KFC Parent Company Brings Tacos to China with New Taco Bell Restaurants

Taco Bell's chefs spent countless hours to come up with their new craveable lineup, including the Ribeye Steak & Mushroom Taco, Taco Salad Bowl (available with either Ribeye Steak or Grilled Chicken). Image: Yum China Holdings, Inc

INTERNATIONAL -- Yum China Holdings, Inc. and Taco Bell Corp., the world's largest Mexican-inspired restaurant chain announced the opening of two new restaurants in Shanghai, China. Following the successful opening of the first Taco Bell restaurant in China earlier this year in Shanghai's Lujiazui area, Yum China has opened a new Taco Bell restaurant in a premium shopping mall in Wu Jiao Chang, close to some of Shanghai's top universities, and expects to open a restaurant in Feng Sheng Li, a popular shopping precinct, before the end of 2017.

Also read, Popular fast-food brand pilots facial recognition payment system in China.

"The response to our first Taco Bell store in Shanghai has been fantastic, and we are very excited to introduce two more unique restaurants to the city," said Micky Pant, Chief Executive Officer of Yum China. "The new restaurants integrate Taco Bell's signature brand and spirit into the local community, and bring both classic menu items and original recipes to cater to Chinese customers. We are excited to welcome more customers to experience Taco Bell in Shanghai and look forward to bringing this vibrant, global brand to other parts of China in 2018."

In keeping with the "Live Mas" spirit of exploration and innovation, the Taco Bell restaurants will introduce a new dinner menu, exclusive to China, as well as a range of freshly grilled menu items to entice curious diners. Taco Bell's chefs spent countless hours to come up with their new craveable lineup, including the Ribeye Steak & Mushroom Taco, Taco Salad Bowl (available with either Ribeye Steak or Grilled Chicken), Beef Kebab Nachos, and XL-Wing Nachos. To complement the freshly prepared dishes, the Wu Jiao Chang and Feng Sheng Li restaurants will unveil an array of alcoholic beverages, including the all new "Shanghai Cosmopolitan", a refreshing and beautifully crafted cocktail inspired by mixologists.   

The two new Taco Bell restaurants in Shanghai will also introduce a new service model, with orders delivered directly to designated tables, which will enable customers to relax and enjoy the company of their friends and fellow students without having to get back up to pick up their food.

"Bringing the Taco Bell experience to more customers globally in locally relevant ways is key to our continued growth," said Brian Niccol, Chief Executive Officer of Taco Bell Corp. "These new restaurants have truly blended the Taco Bell brand within their communities through locally designed restaurants and customized food and service options. We are delighted to see the reception to Taco Bell in China and look forward to bringing the 'Live Mas' spirit to more consumers across the country."

Taco Bell Wu Jiao Chang -- A Creative Platform
Taco Bell's new restaurant in Wu Jiao Chang has its own distinct and vibrant DNA in terms of both architecture and design. Located in a prime shopping mall close to a number of Shanghai's top universities, this newly upgraded commercial destination will serve to please the appetites of people living in the community as well as the thousands of students close by.

Inspired by the energetic and youthful vibe in this area, Taco Bell's locally based design team has sought to combine its California roots with Chinese style and culture. The restaurant will feature one-of-a-kind artwork that encompasses the spirit of "Live Mas" by combining old with new, unique shapes, and vibrant colors.

Communal tables encourage students and urban professionals to congregate, study, socialize, and of course eat. Taco Bell has also gone one step further to offer a platform to inspire customers and their passion for the arts, music and other interests. Customers will be invited to display their artwork, poetry, designs, and other creative expressions on "Live Mas" walls, allowing them to express their individuality to other restaurant visitors. The restaurant will also provide a creative outlet for the community by hosting events to showcase talents. 

Taco Bell Feng Sheng Li  -- East Meets West Fusion
Located in a historic residential area close to a popular Shanghai shopping precinct, the Feng Sheng Li restaurant is designed in the architectural style known as "Shikumen", or literally "stone gate" buildings. A striking example of East meets West fusion, the Shanghai-style townhouse incorporates elements of Taco Bell's signature look and feel while integrating with the local environment. Art featured in the restaurant combines images that represent both California and Shanghai -- including the Shanghai Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai's art deco buildings sitting comfortably among California palm trees and skateboards.

The neighboring alleyway, historically a place for residents to congregate, features customized street art that serves as a backdrop to the outdoor dining area. The alley space is also separated into clusters to cater to different group sizes and dining habits, and a canopy ensures that customers can enjoy Taco Bell rain or shine. 

Currently, Taco Bell has more than 7,000 restaurants in the world with almost 400 in 26 countries outside of the United States. Taco Bell's restaurants in China are part of the brand's global growth strategy of reaching 1,000 restaurants internationally by 2022.

SOURCE Yum China Holdings, Inc