Taco Bell Opens Cafe Concept In Irvine With Plans To Open 30 More By End Of 2025 – CoffeeTalk

Live Más Café, a new beverage concept from the Mexican fast food chain, opened in Irvine on September 16. The concept reimagines Taco Bell as a coffee shop-style hangout with a menu of more than 20 coffee and agua fresca beverages made to order by “Bellristas.” Nearly 700 Taco Bell fans lined up for the afternoon opening, eager to be among the first to sip specialty iced coffees and “Refrescas.” The event coincided with the opening of a San Diego location the same day. A test location launched in Chula Vista last year.

Taco Bell plans to open 30 Live Más Cafés within existing restaurants by the end of 2025. The push is part of the Irvine-based brand’s ongoing interest in venturing into the beverage market. Liz Matthews, Taco Bell’s global chief food innovation officer, said that people, especially younger consumers, are reaching for refreshing drinks as part of their lifestyle, whether it’s for energy or a sweet treat throughout the day. Last year, Taco Bell tested a line of Agua Refrescas at another Irvine Taco Bell, which eventually launched nationwide.

Guests placed orders on digital kiosks that included Refrescas made with freeze-dried fruit pieces and green tea for a caffeine boost, as well as a slushy variation known as a Refresca Freeze.

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