Taco Bell Brings ‘Live Más Cafe’ to Minnesota
Taco Bell is brewing something new — and it’s not just another burrito. The fast-food giant is launching its Live Más Cafe concept in Minnesota, with the first two locations planned for Lakeville and Rochester.
What Is Live Más Cafe?
The new concept puts beverages front and center. Instead of tacos or chalupas, you’ll find “Bellristas” serving creative drinks like Mexican mochas, vanilla crema lattes, churro chillers topped with churro crumbles, and trendy “dirty sodas.” These cafés are designed to appeal to younger customers who love craft coffee and unique flavor combinations.
Each cafe will be embedded within a traditional Taco Bell restaurant but will feature a distinct, modern design and a dedicated beverage counter. The idea launched in California last year, and so far, only five exist nationwide.
Minnesota Locations: Lakeville and Rochester
The Lakeville location will anchor the Marketplace at Cedar development near Cedar Avenue and 179th Street West, developed by Oppidan Investment Co. It’s expected to open in early 2027.
Meanwhile, the Rochester cafe is being built by local franchisee Border Foods in the Creekside development near West Circle Drive and 19th Street Northwest, with an estimated opening in fall 2026.
Minnesota: Taco Bell’s Test Market
Minnesota has quietly become Taco Bell’s innovation playground. In 2022, Brooklyn Park debuted the first Taco Bell Defy — a high-tech drive-thru with food delivered via lift system. That store went viral nationwide and helped inspire further experimentation by the brand.
Now, Minnesota will again be among the first to experience Taco Bell’s next big thing.
Why It Matters
This move taps into the booming nonalcoholic beverage market, valued at nearly $170 billion in 2024 and projected to grow to $246 billion by 2032. With McDonald’s scaling back its separate CosMc brand, Taco Bell sees opportunity to win over coffee and soda lovers alike.
Closing
Whether you’re a fan of the Crunchwrap or just curious to try a churro chiller, these new Taco Bell Live Más Cafes will give Minnesotans another reason to grab a drink on the go.
If you’re thinking about making a move to Lakeville, Rochester, or anywhere across the Twin Cities — let’s connect.
I’m Darin the Minnesotan, your local Twin Cities Realtor who keeps up with all things Minnesota, so you don’t have to.
