We all know Taco Bell has been winning the fast-food game – we’re talking 20 consecutive quarters of crushing sales growth! But here’s the secret ingredient you might not realize: it’s not just the Nacho Fries; it’s the 250,000+ Team Members who make the magic happen.
Taco Bell’s leadership is making a bold statement: the customer experience should never exceed the Team Member experience. When their people feel supported, they stick around and create those incredible experiences we keep coming back for. And the results prove it: employee retention at company-owned restaurants is up 17%!
The ‘Tacos and Tuition’ Program Just Got a Huge Upgrade
Taco Bell has long been known for its “Tacos and Tuition” benefit, but for the first time ever, this game-changing education perk is being extended to employees at all levels at participating franchise locations! That’s massive news, unlocking flexible education pathways for thousands more people.
Through a new partnership with InStride, team members now have access to over 3,000 online programs and courses from top schools – everything from ESL and GED programs to full bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
The best part? It’s designed to remove barriers: there are no up-front, out-of-pocket costs, and some program partners even recognize on-the-job training as college credit, which could save employees over $10,000 in tuition value! This program isn’t just a gimmick; it’s driving real success, boosting frontline retention by 73%.
As Global Chief People & Culture Officer Jamie Harrison said, “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.”
Building Long-Term Careers (and Giving Out Scholarships!)
Taco Bell isn’t just focused on college degrees; they’re investing in leaders, too. They’ve launched theLeap, a new program to elevate high-performing General Managers and coaches for their next big role.
And let’s not forget the Live Más Scholarship, which just awarded a record $14 million this year! That brings the total scholarship money awarded to nearly $64 million since the program started a decade ago. It’s open to both team members and fans, proving Taco Bell supports passion in and outside the restaurant.
From Bellrista to Hawaii
Taco Bell is working hard to ensure the experience is excellent, piloting enhanced hospitality models in its Live Más Café locations and even creating a new Bellrista position – which has already drawn thousands of applicants!
Plus, internal promotion is the name of the game: 67% of company-owned leadership roles in 2025 were filled by promoting current employees. These aren’t just part-time gigs that fade away; nearly a quarter of company-owned General Managers have been with the brand for over 15 years!
Finally, for the rockstars who make the biggest impact, there’s the annual Golden Bell celebration – an all-expenses-paid, week-long trip to Hawaii!
With clear career paths, free education, and a week of paradise on the line, Taco Bell is seriously reshaping what it means to work in fast food. For more information about career opportunities, visit jobs.TacoBell.com.