Taco Bell Tested ‘Nostalgia’ Menu Featuring Items From the 1960s and Beyond

Taco Bell has announced that it is bringing back some fan-favorite items to its menu, which it is branding a “nostalgia” menu. The throwback items — some of which date back to the 1960s, when the fast-food giant first opened its doors — have been tested in select Southern California locations and will be launched nationwide later this year. Let’s take a look at what fans can expect on the menu.

Taco Bell Brought Back the Meximelt, Gordita, & More

An official press release revealed that Taco Bell launched a “menu test” from Aug. 15 to Aug. 21. The menu test, which featured some classic items first introduced by the fast-food giant throughout the decades, was only available at three locations in Southern California: one in Barranca, one in Brea, and one in Fullerton.

Though the test concluded on Wednesday, Aug. 21, it will be relaunched nationwide later this year for a limited time, while supplies last. More details about upcoming locations will follow soon.

“Thanks to our rich history, we have a vault of craveable products our fans have become passionate about and we continuously explore ways to reintroduce the ones that deliver on the comfort and value they are looking for,” said Taylor Montgomery, chief marketing officer of Taco Bell, in a statement accompanying the press release. “Now, we’re thrilled to unite two groups of fans: those who fondly remember these menu items and those who have yet to experience the delight of a Caramel Apple Empanada or savor their first bite of a Meximelt with this menu.”

The “nostalgic” menu items include:

• 1960s – Tostada: The Tostada was among Taco Bell’s original offerings when the first location opened in 1962. It features a crispy corn tostada shell topped with savory refried beans, tangy red sauce, crunchy lettuce, and shredded cheese, priced at $2.19.
• 1970s – Green Burrito: Popularized in the 1970s, this rich burrito is stuffed with savory refried beans, crunchy onions, shredded cheddar cheese, and green sauce made from green chili, tomatillos, jalapeños, and spices, all for just $2.49.
• 1980s – Meximelt: This iconic ’80s favorite features freshly prepared pico de gallo and a three-cheese blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and Monterey jack melted with seasoned beef in a tortilla, sold for $2.99.
• 1990s – Beef Gordita Supreme: ‘90s kids will remember the Gordita, now making a comeback for $2.99, featuring soft, warm flatbread filled with seasoned beef, reduced-fat sour cream, crisp lettuce, a three-cheese blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and Monterey jack, and topped with diced tomatoes.
• 2000s – Caramel Apple Empanada: A fan-favorite from the 2000s, this golden-brown empanada has a crispy exterior and is filled with apple chunks and a creamy caramel-flavored filling, priced at $2.99.

The Fast-Food Giant Reigns Supreme

This latest promotion continues to prove that Taco Bell reigns supreme in the so-called “fast-food wars.”

Yum! Brands had a “mixed quarter” in Q2, according to CNBC. Pizza Hut and KFC both fell short of expectations, despite Taco Bell announcing an enormous earnings quarter. 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. Taco Bell’s same-store sales rose in every income level, according to Gibbs.