When was the last time you went inside a Taco Bell? No, going to the drive-thru doesn't count. We mean, when was the last time you physically went into a Taco Bell and sat down to eat? If it's been a while, that might change, all thanks to the chain's newly redesigned restaurants in California. It's no exaggeration to say they are gorgeous.
The company's four new store models, known as "modern explorer," "California sol," "heritage," and "urban edge," are being tested in Orange County. And they look nothing like the fast-food chain we used to know. Gone are the days of gaudy plastic stools and pink bells. Taco Bell's new restaurants feature highly stylized leather lounge chairs and tables that are best described as rustic.
"As we continue to expand into different markets...we realized pretty quickly that having a one-size-fits-all design really isn’t very effective," Deborah Brand, Taco Bell's vice president of development and design, told The Los Angeles Times. "We want to be where the customer is and we want to reflect the community we’re going into.
That means adopting a new aesthetic. According to Brand, the new designs will entice customers to stay for dinner and even show up on weekends.
Click through to see photos of Taco Bell's brand-new look.
Urban Edge
This design is all meant to be "street style done the Taco Bell way," according to Business Insider.
Photo: Courtesy of Taco Bell.
One of the most noticeable features of all new designs, including Urban Edge, are the new light fixtures. Taco Bell ditched its fluorescent lights for unique fixtures in each new restaurant style.
Photo: Courtesy of Taco Bell.
California Sol
This design is supposed to be centered on outdoor life. The "California sol" design is featured at Taco Bell's Newport Beach locations.
Photo: Courtesy of Taco Bell.
The new restaurants have al fresco dining areas — cushioned chairs on an outdoor patio. They're also meant to have a beachy vibe, hence the umbrella.
Photo: Courtesy of Taco Bell.
Modern Explorer
This modern style has been described as "rustic." Taco Bell is hoping that Modern Explorer is a good fit for both urban and suburban settings.
Photo: Courtesy of Taco Bell.
The design features much larger, longer tables for communal and family dining.
Photo: Courtesy of Taco Bell.
Heritage
Taco Bell says that the Heritage restaurants are inspired by the brand's "culinary roots in Mexican-inspired food." Also, take note of the crazy chandeliers.
Photo: Courtesy of Taco Bell.
Did we mention the fancy leather chairs? Because Taco Bell now has fancy leather seating in a room that mixes wood and tiles for a modern feel.
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