Wagga still in Taco Bell’s expansion plans despite coronavirus

Wagga is still considered a potential regional site for fast-food giant Taco Bell as it marches toward its expansion goals of 40 Australian sites by 2024.

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The world’s largest Mexican fast-food chain continues to look at expanding with Wagga still earmarked as a potential site despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Taco Bell, which already has two stores in NSW and numerous others in Queensland and Victoria, recently lodged plans for its drive-through and dine-in restaurant in Far North Queensland.

Restaurant Brands, a New Zealand-based company that has the rights to operate Taco Bell sites in NSW, also announced in September 2019 about additional sites in Western Sydney, Newcastle and Melbourne.

Taco Bell in Townsville officially opened in November 2019, attracting a long line of people and cars to the new restaurant. Luella Bright, 10, Poppi Bright, 8, and Mikayla Moore, 10, waiting in line. Picture: Matt Taylor

In its February announcement of its annual profit result, the firm, which also runs KFC and Pizza Hut, said it was working towards a target of 60 stores by 2024.

This was because “more than 10 stores are forecast to open during the next financial year with significant growth expected in sales”, it said in the announcement.

On Tuesday, Taco Bell brand manager Casey Collins told The Wagga News the firm was still “committed to meeting our development plan”; however, this has been reduced to 40 restaurants in the five years to 2024.

Ms Collins said they continue to consider all site options, including Wagga.

“Our first two Taco Bell restaurants for NSW at Blacktown Westpoint and Jesmond Central have been very successful and have continued to trade throughout the COVID-19 crisis,” Ms Collins said.

“We are excited to have launched home delivery in April and are looking forward to bringing the crave-able taste of Taco Bell to more locations across NSW and ACT in the near future.”

Its first Australian store was opened in November 2017 in Annerley, about 6.5km south of Brisbane’s CBD. There are now 14 stores across the country.

Taco Bell has also expanded into New Zealand.

Other Mexican food outlets in Wagga include Zambrero and Guzman Y Gomez.