Taco Bell’s Cantina concept makes its airport debut
The Denver International Airport location of the fast-food Mexican chain is operated by hospitality company Mission Yogurt Inc.
June 29, 2026
Taco Bell debuted its Cantina concept in Chicago in 2015, followed shortly afterward in San Fransico and Las Vegas.
There are now over 50 such locations nationwide differentiating themselves from the flagship brand by serving alcoholic beverages and emphasizing dine-in experiences. A recently remodeled Cantina in Pacifica, California, for instance, includes expanded patio seating with ocean views. Cantina locations also host events, live DJs, and weddings.
Now the concept is planting its flag in airports for the first time. Last week, a Taco Bell Cantina opened at the Denver International Airport, marking not only the concept’s first airport location, but also its first in Colorado. To mark the occasion, the location hosted a wedding.
The Cantina menu includes shareable and specialty menu items, as well as beer and signature boozy Twisted freezes.
This location is operated by Mission Yogurt, Inc., a Denver-based hospitality company that manages food, beverage, and retail concepts in high-traffic airports. At the Denver airport, it also operates D Bar, Maria Empanada, Root Down, The Bagel Deli, KFC, Pizza Hut, Caribou Coffee, and more.
“Denver International Airport and Mission Yogurt have always been about delivering unique, memorable experiences. With the introduction of Taco Bell Cantina, we are bringing a new level of energy and excitement to travelers worldwide,” President and Owner of Mission Yogurt Rod Tafoya said in a statement. “We are proud to introduce Colorado’s first Taco Bell Cantina at DEN — combining the classic flavors people love with that patented Cantina twist.”
Taco Bell Cantina is located on Concourse A, near gate A47.
DEN set a record for traffic last year, serving nearly 82.5 million passengers, including 4.8 million international passengers.
Contact Alicia Kelso at [email protected]
Follow her on TikTok: @aliciakelso
About the Author
Alicia Kelso
Executive Editor, Nation's Restaurant News
Alicia Kelso is the executive editor of Nation's Restaurant News. She began covering the restaurant industry in 2010 for QSRweb.com, FastCasual.com, and PizzaMarketplace.com. When her son was born, she left the industry to pursue a role in higher education, but swiftly returned after realizing how much she missed the space. In filling that void, Alicia added a contributor role at Restaurant Dive and a senior contributor role at Forbes.
Her work has appeared in publications around the world, including Forbes Asia, NPR, Bloomberg, The Seattle Times, Crain's Chicago, Good Morning America, and Franchise Asia Magazine.
Alicia holds a degree in journalism from Bowling Green State University, where she competed on the women's swim team. In addition to cheering for the BGSU Falcons, Alicia is a rabid Michigan fan and will talk about college football with anyone willing to engage. She lives in Louisville, Kentucky, with her wife and son.
Follow her on TikTok @aliciakelso
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