Chopt

A cyclospora outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce has caused sales declines at Taco Bell and other restaurants. Yum Brands reported a 2% drop in U.S. same-store sales for Taco Bell during July-September 2026, while Chipotle and salad chains like Chopt and Sweetgreen also experienced reduced traffic and spending.

Taco Bell's same-store sales declined 2% in the July-September period due to a cyclospora outbreak linked to shredded lettuce, but sales have improved after the chain removed the lettuce and offered promotions like $1 Mexican Pizza. Yum Brands, Taco Bell's parent company, reported recovering sales and attributed the improvement to quick containment and transparent communication.

Lettuce prices and a cyclospora outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce are impacting restaurants, with Yum Brands reporting a 2% decline in Taco Bell's same-store sales. The outbreak, traced to Taylor Farms' lettuce, led to recalls and temporary sales drops, though sales have partially recovered. Other chains like Chipotle and Sweetgreen also report reduced traffic or spending amid the crisis.

Restaurants are facing challenges due to rising lettuce prices caused by Arizona's hot weather and a cyclospora outbreak linked to shredded lettuce. Taco Bell removed shredded lettuce from its U.S. restaurants, leading to a 21% drop in customer visits, while salad chains like Chopt and Sweetgreen also saw reduced traffic.