Taco Bell logo (Photo : YouTube)
A Taco Bell in Chicago will be the world's first branch to offer beer, wine pairings, and ice-cold mixed drinks such as booze "freezes" to customers. The Yum Brands fast food chain has confirmed unofficial reports that the Midwest restaurant will indeed add alcoholic drinks to the Mexican food on its Taco Bell menu.
The liquor drinks will be available to dine-in customers, but not in to-go cups. They will also be served in different cups than virgin drinks such as soft drinks, to prevent the beverages from becoming take-out orders.
Taco Bell's new restaurant in Wicker Park is part of the fast food chain's rebranding effort. One short-term goal is to launch new upscale locations with an "urban" aesthetic, according to Time.
In recent months Taco Bell has taken other steps to improve its company image. It has also promised to eliminate artificial colors and flavors from around 95 percent of its United States menu items.
Besides changes to the Taco Bell menu, the new Chicago location is also receiving a face lift. The interior design resembles ones launched in the UK, Tokyo, and Seoul.
The restaurant makeover will include new features such as communal tables, wood stools, and exposed brick walls, according to Yakima Herald. It will even pop with the company colors of bright purple and blue-green.
The worldwide corporation is not the first fast food chain to offer alcoholic drinks at some locations. Burger King, Chipotle Mexican Grill, and Starbucks are already on board.
No official statement has been made about which hours the Mexican food chain will serve alcohol on its Taco Bell menu. However, booze lovers will just be happy that they can enjoy wine pairings with their beef burritos and chicken quesadillas.
