Torchy’s Tacos Puts People First in AI-Powered Hiring

• Torchy’s Tacos, the renowned Austin-based brand, is adopting LANDED’s AI hiring platform to quickly find top talent that fits its Damn Good culture across 130+ locations and new markets.
• LANDED’s hiring platform powered Torchy’s 2024 expansion into 10+ new markets and is set to drive people-first, AI-powered hiring at scale.

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Torchy’s Tacos, the fast-growing taco chain known for its Damn Good food and people-first culture, is transforming its hiring process with AI. Backed by General Atlantic, Torchy’s has seen rapid growth in the past few years, including 10+ locations in new markets in 2024 and several upcoming openings in 2025. To support their expansion, the brand has partnered with LANDED, the leading Generative AI-powered hiring platform. The partnership has cut hiring time by 66% and reduced turnover by 62%, all while delivering a personalized applicant experience—one that reflects Torchy’s roots, where every candidate is welcomed with the same hospitality as its first food truck in Austin.

Damn Good Hires

With LANDED’s advanced candidate matching, personalized text engagement, automated scheduling, and multilingual AI, Torchy’s ensures that every hire is a Damn Good one.

“LANDED has been instrumental in helping us scale our hiring process while maintaining a high standard for candidate quality,” said Ramon Torres, Senior Director, Talent & Total Rewards. “We’re not just filling roles—we’re bringing in people who are the right fit from the start. This has led to stronger engagement, higher retention, and more cohesive teams.”

Integrating seamlessly with Torchy’s existing systems, LANDED eliminates the need for change management. LANDED’s proprietary Generative AI solution vets for personality, enthusiasm, and role suitability, boosting retention by matching people with positions where they’ll thrive.

“Our operators are the heartbeat of Torchy’s,” continues Torres. “By equipping them with the right tools, like LANDED, we’ve saved them dozens of hours each week. This gives them the opportunity to focus on what really matters—mentoring their teams, creating a great work environment, and delivering the Damn Good experience that makes Torchy’s special.”

Keeping It Personal

Torchy’s has always been driven by its commitment to creating strong, authentic connections within the communities they serve. Their focus on developing people and empowering team members is at the core of the brand, from welcoming guests to nurturing talent within their workforce.

“At Torchy’s, we’ve always believed that great food starts with great people,” said Pamela McAfee, Talent Acquisition Partner. “Many of our team members started out as guests, drawn in by our welcoming atmosphere and passion for quality. We wanted a hiring experience that made them feel just as valued. LANDED helps us do that at scale, ensuring that we stay true to the culture that’s always been at the heart of Torchy’s.”

By investing in cutting-edge hiring technology that enhances both speed and quality, Torchy’s is ensuring that even as it grows, it continues to hire and retain top talent—proving that even in a world of AI and automation, it’s still all about the people.

About LANDED

LANDED is the first end-to-end generative AI hiring SaaS platform that helps restaurants and hospitality companies hire the best talent for their locations quickly. LANDED has over 2 million users and hundreds of customers like Torchy’s Tacos, Erewhon, Tao Group Hospitality, Jersey Mike’s, and more. LANDED helps companies save time and money by automating candidate sourcing, engaging, screening, interview scheduling, and onboarding at-scale. LANDED’s intelligent matching and generative AI technology personalizes the hiring experience for each candidate and employer. For more information, contact [e-mail].

About Torchy’s Tacos

Torchy’s Tacos is an innovative fast-casual restaurant known for their award-winning queso and “Damn Good” tacos. Founded out of an Austin, Texas food truck in 2006 by Mike Rypka, a former executive chef with a passion for innovative and experimental tacos, the concept has grown to over 130 locations across 16 states. Torchy’s commitment to delivering unique and delicious food is steadfast – all the food and drinks are made-to-order, using fresh, high-quality ingredients. For more information, visit www.torchystacos.com.