The first on-campus Taco Bell Cantina opened at the University of Texas at Dallas this semester. Franchisee North Texas Bells is operating the restaurant in conjunction with foodservice provider Chartwells Higher Education and UT Dallas.
Like the other Cantinas in urban centers around the country, this newest location offers alcohol and a dining experience that’s a few notches above the usual Taco Bell. Digital kiosks, cutting-edge design, unique but budget-friendly menu items and beer and wine amplify its appeal as a student hangout.
“I’m from Louisiana and in college we had a place on campus called Burger Chef,” says Troy Morrison, president of North Texas Bells. “That was kind of the meeting place for all students. We really want to serve the UT Dallas community and want Taco Bell Cantina to be that meeting place.”
But the intention is to serve the surrounding community of Richardson, Texas, as well as the campus, according to a Chartwells spokesperson.
Pandemic restrictions mean that only about one-third of students are currently attending in-person classes. But the Cantina is located in a parking structure, so it’s convenient for students coming to and leaving campus as well as local residents. In addition, it is designed with outdoor seating.
According to Chartwells director of retail dining Nick Norris, the value was one of the reasons the university wanted a Taco Bell Cantina. The concept provides affordable meal options, including $1 value menu items, and it has become the busiest dining location on campus. Meal cards are accepted and students can get food delivered using Starship Technologies delivery robots or mobile ordering, each for an additional fee.
Just under 50 Taco Bell Cantinas are now open in the U.S.
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