Taco Bell’s ‘Defy’ Concept Set To Open Tomorrow, Promises To Be Most Innovative Drive-Thru Experience

Last summer we reported on the futuristic Taco Bell Defy drive-thru concept that is looking to shake up the fast food industry and how folks dine on the go.

Fast forward almost a year later and Taco Bell Defy is set to open tomorrow, June 7, in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. The revolutionary restaurant concept is the first of its kind, delivering high-tech features that look to improve Taco Bell fans’ drive-thru experience by boosting efficiency through innovation.

Features like a proprietary vertical lift that will transport Taco Bell menu items straight from the kitchen to waiting customers, digital check-in screens for mobile order customers’ unique QR codes, a two-way audio and video technology service for customers to talk to team members on the second floor and a four-lane drive-thru are what Taco Bell Defy is bringing to the table.

Each drive-thru is designated for specific roles:

• Pre-orders: Fans who order via the Taco Bell app will score skip-the-line service. For ultimate ease and convenience, the Taco Bell App can be downloaded ahead of time by visiting the Apple App Store or Google Play.
• Delivery Drivers: For those ordering through a third-party delivery partner, drivers will be able to process orders with the goal of providing an even faster delivery time in getting tacos straight to fans. 
• Traditional Drive-Thru: For those who prefer to drop in for their favorite menu items, there’s one lane dedicated solely for this purpose.

For all this to come to fruition, Taco Bell tapped in with Minneapolis-based Vertical Works Inc., who merged innovation, design and manufacturing to help the fast food chain flip the normal drive-thru experience.