For Adrian Perez, what started as a first job at 16 has grown into a six-year journey of learning, leadership and lasting friendships. Today, Adrian is the General Manager (GM) at Shamrock Company’s Elgin, IL Taco Bell, where he continues to build skills that will serve him well both in and out of the restaurant while also pursuing a degree in business. His journey is a reminder that a first job can become so much more than a paycheck.
With the right support and a willingness to learn, a first job can be the start of something big!
From First Job to Management Material
When Adrian first joined Taco Bell, he didn’t have a long-term career plan in mind. He simply took an opportunity and made the most of it.
“Like any 16-year-old, I wanted my own money,” Adrian says. “Luckily, I got a call for an interview at Taco Bell, and I’ve been here since!”
Over time, Adrian gained experience in different areas of the restaurant, moving from Service Champion to Food Champion before taking on Shift Leader responsibilities. Eventually, that growth led to an opportunity to become the manager at Elgin.
Stepping into a GM role was a big transition, especially for someone who describes himself as quiet. While Adrian already knew some of the team, he still had plenty to learn about the behind-the-scenes responsibilities of running a restaurant. With time, practice and support, he found his footing.
“At first, I was nervous … I didn’t know how I would be as the store manager,” he shares candidly.
The Power of Support
Throughout Adrian’s career, Shamrock Taco Bell Director Marcial Hernandez has been an important source of guidance, he says. Marcial has encouraged Adrian to learn how to solve problems independently while understanding support is always available.
“I know I can just call him and he’s going to help me with whatever it is,” Adrian says.
Marcial’s support has helped Adrian build confidence in his own leadership abilities and develop a better understanding of restaurant operations. Adrian values their one-on-one conversations about managing people and reviewing restaurant performance.
Building a Team Where Everyone Belongs
Ask Adrian what he enjoys most about working at Shamrock and his answer comes back to one thing: the people. Over the past six years, he’s built friendships that have continued to grow alongside his career, and he hopes to create that same sense of connection for his team.
For him, leadership is about more than keeping a restaurant running smoothly. It’s also about making sure team members feel comfortable and supported so they’re able to enjoy the work. He believes Taco Bell can be an especially valuable first job for high school students, giving them the opportunity to socialize, gain confidence and become more independent.
“It helps you be your own person,” he says of the impact of employment on high schoolers.
The Future is Bright
Adrian’s commitment to growth extends beyond the restaurant. He recently enrolled in community college and is working toward securing an associate degree in business.
Balancing school with the responsibilities of being a GM takes effort, but Adrian appreciates the flexibility and support he’s receiving from us to help him manage both. He sees his education as another opportunity to build skills that will benefit him throughout his career.
Adrian also recognizes how meaningful educational support can be for restaurant team members pursuing their goals. He’s seen friends benefit from our scholarship opportunities and understands that financial assistance can make a real difference.
Focused on What’s Next
Right now, Adrian has a clear goal for his restaurant: earning Signature Restaurant recognition, a designation reserved for the top 2% of Taco Bell restaurants who achieve five-star ratings all year long. He knows the team has work ahead, but he believes they can get there together!
And while he may not know exactly where his individual accomplishments will take him next, he’s sure his own growth has prepared him for whatever lies ahead.