QSR June 2023

YOUNG LEADERS

Sara WALKER DIRECTOR OF PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT

satisfaction improved. “I am thankful for the opportunity to grow professionally at Chick-fil-A and be part of the incredible transformation in the [quick-ser vice] industry,” she says. “The complexities of supply chain are fascinating and multifac eted. In the past few years, I have seen how my ‘velvet brick’ mentality allows me to challenge with radical candor. Although occasionally ruffling feathers, it is always with the hope of creating a healthier environment to con duct our work and to help serve customers and operators.” Mutz was also instrumental in ensuring product was delivered in a timely and efficient manner amid the pandemic. Many of Chick fil-A’s locations experienced soaring demand through drive-thru, resulting in a shift in ser vice time. Mutz facilitated logistics in distribution partners and delivery staffing. “I am invigorated when working through hard things with others [e.g., product shortages, pandemic delays, or capacity con straints]. I hope to create clarity with truth and empathy as I work to build the Chick fil-A brand in the niche I find myself,” Mutz adds.

company recognizes the value that each indi vidual brings to the brand.” Most recently, Taylor not only constructed a new points-based rewards program for Taco John’s International—called Bigger Bolder Rewards—but also designed and launched an improved mobile app for the 375-unit Mexi can quick-service brand. “Receiving the support I need to roll out systemwide initiatives from our chief-level executives, franchisees, and our Board has helped advance Taco John’s exponentially in the digital space in a rather short amount of time,” she notes. Aman KALIA CULTURE, TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT OPERATOR SAISETHSONS HOSPITALITY GROUP AGE: 34

VELVET TACO AGE: 33

Korey TAYLOR DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT

TACO JOHN’S AGE: 31

VELVET TACO

Sara Walker has quite the rep ertoire: the work ethic of a baby boomer but the technical skills and collaborative nature of a Gen Z and millennial. Top it off with an incredible sense of urgency, and you have someone who embodies the “Be Relentless, Never Settle” core value of Velvet Taco. Walker joined Velvet Taco seven years ago as a manager but quickly out grew her position. She had the innate ability to train others, manage projects, and pay attention to detail. This made Walker a perfect fit for her current role as director of people development, where she takes charge of training initiatives, new restaurant open ings, and operational communication. Moreover, she oversees the streamlining of the entire restaurant support office. The brand’s recent GM Leadership Conference was spearheaded by Walker,

From launching her career at NAS CAR Digital Media to helping create the Einstein Bros. Bagels mobile app, Korey Taylor is a force in the digital market ing and loyalty space. After joining Taco John’s International in September 2020

SAISETHSONS HOSPITALITY GROUP

Aman Kalia, leader of culture and training for Tim Hortons franchisee Saisethsons Hospi tality Group, guides with a servant leadership philosophy and “H.E.A.R.T.” values—hospi tality, excellence, appreciation, relationship, and training. “We as a company believe in raising the bar,” Kalia says. “The theme, ‘being differ ent is better than being better’ plays in all the work or projects we do, and how we invest in our people.” During the pandemic, Kalia led an objec tive to over-communicate the latest restaurant updates and trends to team members via mul tiple channels, including video calls over Zoom. He scouted workers’ needs systemwide and allocated company resources and funds to give extra support. He ensured no employee was laid off and provided extra training classes.

as lead manager of digital engage ment, Taylor quickly proved herself a strong leader and was promoted to director of digital engagement in August 2022. “Taco John’s has a strong culture of foster ing growth from within. Being the youngest director in the company, I’ve experienced this firsthand,” Taylor says. “There is an under standing that age is just a number, and our TACO JOHN’S

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JUNE 2023 | QSR | www.qsrmagazine.com