Fast food restaurants are a major part of the American economy. These restaurants provide a quick, easy meal to Americans who are on the go or looking for ways to save money. The American Bureau of Labor Statistics says, “Food preparation and serving related occupations had employment of 13.2 million in May 2023, representing 8.7 percent of total U.S. employment.” More recently, these fast food chains have been struggling due to inflation, understaffing, poor customer service, and lack of sales. However, Taco Bell has seemed immune to this decline, which provokes the question: How is Taco Bell keeping its sales up in the midst of hard times?
Taco Bell’s CEO, Sean Tresvant, says Taco Bell is keeping sales up due to its “magic formula.” Tresvant said that their “magic formula” consists of four elements: brand buzz, value, winning on digital, and innovation. The company is focusing on winning Gen Z and digital platforms. Tresvant emphasizes this when he says, “If you’re not winning on this [cell phone], then you’re not winning.” Another way Taco Bell is keeping sales up is by providing innovative menu choices and discounted boxes to help save money. Recently, Taco Bell has brought back its chicken nuggets, a smash hit, and has provided an uptick in their sales. All in all, Tresvant says that, “People are investing in brands they care about, and Taco Bell is a brand they care about.”
A CdM student was asked about their opinion on Taco Bell. Mimi Singh, a ninth grader, says, “I love Taco Bell because it is so delicious. The cheesy gordita crunch is the best combination of flavors I have ever tasted. I enjoy getting it every time.” This furthers the fact that Taco Bell is keeping sales up, contributing to its growth.
Taco Bell has kept its sales up due to its “magic formula”, focusing on digital marketing and providing new and innovative meals and deals for customers. Throughout the fast food industry’s hard times, Taco Bell has still flourished and provided delicious meals to all of its customers, while still checking off its core values of people, planet, and an excellent menu.
