Network Rail has issued an update on the long-awaited Taco Bell restaurant at Birmingham New Street Station, confirming that the opening has been delayed but is imminent. The US fast-food chain was originally expected to open at the end of April, but the doors remain shut as final checks are completed.
What Happened?
In April, signs appeared for the city centre's first Taco Bell branch in an empty unit at Birmingham New Street Station, sparking excitement among commuters eager to grab the brand's fast food on the go. Network Rail confirmed at the time that it would open at the 'end of the month,' right next to the existing Popeyes chicken shop. However, no exact date was provided, and the month ended with the unit still closed.
Over the past month, staff have been seen inside the venue, but Taco Bell itself has not responded to inquiries about the launch. Now, a Network Rail spokesperson has stated that the restaurant will still open, though an exact date remains unavailable.
Network Rail's Statement
The spokesperson told BirminghamLive: "We are doing all we can to get the new Taco Bell at Birmingham New Street open as soon as possible. We are now completing final checks and are excited about bringing tacos and trains together very soon."
New Outdoor Food Court
Taco Bell and Popeyes together form a new outdoor food court near the Bullring, which is expected to become a bright dining destination as summer approaches. They join other fast-food outlets at the station, including Burger King, which opened in July, and Greggs, which moved into a larger branch in the former Boots store last month.
Last week, it was reported that a unit in the corner beside Taco Bell and Popeyes is up for rent, with a coffee shop lease priced at £100,000 a year.
Station Footfall
Birmingham New Street is the busiest train station outside London, with 54.8 million people passing through in 2025, up from 45.6 million in 2022. That equates to more than 150,000 people per day, offering a massive customer base for the new Taco Bell.
As the wait continues, commuters and fast-food fans are eager to see the doors finally open. Network Rail assures that the opening is 'very soon,' but for now, the mystery remains.
