The community around the Taco Bell branch in Wicker Park, Chicago made it part of the deal: it's okay to serve beer, but hire a bouncer to keep the peace.
The bouncer will be very visible and at work during weekends to ensure that no minors are allowed to buy alcoholic beverages from this fast food, to ensure that the midnight cut-off of selling booze is implemented and to monitor that patrons don't leave opened cans of beer around, based on reports on DNA Info. The company will hold trainings for its employees to spot fake ID's and how to deal with drunken customers.
This is the first branch of Taco Bell that will serve Corona beer, and Twisted Freezer, a frozen delight of vodka, tequila and rum. The lawyer of the owner, Neil Borkan, says they are waiting for the approval of the city Liquor Commissioner, and that they expect it 'any day now'. This product launch is planned for August. Borkan is a Lincolnshire-based franchisee who has 34 other Taco Bell stores.
Taco Bell identifies its market as the young adults, who like to drop by their store for some munchies after a late night of drinking. Well, why not have them drink there in the first place?
'About 21% of consumers said that beverage choice played a very important part in deciding where to eat,' according to a 2014 survey by industry research firm Technomic Inc.
If you are eating Taco Bell's famous foods like tacos, burritos or nachos, it is always good to have cold beer with it to complete the experience. Burger King, Starbucks and Chipotle are all fast-food joints who have served alcoholic beverages in recent years.
Glen Bell opened the very first Taco Bell in 1962. Before then, he was into different kinds of food businesses. Taco Bell now has 6,500 stores across the US, with 175,000 employees. It is now worth $ 1.9 billion.
