Taco Bell has made a festive announcement, bringing back its popular menu item, the quesarito, just in time for Christmas. This beloved offering, which combines a quesadilla and a burrito, features seasoned beef, rice, Creamy Chipotle sauce, and reduced-fat sour cream, all wrapped in a grilled quesadilla. Priced at $4.99, the quesarito will be available at participating locations for a limited time.
The Return of a Fan Favorite
Originally launched in 2014, the quesarito quickly became a fan favorite. Its popularity soared following a memorable moment when ESPN accidentally aired a commercial for the quesarito during the 2014 NBA Draft, just as Nikola Jokić was announced as a draft pick by the Denver Nuggets. This inadvertent exposure helped solidify the quesarito’s status as a Taco Bell staple.
Despite its success, the quesarito was removed from the menu during the pandemic and was officially discontinued in 2023. Fans voiced their disappointment, with many taking to social media to create tributes and petitions in hopes of its return. Taco Bell listened to its customer base, as expressed by Luis Restrepo, Chief Marketing Officer at Taco Bell: “We heard our fans loud and clear. Their passion turned the Quesarito into a Taco Bell legend, and bringing it back for the holidays felt like the perfect way to celebrate that energy.”
The announcement has generated excitement among fans, many of whom expressed their joy on Taco Bell’s social media platforms. Comments such as “It’s a miracle” and “Best Christmas gift ever” reflect the enthusiasm surrounding the quesarito’s return.
A Nostalgic Feud with a Humorous Twist
The resurgence of the quesarito has also reignited memories of the quirky Taco Bell/Nikola Jokić feud from 2014. Following the accidental airing of the quesarito commercial during the NBA Draft, Jokić jokingly claimed he would never try Taco Bell due to the incident. To address this long-standing joke, Taco Bell directed a playful message to Jokić in their recent marketing efforts, acknowledging their past mistake and encouraging him to give the quesarito a chance.
In a light-hearted move to mend fences, Taco Bell distributed “GIVE THE QUESARITO A CHANCE” shirts at the Denver Nuggets’ home arena. The caption accompanying the promotional post read, “Do u think he’ll notice?” Despite the gesture, Jokić declined the invitation to try the quesarito, stating, “It’s nice they’re finally apologizing. But no.”
Luis Restrepo extended goodwill towards Jokić, expressing hope that there are “no hard feelings.” As Taco Bell celebrates the return of the quesarito, the company not only acknowledges its culinary legacy but also embraces the playful history that has endeared it to fans worldwide.
With the quesarito back on the menu, Taco Bell aims to capture the holiday spirit and satisfy cravings for this unique blend of flavors. As the clock ticks on its limited-time availability, fans are encouraged to indulge in this festive treat while they can.
