The allure of (and demand for) nostalgia has gripped the restaurant industry and now Taco Bell is getting involved. The company announced today it is testing a "Nostalgic Menu" at select Southern California locations for a limited time, while also noting that it is looking to bring these items nationwide later this year for a limited time.
For now, they’re available at three restaurants – in Fullerton, Irvine, and Brea, Calif. – while supplies last. The menu features some of the most coveted items from across the decades, such as the Tostada, Green Burrito, Meximelt, Gordita, and Caramel Apple Empanada. To prepare for the test, the company curated menu items that haven’t been available in years, but were popular during their respective decades, including:
- 1960s, Tostada: The Tostada was one of Taco bell’s original menu items when it opened its first location in 1962. It is comprised of a crispy corn tostada shell layered with savory refried beans, tangy red sauce, lettuce, and shredded cheese, and is now available for $2.19.
- 1970s, Green Burrito: Gaining popularity in the 1970s, this burrito is filled with refried beans, onions, shredded cheddar cheese, and green sauce made with green chile, tomatillos, jalapeño peppers and other spices, available for $2.49.
- 1980s, Meximelt: The Meximelt is made with prepared-daily pico de gallo, a blend of three cheeses — mozzarella, cheddar and Monterey Jack — melted with seasoned beef in a tortilla, available for $2.99.
- 1990s, Beef Gordita Supreme: The Gordita is making its comeback for $2.99, featuring a warm flatbread filled with seasoned beef, reduced-fat sour cream, lettuce, a blend of three cheeses— mozzarella, cheddar and Monterey Jack — topped with diced tomatoes.
- 2000s, Caramel Apple Empanada: This empanada features a crispy exterior filled with apple pieces and a creamy filling with caramel notes and is available for $2.99.
“Thanks to our rich history, we have a vault of craveable products our fans have become passionate about and we continuously explore ways to reintroduce the ones that deliver on the comfort and value they are looking for,” chief marketing officer Taylor Montgomery said in a statement. “Now we’re thrilled to unite two groups of fans: those who fondly remember these menu items and those who have yet to experience the delight of a Caramel Apple Empanada or savor their first bite of a Meximelt with this menu.”
Contact Alicia Kelso at [email protected]
