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On Thursday, August 14, we opened our brand new Taco Bell in Perris, CA. Strategically located right off the freeway, the location is poised to become a convenient stop for travelers and locals alike. To mark the grand opening, the first 50 guests in line received a free Taco Bell frisbee or bottle opener, plus a raffle ticket for a chance to win an exclusive Taco Bell pickleball set or tote bag.
The Perris Taco Bell is designed to enhance the customer experience with state-of-the-art ordering kiosks and a dedicated walk-up window, perfect for quick and easy service.
“We’re incredibly excited to bring the unique Taco Bell experience to the Perris community with this brand-new location,” said Bob Schalow, Sr. VP of Operations for Diversified Restaurant Group Southern California. “Our goal is to provide exceptional service and delicious food in a convenient setting, especially for those on the go. The kiosks and walk-up window are designed to make ordering a breeze.”
Guests can look forward to enjoying all their Taco Bell favorites, from classic tacos and burritos to innovative items such as the new Crispy Chicken Menu! The Perris location will offer dine-in, online ordering for pickup and delivery, and catering services.
For added convenience, customers are encouraged to download the Taco Bell app from the App Store or Google Play to place orders for pickup at the new Perris location or through their favorite delivery providers: DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub.
At Diversified Restaurant Group (DRG), we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of all the latest innovations in the QSR industry. So it comes as no surprise that our very own Communications & Media Manager, Sierra Burk, recently embarked on a trip to Chicago, IL to attend The 2025 Digital Transformation in Fast Casual & QSR Summit.
The gathering was hosted by Industry Now, a community-driven corporate events business that brings together hospitality leaders from across the country. Sierra had the incredible opportunity to learn about groundbreaking technology, marketing best practices and more.
We sat down with Sierra upon her return to hear more about her experience.
Sierra shared that the conference was centered around growing the QSR industry from a digital perspective. Specifically, Sierra focused on learning about the various tech tools that other QSR franchisees have in their portfolio and how they’re using them to boost revenue.
Sierra plans to use the insights gathered to influence the way our marketing team makes business decisions.
Thanks to her specialized experience and perspective — and the fact that she leads our Women in Leadership Network (WLN) — Sierra was also invited to speak on a panel at the conference! The conversation was titled Innovating Beyond Boundaries — How Women in Leadership Are Shaping The Future in Fast Casual & QSR and featured female leaders from franchisees across the country.
This panel was, by far, Sierra’s favorite part of the conference. The speakers focused on highlighting the unique skills that women in QSR can lend, whether that’s listening, mentoring, or focusing on inclusivity. She found it incredibly helpful to chat with the other panelists about the challenges the QSR industry presents and share solutions-based strategies with each other.
“In times of change, you’re going to see women leaders who are thinking differently. We bring different skills to the table.” – Sierra Burk, Communications Manager
When asked what’s next for women in QSR, Sierra was excited to share that the third annual WLN Workshop is scheduled for October. The Workshop is a DRG-driven event where WLN members from across the country gather at the Restaurant Support Center (RSC) to learn, grow and connect!
“The fact that we’re still talking about women in leadership means there’s still progress to be made,” she shares. “I hope we can influence other companies to bring programs like ours in-house to spark innovation and discussion — and to recognize the powerful perspectives and leadership capabilities women have.”
We want to extend a huge congratulations to Sierra for her panel inclusion — as well as a thank you for representing DRG in such an impactful way. We can’t wait to see what you’ll accomplish next!
Each year, the Taco Bell Foundation awards millions of dollars to hundreds of local communities across the U.S. This was the biggest giving year yet, with $28 million (a $5 million increase over last year) going to organizations that serve at-risk youth. The Foundation focuses on investing money in the form of community grants, gifting them to groups that work on expanding youth access to academic mentorship, career exploration, financial literacy and more.
Here at Diversified Restaurant Group (DRG), we prioritize raising money for these grants as a part of our day-to-day business strategy. All the funds raised go right back into the communities our Taco Bell restaurants serve. We’re proud to share that DRG was responsible for contributing over $1 million to the $28 million Taco Bell Foundation fundraising total.
“These grants are the … way we give back to our communities and really help young people thrive and get ready for a career.” – Sierra Burk, Communications Manager
Incredibly, a large portion of the funds are generated from Taco Bell guests choosing to “round up” their order total to the next dollar — meaning that everyday generosity really does have the power to enact lasting change.
The DRG Team proudly presented a $40,000 check to the A.C. Green Youth Foundation at Century High School in Santa Ana, CA. This donation was the result of a successful grant application that DRG sponsored through the Taco Bell Foundation. The funds will help expand the A.C. Green Foundation’s reach — supporting youth empowerment through sports camps, life skills training and leadership development in under-resourced communities.
Bob Schalow, Vice President of Southern California, was introduced to A.C. Green, a former Los Angeles Laker and member of the Boys and Girls Club Hall of Fame, through a mutual friend. After learning about the foundation’s work and personally supporting its camps with food sponsorships, Bob saw the impact firsthand. Inspired by the foundation’s commitment to youth in under-resourced areas, DRG stepped in to help secure additional funding.
We’re honored to support the A.C. Green Youth Foundation’s mission.
We spoke with our Communications Manager Sierra Burk, as well as our Chief Operating Officer, Todd Kelly, about DRG’s giveback initiatives and charitable plans for the future. They both emphasized our recent work with Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada, where DRG has a “practice” Taco Bell storefront — complete with a counter and dining room that looks just like an operating Taco Bell restaurant. This unique initiative teaches youth how to effectively manage and run a business — boosting their confidence and skills before they take on the real thing.
“We don’t do it to try to get recognition, we do it to try and make a difference.”
– Todd Kelly, Chief Operating Officer
Additionally, Burk shared plans to get Taco Bell team members even more involved.
“We’re working on having more of our General Managers involved with our community partners,” Sierra says. “They can see exactly where [the money is] going, visit these centers and even have a say in where the money goes next year.”
We want to give a huge thank you to everyone who helped make this generosity possible!
If you look up the term “go-getter” in the dictionary, you’d see a picture of DRG’s own Paul Nguyen. As a Service Champion for our Basehor, KS Taco Bell restaurant, Paul is just that — a champion. He’s been in the role one year and seven months, and has made quite an impression in that short time!
”I perceived it as just a teenage job I needed to buy my first car,” Paul shares. “But it has grown into something even more incredible!”
Paul was recently awarded his first Live Más Scholarship for $25,000 and was given the opportunity to attend Taco Bell’s “Summer of Connection” (SOC) Conference for Live Más scholars. “It was truly a life–changing experience,” he shares.
Paul’s favorite part of SOC was the beach party celebration where attendees learned about non-profit organizations, were able to donate “scholar dollars” to organizations of their choice (each dollar equates to a $50 donation from Taco Bell Foundation) and ended the evening with a big dance party!
Paul will be an incoming freshman at Kansas State University this fall, where he plans to study accounting and marketing. He was able to participate in K-State’s MAPS program, designed to help with college preparation for freshman students who are first generation, low-income or multicultural.
While it seems like smooth sailing for Paul, he admits to struggling with a full plate at the peak of his senior year of high school. He credits the support of DRG leadership with helping him through
“I am so fortunate to have incredible managers who recognize my involvement and offer flexible scheduling,” he says. “I know that they believe in my success.”
Paul shares he unfortunately felt behind compared to other scholars at SOC, but was inspired by a panelist who addressed those thoughts of doubt. “This doubt could have brought me down and hindered my motivation,” Paul says. “But I didn’t let it stop me! I talked to people who motivated me, and … got back on track!”
For Paul, there’s no such thing as linear success. “I have to embrace failure to overcome my doubts,” he says.
“Keep pushing past your own self doubt, and believe in yourself.” – Paul Nguyen, Service Champion
Paul’s five–year plan involves establishing his own nonprofit organization. “I hope to make my passion come to life soon, and I want to give back to the Live Más community — the ones that made it all possible,” he shares. “I hope to come to events like Summer of Connection as a panelist!”
He’s also very supportive of others considering applying for a Live Más Scholarship. “You have nothing to lose … so why not?!” he says.
“Be yourself. Focus on what you’re passionate about, and be proud of where you’re at!” – Paul Nguyen, Service Champion
Paul views all of these opportunities as a medium to better the world. And at DRG, we think the world is better for having people like you in it, Paul!
We’re recapping the fun from our annual Champion’s Club reward trip of 2025! Each year, DRG’s Champions’ Club recognizes top performers who emulate our core values, leadership behaviors, and deliver strong results day in and day out. This year’s winners were whisked away for four nights and five days of rest, reward and reconnection at Secrets Puerto Los Cabos in San José del Cabo, Mexico.
Trip participant and Above Restaurant Leader (ARL) Sam Chima said it best, “This wasn’t just a trip — it was a reset,” he shares. “A reminder of how far we’ve come, and the kind of leadership it will take to go further.”
Guests kicked off the trip with a welcome dinner, and had opportunities for catamaran and cooking class excursions throughout their stay. Our time together was wrapped with an elegant closing dinner to toast to continued collaboration and operational excellence.
“I’m proud to work for a company that doesn’t just talk about employee value — it shows up in experiences like this. – Sam Chima, ARL
At DRG, it’s important to us to make space for team recognition. We view it as a valuable investment in our future.
“I’m walking away with renewed energy, sharper insights and a deeper sense of appreciation for what it means to be part of DRG,” Sam shares.
Who are we? DRG!
We recently celebrated the grand reopening of our Lenexa Taco Bell location at 16130 W 87th St. in Lenexa, KS. Guests were welcomed to step inside the newly refreshed space, which features upgraded services designed to enhance the dining experience, including ordering kiosks and a walk-up window.
“We were excited to introduce innovative digital features that simplified the ordering process and created a smooth, enjoyable experience for everyone.”
To mark the reopening, the first 50 guests in line received a free Taco Bell-branded frisbee or bottle opener, along with a raffle ticket for a chance to win a Taco Bell-branded pickleball set or tote bag.
“Our guests enjoyed a stylish new dining experience with exceptional service,” said Kara Ramirez, VP of Operations for Diversified Restaurant Group, Kansas City.
Guests savored Taco Bell favorites along with new menu items like the Crispy Chicken Nuggets and Dirty Baja Blast. The Lenexa location offers dine-in service, online ordering for pickup or delivery, and catering options for large groups. The restaurant remains open daily from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Albert Green is a Senior Area Coach (AC) in our Kansas market who’s been with Diversified Restaurant Group (DRG) for four and a half years. Albert was recruited from a casual dining restaurant and he loves the transition to quick service and being at the forefront of Taco Bell innovation.
“DRG gave me the opportunity to prove myself,” Albert shares. “Even through adversity and some tough times, it was always clear that I was supported and able to strive for what I wanted to accomplish.”
“The growth potential here is REAL.” – Albert Green, Sr. Area Coach
Albert says when he first joined DRG as a Restaurant General Manager (RGM), his location only had nine employees. He saw this lack of staffing as a big opportunity. “Being able to staff the store and increase sales through better operations was a big accomplishment for my team,” he shares.
That’s just one of many wins Albert has scored with us. “Being able to come in and move up the ranks based on my performance was a great feeling,” he says of his promotion to Area Coach. He also appreciates how our Above Restaurant Leaders (ARL) are hands on and help solve issues alongside him.
Albert says his team is always finding ways to get better and improve — “good” isn’t good enough for them! “We strive to be No. 1 in our region,” he says.
Albert’s favorite part of the Senior AC role is being able to coach and teach team members, which also includes sharing in their success. “I love seeing people achieve their goals and dreams,” he says. “I work hard for them.”
Albert shares that his family and his team are his biggest motivators every day.
“Being able to positively impact the lives of our people is the best part of the job.” – Albert Green, Sr. Area Coach
Looking ahead, Albert hopes to continue to better the community and our company. His goals for the future are to keep moving DRG forward. “I really enjoy seeing my contributions to the company come to life,” he says.
If you, too, want to want to accomplish big things and make an impact like Albert, consider joining our team!
Brittany Walterman joined DRG in December 2017. Today, she serves as an Area Coach (AC) for our Kansas City, MO market, where she oversees seven bustling Taco Bells. It’s a role that’s not for just anyone given the area was once plagued by staffing issues, a shortage of restaurant managers, and challenges within certain neighborhoods.
According to Brittany, six other individuals tried their hand at this particular AC opportunity before she took over in July 2023.
“Every day’s a new day.” – Brittany Walterman, Area Coach
“The market was not so great,” she recalls. “I had to really build up the team.”
When Brittany assumed the Kansas City AC role nearly three years ago, she says four of her initial six locations were handed over without people in the essential Restaurant General Manager (RGM) role.
”Everybody was working overtime, closing early,” she recalls. She adds that the few RGMs who were in place were hard to connect with — she supposes they didn’t think she’d last!
But Brittany viewed this as an opportunity. “Because I didn’t have GMs in the restaurants, I like[d] the challenge … to hire and teach them how to grow,” she says.
So what’s the secret to Brittany’s resilience?
“Just having experience with Taco Bell and knowing how fast food really works,” she answers. “You have people and then you don’t have people, and then you have to hire.”
“The key to my success is not only what I know, but [what] I learn every day.” -Brittany Walterman, Area Coach
Support from leadership is also an integral part. “They give us all the tools — everything we need to succeed,” she says.
“The reason I wanted to become an Area Coach is because I wanted to help build the Kansas City market,” she says.
Today, Brittany says she remains focused on building up her team and keeping an eye on the restaurant’s star ratings. Teaching others is one of her favorite parts of the job. But she also loves showering her team with praise and recognition.
As for Kansas City, we ask Brittany how she thinks her market rounds out the company portfolio. “We kind of used to drag down DRG,” she shares. “But I think we’re adding something to DRG in a positive way.”
And Brittany is a big, beautiful part of that!
Education is a journey, not a destination. We’re proud to announce that DRG had 18 of our team members receive Taco Bell Live Más Scholarships in 2025! This passionate crew received funds totaling $200,000 to pursue their higher education goals.
Of the 18 recipients, 14 were first-time winners and four were renewal scholars, meaning they have won before. Please join us in congratulating this impressive group!
Eleazar Ibarra, Store 041616
Passion: Criminal Justice
Hoang Phuc Nguyen, Store 041543
Passion: Business/Entrepreneurship
Kimberly Rosas, Store 041595
Passion: Creative Arts
Aidan Edmonds, Store 034411
Passion: Technology
Arnold Mendoza, Store 039786
Passion: Medicine
Austin Coldren, Store 041601
Passion: Business/Entrepreneurship
Ernesto Gutierrez, Store 041606
Passion: Education
Isabel Lechado, Store 039803
Passion: Medicine
Julio Ugalde, Store 039834
Passion: Creative Arts
Kamila Castro, Store 030938
Passion: Communications
Lauren Atkinson, Store 034411
Passion: Science
Luke Tan, Store 039826
Passion: Engineering
Maritza Chaves, Store 039824
Passion: Aviation
Abhishek Soni, Store 041597
Passion: Agriculture
Evan Mertz, Store 031916
Passion: Business/Entrepreneurship
Jennifer Perez, Store 039842
Passion: Health and Fitness
Joshua Huynh, Store 036249
Passion: Aviation
Naomi Webb, Store 041600
Passion: Creative Arts
Maria Villicano is an Area Coach (AC) for Diversified Restaurant Group (DRG) who brought 16 years of Taco Bell experience to the job when she joined us three years ago. As an AC, Maria covers a lot of ground in our Los Angeles, CA market. “I’m a little everywhere,” she laughs.
One thing that was not a laughing matter, were the recent California wildfires that impacted three of the Taco Bells Maria oversees. The Eaton Fire forced temporary closures of those restaurants, the longest of which lasted five days.
“The first two days were very, very scary,” Maria shares. “Employees couldn’t go back home, they had to evacuate.”
Maria immediately sprang into action. “I called the stores to make sure they were okay,” she says. The next call was to our Director of Operations, Isaiah Ritchie, who agreed to immediately close down impacted restaurants for the safety of everyone.
Maria appreciates the way DRG cares for their people. “They don’t just say it,” she says. “They show it.” In this instance, she says that DRG paid team members for any days they were scheduled to work and were not able to as a result of the wildfires. Many people were staying in hotels due to the evacuation order, and this kind gesture lessened the financial impact.
“DRG truly cares about every single person that’s part of their team.” – Maria Villicano, Area Coach
After a very tense few days, the haze lifted, literally and figuratively. “From there, everything just kept getting better,” Maria says.
Miraculously, none of Maria’s team members lost their homes to the fire. “I’m very grateful for that,” she says. And we’re grateful for leaders like you, Maria!