Overview
Sydney has been teased with the prospect of having its own Taco Bell for over a year now. But, after a much-anticipated opening up in Newcastle last month, it's finally here. From 11am, Tuesday, December 17, you'll be able to waltz into Blacktown's Westpoint shopping centre and grab a Cheesy Chipotle Burrito, Crunchy Taco or a big ol' frozen margarita.
While it is Taco Bell's third attempted foray into the Australian market — the chain tried to launch here in 1981 (and was then taken to court by Sydney store Taco Bell's Casa) and again in 1997, but both attempts were unsuccessful and the brand withdrew — this time, the US chain seems to be doing things seriously. It launched its first NSW store in Jesmond last month and opened one (and soon a second) in Melbourne — and that's in addition to the seven Queensland locations that've popped up in the last two years.
Going by the Newcastle menu, we can safely assume that quesadillas, burritos, Crunchwraps, nachos, power bowls and, of course, tacos (including the Gordita Crunch with both a crunchy and soft tortilla) are all on the lineup. It looks to be affordable, too, with $2.50 tacos, $3.50 mini quesadillas, $3 churros, $4 burritos and $3 cinnamon twists. And there's booze, including frozen margs and Coronas and a bit of local flavour thanks to Coopers Light and Young Henrys pale ale.
Taco Bell Newcastle
If you manage to make it to Blacktown for opening day, you can snag yourself some limited-edition merch and one person will score free tacos for a year. Keep an eye on the Taco Bell Facebook page for upcoming freebies and limited-edition menus, too.
It won't stop there, either, with Taco Bell saying it'll open a minimum of 40 stores across NSW and the ACT in the next five years. We'll let you know when anymore locations are announced.
Find Taco Bell at Westpoint, 17 Patrick Street, Blacktown from 11am on Tuesday, December 17.
Top image: Taco Bell Robina by Hugo Nobay.