Operations
Taco Bell to raise minimum wage, offer plant-based meat
December 16, 2021
Taco Bell has outlined ambitious plans for 2022, including raising wages to $15 in company-owned stores and evolving its menu to include plant-based meats, according to a press release.
The Irvine, California-based company said it has achieved its hiring goals set in 2016 and has joined the Tent Coalition for Afghan Refugees to provide refugees with immediate job opportunities. Taco Bell also hired Katrina Thornton as its chief equity, inclusion and belonging officer and have been able to engage and increase underrepresented minority talent for at least 25% of on-screen, voice over, model and influencer appearances.
The brand plans to increase the average minimum wage to $15 across company stores by mid-year 2024. It also outlined its new management plan for general managers in company-owned restaurants who have a base pay of $80,000 with an earning potential of up to $100,000 with bonuses. It also said it offers mental health therapy sessions for corporate employees.
On the menu side, the company has partnered with Beyond Meat to develop an unspecified plant-based product that will be unveiled in the future. It has also created a "Veggie Cravings" menu and a "Veggie Mode" on its in-store kiosks to appeal to vegetarians. Taco Bell is also working with partners and suppliers to identify effective approaches to reducing antibiotics in its U.S. and Canada beef supply chain by 25% by 2025.
In addition Taco Bell is testing a recyclable and compostable packaging suite in San Francisco, which includes a narrower quesadilla bag that no longer uses a plastic window. The company will expand that test in other markets in 2022. It has also increased recycled content in its packaging.
