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In March we celebrate Women’s History Month. As a team made of 54% women, DRG has committed to programs, events, and discourse that prioritize the personal and professional development of women. Our company could not operate at the level it does without the strong women on our team who largely contribute to our success. This month we will highlight just a few of the women in our organization that positively impact our teams every day.
Meet Area Coach (AC) Alma Morales, who oversees our San Diego County locations. She’s grown into a strong leader for the DRG team and continues to go above and beyond in everything she does.
To be a Golden Bell winner is already a high honor. And still, Alma is part of an even smaller group of top-performing Taco Bell managers. She’s not only won the Golden Bell award two times, but one year, she received it for two restaurants simultaneously!
“It’s really hard to achieve Golden Bell,” she says. “But achieving Golden Bell for both of your stores at the same time, it’s a very proud moment that I have in my Taco Bell career.”
“You can achieve whatever you want.” -Alma Morales, Area Coach
Alma’s career spans 18 years (and counting). She started as an Assistant General Manager (AGM) and as her career with Taco Bell took off, she became Restaurant General Manager (RGM) and next, a Multi-Unit Manager overseeing two Taco Bells. Today, as an AC she manages seven locations!
Regardless of her growing level of responsibility, Alma still prioritizes her three children, her “pride and joy.”
“My secret is enjoying quality time with my family,” she says. Even if the quantity of time she has with her family can be limited, she adds, it’s the quality of the time she spends with them that helps her balance it all.
For Alma, winning a Golden Bell reward trip to Hawaii is even more special when you can bring a plus one. She shares that this provides a chance for family to share in celebrating your professional growth.
“It’s the family [that] get to see what you’re doing and why you’re sacrificing yourself,” she says. “When you come to work and you have those long days, or those hard days … it all pays off.”
“At no point [have I] felt that I have limits,” Alma says of DRG. “ They always encourage you to go for it — go get it — and motivate you.”
With DRG, Alma sees innovation and even more opportunity.
She also appreciates DRG’s tremendous support system and genuine care for team members. She references our Employee Assistance Program — the DRG Cares Fund — and scholarships.
“They are so big about scholarships,” she says. “They believe in the future that we have.”
DRG wants a great future for its people.
“Taco Bell is about believing in people, growing people, teaching people and developing people,” she says. So, what’s next for Alma? She’s not entirely sure but with Taco Bell and DRG, the sky’s the limit! Want to work with great people like Alma who inspire and motivate? Find your job today.
One of our newest Taco Bells, on East Vista Way, opened at the end of 2023 and is off to a sizzling start. For Laura Pitiquen, who is new to DRG, the updated location (new drive-thru menu board, digital menus, updated furniture) is a nice change of scenery — she’s used to managing older Taco Bells.
Laura is East Vista’s Restaurant General Manager (RGM). She joined DRG during an acquisition. She says she was scared about a transition in ownership, but noticed similarities in culture immediately between DRG and her previous employer.
“We all want the same thing: We care about the customers.”
The last Taco Bell Laura opened was six years ago. East Vista brings her career total to four. Today, her biggest challenge is having an all-new team. Training and correcting team members continue to be daily priorities.
But, Laura appears to be in the right place. “I love working with people … training, interacting with people,” she shares. Her goal is to propel East Vista to top 10, she says “make this store one of the best.” Sounds good to us!
Stop by today:
910 East Vista Way
Vista, CA
General Manager Darren Espy is truly in the prime of his career. Most recently, he:
Now he gets to join the nation’s top 100 Taco Bell Managers and Area Coaches on a trip to Hawaii. Taco ‘bout some awesome news!
Darren is a Manager Supreme, overseeing one of the busiest Taco Bells in the world. Whether playing host to a pack of hungry tourists or serving up Taco Bell faves at weddings and special events (like DRG’s race day watch party), the Vegas Cantina is a popular hotspot.
At the time of our interview, Darren and his team were gearing up for Super Bowl Sunday on the Strip!
So what’s the big deal about this latest accolade?
Golden Bell metrics are based on the number of customer complaints, CORE audits, and star ratings.
“We came out on top,” Darren shares proudly. “It’s truly exciting to achieve that goal.” But, “one and done” is not his plan here — Darren’s already planning what’s needed to keep the Cantina’s spot on top.
“What do I do to maintain that standard?” he’s been asking himself.
But this is a guy who’s spent his entire career in Quick Service Restaurants (20 years with KFC!). If anyone can figure out a recipe for success, it’s Darren.
Darren’s motto: Work smarter, not harder.
His other nuggets of wisdom:
For now, Darren appreciates the uniqueness of his job as manager of a Taco Bell Cantina in Las Vegas.
“When you’ve been in the business this long, you can get bored,” he says. But according to Darren, the Cantina setting is so different — especially in Sin City — that it keeps things new and exciting.
“It’s fun to come to work,” he says. “I enjoy what I do.” Read more about why here.
“If I can retire doing what I’m doing, I will.” – Darren Espy, RGM
In the meantime, he’s got a trip to look forward to! This isn’t Darren’s first chance to see Hawaii — he once graciously gifted his parents a trip that he’d won while being a top performer at KFC. But finally it’s his turn!
In 2021, Corinne Canavan traveled to Las Vegas, NV from Detroit, MI on vacation. Nothing unusual.
“I realized that I love the weather and also, I noticed that the service industry was kind of struggling,” she recalls. “To me, that looked like an opportunity with my background.”
She simply applied online for a job with DRG and was hired — on her birthday — over Zoom. The rest, as they say, is history.
Corinne’s story with Arby’s actually starts farther back, though. She first started working for the brand during high school, long before joining the DRG family. She began as a cashier and found herself steadily working her way up to management, taking on “every position Arby’s has to offer.” And doing it well! She was among our top performers to go to Cabo last fall!
“I was an assistant six months before taking over my first location,” she says. Today, Corinne has managed seven restaurants so far and certified three. She says she likes the fast-paced environment. Her home base is our Durango Arby’s in North Las Vegas.
According to Corinne, DRG offers endless opportunity and “opens up the spectrum of where my career could go.”
“I need things to be new and exciting,” she continues. “DRG is really good at keeping it that way.”
Corinne says no matter where the career path takes her, she sees options at DRG: open a new restaurant, move up, check out another path within DRG. That’s what she’d share with prospects — DRG is a place where personal and professional development is happening all the time. And we have great benefits!
“I just, I see so many different opportunities,” she says.
Today, Corinne holds two important roles for us — Certified Training Manager (CTM) for DRG Meats and manager of her Arby’s location.
“My team at 7781 … they get the job done for me,” she gushes. “My assistant is definitely my better half. Every single person on my management team … plays an individualized role in running the store. And they all do such a great job.”
“I’ve never, ever worked with a more inclusive group of people.”
In her day to day, sometimes Corinne is the mentor and sometimes she’s the student, she admits. She sees value in learning from diverse people from so many different walks of life.
Much as she enjoyed her all-expenses paid trip to Mexico as a newly inducted DRG Champions’ Club member (and Arby’s General Manager of the Year), it’s what she said in an earlier interview that shows her commitment to making an impact: “My favorite thing is training and development … I think it’s my job to bring someone else here next year,” she said about developing others to compete for a spot on our beloved reward trip.
“I love the constant flow of mentorship … it’s always going in and going out, whether I’m the mentor or the student.” – Corrine Canavan, Training Manager
But you can’t earn a spot if you’re not a part of the team. Apply now! “It’s a very easy, fast-paced, fun job to have,” Corinne would tell you with enthusiasm!
Innovation is the name of the game at DRG. We are proud to expand on the Taco Bell Cantina concept and create spaces where people love to gather and host events! Where else can you get all your favorite Taco Bell menu items, in addition to the alcoholic beverage of your choice? From boozy Baja Blasts to beer or a glass of wine, the options are endless!
No matter the occasion, we have a cantina for you! Every location has its own unique personality and theme. Want a beautiful beach backdrop for your next event? Check out our Pacifica Cantina, ranked one of the top 10 most beautiful fast food restaurants in the world! So beautiful, in fact, it played host to the first Metaverse wedding reception.
Speaking of getting hitched,Las Vegas Taco Bell Cantina is home to its very own wedding chapel! If we had to rank the most romantic of all our Cantinas, this one would take the cake. Outside of exchanging vows, our Vegas cantina, located right on the Strip, opts for faster–paced action in the form of world–class racing watch parties to raise money for a good cause.
We are immensely proud of our newly opened San Jose Cantina in California. To have the support of our partners like the NHL’s San Jose Sharks to welcome us to the community is unmatched! It’s the perfect place to book your private event – you and your guests can feast on Taco Bell classics and Twisted Freezes while hanging out on the heather outdoor patio.
Kansas City with a plethora of large screen TVs, remains the place to be for all your game-day viewing needs. Situated perfectly on the corner of Westport Rd. and Broadway Blvd., this Cantina is the ideal spot to grab a drink with friends or stop by for a quick bite. Relax in one of our comfy booths or get in on the action at the bar – there is something for everyone!
Our San Francisco location is currently wrapping up a refresh that will leave guests feeling golden. Through the space is small, it sure is mighty! New upgrades will enhance the customer experience by allowing for faster service and a fresh new feel. The team is looking forward to more space and an optimized line to get our famous food out quicker to our guests.
If gaming is your style, you won’t want to miss the San Ramon Taco Bell Cantina. It is the only Taco Bell in the world boasting a gaming theater with 6 Xbox consoles. Whether you want to level up your next birthday party, have a fun night with friends, or just try something new, we know you’ll have a blast at this game-themed Cantina.
What’s better than sunshine, palm trees, and the California coast? How about all of that plus Taco Bell! At our Newport Cantina you can find good food, good drinks, and good vibes. Take a beach-day break and grab a classic menu item and a refreshing Twisted Freeze. With just a short walk from the sand, bring your appetite and we’ll supply the Taco Bell you crave!
Last, but certainly not least, is the family-friendly Danville Cantina. Focused on fresh air and fun, this Cantina has everything from lawn games and fire pits, to TV’s and an outdoor bar. The heated patio can be enjoyed year-round, making every hour feel like happy hour. Rent the whole space for an indoor-outdoor party or reserve one space for a private event you won’t forget!
Inspired? Visit the DRG events page to book your next party today!
Marco Ramirez is Restaurant General Manager (RGM) of DRG’s newest Taco Bell Cantina in San Jose, CA, which opened in August. He and his team just pushed through their first holiday season at Westfield Oakridge Mall, where the cantina is a mere elevator ride away from the movie theater (and hungry moviegoers).
According to Marco, while the mall offers plenty of dining competition, he believes the care his team has for the guests and DRG’s focus on safe, high-quality fare combined with speedy service is what sets his Taco Bell apart.
Marco wants his cantina known as a clean, friendly place where guests can enjoy everything “their way.”
Hey, the cool cantina setting can’t hurt! DRG’s San Jose Cantina boasts a retro look with a vintage movie theater display case, TVs, music, a “well-equipped” patio with comfy seating and a fireplace — a definite step up for fast foodies. Check out the pretty pink order pickup room donned with neon electric lights and taco designs throughout. When “Barbie” was on the big screen, it was coined the “Barbie Room.”
Like all of our cantinas, San Jose has proven a great event venue — NHL Sharks events are “full of fun,” according to Marco (DRG is a Sharks’ sponsor).
Marco hasn’t spent much time in a traditional Taco Bell — he bounced around from cantina to cantina for training — but he claims cantinas have a completely different vibe.
“We have fun every time we have a shift,” he says. “Guests come [in] more relaxed, looking to try new mixes with our freezes and stuff like that … we still run Taco Bell requirements in food but in a more fun way.”
Dine in, pick up, sit on the patio — there are lots of options! And like the rest of our cantinas, this location serves alcohol, perfect for spicing up any of our nine Taco Bell Freeze flavors.
Marco joined DRG in June 2022 after opening a non-Taco Bell Mexican food restaurant with his family (they own two restaurants and three taco trucks). Once their newest location — in Turlock, CA — started taking off and seemed adequately staffed, he moved back to the Bay Area. That’s when he heard from another Taco Bell franchisee about an Area Coach (AC) position. Marco remembers filling out several job applications at once; one happened to be for DRG.
He decided to accept an Assistant General Manager (AGM) role with DRG, with full intention to move up the ladder, and became RGM in March 2023. He was handpicked for the cantina from the start: interviewing, hiring and training a new team for the much anticipated San Jose location.
Marco finished up training while the new cantina was being built.
“It was hard work but very motivational,” he says of the onboarding process. He says his AC James Aman involved him in all aspects of preparation, even construction. He thinks that’s why he’s so attached to his cantina and employees.
Marco really believes that DRG is a people-focused company. “They care about you as a person, treat you well,” he says. “When I need support I have it. It’s a great company with competitive salaries and great benefits.
He continues, “There is a person in charge for each department, rules are very clear and training is important here.” Yes, at DRG, we believe in setting leadership up for success from the start.
We’re always looking for fun, reliable people. Apply today!
Freddy Lopez has been with DRG Meats for less than a year and already, this ambitious General Manager says he wouldn’t trade his team at the Aliante Parkway Arby’s in Las Vegas for any other.
“They are like a family,” he says. “They are committed, they’re loyal and [they are] great ambassadors.”
Freddy joined us after jumpstarting his career with a couple of other well-known QSR brands first. He says he wanted to work at Arby’s because he was attracted to our commitment to delivering the best tasting, high quality food.
Maybe he’s here because of the Classic Beef ‘n Cheddar, too? He gushes about his favorite menu item: “It’s the Cheddar sauce and the Red Ranch mixed together that makes the sandwich taste fantastic.”
The Sky’s the Limit
Let’s get real, Freddy’s actually here because he sees a viable future and is confident he can grow with DRG. And that’s important! We want to develop people like Freddy to their full potential as we did with Patty Alvarez and Estafania Ortiz, for example. We must be doing something right if our newest hires see the promise of opportunity as they enter the door.
“DRG offers opportunities for growth, learning, and advancements in the organization, and I love that about them,” he says.
”DRG has been one of the best companies I’ve worked for.” -Freddy Lopez, RGM
Beyond professional opportunity, Freddy shares that he’s found a greater purpose in the restaurant scene. One of Arby’s core principles is to make a difference.
For Freddy, this is an easy value to live out. He says, “I find satisfaction in knowing my job has a positive impact on others, whether it’s helping guests, fixing a problem, making a difference in the area, or going and helping other stores out.”
So what would Freddy say to someone considering a role with DRG? “Take the job right away. You have a work-life balance here!”
Don’t take his word for it. Check out job openings at Arby’s in Alaska, California and Nevada today!
It was an exciting year end for us in Sin City! In tandem with the debut of a Formula 1 event zooming through the streets of The Strip, DRG’s flagship Las Vegas Taco Bell Cantina revved up, too, to host its hoppin’ Tight Turns & Tacos Party, boasting live views of the race at Turn 14 and TVs broadcasting all the action.
While we set out to show guests a great time, the event’s real purpose was to support a cause that’s dear to the DRG family and our world-class brand. All ticket proceeds benefitted the Taco Bell Foundation and its incredible educational grants and scholarships. Between ticket sales and donations, we raised $75,000!
You could say this was fast and furious fundraising!
A big thanks to Restaurant General Manager (RGM) Darren Espy and his team for helping to execute a successful event while navigating all of the event’s first-year kinks (the big race is set to recur in Las Vegas per a 10-year contract).
At DRG, we love our Vegas presence — with the DRG Restaurant Support Center (RSC), our Vegas cantina and the one-of-a-kind Taco Bell wedding chapel, the November fundraiser and watch party just made us feel even more a part of the community.
Still curious about the party? Take a look at what fun we had:
DRG’s San Jose Taco Bell Cantina has only been open a few months, but one team member is already making a name for himself. Sadrac Zuniga joined DRG as a Team Member at the Story Road Taco Bell location (also in San Jose, CA) in June 2023. After four months on the job, he moved to our newest Taco Bell cantina and has been there ever since.
Sadrac’s motto is, “be the change you wish to see in the world” and so far, he’s off to a good start! One guest left a glowing review after a recent visit to his cantina, sharing, “From the moment we walked up to the restaurant, we were greeted with a warm and friendly welcome by Sadrac. Sadrac went above and beyond to make our visit enjoyable.”
“Seeing people smile honestly makes my day better.” – Sadrac, Team Member
Positive feedback fuels Sadrac’s drive to be the best. He says, “[It] makes me feel great, makes me go and want to do more, go beyond my work performance and change the world a bit.”
Who does he credit? His mom, a single mother to two kids who inspired his strong work ethic.
As for the best part of the job, Sadrac appreciates that every day is different; he thrives on meeting all of the new faces that visit his restaurant each day.
“Meeting new people and creating a small impression on them totally makes the job fun!” he says.
“DRG is evolving and I want to be part of it and grow.” – Sadrac, Team Member
With the many career growth opportunities available at DRG, Sadrac has his sights set on one day becoming a Restaurant General Manager (RGM). We have no doubt that he will succeed in whatever he puts his mind to!
If you want to experience Sadrac’s top–notch customer service firsthand, consider booking an event at our San Jose Cantina today!
Can’t stop, won’t stop! We boldly proclaimed our mission of “racing to the top” this year with growth and innovation at the forefront. At 350-plus restaurants, there’s no slow down in sight! Join us as we zoom through the year in review highlighting all of the success we experienced in 2023. And don’t forget to follow along on our social channels Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok for a firsthand look at the fun!
It’s totally a numbers game. And DRG came out on top in 2023, reaching (and quickly surpassing) the 300 restaurant milestone — ten times that of our founding acquisition of 29 restaurants in 2014!
Not just new places, but also new faces! DRG welcomed a new CFO, Ben Marmor into the executive suite.
A goal for growth means more new store openings! DRG saw plenty of ribbon cutting in 2023. Most notably:
DRG continues to invest in innovation via the Taco Bell Cantina concept. Doubling as social experiences and event venues, our most recent cantina opened in San Jose, CA just in time for our 2023-2024 partnership with the NHL’s San Jose Sharks! This partnership allows us to create impactful experiences in the community for hockey and Taco Bell fans alike.
We were thrilled to surprise our 2023 Live Más Scholarship winners at wide receiver Davante Adams’ Youth Football Training Camp in Las Vegas. 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. Additionally, DRG is proud to have awarded $100,000 directly to our employees.
Each year we welcome a new group of top performers into DRG’s esteemed Champions’ Club and reward them with a special retreat away from the restaurant scene. We can’t be No. 1 without our people. And high performers need a little recharge before the next victory lap!
We proudly announced a new companywide initiative to empower more DRG women to sit at the head table. Our Women in Leadership (WIL) Initiative aims to change the perception of women’s roles throughout DRG. 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.
We celebrated a year full of victories at the 2023 Leadership Summit in Las Vegas! Inspired by the fast and furious world of racing, DRG restaurant leaders from each market gathered to recognize the world class team members who are helping us speed to the top of the quick service race.