A Smile for Everyone

Visit the Taco Bell on Savannah Highway and chances are you’ll be greeted by a young woman who has a winsome smile for every person who walks through the door. For 12 years Bridget Williams has faithfully taken the CARTA bus to work there, and is beloved by customers and the staff who have adopted her as one of their own. Despite having Down Syndrome, Williams impresses many with her kindness, solid work ethic, and happy spirit. She’s an asset to the company, and to the community at large.
The Savannah Highway store’s general manager, Natalie Halsema, has been with Taco Bell for approximately 22 years, and says Williams loves the customers, probably knows 75 percent of them by name, and is very independent. “Bridget definitely earns her money, and as our dining room hostess, she’s serious about her work,” says Halsema. For example, Williams wants the dining room fully swept and mopped before her shift ends at 2 p.m. Above all, “she’s loving, excited, and she wants everyone to be happy.”
During the Savannah Highway store’s recent remodel, Halsema made sure Williams worked at the James Island store to keep her income going during the nine-week period of reconstruction. “James Island wanted to keep her,” says Halsema.
Taco Bell’s area supervisor, Tammie Edwards, says that’s because “every customer who comes in here loves Bridget. And I was told when Bridget is on vacation, customers want to know when she’ll be back.” Assistant manager Christie Walcott agrees, and says it’s not one, but many qualities, such as her eagerness to help, that make Williams a great employee.
Beaming during the interview, Williams says she loves her job. “I like all of it. I like the cleaning and the customers,” says Williams. She also approves the store’s new look. “It feels like a new restaurant,” she says. “I’m so excited.”
David Walker, who began cashiering there two months ago, says Williams makes people feel at home. “My first day here, she was very nice to me,” says Walker.
West Ashley resident Jo Carson, and her husband, Larry, frequent Taco Bell regularly, going on five years now. Williams brings them back time and again. “Bridget is very good public relations for the company; so many people call her by name,” says Carson. “She will run up and hug you, and say, ‘I’ve missed you.’” Carson has watched Williams in the dining room over the years, always helping others, such as offering to take their tray for them.
“We know we aren’t the only ones who love her,” says Carson. “Bridget just draws people in, and has that magnetism, and innocent smile.” It’s wonderful to see people in the service industry eager to help, says Carson. “You don’t always see that quality, but she goes above and beyond.” For several years, Carson has adopted Williams as her “Christmas angel,” and brings her holiday gifts.
Knowing that Williams was going on a cruise last year, Carson hit the stores in search of pretty blouses that would echo a cruise theme, settling on a blue-and-white striped top, easy-care blouses, and a cute jacket. Plus, she gave her a locket necklace. Another year, when she found out that Williams likes gospel music, she found some CDs for her. “She was so excited, she had tears in her eyes,” recalls Carson.
Because Taco Bell has given Williams a steady means of employment, and a way to showcase Williams’ pride in her work, Carson says she and Larry will always be dedicated customers. “I was amazed and happy to do business with a company that hires people with a disability,” says Carson.
West Ashley resident Marc Haley lives near the restaurant and recalls how he felt when he first saw Williams working there. “I thought, ‘Awesome! Taco Bell is reaching out!’” Williams’ sunny spirit and dedication to her job speaks volumes about her abilities, says Haley. “Every time I see her, she’s smiling.”
When Williams isn’t working, she enjoys perusing Avon catalogues, attending family reunions, and going on cruises. She wants to go on a cruise with Carson one day. Her favorite color is orange, and don’t let the batteries run out on her headphones, “otherwise there’s trouble in the neighborhood,” says her boss. This is why Halsema makes sure the store keeps a supply of extra batteries on hand. Williams thrives on music. And clearly, she thrives on people.
 
Lisa Weatherwax is a local writer. She earned the Matrix Table Promise of Excellence Award. Reach her at weatherwaxwrites@aol.com