The Taco Bell universe just got bigger. Get ready to sip, savor, and smile.
Taco Bell has always been known for its Mexican-inspired food like burritos, tacos, quesadilla, and more. However, it looks like the fast food brand will be making a name in the beverage industry. Not to be outdone by McDonald’s with its new CosMc’s shop in Chicago, Taco Bell launched its first beverage-forward concept shop in California, called Live Más Cafe. Are you ready to live more?
Last December 9, 2024, Taco Bell opened the doors to its all-new beverage-focused restaurant concept, Live Más Cafe, in Chula Vista, California. This exciting new concept was brought to life in partnership with Diversified Restaurant Group, which is one of the largest franchisees of Taco Bell. SG Ellison, the CEO of Diversified Restaurant Group, shared that what they have is more than just a menu update. It’s a platform that empowers consumers to “live bold and live beyond.” This aligns with what Taco Bell values the most: encouraging guests to live life to the fullest.
So, what can you find at the Live Más Cafe? According to reports, the menu features agua frescas, specialty coffee, and chillers. It also includes specials like the following:
- Churro Chiller
- Cinnavanilla Coffee Churro Chiller
- Cinnabon Caramel Iced or Hot Coffee
- Vanilla Crema Iced or Hot Coffee
- Limonada Iced Tea
Should you get hungry while trying out any of these drinks, you can still enjoy traditional Taco Bell menu items at Live Más Cafe. But remember, drinks will obviously be the main attraction in this new restaurant concept. Similar to other fast food chains, Taco Bell is aware that beverage chains are among the fastest-growing businesses in the restaurant industry. In the past two years, these chains have seen tremendous growth in terms of visitation, prompting business experts to think that Taco Bell is capitalizing on this trend.
Beyond adapting to new trends, Taco Bell’s president, Scott Mezvinsky underscores the brand’s mission to elevate guest experience. He said that the launch of Live Más Cafe is all about exploring what Taco Bell could be. In so doing, they provide a space where customers can experience Taco Bell’s bold flavors in new and exciting ways.
If you’re interested to try the new drinks from Live Más Cafe, they’re open daily from 7 a.m. until 3 a.m.
What Else is New at Taco Bell?
Meanwhile, at the Taco Bell restaurant that you know and love, there are new menu items and fast food deals waiting. Whether you’re looking into dropping by this holiday season or using your app to enjoy classics at home, here are the latest treats and deals you shouldn’t miss:
Decades Menu
In the latter part of the year, Taco Bell brought back fan-favorite and nostalgic items from the 60s and onwards. Here are some of the menu items that you can still grab (while supplies last):
- 60s Tostada – This iconic fast food item is made with a tostada shell with a combination of red sauce, beans, lettuce, and cheese on top.
- 80s Meximelt – A savory food option made with tortilla loaded with pico de gallo, melty cheese, and seasoned beef.
- 90s Gordita Supreme – Experience the melding of savory and sour flavors with this flatbread filled with seasoned beef, lettuce, cheesy blend, and sour cream.
10 Items, Each for $3 or Less
Satisfying your Mexican food cravings doesn’t have to blow your budget. In fact, it could cost around $3 or less! That is if you take the time to browse Taco Bell’s Cravings Value Menu, which features food items priced as low as $1.19. The value menu includes crowd-favorites like Loaded Beef Nachos, Stacker, Meximelt, Green Sauce Burrito, Chicken Enchilada Burrito, and so much more.
In-App Fast Food Deals
There are more deals to snag if you have the Taco Bell app or a member of their Rewards program. For one, the restaurant is currently offering a free drink of any size when you purchase a 5-pc Crispy Chicken Nuggets. Every Tuesday, Rewards Members are also entitled to get new exclusive offers and experiences.
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Other Innovative Restaurant Concepts You Shouldn’t Miss
Now, let’s go back to the beverage frenzy that we have witnessed in the last couple of years. Apparently, cafes are becoming a “third space,” where you can relax and be productive outside of home and work. And, of course, the need for variety and convenience also became a driving force in the creation of new beverage shops. Besides Taco Bell‘s Live Más Cafe, here are other emerging small-format restaurants to keep an eye on:
- McDonald’s CosMc’s – CosMc’s is the new small-format restaurant of fast food giant McDonald’s, focused on serving “otherworldly” beverages. The thing is, unlike the Live Más Cafe, CosMc’s only operates on a drive-thru setup, tapping on the growing markets for coffee and drive-thru beverages. Some of the drinks sold at CosMc’s include Coconaut Cold Brew, Oat & Honey Moon Latte, and Island Pick-Me-Up Punch. Sandwiches, bites, and baked goods are also available at CosMc’s.
- Cinnabon and Carvel’s Cinnabon Swirl – Not a beverage-focused restaurant, but this one deserves a special mention. If you’re looking for something more innovative than cinnamon rolls and soft serve, then you should prepare for the arrival of Cinnabon Swirl! The worlds of Cinnabon and Carvel will finally merge, creating mouthwatering sweet treats like Cinnabon Swirl Sundae and Bonini (classic roll meets vanilla soft serve). The first location is expected to debut in Hawaii, but launch date hasn’t been confirmed.
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From The Club
Time and time again, fast food icon Taco Bell shows us that it lives up to its slogan, “Live Más.” As someone who can’t do without coffee in the morning and a super fan of foods with cinnamon (hello, churro), I want to visit the Live Más Cafe so bad! I don’t live near Chula Vista but I do have a friend from the town. I guess I’ll be having a side quest when I finally visit her!