Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, I had the opportunity to partake in an internship at one of my family's restaurant locations, Taco Time in Moscow, ID. The goal of this internship was to train me to become a store manager and to equip me with the skills I would need to run a store on my own. I gained several coaches and mentors throughout this time, who have all played a gigantic role in my personal growth and development thus far.

 

I learned several new skills that will come into play when I manage a restaurant in the future. Here are some highlights of my semester:

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• Morning books

• Monthly inventory

• US Foods order

• Entering invoices

• Conducting SRI interview

• Orientation process with new employees

• Employee training

• Creating weekly schedule

• Kitchen prep

• Food & paper costs

• P&Ls

• Preshifts

• Leading store meetings

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As I started this internship, Taco Time's store management had just transitioned to a new General Manager, Sage, who was also 20 years old. Three months into my internship, I was promoted to Assistant Manager. Through this experience Sage and I learned a lot together as we faced countless challenges and victories.

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One thing I learned from this internship is how much grit the restaurant industry requires. During the thick of COVID, we were left with twelve employees. It was beyond stressful writing the schedule with such a limited team to pick from. There were weeks I didn't get a day off. Days Sage and I worked open to close because we had no other option. Was it hard? Yes. But at the end of the day there is not any other career I would rather be pursuing. No matter what happened, I still found so much joy in this job and working with my team. Through this experience I've learned a lot about my desire to teach, coach, mentor, and develop people.

 

I watched members of my team flourish as they gained confidence learning the ins and outs of their job. Restaurants are some of the best classrooms to help gain and develop soft skills. My favorite story was hiring my 15 year old employee, Nez. Taco Time was his first job and it took him awhile to get the hang of the quick serve rhythm. However, Nez grew leaps and bounds in his confidence and leadership skills. By the end of his time working for us, he was leading our preshift meetings before lunches and dinners. THAT. That is what makes this industry so special to me. I care so deeply for the development of the next generation of leaders. Watching that kind of growth take place is the reason why I will sacrifice whatever I need to. If it means I need to come in on my day off, or stay late, I've realized the reward of this industry is well worth it.

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The internship taught me so much about creating a positive store culture that fits right in line with my values. My internship supervisor had me read a book entitled "Whale Done," written by Ken Blanchard. The whole premise of the book compares how killer whales are trained at SeaWorld and the similarities between whales and people; we both need positive reinforcement. You need to love whales, just like people, to establish trust, which goes hand in hand with my core values. There is something to be said about how far praising your team and celebrating the wins can affect the culture in your store.

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I couldn't possibly write about this experience and not mention Cinco de Mayo. I learned so much about the planning and preparation that all goes into this one day. It was amazing to see the community partake in our biggest day of the year to buy 79 cent crisp tacos. All I can really say is I think I might have a new favorite holiday.

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All in all, this internship experience taught me so much more than I could've ever imagined. My leadership and management skills were challenged and strengthened because of this opportunity. I have watched myself step into situations that were so outside my comfort zone in the beginning. I remember holding my first interview and how clammy my hands felt because I was so nervous. And I remember how confident I felt leading my last one. Such a blessing this opportunity has been to learn from all my mentors and teammates in this process.

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