Taco Bell reports strong sales as other fast food giants struggle

FILE – Taco Bell (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)

8 ON YOUR SIDE: While some fast-food chains are struggling, Taco Bell is crunching the competition with higher sales.

Taco Bell expects 8% sales growth this quarter at stores open at least a year, far outpacing its fellow fast food rivals.

Part of the magic, according to Taco Bell CEO Sean Tresvant, is the chain’s focus on value, notably its “Luxe Cravings Box,” which has expanded to multiple price points ranging $5 to $9, and its recent chicken nuggets, which sold out in two weeks.

Taco Bell said it’s doubling the amount of new items it’s adding to menus this year compared to 2024 and part of the chain’s push into more sectors, such as beverages, desserts and soon revamping its breakfast menu.

Taco Bell struck gold with its take on chicken nuggets, which will return this year for 21 weeks. The chain’s “Cantina Chicken” menu, which uses oven-roasted, shredded chicken for various items including tacos and salads, also recently expanded to include a spicy version with the aim of it becoming a $5 billion brand by 2030.

The company is aiming for each U.S. restaurant to generate $3 million in revenue, up from $2.2 million, and triple its international store count by 2030.

— CNN