Ever wonder Why is Taco Bell the #1 franchise? This Mexican-inspired food giant not only meeting our taste demands but it’s also crushing the business game.
For two straight years, Taco Bell has grabbed Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 ranking at first place. But what makes Taco Bell different from other competitors?
Come along as we unpack the secret sauce behind their rise to fame.
Franchisee Collaboration
One of the reasons Why is Taco Bell the #1 franchise? is Franchisee. Taco Bell appreciates that collaboration is key as opposed to other fast-food chains which have a strict top-down approach. And here’s where the magic lies; more than 90% of the over 7000 restaurants are franchised.
Such franchisees do not just listen to headquarters instructions blindly but they take part in defining what this brand stands for.
Taco Bell promotes an environment of “open innovation” encouraging its franchisees to offer their ideas. This does not mean that every impractical proposal comes true, however, it fosters conversation.
These people interact with clients at frontline daily basis because they are on ground zero. They witness up-close-and-personal which things people may want and which ones taste off.
Afterwards, such information is passed on to corporate hence resulting into more dynamic and customer oriented brand.
Innovation and Risk-Taking
It is important for Taco Bell not to fear taking risks and this courage can be attributed largely to its self-employed partners. Let us consider one example – innovative concept called “Defy”.
| It means building a modern-day structure without a traditional dining room but with only drive-thrus as suggested by some of the franchisees. This brave proposition reflects how customers’ tastes are evolving and it could not have been birthed without involving the franchisees. This willingness to experiment extends beyond flashy buildings. Franchisees constantly test new items on their menus as well as marketing campaigns within their respective local markets. |
A few of such tests become national hits like those Doritos Locos Tacos mentioned earlier. This innovation allows Taco Bell to remain fresh and keep in touch with consumers, making it stay ahead of the game and making everyone ask Why is Taco Bell the #1 franchise?
Innovation & Adaptability
Tell the Bell has become a cultural phenomenon, attracting millennials to it like flies and according to Entrepreneur Magazine, for two consecutive years, the number one franchise worldwide. But what is it that makes Taco Bell such a success story?
Here are three ingredients behind its continued success: a progressive Cantina approach, an ability to keep up with time changes and a spirit of cooperation with its franchisees.
The Cantina Craze
In 2014, Taco Bell changed things up by coming up with the idea of Cantina. These new urban locations offered customers an entirely new experience.
They had sleek modern designs and also you could come along with your Doritos Locos Tacos and have beer or sangria as well as some special dishes that were not available at the traditional restaurants (TacoBell.com). So this wasn’t just about tacos but more so creating something different.
The success of the Cantina model is directly related to how well Taco Bell worked with franchisees in developing them. These independent business owners played key roles in building out the Cantina concept.
Their insight into their respective markets ensured that these cantinas resonated with select urban demographics. This partnership between the franchisor and the franchisee was more than simply heartwarming—it made good financial sense.
So how successful have the Cantinas been? Think about these numbers:
- Increased sales by double digits compared to regular Taco Bell stores.
- Taco Bell U.S. has seen impressive growth in recent years through new unit additions (restaurants opening) and same-store sales (growth at existing restaurants).
The Cantina model demonstrates that Taco Bell really knows its customer base. They can be experimental and still target a modern urban audience without compromising their core value proposition: providing reasonably priced, tasty Mexican cuisine.
Pandemic Pivot
2020 was a year of global disruption, hitting the restaurant industry like a ton of bricks. Nevertheless, Taco Bell, as always being innovative, reacted in no time. Their quick implementation of new ideas has seen them not only survive but also make leaps while others were struggling.
This is how they adjusted:
- Takeout and delivery focus: Given that dining-in was limited; Taco Bell put more effort on take-home services by streamlining its menu for faster operations and collaborating with delivery agencies to ensure it reaches clients at their homes.
- Innovations in drive-thrus: Since drive-thru operations would be vital, Taco Bell invested in technologies aimed at enhancing efficiency such as even testing out purely drive-thru stores.
- Temporary items on the menu: To keep things lively, Taco Bell introduced some temporary dishes and price promotions designed to attract new customers.
Through this ongoing process of iteration and change, Taco Bell stayed relevant amidst uncertainty. They weren’t afraid of experimenting or learning or pivoting based on real-time data and feedback from their customer base.
Conclusion
Why is Taco Bell the #1 franchise? It’s a mix of things. Their readiness to embrace daring ideas through the Cantina concept shows they know what their clients want at this time and age.
Their adaptability during the pandemic underscores their ability to pivot and succeed in any environment. However, above all, it is their cooperative approach with their franchisees that matters most.
Taco Bell allows its franchisees to be local partners instead of just restaurant operators, which lays down the foundation for innovation and ensures real customer orientation.
In a fast-food world, Taco Bell distinguishes itself as an innovative brand that resonates with its clientele. They will not shy away from taking risks, adjusting to changing times plus empowering the franchisers for them to become brand ambassadors. That’s how Taco Bell stays on top in the fast food industry.
