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At DRG, we know a thing or two about going for gold, which is why we’re so happy to introduce these Golden Bell winners who represent our Taco Bell business so proudly. This crew is officially part of a very exclusive club — the top 200+ Best of the Best Restaurant General Managers and Area Coaches. Their hard work will be rewarded with a celebratory trip to Hawaii! Congratulations to this amazing group.
Bryan Hermoza – #30796 San Carlos, CA
Darren Espy – #32366 Las Vegas, NV
Franklin Arnold Jr. – #37172 Bethony, MO
Jennifer Guthrie – #41986 Gardner, KS
Yaritza Navarro – #40763 Newport Beach, CA
Elsy Perez is a Market Training Manager (MTM) for our Taco Bell in Las Vegas, NV. With nine years under her belt, she has a lot to say about DRG and her role in the company!
Originally a California native, Elsy moved to Las Vegas in the pursuit of opportunity. And she soon found it with us! Before being promoted to the MTM position, Elsy also worked as a Restaurant General Manager (RGM).
“My experience at DRG has been wonderful. It has opened up many doors and allowed me to live a good life.” – Elsy Perez, Market Training Manager
Elsy applied for the MTM role at the encouragement of a co-worker, and says she’s found positive energy to be a consistent presence during her time with us. “I appreciate the hospitality I receive,” she shares. “Everyone is so kind and welcoming.”
One word Elsy uses to define the current status of her career is “content.” That’s not to say there aren’t challenging days, as anyone who works in the quick service space can attest. “It’s easy to stay motivated due to the people I work with,” Elsy says. “They remind me why I do this.”
“DRG has treated me good [all] these years. I enjoy the work and the people I get to work with.” – Elsy Perez, Market Training Manager
Because Elsy has received so much career support over the years, she enjoys paying it forward to members of her team as well. “My favorite part of the job is having a trainee get to the point where they are successful without my help,” she shares.
Ely’s motto is “The most effective way to do it, is to do it.” And one thing she’s made a concerted effort to do — aside from training successful teams — is to maintain a good work-life balance, the key to assuring career longevity.
And growth is the goal for Elsy! She aims to continue to learn and improve in the MTM role, with plans to keep climbing our career ladder along the way! “I would love to earn the Golden Bell award,” she confesses. Go for it, Elsy!
We’re celebrating Mario Tapia Gonzalez’s recent promotion to Area Coach (AC) in our Las Vegas, NV market! A hard worker with a love of triple espressos and a penchant quoting the fictional Michael Scott from “The Office” AND real-life rapper Drake, Mario brings fantastic energy to the job each day.
A longtime Las Vegas resident, Mario has been with DRG since 2014 and in that time has worn many different hats at Taco Bell. He joined as a Food Champion before climbing the ranks to Shift Lead, Assistant General Manager (AGM), Restaurant General Manager (RGM) and Market Training Manager (MTM), before his AC promotion.
Mario is currently responsible for overseeing six of our Taco Bell restaurants. What’s the key to his success? Caffeine! And, of course, a positive attitude. “It’s just a hard day not a hard life,” is Mario’s mantra for getting through busy seasons.
Family also inspires Mario to work hard. “I wouldn’t be where I am without their support,” he shares. Mario has found family at DRG as well. “I feel at home,” he says of his place with us.
“Little did I know, Taco Bell would turn into a career which I’m very grateful for.” – Mario Tapia Gonzalez, Area Coach
Unofficially, one of Mario’s favorite parts of the job is the free tacos, but more importantly, he says, “Seeing people grow personally and professionally [is] the most rewarding feeling.”
Mario’s advice to other people in the business is to get comfortable being uncomfortable. “Taking risks and getting out of our comfort zone will foster growth,” he assures.
“I have the opportunity to help others every day. Who wouldn’t want to keep working in an environment like that?” – Mario Tapia Gonzalez, Area Coach
When he’s not inventing off-the-cuff menu specialties like “twist fries” (Cinnamon Twists with French fry seasoning), Mario is making big plans for his restaurants in 2025: securing Signature Status. Mario, we’re confident your hard work will make us the best on the block!
Get ready to quench your thirst! We’re proud to announce the opening of Taco Bell’s new beverage concept — Live Más Café in San Diego, CA.
As a leader for trailblazing new concepts like voice AI ordering, an all-digital drive-thru and our growing portfolio of Taco Bell Cantinas, we’re thrilled to be given the opportunity to partner with Taco Bell on this exciting new café experience.
“Live Más Café is a bold new chapter in our journey of innovation.” – S.G. Ellison, CEO & President, in Nation’s Restaurant News.
“Bellristas” will be serving up fan-favorite specialty drinks like Chillers, Agua Refrescas, coffee and more. Along with all of the traditional Taco Bell menu items our guests love. The café is open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m.
We saw an amazing turnout at our grand opening with 500 locals. Guests loved the drinks and cozy atmosphere. We’re confident this positive reaction from the community is a sign of sweet things to come! A bright (and delicious) new future for DRG!
Delivering best-in-class service is our signature, which is why we’re proud, but not surprised, to count the following DRG locations as Signature Restaurants for 2024. Congratulations to all who worked so hard for this much deserved recognition!
As a reminder, Signature Restaurants are a part of the top 2% of Taco Bell restaurants who achieve five-star status all year long. The top 100 General Managers and Area Coaches will achieve Golden Bell status with a celebratory trip to Hawaii!
General Manager: Belson Juarez
Area Coach: Ramneet Kaur
General Manager: Bryan Hermoza
Area Coach: Carolina Brandau
General Manager: Pedro Favela
Area Coach: James Aman
General Manager: Nereo Alvarez
Area Coach: Stephanie Juarez
General Manager: Yaritza Navarro
Area Coach: Paola Heredia
General Manager: Shelly Duran
Area Coach: Albert Green
General Manager: Franklin Arnold Jr
Area Coach: Shelby Bowen
General Manager: Darren Espy
Area Coach: Debbie King
With the close of another fulfilling year, it’s a great time to celebrate the moments and milestones that defined our journey. From innovation in restaurant design to uplifting employee success stories, these blog posts captured the spirit of DRG at its best. Let’s count down the top 10 posts that made 2024 so memorable.
We kicked off the list with a forward-thinking concept that streamlined service and convenience. This all-digital, drive-thru-only Taco Bell format signaled our commitment to staying ahead of evolving guest expectations.
Embracing a tech-savvy approach, the new Ghost Kitchen demonstrated how efficiency and adaptability can thrive under one roof, allowing customers to enjoy their favorites with greater ease than ever before.
This feature highlighted how Taco Bell Cantinas served as vibrant community hubs, hosting events that brought people together to celebrate, socialize, and savor more than just great food.
Freddy’s personal journey reminded us that fulfilling careers can emerge in unexpected places. His positive experience at Arby’s showed that a supportive team and growth opportunities can spark lasting job satisfaction.
A celebration of the women who shape our company’s future, this post honored their achievements, leadership, and the diverse perspectives they bring to the table, underscoring DRG’s commitment to inclusivity.
Shane’s people-focused leadership approach inspired many readers. By prioritizing trust, empathy, and teamwork, he showed how caring for our employees leads to thriving operations and satisfied guests.
This story captured the essence of seizing the moment. A simple vacation to Las Vegas opened doors to a fulfilling career, emphasizing that DRG’s supportive culture can transform unexpected chances into long-term success.
A look back at a year filled with expansion, recognition, and forward momentum. This roundup highlighted the defining accomplishments that set the stage for future growth and innovation.
Hard work deserves meaningful rewards. This vacation recap highlights our belief in acknowledging top performers, offering them not just a getaway, but a moment to reflect, recharge, and return even stronger.
Topping the chart was a post about leaders gearing up for new challenges, guided by an Olympic spirit of pushing limits. This summit showcased DRG’s commitment to empowering our teams to reach their highest potential.
Teresa Marin is a Restaurant General Manager (RGM) who’s worked with us for two decades! “I wanted a part–time job to pay for my education,” she shares of how she got her start. “The culture was so amazing that it made me re-think my career aspirations, and here we are 20 years later!”
We recently caught up with Teresa at the Freedom, CA Taco Bell location she manages, to learn more about her secret to success on the job.
DRG: How long have you been working at the Freedom, CA Taco Bell?
Teresa: I started working here as a cashier in 2004, then left for other locations and came back in 2012 as the RGM.
DRG: What other titles have you held with DRG’s Taco Bell?
Teresa: Area Coach.
DRG: How do you stay motivated on hard days?
Teresa: My faith keeps me motivated.
DRG: What/who inspires you to work hard every day?
Teresa: My faith gives me so much inspiration to work hard.
“I love the culture here; a lot of people are like family to me.” – Teresa Marin, RGM
DRG: Why do you keep working for DRG?
Teresa: The leadership team is very supportive and I know I can count on them always.
DRG: What’s your favorite part of this job?
Teresa: The impact we have on the community and the career opportunities we provide for employees.
DRG: What are your goals for the restaurant in 2024/2025?
Teresa: My goal for this year to have happy, motivated employees that want to be part of the Taco Bell family.
DRG: How does customer feedback — positive or negative — make you feel and/or motivate you?
Teresa: Negative customer feedback keeps me humble; it gives me the opportunity to know what areas me and my team can improve on. Positive feedback makes me feel appreciated.
DRG: What is your favorite Taco Bell menu item?
Teresa: Chalupa Supreme with nacho cheese and jalapeños.
Teresa, you make a SUPREME addition to our team!
We had the opportunity to partner with the local Boys & Girls Club of Greater San Diego, where we served Taco Bell fare to over 80 kids and staff members. Honoring our core value, “We Have Fun,” participants also played games at the event. We happily handed out backpacks filled with school supplies and t-shirts to children in attendance.
“DRG is honored to positively impact the lives of those around us.” – Haley Stevenson, Marketing & Events Manager
Boys & Girls Clubs of America provide a safe place for millions of youth each year, giving them an opportunity to discover their potential, which is why we’re a proud sponsor of Boys & Girls Clubs in the communities we serve. Giving back in each of our markets is ingrained in our brand identity; without community, we wouldn’t be who we are.
“To have the opportunity to help young people in our community reach their full potential is an absolute privilege,” says our Marketing & Events Manager, Haley Stevenson.
A special thanks to Lily and her team at the H Street Taco Bell for preparing food for the event. MVP status goes to Lily and Alma, along with their managers, for stuffing the 120 backpacks!
For their dedication to both preparation and participation, we also want to thank: Erika, Elmer, Jose, Maribel, Jesus, Benjamin and Shane.
We’re grateful for our longstanding partnerships and look forward to kindling new connections to create a meaningful impact in support of local organizations.
We’re celebrating an exciting milestone for Women’s Leadership Network (WLN)! In October, we successfully brought together our whole cohort in the same room! The real-life super women who comprise DRG’s WLN traveled from every market for our “Wonder Woman Workshop,” held at the company’s Restaurant Support Center (RSC) in Las Vegas, NV.
“The whole reason we were there was to break down barriers and shift our mindset,” shares Communications & Media Manager Sierra Burk, who doubles as a WLN co-founder.
While together, nearly 50 participants shared stories and refined personal goals, and most importantly, talked about how to combat “the villains” that so often prevent women from aiming higher, such as:
According to Sierra, who’s intimately involved in the planning, workshop content was designed around how to rise up and conquer these “villains.” Attendees were given the chance to each create a personal “book of possibilities” where they could record affirmations. “A lot of people felt inspired after that,” Sierra says.
“WLN is an avenue to build relationships and lift each other up.” – Sierra Burk, WLN Co-founder
The workshop also included remarks by Kelly Schwarz, the CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Nevada, and Ana Carolina Mexia Ponce Co- Founding Partner at Nido Ventures. DRG’s own leadership participated in a panel discussion about executive presence.
While WLN events are all about empowering women, it’s important to note they have the support of DRG men. Special thanks to Jason Dunn, VP of Ops Excellence, and Gursimran Ghumman, Director of Operations for Northern California, who both had direct impact on the success of this workshop. Jason led our goals workshop, and Gursimmran spoke on the executive panel.
Of course, no superhero event is complete without costumes! The workshop concluded with a fitting finale. Thanks to a direct connection through our Loss Prevention & Safety Manager, Ramon Montoya, volunteers from Critical Care Comics stopped by in superhero costumes to help the WLN assemble care bags for The Shade Tree women’s shelter in Las Vegas. Ramon is Critical Care’s Batman!
In just two years, WLN has already had such a meaningful impact on our organization. We’re looking forward to what 2025 will bring! Sierra shares that WLN may be expanded to include general managers. Stay tuned for updates!
