A NEW fast food restaurant set to open in Carlisle has remained tight-lipped over the exact date it will welcome its first customers.
Taco Bell is preparing to open its first Carlisle restaurant at the former Pizza Hut unit on London Road Retail Park.
Asked by the News & Star when the restaurant would open, the US fast food chain declined to provide a specific date, but confirmed it remains on course for a launch in early autumn.
Taco Bell has remained tight lipped on an opening date (Image: NQ staff)
A Taco Bell spokesperson said: “The restaurant is currently planned to open in the early autumn, which is likely to be late September or early October.”
The new restaurant will offer dine-in, takeaway and delivery services. Taco Bell has yet to confirm how many jobs will be created at the site.
Signs that the opening is drawing closer have become increasingly visible in recent weeks. Taco Bell branding has been added to both the restaurant building and the retail park’s roadside signage as work continues on the conversion.
Taco Bell has been added to the retail park signage (Image: NQ staff)
The arrival of Taco Bell is the latest addition to Carlisle’s growing fast food market. The opening follows the launch of Burger King at St Nicholas Gate Retail Park and the arrival of North East smash burger chain Craft Burger in the city.
Founded in California, Taco Bell specialises in Mexican-inspired fast food, serving menu items including tacos, burritos, quesadillas and nachos.
The company has been rapidly expanding across the UK in recent years as part of wider international growth plans. Taco Bell has previously outlined ambitions to have more than 3,000 restaurants outside the United States by 2030.
The Taco Bell roadside sign (Image: NQ staff)
The move also represents something of a family affair in corporate terms. Taco Bell and Pizza Hut are both owned by restaurant giant Yum! Brands, meaning the former Pizza Hut unit will remain within the same wider business group despite the change of brand.
Dining and Cooking