Taco Bell customers never know exactly what to expect when they visit the chain. This is because the menu changes regularly and each time you stop by there may be something different or an old favorite may return.
In recent years, Yum Brands (Hmm) The chain has also pushed the boundaries of what customers can expect from what has traditionally been a Mexican menu. That included adding French fries and chicken nuggets, two items it borrowed from fast-food burger chains.
Related: Owner of Popular Fast Food Chain Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy (Again)
Taco Bell has also been incredibly inventive when it comes to its main menu. That started with Doritos Locos Taco, a product that has spawned countless spinoff products that have given the chain endless attention.
And while Taco Bell has received a lot of media attention for its more outlandish innovations, like its taco that uses fried chicken as a shell, its bread and butter has added new twists to its classic menu items. That might mean adding a new sauce, a different topping, or playing with variations on your classic taco.
Now, the chain has brought back a number of fan-favorite menu items that offer a fresh spin on some of its classic menu items.
Image source: Taco Bell
Taco Bell brings back its Lava menu
Taco Bell has no set timeline for bringing back popular menu items. Unlike McDonald's, which has items like the Shamrock Shake that return around the same time each year, the chain keeps people guessing.
That makes it especially exciting when the chain brings back a fan favorite that customers have regularly requested on social media. In this case, Taco Bell has added their Lava items back to their menu without much fanfare.
“Taco Bell has quietly brought the Volcano Taco, Double Beef Volcano Burrito, and Lava Sauce back to menus nationwide for a limited time. Taco Bell's Volcano Taco features seasoned beef, cheddar cheese, lettuce, and salsa Lava inside a red crunchy taco base.,” fast food stand reported.
The chain has also brought back “Lava Sauce,” a spicy sauce that blends a mixture of cheese and various peppers.
Taco Bell has not shared how long the Lava menu will be available, but it is now available at its locations nationwide.
“The Volcano Double Beef Burrito includes twice the seasoned beef (compared to the Beefy Melt Burrito), cheddar cheese, seasoned rice, fiesta strips, low-fat sour cream and Lava sauce, wrapped inside a warm flour tortilla ” says the website. reported.
Taco Bell has been growing
Yum Brands CEO David Gibbs praised Taco Bell during his company's presentation. third quarter results call.
“Taco Bell is unique in the national QSR category as a culturally iconic brand and a clear leader in value perception with the most crave-worthy food in the industry. Taco Bell has unparalleled menu flexibility, exceptional pricing power, leading unit economics and world-class franchise partners,” he shared.
Globally, Taco Bell achieved systems sales growth of 11% in the third quarter, led by same-store sales growth of 8% and unit growth of 5%. At Taco Bell US, system sales grew 11% with same-store sales growth of 8% and unit growth of 3%.
Next year, while this is not reflected in the Lava Menu, Taco Bell plans to lean heavily on expanding beyond beef.
“A key component of the magic formula is mass occasions, the personal expression of the brand to build new entry points into categories. An example of this is the growth of the chicken offering, which the team plans to expand further with the launch of its Cantina menu,” he said. aggregate.
Taco Bell has also been inclined to improve and expand its loyalty program.
“Another component of this brand's success is digital, which includes loyalty. While at Taco Bell, the loyal customer already spends 40% more per year than a traditional customer, the consumer feedback we have received indicates that we can do “Do an even better job at creating more obvious and exciting ways to earn and redeem rewards,” Gibbs shared.
