Additional Coverage:
- Taco Bell is making the Mexican Pizza $1 for a day. I tried the fan-favorite item, and it’s worth the hype. (businessinsider.com)
Taco Bell is bringing back a fan favorite with a special offer: Mexican Pizzas will be available for just $1 on Tuesday, July 28. This deal comes as part of the chain’s effort to reconnect with customers following a recent cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to lettuce served at some locations.
The Mexican Pizza features seasoned ground beef and refried beans layered between two crispy tortilla shells, topped with melted cheese, diced tomatoes, and pizza sauce. After trying it, I found the texture pleasantly crunchy, with a good balance of flavors, although I wished for a bit more pizza sauce. There’s also a vegetarian version that replaces the beef with extra beans, which has its own dedicated following.
Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza has a storied history. It was discontinued in 2020 after 35 years, sparking an outcry from fans-including a petition with over 170,000 signatures and endorsements from celebrities like Dolly Parton. The item made a triumphant return in 2022, much to the delight of loyal customers.
The timing of this promotion is notable. After the FDA linked Taco Bell’s shredded iceberg lettuce to over 1,600 cases of cyclosporiasis across five states, the chain experienced a dip in customer visits and a decline in its parent company Yum!
Brands’ stock price. Taco Bell’s CEO Sean Tresvant addressed concerns in a recent open letter, emphasizing the company’s commitment to regaining customer trust “one meal at a time.”
The $1 Mexican Pizza deal will be available at participating locations as well as through Taco Bell’s app and website, while supplies last. Customers are limited to one per transaction. Given that Mexican Pizzas typically cost over $6 in some markets, this offer presents a rare bargain on a beloved menu item.
With dollar-menu deals becoming increasingly scarce in fast food, Taco Bell’s promotion is both a nod to its fans and a strategic move to boost traffic. Whether this special will help the chain fully recover from recent challenges remains to be seen, but the enthusiasm from devoted customers suggests a positive outlook.
If Taco Bell plans more $1 promotions, perhaps the grilled cheese burrito could be next-another lettuce-free favorite worth a try.