Meet Avery and Dylan Edwards: siblings, Taco Bell team members (at the same location in San Antonio, TX) and Mormon missionaries. We caught wind of Avery’s pending departure from our Culebra Road Taco Bell following her graduation from high school and were instantly curious to learn more.
The Edwards are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Dylan just returned in July from a two-year mission in Cusco, Peru; Avery recently received her assignment – she’ll head to Nevada in early 2027.
“You can go anywhere in the world where our church is present,” Avery explains.
Sometimes we get lucky at DDO — team members recruit family to join our teams!
Following Her Brother’s Lead
Avery and Dylan have a very close family. They’re the only kids, and they’re just two years apart in age. According to Avery, Dylan is the reason she landed a job at our Culebra Taco Bell. He’d only worked there three months before leaving on his mission but it left a strong impression. Meanwhile, Avery had been struggling to find her own dependable job in a quick-service setting and with some convincing from Dylan, also gave Taco Bell a try.
“I trusted what he said about it being good,” Avery says of her older brother.
“I’ve had the opportunity to move around between a lot of fast food,” Dylan shares. “[It’s] one of the best places I’ve ever worked.”
In fact, Dylan liked his experience working at our Taco Bell so much, it was his first meal off the plane after being gone for two years! He was also eager to inquire about summer job availability.
Dylan admits he was anxious to start working again to help pay for college after his mission. And we were happy to have him back!
“My first semester is paid for — that’s allowing me to relax a bit,” he says.
At DDO, we know all of our working students won’t stay — some go off to college, others pursue different careers. We’re pleased to provide opportunities that support their goals.
Dylan just started his freshman year at Brigham Young University in Utah where he will live on campus and study mechanical engineering.
While there are lots of jobs in foodservice there, unfortunately, there isn’t a Taco Bell on campus. But that’s okay, he had no problem securing a job with the experience he has from Desert de Oro Foods (DDO)!
Avery’s Next Chapter: Nevada
With Dylan off at school, Avery is now left to wonder what exciting things are coming her way during her mission in Nevada. “I’ve only lived in Utah or Texas, so anywhere would be new and interesting,” she says.
While Dylan’s mission trip was two years long — the current standard for men — Avery expects to be away for 18 months. Like her brother, she expects to do door-to-door introductions and walk the streets to share about her faith.
Admittedly, working for DDO for two years has prepared her for this. “I definitely have noticed that I talk more than I used to to people I don’t know,” Avery shares. “Before, I couldn’t imagine talking to so many people.”
Working in a restaurant isn’t just about making food or delivering orders — you can walk away with important life skills!
Avery is excited to see how she’ll grow through her mission work. “There’s so much to learn about you and other people,” she says about being in a new environment, living with someone and trying new foods.
Dylan can vouch for that. “I was able to learn a lot more about being comfortable with myself,” he says. “I understood better that you didn’t have to be perfect. It definitely makes things far more enjoyable … and I’m far more calm and peaceful.”
All in Time
Will Avery come back to Taco Bell after her mission like her big brother? Only time will tell. Unlike Dylan, Avery tends to be slower at firming up plans, she confesses. But she’s made some great friends in our restaurant, and earned money to put toward insurance and mission expenses.
Following in her brother’s footsteps in San Antonio and beyond, she’s had great experiences so far. As she and Dylan embark on these next adventures, we can’t wait to see what the future holds!