At MRCO, family is at the heart of who we are. We were founded by family and as our company has grown and evolved, individuals at every level of the business have become connected like family.
“People are at the heart of everything we do.” -Imani Parson, Taco Bell Area Coach
That’s why when Area Coach (AC) Imani Parson encouraged us to host a paid day off of enjoyment for the MRCO family away from the restaurant and office, he had our full support!
From Vision to Reality
Imani brought his vision to life one Saturday afternoon in August, spearheading our inaugural company picnic for Restaurant General Managers (RGMs), office personnel and their families at Cedars of Lebanon State Park in Lebanon, TN. Fueled by a passion for our people, Imani organized catered BBQ eats, games and prizes, event photography, and music for all of our guests.
“With our company operating across multiple markets and states, many of our leaders rarely have the opportunity to connect outside of business meetings or restaurant operations,” Imani says. “This picnic allowed individuals from different backgrounds, communities, and leadership roles to come together in a relaxed and welcoming environment.”
To Imani, a company picnic is about pushing aside operations, sales goals and other everyday demands of business to bring our big work family closer together for a day.
He says the energy that afternoon was incredible! The park was filled with laughter and meaningful chatter. Games brought out everyone’s competitive spirit, all in good fun.
“The restaurant industry is demanding,” Imani confesses. “Our managers work long hours, face daily challenges … and make countless decisions to keep our restaurants operating successfully.”
All the more reason to offer a carefree day of connection!
Making Meaningful Memories
Imani’s ultimate goal for this sure-to-be annual picnic is to help MRCO restaurant leaders and support staff experience our family-oriented culture firsthand.
“The relationships we build are just as important as the results we achieve.”
– Imani Parson, Taco Bell Area Coach
“We never know when a conversation, a laugh, a photograph, or a moment spent together may become a memory we cherish forever,” he continues.
The significance of our first company picnic proved particularly sentimental as we lost one of our own, AC Stevie Cooper, shortly after the event.
According to Imani, Stevie was an instrumental part of our company over the years, contributing his leadership, knowledge and dedication to the MRCO family. Thankfully, he was able to attend the picnic.
“He had the opportunity to be surrounded by his colleagues, share in the fellowship and be part of the memories we created that day,” Imani says. “When I think about that now, I am even more grateful that I followed through with organizing this event.”
“Our picnic may have lasted only six hours, but my hope is that the relationships, memories and sense of belonging we created will last far beyond that day,” he says. “I’m especially grateful to our franchise owners Homey Aminmadani, Farzin Ferdowsi, Imaan Ferdowsi, Shareef Aminmadani, Shabnam Aminmadani and Amin Ferdowsi for supporting this vision and helping make this event possible.”
And we are thankful to Imani for pouring his passion into establishing this new company tradition. What a success it was!
“Companies grow stronger when their people feel connected, valued and appreciated.”
-Imani Parson, Taco Bell Area Coach
