Taco Bell wants to win back its vegetarian customers by bringing back potatoes to its menu.
Taco Bell announced on Thursday that its seasoned potato bites will officially be back to its menu in March ― almost seven months after they were stopped being offered last year as part of the fast food chain’s menu streamlining amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The recent menu change was revealed on Twitter with a video of Taco Bell CEO Mark King appearing as a potato, using what seems to be a TikTok green screen filter.
“Last year, we had to shift entirely to drive-thru which created longer lines for our customers and way more demands on our team members. So, in order to create a better experience for both you and our teams, we had to simplify our menu. And unfortunately, removing potatoes was part of that,” King said. “But it’s a new year with new possibilities. And you know what? We’re bringing ‘em back! That’s right, as of March 11th, potatoes are officially back at Taco Bell.”
And now, an announcement from our CEO. pic.twitter.com/JHHJMrPEJH
— Taco Bell (@tacobell) January 14, 2021
Starting March 11th, Taco Bell’s Spicy Potato Soft Taco and Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes will be available for the first time since they were discontinued in August.
Other items that were booted from the Taco Bell’s menu last August were the Grilled Steak Soft Taco, 7-Layer Burrito, Quesarito, Nachos Supreme, Beefy Fritos Burrito, Spicy Tostada, Triple Layer Nachos, Loaded Grillers, Chips & Dips, and the Mini Skillet Bowl.
In November, Taco Bell also discontinued the Mexican Pizza, Shredded Chicken Soft Taco, Shredded Chicken Burrito, and the Shredded Chicken Quesadilla Melt.
Liz Matthews, Taco Bell’s global chief food innovation officer, said that the fast food chain got more feedback on its decision to remove the potato dishes than it expected. “I feel like I’ve almost heard from everybody in the country on the potato bites,” said Matthews. “This was the one that really hit home for people.”
Though Matthews admitted that ditching the potato bites from the menu was “painful,” she maintained that it was the right thing to do at the time because the items really require a lot of time and effort to prepare.
Matthews added that Taco Bell has been discussing the potato comeback over the past three months or so, and revealed that the chain is also in the process of creating new potato dishes.
Taco Bell patrons are naturally thrilled with the upcoming return of the potato bites, but they also want the chain to bring back a lot of different menu items, including the fan-favorite Mexican Pizza.
Can we just let potatoes have their moment?
— Taco Bell (@tacobell) January 14, 2021
Maybe one day! 👀
— Taco Bell (@tacobell) January 14, 2021
Loaded potato griller please! I miss it so badly
— Chris Tyson (@chrisTyson) January 14, 2021
chicken chips back when
— heyy juyeon (@baekake) January 14, 2021
The breakfast crunch wrap?
— Sami?? (@SamiWCAR) January 14, 2021
Bring back the breakfast quesalupa and I might forgive you for a multitude of sins.. might pic.twitter.com/fpRGjMTRZK
— Auntie Vaccine?☠️ (@AuntieVaccine) January 14, 2021
SCREW POTATOES BRING BACK THE DOUBLE DECKERS AND ENCHIRITOS
— Guy Selga (@guyselga) January 14, 2021
A lot of customers are also trying to convince Taco Bell to make its Nacho Fries a permanent offering.
Cool cool, now make the nacho fries permanent too in the name of potato solidarity.
— Is it about my cube? (@ash_a_leeeeey) January 14, 2021
Can making the nacho fries a permanent menu item be next?????
— JasAppeal Lashes✨ (@GoldenDestiny_) January 15, 2021
Apparently, the return of potato bites to the menu is just one of Taco Bell’s newest efforts to show its strong commitment to its vegetarian customers. The chain also announced on Thursday that it plans to test an item made with a Beyond Meat vegetarian substitute this year. But details about the new item are being kept under wraps.
“I would say that it’s going to be unique to the things that you’ve seen elsewhere,” Matthews teased. “We’re definitely going to put our Taco Bell innovation and spin on it.”