Irvine-based Taco Bell is expanding its specialty drink concept, Live Más Café, after a successful test in Chula Vista, California.
The expansion includes adding 30 more of the experimental cafés to existing Taco Bell restaurants in Southern California and Texas this year, including a location opening this summer in the city of Orange across the street from Children’s Hospital of Orange County. Other locations will follow in Irvine, San Diego, and Los Angeles County, the company announced Thursday, June 26.
The launch is part of the brand’s long-term strategy to reach $5 billion in beverage sales by 2030. The cafés feature a range of specialty drinks like chillers, agua frescas, flavored coffees and Churro Chillers – frappuccino-style blended beverages.
“We’re seeing today 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,” Liz Matthews, Taco Bell’s Global Chief Food Innovation Officer, said in a statement. “So, we’re making big investments to become the ultimate beverage stop where our fans can expect to see the same bold, unexpected creativity in their cups as they do on their plates.”
Also this week, PayPal, the owner of Venmo, said Taco Bell customers can now use Venmo as a payment option on the chain’s app or website.
