Cindy M., Restaurant General Manager, Taco Bell Canada
Franchise Org. Gupta Foods
Cindy McClung’s journey with Taco Bell began on July 13, 1988, an opportunity inspired by her mother, Jane, a Restaurant General Manager. What started as a job quickly grew into a lifelong career, one she credits to the incredible people she met along the way.
“I went from working 10 years with Taco Bell Corporate, to 10 years with a franchisee, and then another 11 years with a different franchisee. The experiences led me to attending some great meetings and achievements, including a Gupta Foods’ 25th anniversary party in Niagara Falls and the General Manager recognition event called Golden Bell in Hawaii. This job has never just been about selling tacos, it’s been about building relationships and developing teams. I have been honored to work alongside some very talented General Managers throughout the years and have enjoyed getting to know them."
Over 36 years, Cindy has seen constant change and plenty of challenges, but those moments helped shape her leadership and resilience.
“[I always tell my team that] challenges are part of growth. It’s important to always approach everything with a positive attitude, whether it’s with guests or your team. You never know someone’s story. Treat people the way you’d want to be treated and always lead by example.”
Among her many memories, one stands out as especially unforgettable. During her time in training, Cindy was sent to the Canada Restaurant Support Center for a training. She had the best time ever!
“We ended up going to a Toronto Blue Jays game, and it turned into such a fun experience. The game went 13 innings, and that same team went on to win the World Series that year. It’s something I’ll never forget.”
Looking ahead, Cindy reflects with pride on what her journey has meant, not just for herself, but for those around her. After more than three decades, Cindy hopes her legacy is defined not just by her accomplishments, but by the people she’s inspired along the way.