Exclusive: Taco Bell Discuss Their Plans To Build Their UK Presence
QSR Media spoke with Taco Bell about the brand's tenth UK outlet at Cleethorpes and their future plans in the U.K.
The Cleethorpes restaurant features the innovative design of Taco Bell International with influences from Mexico and the brand’s California based headquarters. Featuring an open kitchen which lets consumers watch their food being made fresh to order. The restaurant has 50 seats, free Wi-Fi and charging points for customer’s phones so they can connect and recharge while they eat.
The Cleethorpes restaurant is also the first to have a Drive Thru.
QSR Media: How many stores are you expecting to open by the end of the year? In what locations?
Taco Bell: The UK is a very important market for us and we’re continuing to work with our great franchisees to help bring more locations to our fans. While the Cleethorpes opening (our 10th location in the UK) is just around the corner, we’re also planning new restaurants in Colchester and Dartford shortly afterwards.
We also have an exciting first location down South at Southampton before the end of the year which we know will make many taco lovers happy!
We’re working hard to bring Taco Bell to every corner of the UK.
QSR Media: Has Brexit changed Taco Bell’s plans for openings?
Taco Bell: We are focused on supporting our franchisees and continuing to grow the brand across the UK and Europe with a brand and menu that stays true to the innovative, craveable and affordable Mexican-inspired food that Taco Bell has been delivering for more than 50 years.
QSR Media: Is the new store design different from existing stores?
Taco Bell: Our design strategy continues to focus on our open kitchen design as we have nothing to hide regarding our craveable food. Our delicious tacos, burritos, nachos, quesadillas, and Crunchwrap Supremes ™ are made to order right in front of you and ready to enjoy in our modern, youthful restaurants. We always put our fans first with modular seating areas, free phone charging, free wi-fi and free refills which can all be seen in our latest restaurants.
Cleethorpes will have a few local tweaks though.
Without giving too much away, seeing as Cleethorpes is a seaside town, we’re playing up our Southern California roots.
QSR Media: What plans do you have for further drive-thrus?
Taco Bell: As we continue to build a national Taco Bell presence in the UK, Drive Thru concepts will be a part of the portfolio, alongside High Street, Food Court and Stand-Alone concepts.
