The fast-food giant will also use Yum! Brands' $100 million Unlocking Opportunity initiative to to implement equitable, fair, and inclusive programs inside the company.Doing business as: KMAC ENTERPRISES, Taco Bell, KFC Additionally, the brand plans to diversity its marketing campaigns this year by increasing minority talent for at least 25 percent of on-screen, voice-over, model, and influencer appearances. Taco Bell listed racial equity as one of its core philosophies entering 2022, including the hiring of Katrina Thornton, the chain's first-ever chief equity, inclusion, and belonging officer. Together we can help people learn new skills, fuel their entrepreneurial spirit and ultimately build a better future for generations.” “The close working relationship between Yum!, Taco Bell and the University of Louisville demonstrates the power of collaboration. “I believe that businesses and educational institutions have a responsibility to work together to break down barriers and create opportunities for those who wouldn’t otherwise have them,” Kathy Gosser, director of the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence, said in a statement. The business bootcamp will use existing curriculum from the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence, which was formed last year in partnership with the University of Louisville's College of Business to break down barriers for underrepresented communities wanting to learn more about franchising.
Participants will be recognized internally for their accomplishment, receive scholarships to cover tuition, and access branded swag from the business school.
I am proud to work for a company that is working to build a path to franchise ownership for restaurant leaders from diverse backgrounds across all levels. As someone who started as a team member, I know firsthand that franchise ownership can be an intimidating path. “Little did I know, I would end up staying for a few decades and eventually managing and operating 319 restaurants. “ When I first started working in a Taco Bell restaurant in 1983, I thought I would only stay for a few months,” Tina Reagan, president and COO of franchise K-Mac Enterprises, said in a statement. The chain is also working with existing franchisees to share experiences and inspire future operators. We want to make foundational changes that positively impact our diverse team members’ growth.This program will teach them skills they need to climb the ladder – whether that’s moving up to the next level or even owning their own franchise one day.” Through the Taco Bell Business School, we want to show our ambitious restaurant leaders how their careers could flourish at Taco Bell and see opportunities they may not have previously considered. “We know that fast food jobs are often seen as stepping stones to other careers,” CEO Mark King said in a statement. Classes will educate operators on entrepreneurial skills, such as financing, growth and development, marketing, and human resources. The six-week Taco Bell Business School involves restaurant leaders learning the fundamentals of franchise ownership, infused with a "Taco Bell twist," the company said. Taco Bell announced Wednesday that its launching a "first-of-its-kind" training program to uplift operators from diverse backgrounds.