For Kristi McCarthy, Taco Bell has been more than a job. It’s been the backdrop for most of her career! Kristi first walked into a Taco Bell restaurant as a 16-year-old team member. Decades later, she’s the General Manager (GM) of Shamrock Company’s Oak Lawn, IL Taco Bell on Cicero Avenue, where she continues to set goals, develop her team and find plenty to love about the restaurant business.

Her journey has also included roles as a Shift Leader and Assistant General Manager (AGM), along with a brief foray into the Taco Bell corporate scene. Through it all, one thing has remained constant: Taco Bell feels like home to her.

“I’ve pretty much been at Taco Bell for my entire career,” Kristi says. “I like the environment, I know the job. I’ve been doing it for a long time.” 

“I feel like I’m a part of a family.” – Kristi McCarthy, Taco Bell GM

Growing Alongside Shamrock

Kristi was already working at Taco Bell when Shamrock acquired the restaurants in 1996. As a young employee, she remembers feeling uncertain about what the change would mean.

As with any ownership transition, the shift brought new faces and new ways of doing things. But over the years, she came to know the people behind Shamrock and developed relationships that have lasted throughout her career. 

I feel pretty content where I’m at, so I don’t think I’m going anywhere anytime soon. – Kristi McCarthy, Taco Bell GM

The People Make It Worth It

For Kristi, one of the best parts of being part of Shamrock is the people. She describes the company as a place where everyone knows one another and where leaders don’t just set expectations, they support their teams in reaching them.

“They set down guidelines and support you when you’re trying to hit those guidelines,” Kristi says. “They let you know that you’re doing a good job or they also let you know if there’s something you need to work on.”

That combination of accountability and support resonates with Kristi. She likes setting goals for herself and appreciates having leaders who will help her stay on track.

After so many years in the restaurant business, Kristi says one of the most rewarding parts of her job is keeping in touch with the people she has worked with over the years. Every once in a while, someone from her past will reach out unexpectedly.

“Do you remember me?” they’ll ask. Of course she does!

Those moments are a reminder of just how many people Kristi has impacted throughout her career.

Always Setting the Next Goal

Kristi is content in her current role and isn’t looking to rush into the next step. She’s focused on being the best GM she can be.

She says her biggest goals right now is earning a five-star restaurant designation. She hasn’t quite reached it yet, but she knows she’s getting close. For Kristi, the pursuit is part of what makes the job rewarding.

“I always like to set goals for myself. So achieving those goals is an exciting thing for me,” she shares.

One recent achievement that still stands out is leading her previous Taco Bell location (Oak Lawn) to be among the first in our company to reach $2 million in sales.

Kristi remembers being recognized at a company meeting. For someone who doesn’t love being in front of a crowd, the recognition was a little nerve-racking. But it was also a moment she was proud to share with her peers.

A Worthy Career Climb

After spending nearly her entire working life at Taco Bell, Kristi knows what she would tell someone considering a career with Shamrock: Go for it!

She’s seen firsthand that we offer people the opportunity to build something long-term, especially for team members who show leadership potential and want to move up.

“[Shamrock likes] to hire and promote from within,” she says. “ think it’s a great place to grow your career.”

Kristi’s own story is proof! And after all these years, she’s still showing up, leading her team and looking for that next five-star milestone.