Taco Bell is removing a dozen items from its permanent menu next month, saying the change will simplify operations and speed the ordering process.
The Mexican quick-service chain on Friday said it would remove items from its menu beginning August 13, with 11 items removed from the menu completely and one, the Quesarito, available only through the web or the company’s mobile app. Two other items will be added to its menu.
The items tabbed for total removal include:
- The Grilled Steak Soft Taco
- 7-Layer Burrito
- Nachos Supreme
- Beefy Fritos Burrito
- Spicy Tostada
- Triple Layer Nachos
- Spicy Potato Soft Taco
- Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes
- Loaded Grillers
- Chips & Dips
- Mini Skillet Bowl (breakfast)
Taco Bell is adding a $5 Grande Nachos Box, with a layer of tortilla chips, a double serving of beef, refried beans, nacho cheese sauce, three-cheese blend, pico de gallo, guacamole and sour cream.
It is also adding a $1 Beef Burrito to its Cravings Value Menu.
Some of the items being removed are vegetarian items. Taco Bell said in its announcement that its menu “remains highly customizable” and customers can swap out any protein for beans.
The announcement follows reports on the social media site Reddit this week that the company was preparing a reduced menu.
Fast-food brands have focused more intently on operations since the start of the pandemic, focusing more on speed as more customers have flocked to their drive-thrus. That has led chains to reduce menu sizes in a bid to improve operations. It even has McDonald’s reconsidering its once-popular All-Day Breakfast.
In its announcement, Taco Bell said that its “evolved menu approach comes after months of analyzing the new way we are running our restaurants. With safety top of mind, we want to ensure an easy and fast ordering experience for our guests and team members.”
The company said that the menu reduction “will leave room for new fan favorites,” and specifically mentioned items for customers on “plant-based diets.”
Taco Bell also suggested that the company could bring back “some classics on a limited-time basis.”
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