TACO BELL X WEST MAIN STREET

by Jasmine Brianna Ellison

MERIDEN, CONN.- With the ability to order on a large touchscreen and checkout at the screen, access to phone charging ports, and the new and improved glass window allowing customers to view their food being made- Taco Bell on West Main Street is living up to the new vision officials have for Meriden in the upcoming years. ​

Even seasoned taco bell employees had to learn the new high tech system and more will be expected to, as the fast food chains plans to reproduce the new model in future locations.
“This is where Taco Bell is trending. It’s a different design, and it it’s more transparent for the customers, to give them an open view and see their food being made.” Arturo Elescano, director of operations at Taco Bell, told Record Journal.

The interior seats 40 guests, including 10 bar stool seats in the center and hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and open until 4:00 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The extended hours and fast service has left customers satisfied with the new business.

However, regardless of positive customer feedback, the neighboring residents have had concerns since the before the grand opening.

For example, on November 7th, 2018 at approximately two a.m. neighbors reported being awoken by machines. This was not the first incident, or the end of the apprehension in regard to the new traffic and noise coming into the area. However, because the location is within the proper zoning regulations, concerns have gone undervalued.

This controversy is only the beginning. With the development of the new businesses expected to flood the inner city of Meriden, Conn, it is unclear how many native residents will be inconvenienced or how new comers will be marveled by the additions. ​