Taco Bell Team Member Collaboration with "It's a Living" Artist: Celebrating People-Centric Culture


07/20/2023


Taco Bell is renowned for its innovative menu combinations, such as the Doritos© Locos Tacos and Grilled Cheese Burrito. However, the true driving force behind the company's success goes beyond the kitchen—it's the dedicated team members. Recently, Taco Bell announced a collaboration with the talented Brooklyn-based artist, Ricardo Gonzalez, known as "It's a Living," to launch an exclusive collection of team member gear, honoring the brand's people-centric culture.
 
This streetwear-inspired collection features a special shirt and hat with the heartwarming message, "family is everything," emphasizing the brand's core values of putting people first. Team members nationwide received these items along with a heartfelt note from Taco Bell's CEO, Mark King, encouraging them to proudly wear the ensemble and showcase their brand spirit.
 
Kelly McCulloch, Taco Bell's Global Chief People & Transformation Officer, expressed the profound sense of pride and community evident among restaurant team members. Each Taco Bell restaurant fosters its own authentic culture while still maintaining a strong connection and sense of belonging to the larger Taco Bell family, making the dining experience truly unique.
 
Taco Bell's team members are integral to the brand's identity, and thus, the company prioritizes investing in partnerships and cultural initiatives that instill pride in its team members, who truly represent the face of the brand. The collaboration with "It's a Living" was a natural choice, as Gonzalez shares Taco Bell's people-first values, making him an ideal partner for this project.
 
Ricardo Gonzalez, with his signature script style, is a talented designer and graphic artist hailing from Durango, Mexico. His art adorns large-scale murals worldwide, and his studio and brand, "It's a Living," reflect his personal philosophy and passion for artistic expression.
 
Gonzalez expressed his excitement about this collaboration, being a long-time admirer of Taco Bell's commitment to its people and positive impact on culture—values that resonate deeply with his own work.
 
The partnership with "It's a Living" marks the second in an annual series of team member-driven collaborations. Last year, Taco Bell collaborated with Los Angeles-based streetwear brand Born X Raised for a merchandise collection to celebrate the brand's 60th anniversary.
 
Taylor Montgomery, Taco Bell's Chief Marketing Officer for the US, shared enthusiasm about partnering with yet another inspiring artist, recognizing that communities can often emerge from unexpected places. The collaboration celebrates the incredible community of Taco Bell restaurants responsible for creating a unique and exceptional Taco Bell experience.
 
Looking ahead to the future, Taco Bell remains committed to seeking out partnerships that celebrate diversity, champion its people, and reflect the brand's cultural roots.