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Taco Bell is joining restaurants like Chipotle, McDonald’s and Burger King in completely overhauling their dining experience for COVID!
The company announced in August that it would be launching a “Taco Bell Go Mobile” restaurant concept in Q1 of 2021. The new format has been in the works for a few years, but was accelerated due to the pandemic, according to a rep.
“I think the COVID environment has just accelerated those customer insights and needs,” president and global chief operating officer Mike Grams told Nation’s Restaurant News at the time of the release. “It's really clear what the consumer wants from us.”
As we approach the launch date, here's everything you need to know about the new Taco Bell dining experience:
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Digital ordering
The restaurants will focus on digital business, aka apps made through the fast food chain's mobile app. So, yes, you'll need a smart phone and it will need to be linked to your credit card information (sorry, security experts!). But this means does some pretty cool things for convenience. For example, when you approach the store the kitchen will know that you've arrived from technology on your phone. Welcome to the future!
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Smaller buildings
The new Taco Bells will be half the size of their current standard restaurant, only 1,325 square feet compared to 2,500 square feet. More space will be dedicated to drive-thrus and takeout. Smaller retail requirements will make the company more flexible and adaptable.
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More Curbside Options
The new format will feature a traditional drive-thru lane as well as a priority pickup drive-thru lane for customers who ordered through the app. Customers can also get their orders from pickup shelves inside the restaurant.
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