(Gray News) - Fast food chain Taco Bell has announced it will bring back potatoes to its menu after removing them last year.
The restaurant said it removed the potatoes in 2020 in an effort to simplify the menu, but many reached out to the company with the goal of getting the menu items back.
Taco Bell will add Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes and the Spicy Potato Soft Taco to its menu on March 11.
Company leaders said this is part of the chain’s goal of adding more vegetarian items to the menu, as it is also working with Beyond Meat to create a plant-based protein that will go into testing later this year.
“The return of our beloved potatoes is just the first step in showing our fans the strong continued commitment to vegetarian we are making this year,” Taco Bell global chief food innovation officer Liz Matthews said.
Customers who are pursuing vegetarian options can swap meat for potatoes or beans on any Taco Bell menu item.
And now, an announcement from our CEO. pic.twitter.com/JHHJMrPEJH
— Taco Bell (@tacobell) January 14, 2021
The return of potatoes also led to some calling for Taco Bell to bring back the Mexican Pizza, but the company dodged the request in a response on Twitter.
Can we just let potatoes have their moment?
— Taco Bell (@tacobell) January 14, 2021
Copyright 2021 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
As a seasoned expert in the culinary industry with a specific focus on fast food and chain restaurants, I have closely followed the trends and developments within this realm. My extensive knowledge is backed by a deep understanding of the nuances and strategic decisions made by major players in the fast-food industry, including Taco Bell.
In the article by Travis Leder, published on January 14, 2021, Taco Bell's decision to reintroduce potatoes to its menu after their removal in 2020 is a notable move that aligns with the company's broader strategy. The removal of potatoes in the previous year was part of an initiative to simplify the menu, a common practice in the fast-food industry to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.
However, the reintroduction of potatoes, specifically the Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes and the Spicy Potato Soft Taco, set for March 11, is a response to customer feedback and demands. This decision reflects Taco Bell's commitment to meeting customer preferences and adapting to changing market dynamics.
Moreover, the article highlights Taco Bell's strategic goal of incorporating more vegetarian options into its menu. This aligns with a broader industry trend where fast-food chains are responding to the increasing demand for plant-based and vegetarian alternatives. Taco Bell is taking steps to cater to customers seeking vegetarian choices by allowing them to replace meat with potatoes or beans in any menu item.
The mention of Taco Bell's collaboration with Beyond Meat further underscores the company's commitment to exploring plant-based protein options. This collaboration is expected to result in the testing of a new plant-based protein later in the year, showcasing Taco Bell's proactive approach to aligning with evolving consumer preferences for sustainable and vegetarian choices.
The article also includes a statement from Taco Bell's global chief food innovation officer, Liz Matthews, expressing the company's dedication to the vegetarian cause. The return of potatoes is positioned as the initial step in Taco Bell's ongoing commitment to expanding its vegetarian offerings.
Additionally, the article touches on a social media response from Taco Bell, where the company humorously deflects requests for the return of the Mexican Pizza. This not only adds a lighthearted touch to the narrative but also indicates that Taco Bell is managing customer expectations and priorities strategically.
In summary, Taco Bell's decision to bring back potatoes, coupled with its broader vegetarian menu strategy and collaboration with Beyond Meat, reflects the dynamic and evolving nature of the fast-food industry. These strategic moves showcase Taco Bell's responsiveness to customer feedback and its commitment to staying relevant in a changing culinary landscape.
