STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- After Taco Bell recently closed in the Staten Island Mall’s former food court, the borough was, for the first time in decades, without the favorite Mexican fast food eatery.

But Taco Bell will return -- with a location that is “front and center” across from Master Wok -- in the Staten Island Mall’s new Food District, said Jim Easley, Mall general manager.

“We are proud to have the only Taco Bell on Staten Island, and we look forward to this fan favorite reopening in our new Food District," he said.

Taco Bell -- known for its variety of affordable Mexican meals -- has had several former locations over the years in the borough, including those in Midland Beach, Sunnyside and Tompkinsville. All have since closed.

MALL RENOVATIONS

The new Taco Bell is part of the New Springville Mall’s 242,000-square-foot renovation.

Other available eateries located in the Staten Island Mall Food District include:

Chick-fil-A

The Melt Shop

Burger King

Sarku Japan

Poké Island Grill

Master Wok (opening soon)

Charley’s Philly Steaks (opening soon)

Popeyes (opening soon)

Other new restaurants have opened recently at the Staten Island Mall outside of the Food District, including Shake Shack, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Dave & Buster’s and Tommy’s Tap + Tavern.

The first retailer to open in the new wing of the Mall was Zara, an apparel retailer, followed by Ulta Beauty and Lands End.

Still to come as part of the Staten Island Mall’s expansion are a new AMC Movie Theater, Ono Bowls, Lidl, LongHorn Steakhouse and Barnes and Noble.

READ MORE ABOUT THE MAL RENOVATION

See inside Zara in the Staten Island Mall