Taco Bell Intros New Cantina Tacos

Taco Bell says their new Cantina Tacos are "based upon authentic-style Mexican street tacos."

Their Cantina Tacos included grilled, warm corn tortillas, 'premium' meats and a chopped onion and cilantro blend with a freshly sliced lime wedge.

In equally big news, for the first time Taco Bell is offering pork in one of their menu items.

The Cantina Tacos are available with chicken, steak or carnitas shredded pork.  They have 170, 160 and 200 calories respectively.  (Complete nutritional data for the pork taco is below.)

Taco Bell's new Cantina Tacos

"Our Cantina Tacos are based upon authentic-style Mexican street tacos, which are designed using simple, fresh ingredients, that customers regard as high quality," says David Ovens, chief marketing officer for Taco Bell Corp. "Not only are they a great-tasting addition to our menu, and one that was mainly found in Mexican-style restaurants, but they're also a great value that we know our customers love from Taco Bell."

Complete nutritional info for the Carnitas version of the Cantina Taco:

Taco Bell - Carnitas Pork
Nutrition Facts Serv. Size 113g Servings 1 Calories 200   Fat Cal. 60 www.foodfacts.info	Amount/serving	%DV*		Amount/serving	%DV*
	Total Fat 7 g	11%		Total Carb. 26 g	9%
	Sat. Fat 2 g	10%		Fiber 3 g	12%
	Trans Fat 0 g			Sugars 1 g
	Cholesterol 35 mg	11%		Protein 9 g
	Sodium 260 mg	11%
	*Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Fast Food Halloween Treats

Taco Bell and Chipotle both have special offers for Halloween this year.

Taco Bell will be giving away their new Black Jack Tacos.

One free Black Jack Taco for every/anyone from 6 pm to Midnight on Halloween night. (Limit one per customer, while supplies last, etc, etc).

Chipotle is giving away a free burrito, tacos, bowl or salad to anyone who comes into a Chipotle dressed as a Chipotle burrito.

This promotion may not be at all locations, so call your local Chipotle for details, but the restaurants we've checked will be handing out Boo-ritos to the appropriately attired from 6 pm to close on Halloween night.

Taco Bell Adds New Color... Black

Taking food coloring usage up a notch, Taco Bell has introduced their 89¢ Black Jack Taco.

Red was the color of choice with the Volcano line introduction... now it's all the colors, to create black.

A black taco shell and some pepper jack sauce and it is the classic crispy taco redux.

At 89¢, it is an addition to Taco Bell's 79¢-89¢-99¢ Why Pay More! Value Menu.

It has 210 calories and 17 grams of fat (.5 grams Trans Fat). Fast Food Facts complete nutritional info:

Taco Bell's Video, "All About The Roosevelts"

Taco Bell has a new music video that is running in movie theaters and on TV across the country staring Bobby Edner (of Varsity Fanclub).

The music video is for a song called "It's All About The Roosevelts" which features Bobby wrapping about the Taco Bell Value Menu and the money you can save... and some break dancing, too.

Here it is:

The Taco Bell HQ and Test Kitchen Tour

Taco Bell invited me and several other food bloggers to Irvine, CA to tour their headquarters and test kitchen and to discuss their new Volcano menu. They flew us in from as far away as Maryland, Michigan, St. Louis and Texas (that’s me).

I'll have much more in future posts about the visit and the answers to some questions submitted by you, Fast Food News readers, and Reddit users. In this post, I'll outline our visit and share some photos. More photos are available in this Flickr set.

Most of us arrived on Tuesday afternoon (last week) and they took us out to dinner at Five Feet in Laguna Beach.

On Wednesday morning we walked the 2 blocks from our hotel to Taco Bell's headquarters.

In their main building,

we saw their company cafeteria (featuring KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell),

and their lobby, (that's a cut-out of founder Glenn Bell in the center)

with their original menu, logo and mascot:

Then we went to the building next door to their glass headquarters building to visit their test kitchen (that has the same food and equipment as your local Taco Bell),

and meet their 'food innovators.'

First, we tasted their new "Lava Sauce"

That is used on their Volcano Taco

and their Volcano Burrito, seen here being made in their test kitchen,

and completed:

I have to confess to loving the Lava Sauce and, at this very moment, craving a Volcano Burrito. They gave us each a Volcano taco and burrito to eat there in the test kitchen... and then we were given a chance to make whatever we wanted in the Taco Bell kitchen. Most of the other bloggers were much more creative. I tried to re-create the Volcano Taco (plus some sour cream), but it looked pretty sad when I was finished:

Although I'll have much more to share... here's a few tidbits we were told:

• They'll be a new Volcano menu item coming in August.
• They test new products all the time at Taco Bell and the employees are sent an e-mail about that day's test inviting them to the test kitchen for a free lunch and feedback on the new product.
• The original, in-house name for the Crunchwrap was the "Origami Tostado"... you know, because of the folding.
• This summer's Frutista Freeze flavor will be Pina Colada, with real Pineapple chunks. (We tasted it.)
• 70% of Taco Bell's business is done in the drive-through.

Here are links to posts about the trip by other bloggers in attendance: Grub Grade, Scott Robert's Web (hot sauces), Epic Portions, Endless Simmer, and Food Beast.

Fast Food News to Visit Taco Bell Test Kitchen

I'll be traveling to Irvine, CA and Taco Bell headquarters next week to visit the Taco Bell Test Kitchen and get a behind the scenes look at their menu development process and talk with their 'food innovators.'

I'll have news and photos when I return.

This is your chance to pass along your questions, comments, or suggestions to Taco Bell's menu creators!

Email them to me at: tacobellquestions@foodfacts.info

Fast Food at Guantanamo Bay

From Wikipedia:

In 1986, Guantanamo became host to Cuba's first and only McDonald's restaurant, as well as a Subway. These fast food restaurants are on base, and not accessible to Cubans. It has been reported that prisoners cooperating with interrogations have been rewarded with Happy Meals from the McDonald's located on the mainside of the base.

In 2004, Guantanamo opened a combined KFC & A&W restaurants at the bowling alley and a Pizza Hut Express at the Windjammer Restaurant. There is also a Taco Bell, and an ice cream shop that sells Starbucks coffee. All the restaurants on the installation are franchises owned and operated by the Department of the Navy. All proceeds from these restaurants are used to support morale, welfare and recreation (MWR) activities for service personnel and their families.

Jack's Shameless Superbowl Head Trauma

Like millions of others, you probably saw Jack get hit by a bus in the Jack in the Box ad during the Superbowl.

The 'official statement' after the ad says "In lieu of sending flowers, please order anything on the menu, anytime of the day.  Jack would want it that way."

Just another attempt at fast food viral marketing (with a huge Superbowl price tag), and the requisite web site www.hangintherejack.com.

Miss it?  You can see all the Superbowl ads over at Hulu (see below).

But for now, here's some fake cell phone video taken right after the accident:

We wrote about the Denny's Superbowl ad and free Grand Slam on Monday.

The only other fast food Superbowl ad was Taco Bell's. And we think that was a huge FAIL.

Here's all the Superbowl ads (on Hulu):

Free Taco Fallout - Taco Bell

Last week I told you about the free taco on Tuesday at Taco Bell.

Hopefully some of you got to take advantage of the promotion and get a free taco.

There's been some other fallout from Taco Bell's Stolen Base/Taco promotion:


The Tampa Bay player, Jason Bartlett, who stole a base in the World Series and thereby activated this promotion has certainly heard from America about their free Taco.

Bartlett's cell phone has been inundated with messages and texts congratulating him on the stolen base and thanking him for the free taco.

He has had to change his number!

---

Also, a Consumerist reader who was checking his local police logs noticed that his local Taco Bell was having some problems with the folks lined up in the drive-thru waiting for their free taco.

Evidently this particular Taco Bell wasn't willing to give a free taco to everyone in a vehicle in the drive-thru. Although the rules only specifiy one per person (not one per vehicle).


Tell us about your free taco (if you got one)... was their a long line? did you have any trouble getting it?

Free Taco Tuesday at Taco Bell

Taco Bell had their free taco for a stolen base in the World Series promotion again this year.

Last night Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Jason Bartlett stole 2nd base in the bottom of the 5th inning of Game 1.  Result:  Free Tacos.

You can visit any Taco Bell location on Tuesday, October 28, 2008 from 2 to 6 pm (local time) to claim your free Crunchy Seasoned Beef Taco.

2007 was the first year for the stolen base version of this free taco promotion.  Jacoby Ellsbury stole a base in last year's World Series resulting in the free tacos.  In 2006 the free taco resulted from a home run.

Taco Bell: Triple Steak Burrito & Frutista

While Taco Bell is experiencing increased business during the current economic downturn due to their "Why Pay More" value menu, they've also introduced the most expensive menu item they've ever had, the Triple Steak Burrito priced at $3.99.

The Triple Steak Burrito is big.  It weighs in at 339 grams.  By comparison, the 7-layer Burrito weighs 283 grams.  The Triple Steak is also loaded with protein:  37 grams.  Of course, you get 25 grams of fat (230 calories from fat) with the Triple Steak Burrito, and 660 total calories.  (complete nutritional information below)

They've also introduced a fruit-flavored frozen beverage called the "Frutista Freeze."  The Frutista, priced under $2, is a high profit margin product for Taco Bell (as are most beverages).  It is basically a flavored-water slush.  It contains no fruit juice (only fruit flavors).Taco Bell/YUM! Brands Chief Marketing Officer, David Ovens, has called the Frutista Freeze "the goose that lays the golden eggs."

Taco Bell Value Meal

Taco Bell has a new value menu with some new items.

It has 3 price points: 79¢, 89¢ and 99¢.

The 79¢ menu includes: Cheese Roll-Up*, Triple Layer Nachos*, and Cinnamon Twists.

The 89¢ menu includes: Crunchy Taco, Soft Taco, Volcano Taco* and Cheesy Double Beef Burrito*.

The 99¢ menu includes: Big Taste Taco*, Bean Burrito, 1/2 lb. Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito, and Caramel Apple Empanada.

*new items

Don't adjust your monitor! That taco is red! Taco Bell's new Volcano Taco, also part of the value meal above, comes in a red taco shell. (It is a limited time offering.)

The Volcano Taco has 'real' cheddar cheese, cheesy lava sauce, lettuce, and seasoned 'beef,' all in a bright red taco shell.

Don't be confused, the 'cheesy lava sauce' is not just nacho cheese sauce. As RandomVillain (sic) on eBaum's world says: "it is not nacho cheese. Tastes nothing like nacho cheese. Its called LAVA SAUCE. And it is the destroyer of taste buds. Tastes more like chili."

The Volcano Taco has 240 calories, 150 calories from fat, 17 grams of fat, 5 grams saturated fat, no trans fat, 35 mg cholesterol, 490 mg sodium, 14 grams carbs, 3 grams fiber, 1 gram sugars, 8 grams protein.

Interesting Facts from Taco Bell

Found some interesting company facts on Taco Bell's website today. Thought I'd share...

• Originated by Glen Bell, Taco Bell became a reality on March 21, 1962. The first franchise was sold in 1964.
• Taco Bell employs more than 143,000 people in company-operated and franchised units and corporate offices in the US.
• Nearly 150 million people see a Taco Bell commercial once a week - more than half the US population.
• Over 2 billion tacos and 1 billion burritos of all varieties are served in Taco Bell restaurants each year.
• In an average year in the US, Taco Bell consumers, company and franchise restaurants, consume:
• 3.8 billion corn and flower tortillas
• 62 million pounds of pinto beans
• 295 million pounds of seasoned ground beef (my note: that's about 600,000 cows)
• 106 million pounds of cheese

Jon Stewart on Taco Bell in Mexico

The Daily Show's Jon Stewart talked about Taco Bell opening their first store in Mexico and wonders if Taco Bell will use their slogan, "Run for the border," in Mexico, too. He also shows us what a television ad in Mexico for Taco Bell might look like. Watch it below (or here)...

Taco Bell's 2007 World Series promotion

Last year, Taco Bell's World Series promotion was to offer a free taco to everyone in America if there was left-field home run during Game 3 of the World Series. After six innings with no home runs, Taco Bell extended the promotion to include any home runs.

There were no home runs in the game, but the sportscasters talked about Taco Bell and their promotion during the entire game giving Taco Bell some great exposure (although I'm sure it cost them plenty).

This year Taco Bell's World Series promotion involves stolen bases. Any stolen base during the entire World Series will earn everyone in America a free taco.

Taco Bell is using the slogan "90ft. to free tacos for America" for this promotion. 90ft. being the distance between bases on the baseball diamond.

Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Lou Brock, who stole a record 14 bases in World Series play (including an individual series record seven during the 1967 MLB World Series), will serve as Taco Bell's spokesperson. "Steal A Base, Steal A Taco" will also benefit a worthy cause -- a monetary donation of $20,000 will be made to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

If there is a stolen base, you can obtain your free Crunchy Seasoned Beef Taco on Tuesday, October 30, 2007 (if base is stolen in Games 1 or 2 on October 24 or October 25, 2007) OR November 6, 2007 (if base is stolen in Games 3-7, October 27, 28, 29, 31, November 1, 2007). (More details at www.StealaBaseStealaTaco.com)

The good news for taco lover's: There has been at least one stolen base in every World Series matchup since 1990.

Taco Bell to open in Mexico

The Consumerist and The San Diego Union Tribune are reporting that Taco Bell will be opening their first fast food restaurants in Mexico in 15 years.

Taco Bell doesn't have to worry about being lost in the throngs of Mexican restaurants in Mexico because Taco Bell doesn't serve Mexican food. And they admit it:

"What we are bringing to Mexico is not Mexican food, it's our exciting quick-service restaurant brand," said Rob Poetsch, a spokesman for Yum Brands. "We feel the timing is right, and we've done quite a bit of consumer research to validate that this goes beyond product. It's about value and convenience - that's the universal appeal."

Pop culture historian Carlos Monsivais: “Taco Bell wants to take advantage of the perception that if something comes from the U.S., it tastes better, that a country that has been Americanized is willing to Americanize food that is central to its cuisine.

“It is an absurd idea, and given that it's so absurd, it may just be successful in upper-class areas,” Monsivais added.

Also from Taco Bell:

"Taco Bell is feeding the beat by keeping bands on the road, well fed and rocking their fans across America. The 2007 class of Feed the Beat was announced today, as 50 up-and-coming bands were named to receive $500 in free Fourthmeals – the late night meal between dinner and breakfast – no strings attached. An eclectic group of bands, found after a national audition, make up this year's roster."

Yum!'s From Hunger to Hope

Yum! Brands has teamed up with the Friends of the World Food Program for World Hunger Relief Week.

Called "World Hunger Relief Week," the program supports the United Nations World Food Programme, the frontline agency in the fight against global hunger. During October 14-20, 35,000 company and franchised restaurants located in 112 countries will be participating in some way, including KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Long John Silver's and A&W All-American Food.

The campaign, which will run from October 14th through October 20th, will increase awareness about hunger, engage volunteers, and raise critically needed funds to help WFP serve the world's areas of greatest need.

"This unprecedented and innovative campaign brings together the public and private sector to address one of the most pressing issues of our time: the world's hunger crisis," said Friends of WFP President and CEO Karen Sendelback. "Hunger is a global concern and an issue that faces each of us no matter where we live and work. Through World Hunger Relief Week, we can all make a difference to stop world hunger."

There's more information and you can donate at the "From Hunger to Hope" web site that Yum! Brands has set up.

Sure, Yum! is using a global tragedy to promote their fast food chains, but it is an important concern that needs awareness.

UPDATE: KFC announced one way their participating today:

The KFC "Honks for Hunger Relief" Tour begins on the East Coast on Oct. 11. The KFC Colonel will be driving cross-country to raise money for World Hunger Relief Week.

Each time the Colonel encounters a motorist who signals support for hunger relief with a honk of the horn, he will add a buck to the KFC bucket. Every honk means another dollar donated by KFC. The Colonel hopes to raise tens of thousands of dollars during his road trip.

Also, the From Hunger to Hope blog pointed out in comments to this blog entry that "we're not trying to promote our food in any way with this effort." I'm glad Yum! is doing something to promote awareness about hunger, but I still fail to see how The Colonel driving cross country with signs and a car plastered with KFC logos isn't promoting their food, too.

Snake rings taco worker's bell

Pranksters at a Texas Taco Bell had drive-thru employee Bryant Simmons running for the border when they threw a 3-foot long Python at him through the drive-thru window.

Simmons has a fear of snakes and this one hit him smack in the chest. But a spokesman for the Taco Bell in Round Rock, Texas said Simmons was physically unharmed, just really shaken up.

Police are using surveillance camera footage in their search for the pranksters, described as 3 men in a truck.

And as for the snake, it turns out that an employee at a neighboring fast food restaurant, Thundercloud Subs, has 2 Pythons of her own at home, so she was able to convince police to let her take custody of the one thrown through the drive-thru window.

What is it that makes Taco Bell such a popular target for pranks?

Taco Bell test markets breakfast menu

Thanks to a tip from Nancy's Fast Food Maven blog on Myspace, I've been reading about Taco Bell's test-marketing of a breakfast menu.

Taco Bells in the Toledo, Fresno, Tucson and Omaha markets started serving breakfast Saturday.

There are eight items on Taco Bell's new breakfast menu including a guacamole bacon grilled burrito, a sausage and bacon grilled burrito, a bacon and egg taco, Cinnamon Toastadas, and Bell breakfast potatoes.

"You can get a bagel or croissant and egg sandwich anywhere - our menu is unique and differentiated," said Toledo franchisee Don Unruh. "We got Grilled Stuft Burritos, breakfast Crunchwraps and Cinnamon Toastadas."

The menu will be offered from 6 AM to 10:30 AM.

from: Fast Food Maven, BG News, and KETV.

Rats invade NYC KFC/Taco Bell

Rats have invaded a KFC/Taco Bell combo restaurant in Greenwich Village, New York City and it's the talk of the town. Local news stations have shot video of a virtual horde of rats running around the restaurant.

The restaurant has been cited in the past for rodent problems.

I can't really do the video justice with a description, so, if you've got a strong stomach, watch the video.

UPDATE: The restaurant has been closed until the rat problem, and any other health code violations, are solved (see 2nd video below).

Watch the rats (Fox 5 New York):

Watch Yum! Brands' response (parent company of Taco Bell & KFC):