Taco Bell brings back loved item with a Nikola Jokic twist

Taco Bell is doing what fans have asked for and bringing back the Quesarito, but the fast-food chain has an ask themselves: they want Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic to try the item that was on screen when he was selected in the 2014 NBA Draft.

This is what was on ESPN when the #Nuggets drafted Nikola Jokic with the 41st pick pic.twitter.com/iyzvv8QnLf

— Aniello Piro (@MediaByAP) February 11, 2017

Taco Bell was advertising on ESPN for their new Quesarito, which went mainstream as a meme in Jokic’s draft year of 2014. And then Jokic was drafted—mid-commercial—as told by ESPN’s ticker.

It’s one of the most infamous NBA moments, a three-time league MVP drafted during a fast-food advertisement. A testament to Jokic’s work ethic and a beacon for anyone to never count themselves out, despite what others think.

Old El Paso even recently made fun of the scene years later, launching a commercial campaign centered around a fake legal representative wanting to get financial compensation in the form of tacos as restitution. That spot actually plays into what Jokic joked abou after winning his second MVP.

“Hopefully, we’re gonna have some percentage from the Taco Bell,” he said.

The closest Jokic had come to pairing with the fast food giant is participating in the Taco Bell Skills Challenge. But now apparently, free tacos from Old El Paso are awaiting a call from the former Finals MVP. And as of Wednesday there’s a new challenge from Taco Bell to try the item forever linked to the future Hall of Famer.

“Taco Bell is embracing the clip that never left internet consciousness and issuing a call for Nikola Jokic to finally try the Quesarito that unintentionally stole his spotlight,” the brand wrote in a news release. “This comeback’s for you, Jokic. When asked if he would try the Quesarito, Nikola Jokić said, ‘No. It’s nice they’re finally apologizing. But no.'”

At any rate, the Quesarito is back for the holidays. The signature dish is a combination of seasoned beef, seasoned rice, chipotle sauce and reduced-fat sour cream, all burrito-wrapped inside a grilled quesadilla packed with melted cheeses and Nacho Cheese sauce, it became an instant sensation. After it left the menu, the demand only intensified, sparking tributes, fan petitions and countless pleas for its return.

“We heard our fans loud and clear,” Chief Marketing Officer at Taco Bell Luis Restrepo, said in a news statement. “Their passion turned the Quesarito into a Taco Bell legend and bringing it back for the holidays felt like the perfect way to celebrate that energy. And as for the moment that helped keep its story alive – Jokić, we hope there are no hard feelings.”

It’s on the menu for $4.99 but the first 30,000 Taco Bell Rewards Members can score a $1 Quesarito during a special Tuesday Drop on December 23.

Jokic won’t need the deal, given all the money he’s made, but we may see his nickname on billboards around Denver, as Taco Bell is urging the Joker to try the food.

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