Taco Bell Wants You to Walk, Not Drive, to the Border

Is Taco Bell finally prepared to bring to fruition the future predicted in the 1993 movie Demolition Man?

1 minute read

October 5, 2017, 6:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Taco Bell

via Modern Cities / First Street Development

Angie Schmitt picked up several reports of an epochal change in the fast food industry: Taco Bell is moving away from drive-thrus.

Devon Walsh broke the news in September, reporting that Taco Bell is planning to open more than 300 new locations, none including a drive-thru, by 2022. Specifically, according to Walsh, "the chain wants to make its presence known in urban areas."

Zeroing in on big cities like Detroit, Pittsburgh, Boston, and New York (including a plan to open at least 50 locations around the city's five boroughs). The new-and-improved “urban in-line” or “cantina-style” stores to come will be designed to express the local vibes with artwork, open kitchens, and digital menu boards.

There will also be booze at the new Taco Bells, which Walsh counts as the most exciting news.

And in case you didn't get the Demolition Man joke earlier, here is a clip that explains that in the future, all restaurants are Taco Bell.

Friday, September 15, 2017 in Food & Wine

View form second story inside Southdale Mall in Edina, Minnesota with escalators and model cars parked on downstairs floor.

The Mall Is Dead — Long Live the Mall

The American shopping mall may be closer to its original vision than ever.

March 21, 2024 - Governing

View of Austin, Texas skyline with river in foreground during morning golden hour.

The Paradox of American Housing

How the tension between housing as an asset and as an essential good keeps the supply inadequate and costs high.

March 26, 2024 - The Atlantic

Houston, Texas skyline.

Report: Las Vegas, Houston Top List of Least Affordable Cities

The report assesses the availability of affordable rental units for low-income households.

March 22, 2024 - Urban Edge

Aerial view of Anchorage, Alaska downtown with mountains in background at golden hour.

Anchorage Leaders Debate Zoning Reform Plan

Last year, the city produced the fewest new housing units in a decade.

7 hours ago - Anchorage Daily News

Young man in wheelchair crossing zebra crosswalk.

How to Protect Pedestrians With Disabilities

Public agencies don’t track traffic deaths and injuries involving disabled people, leaving a gap in data to guide safety interventions.

March 28 - Governing

Aerial view of mountain town of Steamboat Springs, Colorado in the winter with snow at dusk.

Colorado Town Fills Workforce Housing Need With ‘Dorm-Style’ Housing

Median rent in Steamboat Springs is $4,000 per month.

March 28 - CBS News

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.