Taco Bell recovers after cyclospora outbreak: ‘Continuing to play offense’

NewsWeekly foot traffic fell by 20 percent at Taco Bell during this time. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)AP Photo/Wilfredo LeeBy Claudia Dimuro | cdimuro@pennlive.comTaco Bell is slowly getting its groove back following the cyclosporiasis outbreak that happened over the summer. USA Today reports that parent company, Yum! Brands, recently revealed that Taco Bell’s same-store sales dropped by four percent in the third quarter. This time period occurs from July through September and coincides with the outbreak that was linked back to shredded lettuce from Taylor Farms, causing people to stay away from lettuce and foods containing it — such as Taco Bell’s offerings — as the outbreak persisted. Thousands were sickened, hundreds hospitalized, and two people died as a result of the parasitic disease.Taco Bell saw its weekly foot traffic fall by 20 percent during the outbreak, Reuters reports. On the whole, the University of Minnesota’s Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) estimates that cyclospora outbreaks have led to $374 million in retail losses in recent years. However, company officials note that the business is on the rebound: Same-store visits have gone up ever-so-slightly by one percent in the fourth quarter so far.“We’re pleased with the recovery to date, but the team is leaning in and continuing to play offense though the end of the year and beginning of 2027,” Yum! CEO Chris Turner said during a recent earnings call. International sales also went up by five percent July through September. Plus, Taco Bell has been outperforming others in the quick-service industry since the end of September.Turner also pointed out how customers that have been drawn is as part of the chain’s recovery plan have been spending five percent more at Taco Bells in comparison to the customers that they lost, Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN) adds. “We’re not just bringing folks back,” Turner said. “We’re bringing a really attractive consumer set to Taco Bell.” The Associated Press contributed to this report. Cult chicken chain to open 12 new spotsUber issue might drive up costs for customersThis budget airline is raising baggage prices again and passengers won’t be happyClaudia covers trending and breaking news stories across the United States. She previously worked as a digital reporter for PennLive.com, where she covered a range of topics from metal music to consumer news to...