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Food

Taco Bell Just Announced MAJOR Changes To Its Restaurants For COVID--It's Unreal!

December 7, 2020 by Justine Schwartz
shefinds | Food
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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.

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Delicious Taco Bell meal with vibrant toppings and sauces.

“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:

READ MORE: Walmart Just Made A MAJOR Announcement About At-Home Covid Tests--It's Unreal!

Crunchy Taco Bell taco with fresh ingredients and flavors.

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!

 

READ MORE: McDonald's Just Announced MAJOR Changes To Its Drive-Thru For COVID--It's Unreal!

Iconic Taco Bell logo with colorful background.

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.

READ MORE: Walmart Just Made A MAJOR Announcement About At-Home Covid Tests--It's Unreal!

Flavorful Taco Bell burrito wrapped in foil, ready to eat.

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.

 

READ MORE: Starbucks Just Announced A New Free Drink Policy For Covid--Customers Are Freaking Out!

Author:

Editorial Director

Justine Schwartz is a veteran women's lifestyle editor; she's written extensively about style & beauty tips, health advice and wedding planning. Her work has appeared in New York Magazine, Huffington Post and New York Weddings. Justine has been with SheFinds since 2010; you can reach her via email at Justine@shefinds.com.

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Close-up of a vibrant food dish with colorful ingredients
Popular fast food brands: Dunkin', Chick-fil-A, Starbucks
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Inside a bustling Costco store showcasing products.
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S'mores brownies and baked ricotta from Aldi's selection.
Grilled chicken breast served with crispy fries and salad.
Frozen pizza display in grocery store aisle
Plate of fried fish with crispy fries
Woman enjoying a cup of spearmint tea
Variety of bread types displayed on a table
Freshly baked goods from Costco bakery
Woman holding her head, expressing concern or stress
Woman experiencing joint pain while holding her knee
Close-up of a vibrant food dish with colorful ingredients
Popular fast food brands: Dunkin', Chick-fil-A, Starbucks
Woman adding sugar to a steaming cup of coffee
Wooden board with bagels, blueberries, and butter
Comparing cooking spray and olive oil for cooking
Top view of Brazilian dish with rice, beans, and chicken
Checking watch while enjoying a healthy breakfast
Display of deli meats and sandwich products in grocery store
Delicious cooked salmon with rice, avocado, and greens.
Inside a bustling Costco store showcasing products.
Woman taking magnesium supplement for health benefits.
S'mores brownies and baked ricotta from Aldi's selection.
Grilled chicken breast served with crispy fries and salad.
Frozen pizza display in grocery store aisle
Plate of fried fish with crispy fries