Some rough news for fast-food fans: An upcoming overhaul of Taco Bell’s menu will eliminate a dozen items, including classics like the 7-Layer Burrito and Nachos Supreme.
Taco Bell announced the move on July 17, and the changes are set to begin in August. The idea is to simplify and streamline the menu for ease of ordering, and to make things a bit easier on the kitchen staff.
According to a statement from the company, the COVID-19 pandemic sparked some new thinking at its headquarters.
“This evolved menu approach comes after months of analyzing the new way we are running our restaurants,” reads the statement. “And while change is hard, a simplified menu and innovation process will leave room for new fan favorites, continued progress in categories such as plant-based diets, and even opportunities for the return of some classics on a limited time basis.”
With more than 7,000 locations throughout the U.S., these big changes will make waves among the Bell’s faithful. Vegetarians will be hard-hit — Taco Bell has touted its American Vegetarian Association-certified items, but losing potatoes and the 7-Layer Burrito knocks a few meat-free options off the menu.
The Bell acknowledged the loss of veggie choices in their statement, but noted that diners can swap out meat for beans in any menu item. (Thankfully, the classic bean-and-cheese burrito remains available.)
Social-media mourning followed TB’s announcement. Taco Bell Quarterly, the absolutely-for-real Taco Bell-themed literary magazine, has been tweeting about their gordita-sized grief for days:
Taco Bell don't get rid of the potatoes, quesarito, and 7 layers. Volume 4 will be The Grief Issue
— Taco Bell Quarterly (@TBQuarterly) July 16, 2020
(Note: The Quesarito isn’t totally going away. It’ll be available to order online as takeout or delivery.)
The Quarterly did have a hot tip for 7-Layer Burrito lovers, though:
only typing this because I'm getting tagged in a lot of grieving. The 7 Layer will always be with us spiritually if you customize a bean burrito with the additional 5 layers, and it's .80 cents. I'm here for more menu tips and writing advice in your time of sorrow
— Taco Bell Quarterly (@TBQuarterly) July 20, 2020
It’s unclear if that 80 cents quoted above is the cost of the customizations or the burrito itself, but like most things — including some of the revamped menu choices — that will vary according to each franchise’s participation.
Fans of the doomed menu items have until August 13 to say adios.
This story originally appeared on Simplemost. Checkout Simplemost for additional stories.
