Local Taco Bells open their doors to the breakfast crowd, new menu items
By: Freddy Hunt
Issue date: 4/6/07 Section: Campus
Taco Bell is grilling, crunching, wrapping, stuffing and serving breakfast for the first time ever.
Yesterday morning 33 Taco Bells in the Toledo area, including the one in Bowling Green, opened their doors early to put their breakfast menu to the test.
But not everyone in America will get the opportunity to try the new breakfast menu.
According to Don Unruh, franchisee, only the Toledo, Fresno, Calif., Tucson, Ariz., and Omaha, Neb., areas have been selected as test markets.
"They try to pick test market all across the country," Unruh said. "Taco Bell believes [Toledo] is a good representation of middle America."
Avid Taco Bell customer Shelly McConahy, a University alumna, ordered every item on the breakfast menu and had nothing to complain about.
"I'm lovin' it, even though that's McDonald's phrase," McConahy said. "I think McDonald's stuff is too greasy, and this isn't that greasy at all."
Although no nutritional information is available yet, Gregory Kelly, general manager of Taco Bell in Bowling Green, said their breakfast is healthier than McDonald's "hands down."
Unruh believes Taco Bell's new menu will thrive because people are growing tired of the breakfast sandwiches featured at McDonalds, Burger King and other fast food restaurants.
"You can get a bagel or croissant and egg sandwich anywhere - our menu is unique and differentiated," Unruh said. "We got Grilled Stuft Burritos, breakfast Crunchwraps and Cinnamon Toastadas."
A unique menu isn't the only weapon in Taco Bell's arsenal. Unruh said the prime location of his Bowling Green restaurant will also ensure breakfast sales.
Although business was steady during the first breakfast, Kelly said there were four students anxiously waiting outside the door at 5:58 a.m., two minutes before opening.
"Taco Bell gives us a few days before they start advertising the new products," Kelly explained. "They should start advertising by Sunday, then things should really start to get fun."
The test period will last nine to 18 months and if the feedback is good enough, Unruh said the breakfast menu will be
implemented nationwide.
Yesterday morning 33 Taco Bells in the Toledo area, including the one in Bowling Green, opened their doors early to put their breakfast menu to the test.
But not everyone in America will get the opportunity to try the new breakfast menu.
According to Don Unruh, franchisee, only the Toledo, Fresno, Calif., Tucson, Ariz., and Omaha, Neb., areas have been selected as test markets.
"They try to pick test market all across the country," Unruh said. "Taco Bell believes [Toledo] is a good representation of middle America."
Avid Taco Bell customer Shelly McConahy, a University alumna, ordered every item on the breakfast menu and had nothing to complain about.
"I'm lovin' it, even though that's McDonald's phrase," McConahy said. "I think McDonald's stuff is too greasy, and this isn't that greasy at all."
Although no nutritional information is available yet, Gregory Kelly, general manager of Taco Bell in Bowling Green, said their breakfast is healthier than McDonald's "hands down."
Unruh believes Taco Bell's new menu will thrive because people are growing tired of the breakfast sandwiches featured at McDonalds, Burger King and other fast food restaurants.
"You can get a bagel or croissant and egg sandwich anywhere - our menu is unique and differentiated," Unruh said. "We got Grilled Stuft Burritos, breakfast Crunchwraps and Cinnamon Toastadas."
A unique menu isn't the only weapon in Taco Bell's arsenal. Unruh said the prime location of his Bowling Green restaurant will also ensure breakfast sales.
Although business was steady during the first breakfast, Kelly said there were four students anxiously waiting outside the door at 5:58 a.m., two minutes before opening.
"Taco Bell gives us a few days before they start advertising the new products," Kelly explained. "They should start advertising by Sunday, then things should really start to get fun."
The test period will last nine to 18 months and if the feedback is good enough, Unruh said the breakfast menu will be
implemented nationwide.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Don Allio
posted 4/10/07 @ 8:29 PM EST
Just to let you know this is not the first time ever that Taco Bell has tried Breakfast. They tried years ago (sorry I dont rember the year ) Maybe 15 years ago in Kansas City Kansas but failed. (Continued…)
nel
posted 4/11/07 @ 12:46 PM EST
I think that this is a great thing for Taco Bell and it's been long overdue. As a native Texan who moved to the east coast and have lived here for 20 years, I have longed for a mexican breakfast. (Continued…)
Dawn Burgess
posted 2/25/08 @ 3:52 PM EST
Taco Bell has served breakfast before and I loved it. I have been craving their sausage burrito ever since I ate my last one and just hoping and praying that they would bring back breakfast again. (Continued…)
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