Local Taco Bell enthusiasts were disappointed when the restaurant, which shared a building with Kentucky Fried Chicken, shut down in 2022. Then in 2023, construction by Casey’s on Iowa Avenue gave them something to wait for and “taco ’bout.”

General Manager Amaya Graham said the original plan was to open the restaurant on Thursday. However, an early delivery, and having all employees prepared, prompted them to move the opening day to Wednesday. Residents did not mind the change.

“It’s been busy,” she said. “I think we’ve had the whole town here.”

Customers kept employees on their toes until midnight both days. Fortunately, Taco Bell has made some changes which have made the first two days “spec-taco-lur.” There is an extra drive-through lane to reduce backflow, and digital kiosks inside.

Cars line up in the drive through at the newly opened Taco Bell on Thursday. The national chain reopened on Iowa Avenue Wednesday.

“We’re trying to do almost all digital sales,” Graham said. “The customers are able to see it in front of their face. It’s a lot simpler. They can also go on our mobile app, as well, and get discounts.”

The discounts led to a large number of Baja craving boxes being made and going out the door, as she said there was a discount attached to it.

Taco Bell has also partnered with Doordash to make deliveries. Customers were able to get their deliveries ordered for the first time on Thursday. Graham said there were so many orders, they were backed up.

“A quarter of our business is mobile so far,” she said. “We plan for it to go up — more mobile than people actually coming through the drive through or coming inside.”

As a result of the push to digital, she said there is a reduced number of indoor seating.

“People would rather like to eat in their own home, so they did shrink our lobby,” Graham said.

The smaller lobby was a hindrance during the first two days, due to the large number of people. She thought many of them wanted to come to the restaurant to check it out, and is expecting the curiosity to last a few more weeks.

“Once it calms down, it should be perfect,” Graham said. “That’s what I’m hoping for.”

She said they are also hiring an additional 20 employees. The only requirement applicants have to meet is to be at least the age of 16, Graham said.

INFORMATION:

Address: 108 Iowa Ave. W.

Days: Monday through Sunday

Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 a.m.

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Contact Lana Bradstream at 641-751-6611 ext. 210 or lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.