Taco Bell's U.S. visitation fell as much as 30% below its year-to-date trend after the FDA and CDC linked a cyclospora outbreak to fresh produce like lettuce, according to Placer.ai head of analytical research R.J. Hottovy. The metric has since recovered to negative 20% but remains under significant pressure, and Hottovy noted that the chain has begun offering discounted products such as a $1 burrito to lure customers back. He cautioned that more substantive communication about the cause and prevention of the incident is likely needed to fully restore consumer confidence, pointing to McDonald's 2024 response as a more effective model. Other lettuce-heavy chains including Sweetgreen and Just Salad have issued statements clarifying that the affected supplier was not part of their supply chains, though their visitation is also running substantially negative.
Yum! Brands IncTaco Bell visits drop 30% after cyclospora outbreak linked to fresh produce, with recovery only to -20% and need for discounted products to lure customers.
Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc
McDonald’s Corporation
Sweetgreen Inc