Taco Bell is starting to experiment a bit with its Cantina Chicken menu first introduced in March. The company will begin testing Chicken Al Pastor Street Chalupas in the Minneapolis market starting Oct. 31, marking the first flavor variation from the new menu.
The offering features Cantina Slow-Roasted Chicken in a pineapple and chiles al pastor marinade, served in two street-sized Quesalupa shells and topped with onions and cilantro for $4.99 at select locations for a limited-time only. According to the company, this is the beginning of “many new Taco Bell al pastor-inspired offerings” expected in 2025.
Taco Bell’s Cantina Chicken menu buoyed the chain’s sales in the second quarter. David Gibbs, chief executive officer of parent company Yum Brands said the menu performed above expectations. Since the platform launch, Taco Bell’s chicken sales mix has increased by 10 points, with nearly one in four orders including a Chicken Cantina item.
Chicken al Pastor could add even more momentum if the dish’s success at Chipotle is any indication. The fast casual chain first introduced the offering in March 2023 and it quickly became one of the chain’s most successful product launches ever, accounting for about 20% of transactions.
Contact Alicia Kelso at [email protected]
