Taco Time Northwest Announces Commitment to Living Wage with Test Program in Issaquah and North Bend

Taco Time Northwest, a local and family-owned business that runs 79 restaurants around the Puget Sound region, announces a test program that will pay entry-level crew members a $20 hourly wage within a limited number of its locations.

This test program, with a possibility to expand throughout the company if successful, is exclusive to its two restaurants in Issaquah, and one in North Bend. These three locations, which are currently in most need of staff support, are currently looking to fill nearly 30 positions.

The company hired 300 employees to meet customer demand by this past summer yet lost 250 with the back-to-school season. Region-wide, Taco Time Northwest employs 950 people and is seeking to hire 300 more employees to meet the current customer demands.

It’s no secret that foodservice and hospitality workers are in high demand. As the restaurant industry enjoyed a return to dine-in and increased customer volume this summer, many business owners struggled to find employees to serve them. For some, high school and college students supported the summer demand, but now that many have returned to school, what can businesses owners and customers anticipate this fall?

Robby Tonkin, co-president, of Taco Time Northwest, believes Taco Time can flourish in this environment, and notes that “when conditions in the employment market are challenging, the best employers thrive. Organizations that understand the importance of mutual respect and appreciation will be most successful in attracting and retaining new talent in this challenging market.”

In addition to its commitment to providing above-market wages, Taco Time Northwest offers free food to team members while on shift, and a $120 per week food credit for crew members and their families. The Taco Time Cares Employee Hardship Program, industry-leading composting program and local ingredient sourcing whenever possible underlines the organization’s promise to operate in a responsible and sustainable manner making it easy for team members to take pride in where they work.

District Manager Scott Wallis started his career at Taco Time Northwest as a crew member and worked his way up for a collective 15 years. “We are incredibly fortunate to enjoy the team-oriented, employee-first culture within our restaurants,” he shares. “As a family-run company that puts an emphasis on what a ‘living wage’ really means, we feel that commitment in daily operations and long-term career longevity.”

Taco Time Northwest is committed to long-term success for its employees offering $18 hour entry level to start, aside from the Issaquah and North Bend restaurants which are currently offering $20 per hour. All positions include a competitive benefits package with paid vacation, medical and dental insurance, 401k and more. Details are included at tacotimenw.com/join-our-team-today.