At Desert de Oro Foods (DDO), our guests are at the heart of everything we do. For Area 7 in Northwest Arizona, that mission inspired a special Guest Appreciation Day designed to give back to the customers who show up to our Taco Bells every day. Led by Area Coach (AC) Nina Atkins, the event brought teams and guests together for a day filled with free food, Taco Bell swag, plenty of smiles and the kind of memorable moments that go beyond the restaurant experience.
“Making people smile is what my team and I strive to do.”
– Nina Atkins, Taco Bell Area Coach
Free Food, Swag & Plenty of Fun
Whether they were longtime regulars or first-time visitors, every Area 7 guest was welcomed with the same enthusiasm and genuine care.
“We were hoping that each guest would have a memorable experience that shows how appreciative we are of each customer,” Nina shares. “No matter the situation, we can always make the day better.”
From the moment guests walked through the doors, the excitement was hard to miss. Each participating restaurant was decked out with balloons and decorations, while teams kept the energy high with great music and plenty of enthusiasm.
Guests enjoyed free food and treats, Taco Bell merchandise, and free tacos for their next visit. Restaurant teams made sure digital and drive-thru guests were included, too, with cashiers handing out free Taco Bell swag with each order.
Team members and participating locations also greeted guests at the door, took photos with them and made sure everyone felt like part of the celebration.
“My favorite moment from this event is all the smiles and laughs,” Nina shares.
A Team Effort
Behind every great guest experience is a team working together to make it happen.
Nina described the teams’ attitudes as “contagious, vibrantly resilient and effortlessly happy.”
“I am most proud of the empathy, appreciation and resilience that my team brings to the table daily,” Nina shares. “They always go above and beyond for each other!”
Seeing team members come together for something bigger than their individual restaurants was especially rewarding.
Building Connections That Last
Guest Appreciation Day also reinforced the important role Area 7 restaurants play in their communities. When teams create those moments, they build relationships that extend beyond a single meal.
“Going above and beyond, showing true genuine care, and providing positive peak experiences like this event help strengthen our relationships with the community because they know that they can always count on our teams to be there,” Nina says.
“This event shows our customers that they are our top priority every day!”
– Nina Atkins, Taco Bell Area Coach
More Appreciation to Come
After seeing the success of the event, Nina would love to make Guest Appreciation Days a regular tradition.
“It is rewarding to know that the training and support I provide to my teams as a leader helps them to be successful in creating memorable experiences,” she says.
Nina appreciates that her teams challenge each other to reach their goals, support each other and, most importantly, make it fun! We appreciate you and your teams, Nina!