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Case Study · Quick-Service Restaurant · Franchise

How a Second-Generation Taco Bell Owner Scaled Energy Savings Across a Franchise Portfolio

From 16 to 37 locations in less than a year, with a proven energy strategy for the future

Partnership est.
2025
Budderfly investment
$ 1200000
energy savings to date
37000 kWh
The Challenge

A rapid, portfolio-wide expansion deployed without disrupting operations.

After inheriting a 16-location Budderfly rollout that was originally signed by her father, Taco Bell franchise owner Lindsay Johnston saw an opportunity to expand this successful partnership even more widely.

Proven results across the first 16 locations set the stage for expansion, making it the natural next step for Johnston’s remaining locations.

The challenge became clear: standardize energy performance across a growing portfolio without disrupting day-to-day operations.

taco bell
“

The long-term stability and peace of mind are significant advantages. Knowing our HVAC needs are secured for the next decade allows us to better plan expenditures, focus on other facility priorities, and operate with confidence.

YUM Brands
The Solution

A full suite of upgrades and $1.2 million in investment from Budderfly—at no upfront cost.

Rather than expand gradually, Johnston accelerated adoption, bringing an additional 21 locations to the Budderfly program within the first year. Between April and December 2025, Budderfly deployed a full suite of upgrades across HVAC, lighting, refrigeration, and controls to create a consistent, portfolio-wide energy infrastructure strategy.

Budderfly invested more than $1.2 million across more than 400 energy efficiency solutions, upgrading all 37 restaurants with energy efficient equipment, monitoring technology, and ongoing support—all at no upfront cost.

12 HVAC upgrades
13 water pressure valves
80+ refrigeration system enhancements
16 LED lighting upgrades
Smart metering and monitoring
The Results

From 16 to 37 locations in less than a year, delivering measurable savings.

With 37 locations now enrolled, Johnston is making an impact as a second-generation leader in her family business by scaling a high-performing, standardized energy strategy. Since implementation, the partnership has already delivered measurable impact.

In less than a year
37000
kWh in energy savings
“
Since joining Budderfly in 2025, the 37 Taco Bell locations have already delivered measurable energy reductions—25 metric tons of carbon avoided—demonstrating real  impact in less than a year. 
the equivalent of 2,808 gallons of gasoline consumed by a passenger vehicle
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The Future

A clear path to full adoption and continued efficiency improvements.

With the successful rollout of the additional 21 locations, Johnston is looking to expand the partnership to all of Weber Enterprise's Taco Bell locations.