What Are the Best and Worst Taco Bell Locations in the Country?

Taco Bell is one of the most beloved fast-food chains in the country, but there are some locations that are far better than others. A recent study confirmed where the best, and worst, locations are in the United States, and the answers may surprise you. Let’s take a look at what the study found.

Best & Worst Taco Bell Locations

A recent study conducted by Fast Company revealed where the most and least loved locations are in the country. The outlet examined Google Maps reviews for each of four fast-food chains — KFC, Taco Bell, Burger King, and McDonald’s — at every location across the United States. Subsequently, they assigned a weighted ranking system to each location, taking into account both the number of customer evaluations and the average rating left by previous customers.

Based on this rubric, Fast Company determined that the best location is in Pacifica, California. Situated in a fantastic beachside location in a suburban San Francisco neighborhood, the area features some of the most costly real estate in the state of California. Some customers even come in barefoot after spending the morning surfing.

With white walls, high ceilings, walls of windows to enjoy the breathtaking view, and a fireplace for chilly days, the restaurant has a sophisticated nautical feel. Additionally, the restaurant, a “Cantina” site of the company, has a well-liked beachfront patio that’s ideal for enjoying inexpensive beer and other alcoholic pleasures.

Unsurprisingly, the worst Taco Bell location was in Deltona, Florida. Located in Volusia County, the Deltona location was slammed for its sloppy appearance and subpar food.

“Not a good first impression considering this place has just opened up,” read the most notable review. “The food wasn’t great at all to be honest. The Burritos looked a mess, had missing ingredients I’m sure, and my supreme chalupa was actually missing tomato and cheese so you know 2/4 ingredients missing.”

Mexican Fast-Food Chain Reigns Supreme

Whether it’s at the best or the worst location in the country, Taco Bell continues to reign supreme in the fast-food industry.

According to CNBC, Yum! Brands had a “mixed quarter” in Q2. Despite Taco Bell announcing an enormous earnings quarter, Pizza Hut and KFC fell short of expectations. The source claims that the prolonged hostilities in the Middle East are partially to blame for the downturn.

“The impacts from the Middle East conflict, in addition to a more cost-conscious consumer, have presented headwinds to same-store sales,” Yum CEO David Gibbs told analysts on the earnings call. He continued by saying that, when compared to the previous quarter, sales trends in the United States had improved because of cheap dinners like Pizza Hut’s $7 Deal Lovers.

Taco Bell, Yum’s main brand, saw a 5% increase in same-store sales for the quarter. The chain’s main market is the U.S., where its reputation for affordability has protected it from the fall in consumer spending. According to Gibbs, Taco Bell’s same-store sales rose in every income level.

“Taco Bell remains the crown jewel in Yum’s portfolio,” said TD Cowen analyst Andrew Charles in a note, according to Reuters.

Yum’s dismal sales results are in line with those of other major restaurants, such as McDonald’s, Domino’s, and Starbucks. All income levels, however, showed strong demand for fresh menu items like Taco Bell’s Cantina Chicken despite price increases, which helped the segment achieve 5% higher-than-expected comparable sales growth.

Yum, similar to its fast-food industry rivals, has been investing in loyalty programs and redesigning its menus in an effort to appeal to customers on a budget. However, intense competition for inexpensive meals and promotions has negatively impacted Yum’s KFC business in the United States this year. Even though the company reported a larger-than-expected fall in revenues due to lower-class consumers cutting back on their dining-out spending, its shares surged by 3% on Aug. 6.