Taco Bell is branching out into beverages.
Last month, the Tex Mex-inspired chain opened a new drink-focused spinoff restaurant called Live Más Café, as first reported by Nation’s Restaurant News. It celebrated its grand opening on Dec. 9.
Live Más Café will offer specialty drinks including Coffee and Churro Chillers, agua frescas and specialty coffees, alongside fan-favorite food items.
One drink item of note is called the Dirty Baja Blast, which appears to be a riff on the dirty soda trend that took over TikTok in 2022 and recently enjoyed a resurgence in “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.”
Other drinks the cafe’s Bellristas (Taco Bell baristas) will make customers, according to promotional material provided by Taco Bell: Cinnavanilla Coffee Churro Chiller, Cinnabon Caramel Iced or Hot Coffee, Vanilla Crema Iced or Hot Coffee, Limonada Iced Tea and more.
The new concept was developed with Diversified Restaurant Group, one of Taco Bell’s largest franchisees. Its first location is open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. in Chula Vista, California at 1548 E. H Street.
Taco Bell says Live Más Café is part of its plan to “disrupt the beverage industry.” (That means you, Starbucks and Dunkin’.)
Scott Mezvinsky, Taco Bell president, International and North America, says that the chain is always looking for new ways to “elevate the Taco Bell experience” and its new cafe concept is just one example of that.
“This innovative pilot concept is all about expanding the boundaries of what Taco Bell can be, creating a dynamic space where guests can experience our bold flavors in new and exciting ways,” Mezvinsky tells TODAY.com in an emailed statement.
“This isn’t just a menu update message — it’s a movement,” added Diversified Restaurant Group CEO, SG Ellison, in a statement. “The new beverage platform will empower consumers to live bold and live beyond, and Taco Bell has allowed us to help write the book on this exciting new concept.”
