Taco Bell creates new fast-casual eatery with a "foodier edge" to compete with Chipotle.
Taco Bell launched the first U.S. Taco Co. in Huntington Beach on Monday, initiating the fast-food company’s efforts to join the “fast-casual” craze. Straying away from classic Taco Bell items like the Quesarito and Gordita, U.S. Taco Co. will feature a slightly more expensive menu with a “foodier edge.”
According to NBC Los Angeles, U.S. Taco Co. hopes to, like other “fast-casual” eateries, walk the line between fast food and full-on traditional sit-down service. Early reviews state that U.S. Taco Co. resembles Chipotle in its atmosphere and seemingly takes inspiration from the food truck scene, as it offers french fries, milkshakes, and other food truck staples. Patrons won’t get all of their Taco Bell favorites, but they will get to dine on delicious new foods such as wild-caught seafood, smoked brisket topped with molcajete salsa, and pulled pork tacos. Among the uniquely-named menu items are the Big Stud Spud, Not My First Rodeo, and the Brotherly Love cheese-steak.
“Taco Bell is Mexican-inspired; US Taco is American-inspired,” Taco Bell CEO Greg Creed told Nation’s Restaurant News.
Straying away from the typical design and dining experience of Taco Bell, U.S. Taco Co. is covered in dark pink and teal and gives customers license plates with their orders.
“We want to make sure every time you order, it’s a party,” U.S. Taco Co. creator and Taco Bell VP of marketing Jeff Jenkins told the Orange County Register.
U.S. Taco Co.’s website features an “Our Soul” page which reveals the store is backing the Best Day Foundation, “an organization that helps kids with special needs build confidence and self-esteem through safe, fun-filled adventure activities, like surfing. A portion of our net profit goes to support this great cause.”
Taco Bell has not yet revealed where the next U.S. Taco Co. may pop up next, but they have definite plans to expand.
“I’d love to see 1,000 or 1,500 of these,” said Creed. “But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”
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