manager of a location that was understaffed.
“I started hiring people and showed them that we can create an environment that can be fun,” she says. “… you know if the environment doesn’t feel good, I try to change that.” Part of Miriam’s strength as a manager comes from her emphasis on improving team member attitudes. She believes making everyone feel important is key. And that dancing and “happythoughts” also help!
“I always say to the people, ‘You know what? Thank you for show[ing] up for work, this is very important to me.’ It is important for everybody, you know?”
This kind of personal attention from leadership can inspire the excellence needed to create a first class Taco Bell. We have specific metrics for achieving Signature Restaurant status that touch on customer service, drive-thru speeds, safety audit requirements, sales metrics and restaurant training expectations, and Miriam knows how to hit those targets!
So what does she have to say about being repeatedly tapped to turn restaurants around for the better? Miriam appreciates the challenge and feels a sense of accomplishment each time she reaches that coveted signature status. She’s grateful for company support.
“This company … they give me a lot of support,” she says about DRG. “That’s why I try to make a contribution to them to say ‘thank you’ to them, because they help me.”
“They care about people, they care about me.” – Miriam Alguilar, RGM
To Miriam, there’s lots of opportunity here. She doesn’t think many people understand what’s possible and yet DRG is at the ready to support team member development with bonuses, opportunities to climb the career ladder and great benefits. Miriam has made it her personal mission to make sure others know about these tools.
“If I can do it, then they can do it, too.” – Miriam Alguilar, RGM
Most recently, Miriam asked if she could change locations to be closer to home. DRG was totally supportive. She couldn’t believe it! She says she was given time to move and finish helping her Assistant General Manager (AGM) transition into the lead manager role. Now, according to her, “that store is getting better everyday.” That’s what we call the “Miriammagic”!
At DRG, we’re más proud to see the beauty of our oceanfront Taco Bell Cantina in Pacifica, CA featured with such a captivating headline on Yahoo.com: 10 of the Most Beautiful Fast Food Restaurants in the World.
Writer Angela Pagán leads this “top 10” list with Pacifica, one of DRG’s six cantinas nationwide. In fact, it was one of only two U.S. restaurants to make the list! Beachside and beautiful, the Pacifica cantina is also No. 1 on Taco Bell’s own list of the coolest locations.
“It’s like a drive-thru for swimmers.” -@hectorfabiovideos, TikTokker
Need to see it to believe it? Check out Pacifica in this TikTok, which boasts aerial footage and close ups. Since voice over is in Spanish, we’re happy to translate the creator’s key points!
The Pacifica Taco Bell Cantina:
- Offers the best views;
- Serves liquor, like delicious frozen margaritas; and
- Has a surfboard parking lot and walk-up exterior window — “it’s like a drive-thru for swimmers.”
Walk up or surf over today: 5200 Coast Hwy, Pacifica, CA
Kadiedra “Dede” Crawford is new to DRG, having just joined our team in August as the Restaurant General Manager(RGM) at our Corona, CA Taco Bell.
From what we gather, the whole transition for Dede has been exciting from the start! She moved inland from San Diego to take the job and be closer to family. As she reflects about her introduction to the company, she recalls music playing the day of her interview and immediately “feeling the vibe” — a welcoming environment, positive energy and a comfortable family feel.
Once she accepted the RGM position, after serving in a similar role with another QSR brand, the fun only continued. According to Dede, DRG has a way of making a team member’s first day special. “My first day was exciting,” Dede says. “It was like a party!”
For her first day, she says she was given candy, personally introduced in front of the team by the Area Coach and given a chance to share a bit about herself. She felt very welcome.
At DRG, we believe that experience should go beyond the first day. In fact, one of our core values is to have fun because positive energy is contagious! Even though it’s now “business as usual” for Dede as she runs a busy restaurant and manages her team, she also does her part to spice things up: making up catchy jingles, cheering on team members, getting people to clap once in a while. “I want everyone to feel welcome when they step into the doors,” she says.
Well, Dede must be doing something right! She says her team members all get along and have great rapport. But they also work hard and understand the importance of the guest experience. In her restaurant, Dede places extra emphasis on customer engagement.
“The customers love our cashiers,” she says. “It is the engagement that matters with my customers.”
But clearly it’s strong leadership and warm positivity that make a difference, too. And you can imagine that only trickles down in Dede’s presence.
“I love connecting with everyone,” Dede says. “And just getting to know them each as individuals.”
Which makes perfect sense since Dede, too, has felt seen at DRG where she believes she’s accepted for who she is. Here’s to being authentically you, a trait so important to us, that we’ve made it another one of our core values!
DRG’s SG Ellison was recently featured on leading QSR industry site FastCasual.com.
In an article written by Mandy Wolf Detwiler, DRG’s commitment to growth and technology with both of its brands, Taco Bell and Arby’s, was among the key focuses. Detwiler’s reporting gave a high-level recap of SG’s recent keynote address at industry event #QSRNext.
Among the story’s highlights, Detwiler shines a light on our franchisee’s leadership with testing the Taco Bell cantina concept and our introduction of EV charging stations at Taco Bells in San Francisco.
“It really pairs this craveable Mexican-inspired food with this really amazing social dining experience…”- SG Ellison, DRG President
Innovation and opportunity for growth at Arby’s, which has great brand recognition according to SG, are also mentioned with a nod to the brand’s popular slogan “We have the meats.”
“There’s a lot of growth for Arby’s when you look at the number of units relative to other QSRs and the great brand recognition that they have,” Ellison told FastCasual’s Detwiler. “They continue to innovate with high-quality food and some very craveable items as well.”
To read FastCasual.com’s full article, click here.
Sometimes it just takes that one random encounter to set the course. For Shane Grant, now DRG’s Director of Operations, it started with an unexpected networking inquiry on LinkedIn.
Neither DRG nor Taco Bell were even on his job prospecting radar at the time. But after connecting with COO Todd Kelly via the popular social networking platform, a couple of Zoom interviews later, Shane agreed to tour DRG’s restaurants in the Las Vegas market with Todd and several others.
“What I remember really well about the conversation is … it just seemed natural,” he says. Though he knows he was being actively recruited, he says it didn’t feel that way at all. According to Shane, Todd treated him “like a friend, colleague” right from the beginning; it was comfortable. And the job offer felt really good, too!
“I felt valued from the start.” -Shane Grant, Director of Operations
You could say that initial trip to Las Vegas made a strong impression. Shane witnessed firsthand how positively DRG leaders interacted with team members. It was the ultimate deciding factor for him: “It starts at the top. The ‘people piece’was there — I saw it instantly.”
For Shane, who’s a total people person, that’s huge. This guy’s in the business for the people!
“I think what makes us different than other companies is … we don’t just say the words, we really do try to do things that are really going to make people’s lives positive and make a difference,” he says, referencing our core values. “I think as a company, you can see our ‘people focus’ from the top all the way through.”
How? Great benefits, DRG Cares, tuition assistance, personal touches at the restaurant level. Also, in the way of people development. As someone whose previous experience was not in the QSR space, Shane speaks highly of the training. To set people up for success, DRG sends people into restaurants to learn what Taco Bell is all about before they’re responsible for running a store.
Training was critical when Shane transitioned into his role in 2022. DRG had just taken over 75 locations in southern California, which was both exciting and a bit scary for him. He says there were some challenges, including a lack of training and the need to move the new restaurants over to DRG platforms, which required more … training!
“There was a lot of heavy lifting,” he says of the transition, which usually takes a couple of years. “But at the end of all of it … I think the really great learning is that we moved a mountain in a really short time.”
Today, with there’s plenty of opportunity at DRG.
“Growth, opportunity, it’s real.” -Shane Grant, Director of Operations
Shane encourages teenagers to apply now and start building a career with DRG. After only a year, Shane said he plans to retire with Taco Bell and DRG!
This is Paola Heredia, Orange County Area Coach. She’s new to DRG — not quite at one year with the company — but definitely not new to the restaurant industry, where she’s worked for several brands in fast food and fast casual dining over the past 17 years. Today, Paola oversees eight of DRG’s Orange County Taco Bells.
This savvy leader has learned much about culture and positivity, and how the two are so closely intertwined. She says it begins with communication.
“If we don’t have communication, we can’t create culture,” she says in reflection.
DRG’s Taco Bells typically staff between 25 to 30 employees per restaurant, so there are a lot of people to keep in the loop! According to Paola, communication for her restaurant teams starts with a daily business call. Daily check-ins are about staying on track and also promoting good news.
“We have to celebrate success every single day and encourage them,” she says of the importance of daily calls. “Start the day on a positive note.”
For Paola, it’s always been about the people. She says people leave the most impact on our lives and simultaneously, we have the power to make others’ lives better. In her role, Paola has had a direct impact on improving the lives of her team members through the hiring of new RGMs for six of her eight restaurants. Leaders who lead well, inspire and motivate. This is culture building at its finest!
“Positive people attract positive people.” -Paola Heredia
According to Paola, you start creating culture as you build your team: hire, train and cross-train existing employees, and“just take it from there.”
What does a leader like Paola look for in candidates?
”I always look for enthusiastic, positive people that are willing to learn,” she says. Continuing, she adds, those who are“willing to take new challenge[s], new responsibilities, and just start moving forward.”
Hiring positive people can lead to a happier workplace and more pleasant experience for guests. Oozing with positivity and enthusiasm? Get a job with us!
According to Paola, what makes DRG unique is its culture, where the people you work with eight to 10 hours a day are like a second family. Guest service is also top notch.
“Happy employees make happy customers, and will make great food,” she says. “The difference I see with the employees being happy is that they will always deliver results.”
“We’re just one team, one DRG.” -Paola Heredia
Having fun is also part of DRG company culture. In fact, it’s one of our core values! Guests pick up on that vibe when they’re in the drive-thru lane or walking into a Taco Bell.
Paola seems happy at DRG, too. She says finally working for an employer that values who she is and remembers details about her personal life has made a difference. Before joining DRG, she wasn’t sure of where she was going with her career, but now feels more sure of herself and her potential.
Every day, Market Training Manager Pearly Eveland walks into her restaurant and greets her team with, “Good morning, beautiful people!” to set the tone right for a fun workday. Recently promoted, Pearly hails from our sunny .
With 32 years of experience in the restaurant industry, she’s a veteran with a touch of class. You see, Pearly came to DRG from San Francisco’s fine dining scene. She first landed a Taco Bell General Manager position in the Las Vegas market and then transferred to Los Angeles. She’s now been with the brand for eight years!
Pearly says the transition was hard in the beginning for her, but she was inspired by Chief Operating Officer (COO) Todd Kelly to stick around and view time with DRG and Taco Bell as a career. Hiring from outside the QSR space was by design, she says. “Todd told me ‘I like to hire people from different parts of the industry.’”
It was her husband’s job that prompted the move to Los Angeles; Pearly’s love of the company is what has kept her around. Pearly says Todd had no problem finding her a job in the L.A. market and DRG was incredibly supportive. DRG cares about its employees and treats them well with on-the-job development and training, scholarships and tuition assistance, great benefits, and so much more.
“I got the job here and I didn’t stop working for Taco Bell,” she says. “I love the people and I love my job.”
“I would not work for any company but DRG.” – Pearly Eveland
Pearly is big on recognition and that comes from the top. DRG promotes a culture of recognition and respect at every level. For Pearly, recognition ties into the fun factor.
“Recognition is very important to me …” she says. “If they’re doing a great job, I want them to know how important they are in the company.”
She references “speed of service” (a key metric Taco Bell restaurants are evaluated on) — when speed of service is good, Pearly rewards her team with Starbucks, pizza or “anything that makes my employees happy.”
With that infectious smile, you can imagine Pearly is great at keeping customers happy, too, which is why she excels in her role. Given the support she’s received thus far, with an eye on the Area Coach position next, Pearly has every reason to believe that that’s possible for her.
“I know it’s going to happen because I am reliable, and my heart is at work,” she says. Well, we can’t wait to see it happen!
The end of September brought about excitement for some of DRG’s hardest working leaders who were whisked away to the sandy beaches of San José del Cabo for some much-deserved rest and relaxation. These individuals have been inducted into the company’s famed Champions’ Club.
Each year, DRG’s Champions’ Club recognizes top performers who emulate DRG’s core values, leadership behaviors, and deliver strong results day in and day out. While it’s a growing group, the Club maintains a level of esteem. The newest Champions’ Club members and their guests are rewarded handsomely with all-expenses paid trip as a thank you from the company. This year’s fiesta-themed getaway took place at Cabo Azul Resort.
DRG’s message to attendees is always clear: no working or “talking shop”!
A feedback survey post-trip revealed this year’s experience for all was overwhelmingly positive. As one respondent quipped, it’s “always nice to be appreciated and recognized for performance.” Score!
Champions’ Club 2022 travelers enjoyed group dinners together and ample leisure time, and were given a choice between one of three fun adventures: a luxury sailing tour, zip lining through canyons, and a taste and wander walking tour. There were also many “firsts” like snorkeling, releasing turtles and jumping off a boat into the ocean. For several attendees, this marked the first time they’d traveled outside the country!
Check out our gallery for more trip highlights:
Diversified Restaurant Group (DRG) is on the grow again. This time the 300-plus unit operator is opening its newest location in Parkville, Missouri this month. DRG operates more than 300 Taco Bell and Arby’s locations in Nevada, California, Kansas, Missouri, and Alaska.
“We are excited to welcome guests to the new Parkville Taco Bell and share with them our modernized restaurant,” said SG Ellison, president of Diversified Restaurant Group. “The new location boasts a modern look inside and out, and features that elevate the guest experience. Our operations are also top-of-the-line, so our crew can better serve our customers.”
In a statement, the company said, “The restaurant offers guests a first-hand look at Diversified Restaurant Group and Taco Bell’s enhanced store experience, with a modern look that provides a fresh, vibrant, and customer-centric environment.”
DRG is a longtime franchise operator and first got its start when David Grieve and SG Ellison acquired 85 Taco Bell restaurants on the West Coast in 2014.
Congratulations to the newest members of DRG’s 2022 Champions’ Club!
Each year, we recognize a group of hardworking restaurant leaders for their accomplishments throughout the previous year. This fall, as a thank you for an incredible 2021, we’re excited to whisk 22 employees and 10 leadership team members away for an all expenses paid vacation to Cabo Azul Resort. Each Champs Club member can bring a guest, too! We’re truly proud to celebrate these successes — and give these special team members a break from the daily grind.
This year’s fiesta-themed rewards trip will take club members to the sandy beaches of San José del Cabo for some seaside relaxation. The agenda will include some free time, but also special activities like a luxury sailing tour and zip line adventure through a beautiful nature preserve, hosted by DRG’s executive team. Plus, concierge will be available at the hotel to help with any activities, spa requests or dining reservations.
Be sure to check back for a trip recap in October!
