With the entrance of spring, came the much-anticipated arrival of three MRCO Taco Bells: two in Murfreesboro, TN, and the third in Barnesville, GA. On March 26, we opened all three on the same day, the QSR equivalent of a hat trick!
How’d we do it? With a LOT of hands on deck! Tallia Owens, Restaurant General Manager (RGM) of our new Georgia location, shares, “I had support from all over Georgia … made me feel like they really care.”
Opening a new restaurant involves more than the restaurant team and its leadership. As a company, we work tirelessly to rally the support that’s necessary before, during and long after any grand opening. Tallia confirms, it’s a confidence building experience!
“No other company helps with their employees more than MRCO.”
– Jabari McNeal, RGM
Multiplying in Murfreesboro
Our two newest Murfreesboro locations bump our count up to 10 Taco Bells in that lively market! First, we have our Joe B. Jackson and Interstate 24 restaurant, which offers the convenience of a drive-thru and boasts an inviting patio. It’s managed by RGM Jabari McNeal, who says he loves training and working with new staff.
We also opened the doors to our Veterans Parkway Taco Bell, managed by Dillon Meier — this was Dillon’s first restaurant opening!
“Murfreesboro has all been a very ‘hot’ area for MRCO Taco Bells. The demographics and rapid growth of the city are ideal for growing our brand,” says Rick Luzader, MRCO’s Director of Operations.
“This was the busiest store I’ve ever been at or ran,” Dillon shares. That says something, considering Dillon has been with us for seven years!
He gave us the inside scoop on the most popular items at his Taco Bell: Mexican pizza and cheesy rollups morphed into ’80s favorite Meximelts. “They’re both great tasting items our customers can’t get enough of,” Dillon says.
Bringing Burritos to Barnesville
Meanwhile, nearly 300 miles away and across state lines, we did a “scrub and rebuild” on an old Hardee’s site in downtown Barnesville. It’s a quiet little college town that’s been waiting for a Taco Bell for 30 years!
Now, Barnesville has a beautiful, modern Taco Bell that Tallia says is unlike any she’s ever seen. “It’s a breath of fresh air to walk into this building,” she says.
She was nervous about the grand opening; it took long hours, sweat and even some tears. But Tallia and her team pulled it off!
“The line was all the way through town,” she says. ”We came in, we rolled up our sleeves … everybody was just excited about the line. And it was consistent, all day long.”
“I love what I do.”
– Tallia Owens, RGM
“I have never seen a more dedicated group,” Tallia says of her team.
She expresses deep gratitude for having so many people pitching in to see her new location succeed. “For my people to stand with me, elbow to elbow, it meant a lot to me,” Tallia shares.
The good news is, with every new restaurant, comes new opportunity! Check out our current job openings.
To enjoy tasty food in a shiny new environment, here are three options!
1634 Joe B. Jackson Parkway, Murfreesboro, TN
5257 Veterans Parkway, Murfreesboro, TN
323 College Drive, Barnesville, GA