USA | Taco Bell has continued to invest in its team, which has seen a staff retention growth of 17 percent last year.
After 20 consecutive quarters of industry-leading same-store sales growth, Taco Bell is investing in the people powering its success: its 250,000+ Team Members. Taco Bell knows that sustained growth doesn't happen by chance, it's the result of engaged, supported teams who drive every milestone. At Taco Bell, the belief is simple: the customer experience should never exceed the Team Member experience, because when people feel supported, they create experiences worth coming back for.
To fuel its next phase of growth, the brand is focused on developing top talent through expanded leadership programs, education pathways and best-in-class benefits, and it's paying off. In 2025, in company-owned restaurants, Team Member retention improved year-over-year by 17 percent and restaurant General Manager vacancy reduced by 27 percent, signalling the clear impact that Taco Bell's people-focused investments are having across the system. Taco Bell is reshaping what it means to work and grow in the quick-service restaurant industry. Because while hiring may be seasonal for some, opportunity is always on the menu at Taco Bell.
"I started my career on the frontline of restaurants, and I've seen firsthand how the right support can open doors that once felt out of reach," said Jamie Harrison, Global Chief People & Culture Officer at Taco Bell.
"No matter how long a Team Member is with us, we want their time at Taco Bell to be meaningful. We're proud to invest in their future, regardless of where their path takes them."
For the first time, Taco Bell's signature "Tacos and Tuition" education benefit has been extended to employees of all levels at participating franchise locations, unlocking greater levels of access to flexible education opportunities. Previously available only to company-owned restaurant Team Members and corporate employees, the industry-leading benefit now reaches more Team Members than ever before through Taco Bell's new partnership with InStride.
Participating Team Members have access to more than 3,000 online programs and courses from top institutions, ranging from ESL and GED programs to bachelor's and master's degrees. The program does not require any up-front out-of-pocket costs for learners, removing financial barriers and allowing Team Members to focus fully on their education. Select program partners even recognise on-the-job training as credit towards degrees, representing more than USD 10,000 in tuition value for participating employees.
Since launch, more than 1,100 stores have enrolled in the program, with additional franchisees joining each month. And the impact is already clear: Tacos & Tuition has driven 73 percent retention on the front line, and managers enrolled in the program are seeing 1.5x higher retention rates.
More news here.
