Students, at the University
of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas) are a
cross-section of America today including Anglo (28%),
Asian-American (28%), International (19%), Hispanic (14%), African-American (5%).
With
many students also coming from India, China, Taiwan, South Korea,
Vietnam this campus looks like the melting pot America has always been.
Recently, Taco Bell expanding it brand
opening its first and the nation’s only on-campus Taco Bell
Cantina which opened at the start of the
semester. The restaurant is a fresh take on the traditional Taco Bell concept
with a newer look, digital kiosks, unique menu items, beer, and wine. It is the
latest branded restaurant partnership addition from Chartwells
Higher Education.
The Taco Bell Cantina is “a
place where students can come and hang out, even during COVID-19, thanks to a
large outdoor dining space which provides plenty of room to physically
distance,” stated Bob Fishbein, associate vice president of Auxiliary
Operations & Economic Development at UT Dallas. “As the first Taco Bell
Cantina in the area, we are excited to provide this experience to our students,
faculty, and staff, and the surrounding Richardson community as well.”
This year only about one-third of
students are attending class in person. However, the Taco Bell Cantina is in
Parking Structure 3, so it’s convenient for students coming to and leaving
campus. It’s also across the street from Residence Hall North and a block from
the Northside Apartments.
“We are
always working to bring the newest food concepts to the campus community and
Taco Bell Cantina fits the bill,” said Pam Stanley, director of Food &
Retail Services, Auxiliary Services at UT Dallas. “There are fewer than fifty
Taco Bell Cantina concepts around the country and we are so excited to be the first
college campus to have one.”
This is also
the first Taco Bell Cantina for franchisee North Texas Bells. President Troy
Morrison said he is excited to work with Chartwells and UT Dallas and thinks a
college campus is the perfect place for this new concept.
“I’m from
Louisiana and in college we had a place on campus called Burger Chef,” Morrison
said. “That was kind of the meeting place for all the students. We really want
to serve the UT Dallas community and want Taco Bell Cantina to be that meeting
place. So, this is a bit nostalgic for me.”
“The Cantina
is definitely my new favorite restaurant location on campus to go with friends
and the food is amazing,” said junior marketing and digital media student
Eric Aaberg. “I was honestly surprised by the high quality of the food
without the prices being high. The value menu is perfect for grabbing an extra
item or two for later for just $1.”
According to
Chartwells Director of Retail Dining Nick Norris, the value was one of the
reasons they wanted Taco Bell Cantina. The concept provides affordable meal
options for budget-conscious students, and it has become the busiest dining
location on campus.
More than just affordable food the integrated
technology will also attract the attention of students according to Johnson, it
accepts Comet Cards, students can get food delivered using Starship
Technologies delivery robots, or mobile ordering, each for an additional fee.
Comet Cash is accepted for Starship delivery.
How is
your branded expanding it’s footprint?
With Beer, Wine, Technology, or expanded menu? Are you looking for a
new partnership to drive sales? Are you ready for some fresh ideations? Do your
food marketing tactics look more like yesterday that tomorrow? Visit
GrocerantGuru.com for more information
or contact: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us Remember success
does leave clues and we just may have the clue you need to propel your
continued success.
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