Diversified Restaurant Group, the Las Vegas-headquartered operator of more than 360 Taco Bell and Arby’s restaurants, has opened a Taco Bell Cantina inside Allegiant Stadium, home of the Las Vegas Raiders, UNLV football games, concerts, and more. This marks the first Cantina to open inside a stadium, and the second DRG operates in Las Vegas following the concept’s debut on the Strip in 2016.
The Allegiant Stadium Taco Bell Cantina features a unique menu, including the Manager Mendoza Special — regular or large nacho fries and nacho cheese sauce, and one Doritos Locos Taco paired with five crispy chicken strips. It is named after Raiders’ rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who led the Indiana Hoosiers to a National Championship last year.
Customers can also order Luxe Cravings Boxes, including Nacho Fries, Double Loaded Burrito, Crispy Chicken, Crunchy Taco and Bean Burritos options. The Allegiant Stadium location includes 14 taps alongside traditional cocktails, Raiders specialty cocktails, and Cantina’s signature Twisted Freezes in Baja Blast, Margarita and Blue Raspberry. The space also features murals and LED light displays.
In a statement, SG Ellison, CEO of Diversified Restaurant Group, said he is proud to expand the company’s Cantina portfolio in Las Vegas with a first-of-its-kind experience.
In September 2015, DRG opened one of the first Taco Bell Cantinas in the country and the first run by a franchisee, in San Francisco’s SoMa neighborhood near the major league ballpark. DRG now has Cantina locations in California, Nevada, and Kansas City.
The Allegiant Stadium location opening comes on the heels of the Cantina’s airport debut at Denver International. That location is operated by Mission Yogurt, Inc.
There are now over 50 such locations nationwide differentiating themselves from the flagship brand by serving alcoholic beverages and emphasizing dine-in experiences. A recently remodeled Cantina in Pacifica, California, for instance, includes expanded patio seating with ocean views. Cantina locations also host events, live DJs, and weddings.
The Taco Bell Cantina at Allegiant Stadium sits on the main concourse of the 100 level, outside section 140 near the north end zone. It serves guests on stadium event days including Raiders games and concerts, with hours varying by event.
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