After a long-awaited arrival, Taco Bell is officially open for business in D.P. Culp Student Center.

The corner lot in the first-floor food court has seen many different occupants in the past few years, including Steak ‘N Shake and Buccaneer Burgers, and now it’s the newest and most anticipated addition.

Taco Bell is bringing fresh excitement into the new semester, featuring the most popular menu items– and even Baja Blasts for a midday pick-me-up. 

The construction of Taco Bell has been anticipated since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Complications with supply chain issues and equipment conflicts due to COVID-19 have pushed back the construction of the new restaurant, making it one of the highest anticipated additions to the Culp Center since its initial renovation.

For the 2021-2022 school year, Steak ‘N Shake fostered the anticipation of the growing student population.  

For students like Sammy Asbury, this addition is promising for the faith of the student body. Asbury is both an ETSU Preview and Orientation Leader and an Expedition Leader, and when she mentioned the new fast food on-campus renovation to potential students, they became increasingly excited about possible attendance at ETSU.  

“It’s like icing on the cake,” said Asbury. “New students were already excited about having a Chick-Fil-A directly in their student center, but this changes the game.”  

Asbury recently filmed a TikTok for ETSU to promote the new opening and create excitement surrounding Taco Bell’s long-awaited arrival. “It’s so nice to see students getting excited over something they’ve waited so long for,” said Asbury. 

Though the new location is now fully open for business, Taco Bell will be hosting a Grand Opening this Friday, Jan. 20. The celebration will start at noon on the first floor of the Culp Center and will feature a ribbon cutting, live music, food, free promotional items, coupons for tacos and more. 

“Getting Taco Bell on campus in less than a year’s time is absolutely incredible,” said Mason Mosier, president of ETSU’s Student Government Association. In a recent press release from the University, Mosier said: “Our Student Government Association worked overtime with visionaries like Dr. Brian Noland, Dr. Joe Sherlin, Dr. Leah Adinolfi and so many other administrators to make this a reality for students.” 

(Allison Winters/East Tennessean)