Our 30 under 30 list was created to give a big shout out to the champions in our restaurants and field who serve as our biggest brand ambassadors and living, breathing examples of Taco Bell’s awesome culture.
Meet 30 of our rockstar team members, Live Más Scholars, General Managers and Above Restaurant Leaders who are all under the age of 30. These young leaders go above and beyond every day, and inspire their teams to bring the best Taco Bell experience to all of our customers. Most of them have attended our leadership programs, and when they’re not totally killin’ it in the restaurant, they find ways to take their passion and leadership to a new level in their communities, too. Congrats to 2018’s 30 under 30!
1. Alexa Greene – Neptune, NJ (MUY Brands LLC)
Alexa began her Taco Bell career as a Shift Lead in May of 2015. Within a few months, she was quickly promoted to AGM. She provides a positive, energetic, yet disciplined work environment. Alexa's impressive work ethic led her to become GM in January of 2017. Within her first year as GM, she was recognized as Taco Bell's GM of the Year at an event in Hawaii. Alexa has passion for her people, her restaurant and creating a great environment for her team and customers. In her spare time, you can find Alexa remodeling the home she just purchased with her wife, Brianna.
2. Anastacia Rodriguez – New York Area
Anastacia has been with Taco Bell since she was 18. After 10 years of hard work, she is now an Area Coach. She started out as a team member and worked her way through all levels of management in the restaurant. While always exemplifying Taco Bell's principles, Anastacia inspires her team to do the same. Being the active person that she is, she's always on the go. When she's not working, Anastacia can be found playing sports with her family or going to the gym.
3. Anastacia Satterfield – Lodi, CA (Jeanell Inc.)
Taco Bell has been a part of Anastacia's life since before she was born. Coming from a family that has worked for the brand since 1982, including her mom, four aunts and uncles and five cousins, she joined the party while she was in high school. Now, at 19, she is a GM and a full-time college student. In 2017, Anastacia received a Live Más Scholarship. Her 12-year passion for classical music led her to double major in Music and Music Therapy at the Conservatory of Music at the University of the Pacific. One day, Anastacia hopes to use the piano as an innovative way of bringing stability to those who suffer from anxiety, autism, and other disorders.
4. Beatrice Bichotte – Orlando, FL
Since Beatrice started at Taco Bell 10 years ago, she's been an inspiration to her team. She works extremely hard to build a great culture in her restaurant. Starting as a team member and working her way up to GM, she's never stopped spreading her positivity. Beatrice dedicates her free time to taking leadership courses through Taco Bell's education program Guild and volunteers at a performing arts school in her neighborhood.
5. Cameron Malnofski – Flat Rock, MI
Cameron is currently an AGM and training to be the next GM. He began his three-year career at Taco Bell in May of 2015 as a team member and got promoted to Shift Lead just two years later. Only six months, after that, he was promoted to AGM. Since starting his new role, Cameron has successfully led the development of two team members who recently got promoted to Shift Lead. Outside of work, Cameron has volunteered at his local police explorer program, interact club, and the Gibraltar rotary club. He is very passionate about the brand and hopes to one day become an Area Coach.
6. Christian Aguilar – Bakersfield, CA
Christian is a Service Champion at Taco Bell. Since joining the company in 2015, Christian has always been an outstanding team member. In 2017, he received a Live Más Scholarship, which he used to peruse his passion in broadcast journalism at California State University, Fullerton. Christian often posts video content to YouTube on topics including personal finance, building self-confidence, and animal rights. He is continuously looks to exemplify confidence and self-educates himself anyway he can.
7. Dennis Lechner Jr. – Mesa, AZ (WMM Inc.)
Dennis is a 10-year veteran of Taco Bell. Since starting as a team member, he has worked his way up to GM. His two restaurants believe that he is truly passionate about his team and their development. Knowing that Taco Bell is many of his younger team members' first job, he provides development skills that not only make them great team members, but great members of society. Dennis is a reliable leader within his franchise organization and the brand.
8. Elias Lim – Canada
Elias is an HR Generalist for our Canadian market. In just the two years that she's been with the brand, she's made the role her own by overcoming any challenge and presenting opportunities as needed. Our Canadian market sees her as a trusted confidant who they know will bring value to any situation. Elias has strived to create great insights on how to take care of the people in her market and is truly excited to grow within the company. Outside of work, you can find Elias traveling around the world to different countries.
9. Ginette Williams – Indianapolis Area (Bell American)
Ginette (Ginnie) started her career in June of 2013 as a team member at the Peru, IN Taco Bell. She was quickly promoted to a Shift Lead in September of 2013 and was promoted again to the GM of a restaurant in Shelbyville, IN in June of 2015. Ginnie was a GM at one of the $2 million restaurants as was also involved in the community through fundraisers and drives. As a GM, she participated in the theMark and plans to attend The Quest now that she's been promoted to Area Coach. As an AC, she is a trainer in The Spark classes in the Bell American market and does an amazing job correlating with the trainees. Along with her passion for Taco Bell, Ginne loves the Chicago Cubs and spending time with her family.
10. Hosam Gabr – Novi, MI
Two years ago, Hosam started at Taco Bell and he was promoted to GM. As GM, Hosam's team has excelled in customer service and voice of customer scores which shows in the culture of his restaurant. He always ensures he's fully staffed while helping other restaurants in the area do the same. Hosam participated in the theMark and our Guild Education program, where he is currently working towards a bachelor's degree in business administration.
11. Jessie "Kyle" Weir – Concord, NC
Jessie "Kyle" is a GM and has been with Taco Bell for a little over two years. Jessie “Kyle” strives to make customers happy while helping their team stay energized throughout shifts. Outside of Taco Bell, Jessie “Kyle” spins for Gentoo Winterguard, work another job, and volunteers at Charolette Youth with Time Out Youth, a local organization focusing on LGBT+ youth. With hopes of becoming a published author one day, Jessie "Kyle" continues to look for new ways to make the restaurant perform well, help team members follow their dreams and inspires others to do the same.
12. Jonathan Amaya – Houston, TX (KorMex Foods Inc.)
Eight years ago, Jonathan started his first job at Taco Bell as a team member. Since then, he's worked his way up to a leadership role in the training department, helping to ensure training is up to date. Jonathan supports his Area Coach by developing his people to aid other restaurants. Two of his three internally promoted AGMs have now been promoted to GMs. When the Taco Bell Truck came out to feed Hurricane Harvey victims, he provided both of his AGMs to help.
13. Jose Llanos – Manhattan Beach, CA (Alvarado Group)
Taco Bell is Jose's first and only job. He started with the brand at 16 years old and stayed with us for the past 11 years, during which he was promoted to GM. He's always been a great GM, but when he attended theMark, he realized some enhancements he could make to his day-to-day in and outside of the restaurant. Since then, he ensures his team knows how special they are, that he makes an impact on every customer that walks through the door or drives through the drive-thru, and he communicates with his family more. After making these slight changes, he's made a big difference in people's lives.
14. Joshua Benton – Greenwood, IN
Seven years ago, Joshua began his career as a Shift Lead and was quickly promoted to AGM, then to GM of two restaurants. As GM of the first cash payment kiosk location, he assures both team members and customers have an amazing experience in the restaurant. He is constantly advising his team to not only be the best versions of themselves at work, but in their personal lives as well. Outside of work, Joshua takes great pride in his wife and two children.
15. Justin Morris – Cleveland, OH
Justin has been working at Taco Bell for 8 years. He started as a team member and was then promoted to shift lead, AGM, and GM. As a GM, he successfully drove amazing results and sales volume in not only one, but two locations. He is now GM for the Cantina located in downtown Cleveland, Ohio. Justin always strives to create a positive and memorable experience for both his customers and employees. His energetic personality helps him be eager and confident in any situation. Justin is now being trained for an Area Coach position, where he will be responsible for an entire region of restaurants.
16. Kera Menzies – Sierra Vista, AZ (TacoBocci, LLC)
Kera is a GM and has been with Taco Bell for 10 years all while being a mom of two, supporting the community at local events (even taking a Taco Bell banner to show who she is representing), volunteering her time at the Boys and Girls Club of Sierra Vista, AND goes to Vegas to bowl competitively. She's known to be well-rounded, a mentor to her younger team members, a true team player and she is always smiling.
17. Krystal Leach – San Tan Valley, AZ (E & C Taco Inc.)
Krystal started working at Taco Bell 13 years ago at the age of 16. Since then, she has worked her way up from team member to GM. She is passionate about the importance of having a good work ethic. She always encourages, even her youngest team members, to learn the importance of being punctual, responsible, and accountable for their actions. Within her franchise organization, Krystal is known to be a top performer in all things Taco Bell.
18. Luis Mendoza – Las Cruces, NM
Luis has only been with the brand for a year and a half, he's already been to theMark and he's only 25. He inspires his team by continuing to motivate them, help with their personal schedule and ensure they know that hard work does pay off. Outside of work, he and his team volunteer at local events with food and prizes. Luis' goal for himself is to be the best father to his daughters while maintaining his career growth within Taco Bell.
19. Marissa Monk – Painted Post, NY (SHAASHWAT LLC)
Marissa began working at Taco Bell part-time while attending high school. After graduation, she decided to join her team full-time and was quickly promoted to Shift Lead. As Shift Lead, Marissa always goes above and beyond to ensure the restaurant is functioning properly. What makes her one of the best is her focus on training and scheduling. Outside of work, Marissa enjoys giving back to her community by promoting Taco Bell at local charity events.
20. Megan Calamari – San Tan Valley, AZ (E & C Taco Inc.)
Three years ago, Megan joined Taco Bell as a team member. While a full-time college student, she advanced to the Shift Lead position. She strives to ensure all new team members become comfortable and familiar with the team, the restaurant, and the brand. Megan's upbeat, spirited personality doesn't only help create a positive environment at the restaurant, she's also a coach at her local high school cheer squad.
21. Noemi Jasso – Norwalk, CA (Sonar, Inc.)
Since joining Taco Bell in 2013, Noemi has worked her way up from team member to GM in just three years. She's routinely a top performer for the company, with consistently high customer feedback scores, drive-thru speed and overall results. In addition, she has done a great job hiring, developing and promoting several Shift Leads, many of whom have never held a management position. While working full-time at Taco Bell, Noemi is also a full-time college student.
22. Patrick Davis – New Haven, IN (Mariane Inc.)
Patrick has had a very short, but successful career here at Taco Bell. In his six-months, he has successfully driven high volume sales. Due to improved operations, he won a sales contest. Patrick's restaurant has also been recognized as one of the top performing restaurants in the brand. His passion stems far outside of Taco Bell as well. He gives back to his community by volunteering for community parades and local Earth Day events. Patrick and his fiancé have a son named Elliot and love the Indiana Pacers.
23. Rachel Hardy – Central City, KC (Rogman Corp.)
Although Rachel has been with Taco Bell for four years and she's a GM, she is only 22 years old. Throughout her time at Taco Bell, she was Rogman's 2017 GM of the year, her restaurant's overall results are at an all-time high and she is going to help facilitate Rogman's SPARK rollout. Outside of work, Rachel has a three-year-old son and strives to own her own business.
24. Rachel Renfro – Johnson City, TN (Tacala Tennessee Corp.)
Rachel is currently the GM for two Taco Bell locations. Her 12-year career began as a team member but she worked her way through to the GM level. Since then, she has successfully driven high sales volume and improved operations speed. Rachel's restaurants have also been the highest producers and participants for charity events organized through Tacala. In her spare time, you can find Rachel singing karaoke or taking trips to learn about different cultures.
25. Rashad Russell – Chesapeake, VA
Six years ago, Rashad started out at Taco Bell as a closing team member. Throughout the six years that he's been with the brand, he got promoted to Shift Leader and then AGM with goals to become the next GM. Rashad is an excellent leader, a role model to many high school kids and he helps run operations. On his days off, he volunteers in local school's music department and even uses his personal money to buy some equipment. He's passionate about the kids having something positive to do after school. Due to his dedication and hard work, Rashad is known for making his restaurant a better place to work and dine.
26. Sam Hoener – Worecester, MA (Charter Foods North LLC)
Sam was hired to work at Taco Bell as a team member for the grand opening of the Ware, MA location. Within his first three months, he was quickly promoted to Shift Lead, where he assisted with the grand opening of another location. In his one-year span with the brand, Sam has played an integral role on his team for taking the lead in celebrating and recognizing his team members. He will be participating in theSpark and volunteers for St. John's Food for the Poor, Habitat ReStore, and Kingwoods Home for Children.
27. Tomas Lara – Grand Junction, CO (CoCal Colorado Inc.)
Tomas began his Taco Bell career in August of 2014 as a team member and has since been promoted to Shift Lead. He is always going above and beyond to ensure the restaurant is operating as smooth as possible, to lead by example, and build capability across all restaurant functions. At just the young age of 20, Tomas makes a positive impact each shift, not only for his team members but for his management as well. Along with work, he strives to create positive impact at home, while caring for his disabled mother. Overall, Tomas is a natural leader.
28. Tramesha McKnight – Tomball, TX
Taco Bell is Tramesha's first and only job. Since she started with the brand in 2011, she's never stopped believing in her people. While Tramesha always takes care of the day-to-day tasks of being a GM, she spends even more time interacting with her team, teaching them, and constantly making sure they all communicate. Her restaurant was one out of only 700 restaurants that received the 2017 Champions Club title, which are the top 10% of all Taco Bell restaurants. Tramesha even works on the weekends helping young moms with whatever they need. She wants to continue working her way up within Taco Bell, helping as many people as she can and embodying the true Taco Bell culture.
29. Victoria Emery – Grove City, PA (Charter Foods, Inc.)
Victoria (Vicki) is a GM who leads her restaurant with passion and creativity. Her restaurant has always been a unique place to visit with it's fun and welcoming atmosphere that feels like home. In fact, most of her team members have stayed at her restaurant throughout the three years that she's been there. Vicki develops many team members, helping them transition from their first jobs to Shift Leads, AGMs and GMs. She even helped a team member complete Taco Bell's GED program, and that employee now runs her own Taco Bell restaurant.
30. Zach Magner – Angola, IN (Bell and Birds Inc.)
Zach exemplifies all the values of a true team player. From his very first day as a team member to his current role as a GM, he has never shied away from working as a team. Prior to becoming a GM, he stepped in as junior assistant manager as needed without any hesitation, which gave him the natural leadership ability to run a restaurant. Starting with Taco Bell at the age of 15, he looks forward to seeing where the brand will take him. This father of three organized and hosted a holiday charity event at his restaurant, collecting toys, clothes, and presents to donate to local homeless shelters.