After experiencing permit problems, B&G Food Enterprises hopes to have Taco Bell open on Burbank Drive in three weeks.
When the company gained possession of the former Arby’s, it planned to open the restaurant Sept. 1. But after recent permit delays, B&G is now planning to open the Taco Bell around Oct. 15.
Gregory Hamer, B&G Franchise president, said the permit problems are typical  — obtaining them is an exercise in navigating bureaucracy,
Hamer said the company is about a week and a half into converting the building to look like a Taco Bell.
The inside of the store will offer a dining package, a franchise idea being tested in New Orleans that offers patrons Wi-Fi and a lounge area in the restaurant.
“We got them to let us do one here since it is so close to LSU,” Hamer said.
Jessica Prest, food science senior, said Taco Bell would be more  a place to hang out after going to a bar than a place to study.
Jay LeBlanc, B&G director of human resources, said the company plans to accommodate students by keeping the restaurant open until 4 a.m. on weekends.
Prest said she would take advantage of the fourth meal experience on the weekends.
LeBlanc also said there will be a  grand opening celebration with giveaways and prizes about a month after the store opens.
The inside of the restaurant will feature an LSU motif with tiger patterns and University memorabilia, LeBlanc said.
He said the company is currently hiring shift managers and crew members. Interviews are being held from 11 a.m until 2 p.m on Thursdays in a tent outside the location.
LeBlanc said the company has placed banners outside with the job application information, but the banners keep disappearing.
“Some of these college kids, I guess, keep stealing my banners,” LeBlanc said.
LeBlanc said the average Taco Bell store brings in $1.2 million to $1.4 million a year, but B&G estimates this Taco Bell will be a $2 million-a-year store.
“This will be one of the best stores in our company,” LeBlanc said.
 
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Contact Celeste Ansley at
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