Taco Bell opened its newest location Thursday on Burbank Drive next to Mellow Mushroom and Izzo’s Illegal Burrito.
The new Taco Bell is the closest branch to the University except for the Taco Bell Express located inside The 459 Commons.
“We’re excited to be here, and hopefully the restaurant will be well-received,” said Gregory Hamer, owner of B&G Food Enterprises, a family-operated business that controls chain restaurants like Taco Bell.
The new restaurant will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 4 a.m. every day, but the times may be adjusted depending on how many diners come, Hamer said.
The interior features dining and lounge areas with several outlets for computers. The entire restaurant has free wireless Internet.
“I can safely tell you it’s the only restaurant in the United States that looks like this,” Hamer said.
Hamer said the company has hired 58 people for the new location, and he encouraged students to apply because it will continue hiring.
Hamer and several members of his family attended the University, so the new location has a Tiger spirit, he said.
Taco Bell also has a partnership with the Athletic Department and has ads in Tiger Stadium.
On her first day at work, employee Monique Nelson said the people, management and location are great. She said the new location is ideal for students and the school.
Employee Trey Gibson said a campus-adjacent Taco Bell was needed because the one on campus isn’t a full restaurant.
 
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Contact Catherine Threlkeld at [email protected]