News|Los Angeles

Taco Bell, fast food's quirky king, will televise its next menu reveal

It's partnered with Peacock to stream the event

By Karen Palmer, Los Angeles Food Editor
Feb 27, 2026

https://www.sfgate.com/la/article/taco-bell-televised-21943635.php

Southern California-founded Taco Bell has a brand all its own. With bright colors, occasional nostalgia nods and lots of young, eager fast food fans, the company’s funky marketing stunts are seemingly always well-received — and have been for decades. In 2019, the company rebranded an entire Palm Springs hotel for Taco Bell superfans and influencers, and as far back as 1996, the chain paid for fake advertisements claiming to have purchased the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia.

For the past two years, the Irvine-based fast food giant has gone big with an entertainment-focused event called “Live Mas LIVE.” Think of it as a one-brand Comic-Con, where the company reveals new menu items in front of a riled-up crowd. But this year, the company is adding an extra-special Hollywood aspect to the event (complete with celebs, no less): It has partnered with NBCUniversal’s Peacock to televise the event so that Taco Bell enthusiasts can experience the big reveals from the comfort of their own couches.

Hosted by Grammy-nominated musician Vince Staples, the event is slated to be held at the popular Hollywood Palladium concert venue and live-taped to debut on Peacock on March 10.

Other notable folks scheduled to appear include former “Vanderpump Rules” star (and sandwich shop owner) Ariana Madix, former “SNL” cast members Devon Walker and Ego Nwodim and musicians like Benson Boone, Doja Cat and DJ Pee .Wee (also known as Anderson .Paak). Guests will even walk a Taco Bell-toned purple carpet, awards-show style.

“Taco Bell has some of the most passionate fan bases and I’ve been a fan of the brand since I was young,” Staples said via news release. “I’m excited to partner with them on something that feels true to who they are and how people actually connect with their brand.”As for those new menu items, more than 20 of them will be unveiled. Past debuts since the event started in 2024 have included the Big Cheez-It Crunchwrap Supreme, Crispy Chicken Nuggets and Mountain Dew Baja Blast Pie.Taco Bell Rewards members who opted into email notifications can receive a one-month Peacock Select tier subscription by visiting the Taco Bell app from Tuesday, March 3, through Tuesday, March 10. A unique redemption code will then be delivered directly to users’ email and Taco Bell app inbox. As the show streams on Peacock, viewers can also take advantage of exclusive offers redeemable in the Taco Bell app on March 10.

Gordita and chalupa fans will have to wait and see what menu items the company has dreamt up, but they’re promising everything from “saucy and crispy creations to nostalgic throwbacks and brand-first never-before-seen formats.” Fingers crossed that the Bell Beefer is finally making a comeback.