We’re mid-summer – what a great time to find out what’s cookin’ around Desert de Oro Foods (DDO). We chased down Fred Bendel, Vice President of Operations, for the latest intel.
Mid-year Momentum
With 347 restaurants and four brands, Fred confirms that DDO enjoyed a strong first half of the year and is on track or ahead of its growth goals in several areas. As DDO continues to expand, Fred doesn’t lose sight of what really matters: our people.
When asked to share a favorite moment from the year that reminds him why he does what he does, he says, “Watching someone earn a promotion they’ve worked years for. Those moments remind me that our business is really about developing people.”
Celebrating individual and team accomplishments throughout the year is a DDO must! For Fred, our annual Estrellas de Oro reward trip is a highlight and a great reminder that hard work, consistency, and living out our values matters.
“Spending time with our teams is easily my favorite part of the job,” he says. “This year, the scholarship presentations really stood out – [like Kamila Merchand’s unexpected $25,000 Live Más award]! Getting to celebrate team members who are investing in their education and future was a great reminder that what we do goes well beyond running restaurants.”
Here’s more from that exclusive interview.
Q: If you could describe the first half of 2026 in one word, what would it be?
A: Momentum. The foundation we’ve built over the last few years is starting to pay off. Our investments in people, operations and technology are compounding, and we’re seeing more consistent, sustainable results across the business.
[pull quote] “We have several markets doing exceptional right now. What they all have in common isn’t geography, it’s leadership. Great Area Coaches and managers create great restaurants.” -Fred Bendel, Vice President of Operations
Q: What’s DDO’s biggest operational win for the year so far?
A: One of our biggest operational wins has been improving turnover. More stability in our restaurants means stronger teams, better execution, improved guest experiences and lower labor costs. It’s taken a lot of focus over the last few years, and it’s rewarding to see that work paying off!
Q: New England is our newest market. What’s going on out East these days?
A: We’ve seen some of our biggest growth there the past couple of years … the team has done an outstanding job adapting while continuing to execute at a high level. We’re also excited to have Selene [Quintana] stepping into a new leadership role. She’s been with DDO for [20-plus] years, knows our business and culture, and I’m excited to see the impact she’ll have.
Q: Which processes or technologies have made the greatest impact?
A: Technology matters, but only when it supports better execution. We’ve started rolling out AI drive-thru in one market, and I’m excited to see the impact it can have as we expand it. Ultimately, the biggest gains come from pairing new tools with consistent routines and strong leadership.
Q: In your opinion, what will success look like at the end of 2026?
A: Success won’t just be hitting financial goals, it’ll be ending the year with stronger leaders than we started with, healthier restaurants and a culture where people want to grow their careers.
Here’s to ending the year strong, DDO!
