At MRCO, stories of growth and long term dedication are common, but each one is unique. We recently sat down with Oscar Garcia, a Restaurant General Manager (RGM) who began his journey with us in 2002. Oscar shared his experience, challenges, and the passion that has driven his two-decade-long career.
Overcoming Early Challenges
Oscar started his career working for another quick service brand before joining MRCO.”I wanted to learn more, but opportunities were limited there,” he says. Seeking growth, Oscar applied to Taco Bell, eager to take on new challenges.
Initially, the path wasn’t smooth. “I didn’t have a cell phone back then,” Oscar laughs. “I missed their call and had to follow up in person — twice!” Persistence paid off, and Oscar was hired. His first assignment was making pizzas at a Pizza Hut Express within the Taco Bell location.
Oscar admits that his first day was tough. “They asked if I knew how to make tacos and burritos. I said yes, but I had no idea,” he says. After struggling, his manager offered to train him properly.
“I wanted to show them I could do it. I was determined to prove myself” — Oscar Garcia, RGM
He quickly learned the ropes, moving from pizzas to mastering Taco Bell menu items. His willingness to learn did not go unnoticed.
Rising Through the Ranks
Oscar was initially hesitant to take on leadership roles. “My manager asked if I was ready to become a Shift Lead,” he remembers. “I said no because I was afraid of the paperwork and responsibilities.”
With encouragement, Oscar decided to give it a try. Two years later, he was offered the Assistant General Manager position. Again, he hesitated. “I was scared to manage people I worked alongside,” Oscar explains. “But my manager reassured me, so I tried it.”
Leading with Experience
In 2012, Oscar became an RGM. His hands-on experience at every level has been invaluable. “When you start from the bottom, you know what’s going on,” he says. “I like making decisions and fixing things when they go wrong.”
“I enjoy working with my team.” — Oscar Garcia, RGM
Oscar believes that his success is tied to his team’s strength. “We have team members who’ve been here 20, 18, I think the lowest one is 7 years,” he shares. For Oscar, the team is like family. “We spend time training them, making sure they understand what we’re doing here,” he explains. “I enjoy what I’m doing.” His approach has fostered a supportive and efficient work environment. “When you work with people for so long, you build trust,” Oscar says. “It’s not hard when everyone knows their role.”
When asked about his favorite menu item, Oscar doesn’t hesitate. “The Cheesy Gordita Crunch with chicken,” he smiles. Outside of work, he’s a soccer enthusiast. “My favorite football team is Barcelona,” he shares. “I love watching their games whenever I can.” Oscars passion for tacos and football make him a great leader at MRCO.