SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — Hundreds of eager fans lined up Thursday at Fisherman’s Wharf to take part in the grand opening of San Francisco’s second Taco Bell Cantina.
“I think this is kind of the appeal of this city. It’s like, you know, how often you get to say you went to a grand opening of a Taco Bell Cantina? So here I am,” said Ta’Niyia Smith, a San Francisco resident.
“I’m so excited to be here, and they really put out the good stuff and some really fun stuff, having a DJ and everything,” said Audrey Pullian, also a San Francisco resident.
MORE: SF’s iconic Fisherman’s Wharf is getting a $10M makeover. Here’s what it will look like
San Francisco has unveiled a plan to change Fisherman’s Wharf, demolishing the historic Alioto’s restaurant to create a new public space with a view of the Golden Gate Bridge.
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie made an appearance and cut the ceremonial ribbon.
“We’re trying to open up the waterfront again to our tourists, to our visitors. And anything that draws young people like this new institution here, it’s going to be helpful,” said Lurie.
The new cantina is considered part of the revitalization of Fisherman’s Wharf, which is primed for a massive makeover, including the tearing down of the beloved building that housed Alioto’s Restaurant for decades.
“We have three or four more major restaurants opening in the year ahead,” District 3 Supervisor Danny Sauter. “We have a major new plaza opening this summer. So there’s a lot of good news on the horizon for Fisherman’s Wharf.”
MORE: Alioto’s restaurant, landmark building in heart of SF’s Fisherman’s Wharf, set to be demolished
This franchise adds to the Diversified Restaurants Group’s ownership of more than 80 Taco Bell restaurants in Northern California, including the iconic Pacifica location and a location in San Francisco’s SoMa neighborhood.
“Taco Bell Cantina brings energy. It’s got an amazing culture. It’s got an amazing following. It’s young and vibrant, and it’s something that just really showcases the brand and the community,” said SG Ellison, Taco Bell franchisee and CEO of Diversified Restaurant Group.”It means a lot to us to be here or part of this revitalization of the wharf.”
Copyright © 2026 KGO-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Duncan Meyers, founder of BDJOBSTODAY, shares expert career advice, job market insights, and practical tips to help professionals grow and succeed in their careers.
