4. Heritage
Most reminiscent of the chain’s original design, the look features exposed timbers, white walls, tiles and other touches suggesting a Mexican setting. Taco Bell did not specify what sort of location would be ideal for the Modern Explorer look, suggesting that it amounts to the default design for sites where the other three designs aren’t suitable.
“While all four restaurant designs each have a different contextual personality, they all share a commonality in expressing Taco Bell’s brand like never before,” said Marisa Thalberg, Taco Bell’s CMO. “From the open kitchen that showcases our freshly prepared foods to the community tables designed for friends to hang out, each of these formats fosters a modern, unique experience.”
The designs also share a commitment to energy conservation, according to Taco Bell. In suitable locations, the drive-thru will be roofed with solar panels.
The chain said the four new designs will be tested in the franchisor’s home base of Orange County, Calif., before becoming nationwide options. The looks will be used both for newly constructed restaurants and renovations.
Taco Bell noted that the chain opened 275 restaurants and renovated 600 stores in 2015. It has a goal of opening 2,000 restaurants by 2022.