Taco Bell plans stalled in Southampton

By Greg Vellner 21st Century Media News Service

A new and larger Taco Bell was to have opened last summer, replacing the one at 436 Second Street Pike that had operated there for a couple decades. But because development plans remain unfinished the reason unknown construction has been delayed.

I know there have been some conversations and meetings on it, but nothing has crossed my desk, said Ken Kline, code enforcement official, Upper Southampton Township.

The restaurant closed last December because, according to John Marsella, co-owner and franchisee, the building no longer met the standards of Taco Bell corporate owners.

Its uncertain how the Southampton location might be rebuilt, but in recent years the California-based restaurant chain has undertaken a redesign of its restaurants with upscale touches to compete more directly with restaurants like Chipotle.

A Taco Bell prototype built two years ago included exterior building changes like bright LED lighting to accent the buildings purple background, and interior changes such as bright tabletops, contemporary artwork and free WiFi.

Upper Southampton township supervisors last summer approved construction of a new restaurant at the site, and demolition of the existing building was then undertaken.

Plans so far call for a restaurant entrance from Second Street Pike, as well as a new second entry from the shopping center located behind the building.

A new and larger Taco Bell was to have opened last summer, replacing the one at 436 Second Street Pike that had operated there for a couple decades. But because development plans remain unfinished the reason unknown construction has been delayed.

I know there have been some conversations and meetings on it, but nothing has crossed my desk, said Ken Kline, code enforcement official, Upper Southampton Township.

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Taco Bell plans stalled in Southampton