Taco Bell is making headlines once again with the opening of new locations featuring innovative concepts aimed at enhancing the fast-food experience. Recently, the popular chain has launched two distinct restaurant styles—one focused on beverages and another carrying on the traditional Taco Bell menu—catering to diverse customer preferences.
Located just outside San Diego, California, the newly debuted Live Más Café is the first of its kind for Taco Bell. This innovative restaurant serves not only classic Taco Bell favorites like tacos, burritos, and nachos but also presents unique beverage options. According to Scott Mezvinsky, president of Taco Bell North America and International, "We’re always looking for new ways to elevator the Taco Bell experience, and the Live Más Café is the perfect example of this."
The café’s beverage menu includes specialty drinks, such as the Caramel Cafe Churro Chiller, Mexican Mocha Iced Coffee, and refreshing Agua Frescas, created to draw customers seeking more than just traditional fast food. The café features advanced ordering kiosks and digital menu boards, providing guests with modern conveniences as they enjoy their drinks and food.
Meanwhile, the celebrations continued with the opening of another Taco Bell at Bainbridge, Ohio, operated by Pacific Bells. Gary Zehr, regional vice president of Pacific Bells, expressed enthusiasm for the new location, stating, "We are thrilled to open our latest Taco Bell in Bainbridge and celebrate with a grand opening party complete with a delicious giveaway." This location is expected to draw customers from the surrounding area, with Bainbridge being one of several locations Pacific Bells has recently added.
Gary Zehr emphasized the brand's accessibility and commitment to customer satisfaction, and with nearly 300 Taco Bell locations under Pacific Bells, including around 50 such locations across the greater Cleveland area, familiarity continues to build for local customers. Regional General Manager Toni Berry, who has fifteen years of experience with Taco Bell and is local to Bainbridge, is ready to lead the charge at this new site.
On December 24, another Taco Bell opened its doors, this time welcoming residents of Conneaut, Ohio. Nestled at the Gateway Plaza Shopping Center, the store generated excitement within the community even days before its opening. Lavone Pulliam, district manager for Charter Foods North, reported, "Everyone [in Conneaut] tells me they've been waiting forever, and I think that's exciting." Pulliam oversees multiple Taco Bell locations and noted this new store is his ninth franchise.
Chris Sperduto, director of operations for Charter Foods North, shared insights about the operational challenges faced during the construction phase of the Conneaut store. "Normal construction things just happened," he stated, confirming successful resolution of plumbing issues before the opening day. Sperduto also mentioned the importance of hiring local staff to create job opportunities within the community.
The Taco Bell brand continues to adapt and innovate as competition increases. While the Live Más Café attempts to carve out its niche catering to beverage aficionados, classic outlets like Bainbridge and Conneaut provide loyal customers with quick service and fan favorites. It’s clear Taco Bell recognizes market trends and is willing to experiment with its product offerings, ensuring the brand’s continued relevance.
Taco Bell aims to combine innovation with the convenience of familiar dishes, continuing to push boundaries beyond traditional fast food dining experiences. With successful openings across the country, the iconic brand continues to develop its identity, focusing on the ever-important connection with its customer base.
