Taco Bell in Slovenia: opening more likely in early 2028

Taco Bell’s arrival in Slovenia still has no confirmed date. According to a report published by Slovenian newspaper Večer on 9 November 2026, the first restaurant could open in late 2027. However, Aldina Hadžić, Director of Franchise Operations at Aptha Global, currently considers early 2028 more likely. A location has yet to be chosen. For those following Slovenia’s franchise market, this is primarily an update on the announced brand launch’s timing, rather than confirmation of a specific opening.

A revised estimate, not a confirmed deadline

Taco Bell, the American Mexican-inspired fast-food chain, announced plans to enter Slovenia in 2025. At the time, the first restaurant was expected to open by the end of 2027. The latest statement suggests that this remains possible, but is no longer the most likely timeframe.

Aldina Hadžić told Večer: “We are currently focused on expanding our restaurant network in Croatia. Our plans for next year have just been drawn up and are still awaiting approval, so we cannot yet confirm an opening date for the restaurant in Slovenia. We currently estimate that it could open in late 2027, but early 2028 is more likely.”

The distinction between an estimate and a confirmed deadline is important here. Early 2028 is not an announced opening date, but the timeframe currently considered more likely. Nor has late 2027 been ruled out. A more precise schedule will therefore depend on the approval of the plans Hadžić refers to.

Croatia already has its first restaurant

Taco Bell opened its first restaurant in Croatia in early October 2026. While the brand has already begun serving customers in Slovenia’s neighbouring market, its Slovenian launch remains at the announcement stage. Hadžić explicitly identified expansion of the Croatian network as the current priority.

According to Večer, Taco Bell’s arrival forms part of Yum! Brands’ expansion in the Western Balkans, Slovenia and Croatia. The Slovenian announcement is therefore best understood in a regional context, with individual markets not necessarily at the same stage of preparation. The Croatian opening has already taken place, while two basic details of the Slovenian restaurant remain unconfirmed: its opening date and location.

The start of operations in Croatia does not, in itself, confirm the Slovenian timetable. Nor does the latest statement set out a sequence for any further openings in Slovenia. Its message is narrower: the current focus is on Croatia, and plans for the following year had not yet been approved when the response was given.

The Slovenian location remains undecided

Hadžić confirmed that a location in Slovenia has not yet been chosen. She added: “We will share details once the plans have been approved.” For now, no city, address or specific premises can be named for the first Slovenian restaurant.

This is also an important limitation when assessing how far preparations have progressed. Announcing entry into a market is not the same as announcing an opening at a chosen site. This latest update mainly clarifies current priorities and a possible timeframe, rather than presenting a confirmed Slovenian project.

The response does not suggest that the launch has been cancelled, either. Slovenia remains part of the announced plans, but the timing is uncertain. The most accurate summary is therefore that the estimated opening has shifted towards early 2028, while a final decision on timing and location has yet to be publicly confirmed.

What the news means for the franchise community

For those interested in Slovenia’s franchise market, the arrival of a new international restaurant brand is worth following. However, the information currently available does not amount to an offer of a business opportunity for local partners. The statement from the Director of Franchise Operations includes no partnership terms, investment requirements or invitation for Slovenian entrepreneurs to apply.

Entrepreneurs following the brand should therefore distinguish between three things: regional expansion, the announced entry into Slovenia and any potential partnership opportunity. The first two are covered by this update; the third cannot be confirmed from the published response. The same applies to the number of restaurants the brand might open in Slovenia: no specific plans for a Slovenian network are set out in the response.

Practical takeaway: For now, treat Taco Bell’s arrival in Slovenia as an announced market entry, not a confirmed opening. Before making business decisions, wait for official confirmation of the location, date and any partnership terms.