As part of it push to open 2,000 new restaurants by 2022, Taco Bell is changing its own playbook. In addition to unveiling four new bold restaurant designs, the fast food chain is making a strong play on high-traffic urban locations, a largely untapped market for the brand.

But the biggest surprise came when the chain announced plans to launch a new concept called Taco Bell Cantina, starting in Chicago and San Francisco in the past year.

According to Taco Bell, these urban concept restaurants have five things in common that differentiate them from standard Taco Bells: décor, localized artwork, open kitchen layout, open plating and shareable menus. Additionally, Cantina restaurants serve alcoholic beverages, which can include beer, wine and sangria. Yes, the place where you tend to go after drinking now wants you drinking there.

Those two markets came online last fall and plans were tentatively announced for expansion in other cities.

Well, folks: Cleveland is in line to get one, an opening earmarked for the old Cadillac Ranch space on Euclid, if approvals go through. The rustic modern style features reclaimed wood, corrugated metal, brick and glassy, open kitchens.

“It’s no longer one size fits all,” stated Deborah Brand, VP of Development and Design at Taco Bell Corp, in a release on the Cantina concept. “Consumers are looking for a localized, customized and personalized experiences that reflect the diversity of their communities – the flexibility in bringing these four designs to life gives us just that.”

The city’s Landmark Commission will discuss the plans and application for a certificate of appropriateness tomorrow (June 9). No official word from Taco Bell on estimated time of arrival should the green light be given.

This article appears in Jun 8-14, 2016.

For 25 years, Douglas Trattner has worked as a full-time freelance writer, editor and author. His work as co-author on Michael Symon's cookbooks have earned him four New York Times Best-Selling Author honors, while his longstanding role as Scene dining editor has garnered awards of its own.

2 replies on “New Taco Bell Cantina (Which Serves Booze) Seeks Approval for Spot on Public Square in Downtown Cleveland”

  1. It’s happening! Taco Bell is going to win the Franchise Wars from Demolition Man and become the only restaurant left in San Angeles!

  2. Please, please please keep fast food out of downtown Cleveland! I remember the McDonalds on Euclid Avenue in Playhouse Square. The only thing worse than seeing the golden arches from the street was entering this filthy poop-hole of a franchise.

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