Opening date for town’s first Taco Bell revealed as new KFC set to launch next door

The opening date for a town’s first Taco Bell has been revealed - with a new KFC restaurant also on the verge of completion next door.

The fast food outlets are to become the latest arrivals at Ashford’s Waterbrook Park in Sevington.

Both chains began construction, off the roundabout in Waterbrook Avenue, in March.

Now, five months on, the exteriors have been completed as the chains finalise seating and the decor.

A new access road has been created directly opposite Aldi specifically for the two retailers, which has also been added alongside parking spaces for both stores.

Taco Bell was originally meant to open earlier this summer, but bosses confirmed delays relating to supplier timelines pushed this back.

But KentOnline can now reveal it is expected to open next month.

A statement said: “The new Taco Bell restaurant in Ashford is progressing well and is nearing completion.

“We're currently targeting an opening date of September 29, although this remains subject to final approvals and may change.

“Once open, residents can expect Taco Bell's full menu of Mexican-inspired favourites, including tacos, burritos, quesadillas, Crunchwraps and more, available for dine-in, takeaway, and delivery.”

Founded in 1962, the American brand has five other branches in Kent.

Meanwhile, KFC has remained tight-lipped on when its restaurant will launch.

However, KentOnline can reveal “it is aiming to open around the same time”, according to landowners GSE.

Development director, Luke Mullaney, said: “Both brands have been exceptional partners throughout the entire process, and we are delighted to add these drive-thru restaurants to the diverse portfolio of construction projects carried out under the GSE brand.

“We have absolutely no doubt the people of Ashford and the surrounding areas will be as excited as we are by the imminent opening dates.”

Once trading, it will become Ashford’s third KFC, alongside others at Eureka Park and in Beaver Road.

Work on both restaurants has been in the pipeline since KFC received planning approval from Ashford Borough Council (ABC) in 2021.

Meanwhile, Taco Bell was given the nod for its first branch in the town in 2024.

Waterbrook Park is also set to see the arrival of a new David Lloyd health club on land opposite Aldi, filling a spot previously earmarked for an Amazon warehouse.

The facility is due to feature three tennis courts and four swimming pools, creating 100 jobs.

But KentOnline has already revealed how it is now not expected to open until at least 2027 due to a planning dispute involving landowner GSE, ABC, and Kent County Council.

Aldi opened its second Ashford supermarket on Waterbrook Park in October.