March Anniversaries
March brought many work anniversaries here at Taziki’s.
We are happy to introduce you to five employees that have been with Taziki’s for 10+ years!
Maria Aguilar
March 2nd marked 11 years at Taziki’s for Maria!
Maria works at our Lee Branch location in Birmingham as a cashier. Maria began working at Taziki’s part time because she needed the extra money, but soon found out it was more fun than she expected. She enjoys the flexible schedule which allows her to balance her home and work life.
Maria’s favorite memory of working at Tazikis is when she first started.
“Seeing that teamwork for the first time was just amazing to me. We still have that teamwork today, but seeing it in action on day one really stuck with me.” - Maria
Outside of work, Maria loves to spend time with her four children whose ages range up to 22 years old. Super mom!
Maria says the Taziki’s culture inspires her work because she really appreciates our fresh food and “stay fresh” approach to everything we do. She is not tired of Taziki’s food one bit, not even after 11 years!
Thanks for the past 11 years Maria! We look forward to continuing this journey with you!
John Wiley
On March 11th John celebrated 14 years with Taziki’s!
John began his career at Taziki’s as a Manager in Training at our Mountain Brook location in Birmingham. He was promoted to Assistant General Manager, then General Manager at our UAB Medical Center location where he worked for five and a half years. In July of 2017, John made the decision to join the Corporate Operations team and has been an Operations Analyst ever since.
“I believe in this brand and the people.”
- John Wiley
One of his favorite memories about working at Taziki’s was in his final week of being a General Manager at our UAB location. Guest after guest came in to wish him off to his next Taziki’s adventure. The Fire Chief of the Birmingham Fire Department even came by with a gift. John says he will never forget that. It is those kinds of connections he will always cherish.
Outside of work John enjoys doing anything related to aviation. He has a love and passion for airplanes. John grew up in Brazil and can speak fluent Portuguese. He was also an allstar soccer player in high school.
We asked John how the Taziki’s mission and culture has inspired his work. He replied, “Connection is the most important piece to me. Getting out there and connecting with people and being able to coach others is what really drives me”.
Thanks for all your hard work and dedication to Tazik’s over the last 14 years, John!
Benjamin - Hope Employee
On March 5th, we celebrated Ben’s 12 year anniversary with Taziki’s!
Ben works at our Mountain Brook location in Birmingham doing morning prep work. He has been at the Mountain Brook location for all 12 years!
Ben says he has stayed with Taziki’s this long because he likes his job and all the different people he meets.
Outside of work, Ben loves swimming and enjoys reading the Bible. Ben is proud to say he has read the Bible all the way through!
His his favorite part of Taziki’s is “Taziki's culture of inclusion.” We agree, Ben!
Thanks for the last 12 years Ben!
We are so glad you are here!
Laura Beth Hernandez
March 18th marked 17 years for Laura Beth!
Laura Beth (LB) began her long career at Taziki’s in 2006 as a cashier at our Lee Branch location in Birmingham. She was promoted to Shift Leader and then to Training General Manager in 2011. In 2012 she moved to the Corporate team and became the Director of Training. Since then she has transitioned to the Accounting Department and is now the Sr. Director of Accounting.
“Its a family here. Taziki’s is a family and I love my work family. Keith and the Richards family are a big part of why Taziki’s is a family. They have really been there for me and my coworkers over the years. It is nice to have had their support for so long.” - LB Hernandez
Laura Beth’s favorite memory of working at Tazikis is when she first started working as a cashier. Keith was working in the kitchen and she was new to the “restaurant lingo”. At many restaurants, when food is ready to go to the table, the kitchen will say “runner”. Instead, Keith said “sell the food”. LB was so confused because as the cashier she WAS selling the food. Keith couldn’t figure out why she wasn't taking the food and then LB realized he was telling her the food was ready to go. He sure seemed to be speaking a different language which thoroughly confused her. Of course, they both look back now and laugh about it!
Outside of work, LB enjoys chasing her children around, going to soccer practice and Sunday school, and just being outside. She loves being a mom! Not a lot of people know, but LB originally studied to be an electrical engineer. Along the way she realized she did not like electrical engineering at all and changed paths.
LB says that the “Prioritize Details” value of the Taziki’s culture has impacted her work over the years. It currently plays a big part in her daily accounting work. LB has always enjoyed that piece of the Taziki’s culture and it has led her to where she is today.
We are so appreciative of the work that LB has put in over the last 17 years and we can’t wait to see what the next 17 have in store!
On March 26th, James celebrated his 11th anniversary with Taziki’s!
James began his career as a cashier at our West End location in Nashville. Since then, he has worked his way up to General Manager and is now on the Corporate team as an Operations Analyst.
James has stayed with Taziki’s so long because of the company’s leadership. That strong leadership has been very important in his life. At one point, Taziki’s was the only stable thing in Jame’s world and it really kept him going. He sees the value in his role, and in every role he has had with the company. He hasn’t reached the ceiling yet and is excited that there is plenty of room to grow.
“Our mission statement is a philosophy that can be applied to so many things. Learning that I can use these principles outside of work has helped me grow in my life. They help all employees develop into more full human beings.”
- James on how the Taziki’s culture and mission inspires him.
His best memory of working at Taziki’s is when he was leaving the General Manager position in Nashville to begin working on the Corporate team. Customers brought gift cards, gifts, and showed him lots of love that week. He even cried with a few guests as they talked about all the fun times they had shared. Those connections with guests are what make him smile the most.
When he isn’t working, James loves to kyak, especially racing at the Narrows of the Harpeth River. He also loves music and says not a lot of people know that he got signed to a record label at the age of 18. Wow, so talented!
James, we thank you for all you have done over the last 11 years, and we look forward to the next 11 years!
To everyone with March anniversaries,
we appreciate your dedication and hard work.
We are so glad you have chosen to be a part of Team Tazikis!
If you know someone who is looking for a new career,
tell them to text TAZJOBS to 31063 or visit taz.jobs,
so they too, can live the good life!
