Employee Spotlight: Branden D., General Manager, Bucyrus

For Branden D., General Manager at the newly remodeled Bucyrus location, Wendy’s is not just a job. It’s a community. Since his first position at the age of 16, Branden has joined with other Wendy’s employees to treat people with warmth and respect while serving up the highest quality food. Ten years later, he’s training others to do the same while managing his hometown restaurant.

Branden comes in at 6:00 a.m. every day, but those early hours don’t dampen his enthusiasm. “Seeing my employees come in, smiling and excited about work, makes my day!” he says, barely containing his own passion for the job.

Branden’s love for people is the key to his success, he says, and an equally important quality in his employees. “Friendliness is the one thing. I can teach you everything else about Wendy’s, but I can’t teach you to smile.” Branden has been known to hug his regulars, calmly talk down frustrated customers, and comfort his employees during challenging moments. “I’m like a therapist,” he says, “and I love it.”

Bucyrus’s recent remodel has made the work day even better. Since its reopening on November 16, employees have benefited from a more open, efficient workspace. “We can walk to the kitchen and back without bumping into each other,” Branden says. “And we have more speed and accuracy because all our products and supplies are labeled. The drive-thru window that opens automatically has been huge. With the remodel, they’ve made it easier to run our business.”

The employees aren’t the only ones benefiting from the revamp. Customers can order from kiosks if they wish–an introvert’s dream–but still go up to the register if they prefer face-to-face contact. The dining room is more open and inviting, with exposed warehouse beams rather than a drop ceiling, four leather chairs, and a barstool with USB ports. “People can bring their laptops and spend the day working with that great smell of the food in the air,” Branden says. When the weather warms up, guests will have the option to dine outside on the patio. Restrooms have been updated, too, with hands-free water, soap, and paper towels for customer health and efficiency.

Wendy’s has been Branden’s only workplace, and he has no plans to change that anytime soon. “I never get tired of the food,” he says, “and they always treat their employees with respect.” He recalled a time when a manager’s house burned down and the company responded by getting her a hotel, providing clothes for her four children, and helping her get back on her feet.

“They really live out their values,” he says. “It’s just a great place to work.”