Taco Time Boosts Pay At Issaquah, North Bend Restaurants

ISSAQUAH, WA — Taco Time will boost entry-level pay at three of its restaurants to $20 an hour, under a new "test program" to attract more workers with better wages. At first, the higher pay will be limited to its two Issaquah restaurants and North Bend location, where Taco Time is looking to fill a combined 30 positions.

According to a news release, Taco Time hired 300 workers to meet demand over the summer but lost the bulk of them once the new school year began. Now, the demand remains, but there are not enough workers to keep up. Companywide, the family-owned chain is looking to add 300 employees to its 950-worker roster.

"When conditions in the employment market are challenging, the best employers thrive," said Robby Tonkin, co-president of Taco Time Northwest. "Organizations that understand the importance of mutual respect and appreciation will be the most successful in attracting and retaining new talent in this challenging market."

If the raises prove to be successful in attracting workers in Issaquah and North Bend, the company may boost pay across all 79 of its locations around the region. Currently, starting wages at other restaurants are $18 an hour and include a benefits package with medical insurance and paid vacation. According to Taco Time, employees can eat free meals on shift and receive $120 in weekly food credits, which can be shared with family.

"We are incredibly fortunate to enjoy the team-oriented, employee-first culture within our restaurants," said Scott Wallis, a district manager at Taco Time. "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."

Earlier this month, Dick's Drive-In unveiled a similar wage increase to attract more workers, boosting its minimum hourly pay to $19 across all locations.