BRUCE SCHREINER
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) – Taco Bell, often a late-night indulgence with its inexpensive fare, is going more upscale.
The chain said Wednesday it plans an early July rollout of a menu addition created by celebrity chef Lorena Garcia for its nearly 5,600 U.S. restaurants. New items feature such ingredients as black beans, cilantro rice, citrus- and herb-marinated chicken and cilantro dressing.
The introduction of items that Taco Bell executive Brian Niccol described as “gourmet Mexican,” is a venture onto the turf of casual-dining chains such as Chipotle Mexican Grill and Qdoba Mexican Grill known for higher-quality ingredients.
It’s a departure from such standards as tacos, burritos and chalupas that Taco Bell’s core young-adult customers crave and that will remain mainstays on menu boards.