The US chain opened its latest UK outpost today (18 August) in Spalding, Lincolnshire. Further sites in Torquay and Hornchurch will launch in the coming days, bringing the group's total UK estate to 102 locations.
“We’re currently in one of the most exciting times for the UK QSR industry,” says Gino Casciani, general manager of Taco Bell in the UK & Europe.
“An increasing number of iconic brands are making moves from the US and consumers have more choice than ever before, this means we need to go the extra mile for our incredibly loyal Taco Bell fans, which is something we delight in. The growth of the brand in the UK is testament to the incredible team we’ve built here who’ve managed to adapt to the ebb and flow to deliver a product we are proud of at every turn.”
Taco Bell opened its first UK site at the Lakeside Shopping Centre in June 2010, and originally followed a measured approach to expansion that saw it open 50 restaurants over a 10 year period. However, in the last 18 months the group has adopted a much more aggressive growth strategy that has seen it double its presence across the country.
“The doors opening on Taco Bell’s 100th store is a fitting time to reflect on the twelve years the franchise has been in operation in the UK and it’s an incredibly proud moment,” continues Casciani.
“However, as the business eyes up future moves, it will come as little surprise that we are setting our sights on further growth.”
Taco Bell's parent company, Yum! Brands, previously attempted to bring the chain to the UK in the 1980s, but only managed to open four restaurants before leaving the marker in the mid-90s.
The first Taco Bell restaurant opened in the US in 1973.