Skip to content
Food

Taco Bell Japan makes comeback

By Maria SantosJapan
1 min read
maxresdefault
maxresdefault
In this article (4)

US fast food brand Taco Bell is to make a comeback in Japan.

Restaurant chain operator Asrapport Dining Co has partnered with the Taco Bell brand’s parent Yum! Brands and will open the first store in Shibuya, Tokyo, on April 21.

It will be the brand’s first outlet in Japan in more than 20 years.

Taco Bell Japan will serve the staples of the US fast food menu – burritos, tacos and quesadillas, along with items unique to the Japanese market, to suit the local population: a shrimp and avocado burrito and something called ‘taco rice’.

“Taco rice will be a plate of taco meat and vegetables served on top of rice,” a spokeswoman told Japanese media.

An unspecified number of stores is planned, with a distinct layout including an open kitchen where customers can see food being prepared.

A combination meal is likely to be priced at about ¥800 ($US6.70).

Taco Bell originally entered Japan in the 1980s but its foray was short lived, its Mexican style cuisine failing to excite the Japanese palate.

Some Taco Bell outlets operate in Japan within US military bases, inaccessible to the general public.

Questions & Answers

Q.

Which company is bringing Taco Bell back to Japan?

A.

Restaurant chain operator Asrapport Dining Co has partnered with Yum! Brands, Taco Bell's parent company, to reintroduce the fast food brand to Japan. They will be opening the first new store.

Q.

Where will the first new Taco Bell store be located and when will it open?

A.

The first Taco Bell outlet in Japan will open in Shibuya, Tokyo, on April 21. This is the brand's return to the Japanese market after more than 20 years.

Q.

Will the menu offer anything different for Japanese customers?

A.

Yes, alongside staple items like burritos and tacos, Taco Bell Japan will feature items unique to the local market. These include a shrimp and avocado burrito and 'taco rice'.

Reader pulse

Taco Bell's return to Japan:

20,428 votes so far

Weekly Briefing

Asia's retail intelligence, in your inbox

Tuesday, Thursday and a Saturday Weekly Wrap: the retail stories, numbers and moves that mattered across Asia. Nothing else, and you can unsubscribe in one click.

  • Top industry moves and market shifts
  • Weekly data-driven analysis from across Asia
  • Tuesday, Thursday and the Saturday Weekly Wrap

Read by retail operators, investors and brand teams across Asia.

Protected by a quick human check. No spam, ever. Unsubscribe in one click.

SecureGDPR ready