Overview
It was set to open in late November, but due to unforeseen issues with electricity, Taco Bell's first NSW store was delayed. Now, it's finally here. From 11am today, Tuesday, December 3, you'll be able to waltz into Newcastle's Jesmond Central 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's already opened seven Queensland locations in the past two years, is opening two in Victoria before the end of 2019 and a second NSW store in Blacktown is also set to open this summer.
It doesn'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.
For now, though, we've got Taco Bell Newcastle — and we know what's on its menu. 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. You can get a lot for pocket change, 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.
If you manage to make it to Jesmond Central 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.
Find Taco Bell at Jesmond Central, 28 Blue Gum Road, Jesmond from 11am today, Tuesday, December 3. It's open from 10am–10pm daily.
Top image: Taco Bell Robina by Hugo Nobay