Taco Bell takes shape at former Folkestone Argos site
Published: 12:32, 20 October 2022
Updated: 16:22, 20 October 2022
Taco Bell is set to open its latest restaurant in Kent as it continues to expand across the county.
The American fast-food giant, which serves a Mexican-inspired menu, is understood to be preparing to launch its new branch in Folkestone on November 1.
It will occupy the premises in West Terrace formerly home to Argos.
The site - opposite the town centre McDonald's - has been vacant since the catalogue retailer's outlet in the town was relocated to the Sainsbury's supermarket at Park Farm.
Taco Bell has already opened locations in Dover, Maidstone and Chatham in recent times as it looks to cash in on the thriving British fast-food market.
Earlier this year, the firm's international president, Julie Felss Masino, told the trade press she believes the number of Taco Bell restaurants in the UK can reach "several hundreds".
"If you think about the channels that we have available to the UK, consumer delivery really kind of pops to the top and that's been a big driver of our business in the last several years," she told industry website QSR Media.
Queues of eager customers were waiting outside of the chain's new Maidstone restaurant when it opened for the first time back in March.
The chain, which was founded by Glen Bell in California in 1962, offers a range of Mexican-influenced bites including tacos, burritos and quesadillas.
Folkestone continues to see its food and drink scene grow, with a mix of chains and independents expanding in the town.
McDonald's is shortly due to open its third restaurant in the town, at the Tesco supermarket in Cheriton.
Meanwhile, in the town centre a new Mexican cocktail bar, Cabrón, is set to start serving tacos in the Rendezvous Street.
The premises was previously occupied by the bar Quinn's.
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Rhys Griffiths