Taco Bell returns to unexpected market after 14 years

Taco Bell returns to unexpected market after 14 years

Fernanda Tronco

Sun, August 30, 2026 at 11:33 PM GMT+3 4 min read

• YUM +2.06%
• AMR.AB

Taco Bell is making an unexpected comeback in a market it left more than a decade ago, reviving a piece of its international footprint as the fast-food chain looks to accelerate global growth.

The Yum! Brands-owned chain is seeking to reestablish its presence in a once-abandoned market as it expands beyond the U.S. and looks for new opportunities around the world.

The return gives Taco Bell another foothold in a region where its parent company already has a foothold.

Taco Bell returns to the UAE

Taco Bell is coming back to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after exiting the market in 2012.

Yum! Brands' (YUM) subsidiary, Taco Bell UK and Europe Ltd, has signed an exclusive development agreement with restaurant operator Americana Restaurants to bring the chain back to the UAE, with plans for phased expansion into additional Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

Americana Restaurants describes itself as the largest out-of-home dining and quick-service restaurant operator in the Middle East and has had a longstanding relationship with Yum! Brands, operating brands including KFC and Pizza Hut across the region.

The first Taco Bell location is expected to open in the UAE as part of the phased expansion, marking the brand's return to the market after 14 years.

"We're excited to continue our strong international momentum in the UAE, to connect with a new generation of fans, and bring the creativity, innovation and unmistakable Taco Bell experience that only our brand can deliver," Taco Bell CEO Sean Tresvant said in a company announcement.

Taco Bell International Managing Director Ankush Tuli said the UAE represents a significant growth opportunity for the brand and that Americana Restaurants is well- positioned to lead the expansion.

"Their operational excellence and proven track record of driving growth give us great confidence as we grow Taco Bell in this vibrant market and build the brand for long-term success across the region," Tuli said in a statement.

Taco Bell's expansion plan

Taco Bell has accelerated its international expansion over the last several years.

Most recently, the company partnered with Applegreen, a major petrol retailer, to open its first-ever restaurant in Ireland in summer 2025.

Taco Bell now has more than 9,000 restaurants across over 40 markets around the globe.

The expansion is part of the brand's Relentlessly Next-Generation Growth (R.I.N.G.) strategy, which focuses on menu innovation, greater value, an enhanced customer experience, digital transactions, technology, and international expansion.

The initiative aims to increase Taco Bell's footprint to 3,000 restaurants outside the U.S. by 2030. The company has also identified nine new countries for potential expansion, including France, Greece, and South Africa, while seeking to accelerate growth in existing markets in the U.K., Spain, Australia, and India.

The UAE agreement gives Taco Bell another opportunity to build on that international strategy while returning to a market it previously exited.

Why Taco Bell is expanding internationally

Taco Bell has been a standout within Yum! Brands' portfolio, with the chain continuing to post strong sales growth in the U.S. and internationally.

During the second quarter of fiscal 2026, Taco Bell reported:

• System sales: Increased 4% year over year

• Same-store sales: Climbed 7%

• U.S. system sales: Rose 9%

• International system sales: Up 13%

• International same-store sales: Grew 5%

Taco Bell opened 54 gross new restaurants across 15 countries during the quarter, bringing its total restaurant count to 9,046.

The brand accounted for 43% of Yum! Brands' divisional operating profit and outperformed the broader QSR industry in same-store sales for the ninth consecutive quarter, according to the company's latest earnings call.

That performance helps explain why international expansion remains an important part of Taco Bell's growth strategy. Yum! Brands can leverage the chain's strong momentum while relying on established local restaurant operators such as Americana Restaurants to enter and develop markets.

Rivals expanding internationally

Taco Bell is not the only major American restaurant chain pursuing international growth. Several fast-food rivals have also entered or returned to markets outside the U.S.

Here's some of my previous coverage on fast-food chains expanding internationally:

• TGI Fridays: Relaunch in the U.K. on July 4, 2025.

• Chipotle: Opened its first-ever restaurant in Mexico on July 16, 2026.

• Dunkin': Returning to Puerto Rico in 2027.

• Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers: Opened its first-ever restaurant in Canada on June 3, 2025.

• Chick-fil-A: Opened its first global restaurants in the U.K. and Singapore in 2025.

Taco Bell's comeback adds another example of major U.S. restaurant brands looking overseas for opportunities to expand their footprints and reach new customers.

Related: 17-year-old Mexican restaurant chain closes all locations

This story was originally published by TheStreet on Aug 30, 2026, where it first appeared in the Restaurants section. Add TheStreet as a Preferred Source by clicking here.