It’s a big day in Shamrock Company history! We’re celebrating an exciting company first — swinging the doors wide open to new restaurants for both of our famous brands in the same day, separated only by state lines and Lake Michigan. Today, bright and early, one talented team opened our fifth Dunkin’ in Otsego, MI and just hours later, we opened a Taco Bell in bustling Naperville, IL.
You could say we’re running on Dunkin’ today to divide and conquer!
“Opening two locations across both of our iconic brands in one day is a dream come true for Shamrock,” says Dan McGue, President, CEO and second generation leader. “Everyone in the restaurant industry knows how difficult openings are. The Shamrock team is truly best in class, and the reason days like this are possible!”
Chief Operations Officer (COO) Rob Russ agrees. “I would never have thought this possible,” Rob shares about the milestone. After 30 years with our company, he says he thought Shamrock would continue on as a taco brand. But in September, we grew to two brands.
Rob is excited about all of the opportunity this presents: it’s the first opening for one of our managers, junior managers get more grooming and development, the list goes on. Today, while Rob provides support in Naperville, Dan is attending activities in Otsego.
Plans Change for the Good!
The original project timelines did not lead up to a same-day opening, Rob says. This monumental event happened organically as the final weeks of both projects came to a close. Rob says the same project manager worked on both brand locations, so that certainly played a factor.
“Today is a really special day for Shamrock Company … it’s the cherry on top.” -Rob Russ, COO
“So many people worked so hard … so we could open [these] on the same day,” Rob says.
Rob admits he relies heavily on brand checklists to ensure openings are a success — dotting all the i’s, crossing all the t’s. It’s imperative that all of the equipment and technology be working properly, significant in-store training and orientation occurs, and additional checks are made after final inspections.
But once open, success really comes down to our people. “We’ve got tremendous leadership in both brands,” Rob gushes.
The new Otsego Dunkin’ will be led by Restaurant General Manager (RGM) Liv Weaver, who comes to Shamrock with significant bakery experience from her previous employment with Panera Bread in Pennsylvania. The new Naperville Taco Bell is also under the leadership of a strong operator, our own 30-year veteran Lorena Lauriano who transitions to Naperville from Shamrock’s second highest volume Taco Bell (Wheaton, IL)!
Come get your eats and treats, and check us out!
| Dunkin’ | Taco Bell |
| 1314 M89, Otsego, MI | 1019 E Ogden, Naperville, IL |