Santa Monica Lifts Franchise Ban; Chains Move to Promenade
Yogurtland, an upscale Taco Bell Cantina serving tapas and cocktails, and Raising Cane's are all coming to downtown Santa Monica.
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Santa Monica has repealed its ban on fast food franchises in the downtown area.
First to move in: Yogurtland. It got ousted from its location on Arizona Avenue next to the Third Street Promenade, but is reopening on the promenade soon.
Next to move in: Taco Bell. Not just any Taco Bell, but an upscale Taco Bell Cantina. The Santa Monica Daily Press reports the upscale Taco Bell will serve tapas. Also beer, wine and frozen cocktails spiked with rum, tequila or vodka. It's going to replace one of the two British-themed bars on Santa Monica Boulevard, the Britannia.
Also appearing soon on Third Street: Raising Cane's.