Taco Bell is a fast-food chain that specializes in Tex-Mex cuisine. It was founded in 1962 by Glen Bell in Downey, California. Taco Bell has become a popular destination for fast food lovers, and it is known for its affordable prices, extensive menu, and unique approach to Mexican cuisine. Here are some interesting facts about Taco Bell that you probably didn't know:
Taco Bell's First Menu Item Was Not a Taco
Contrary to popular belief, Taco Bell's first menu item was not a taco. In fact, it was a hot dog. Glen Bell originally started his fast-food venture as a hot dog stand. However, he quickly realized that Mexican food was more popular in the area, and he began to experiment with different recipes. This led to the creation of the first Taco Bell restaurant in 1962.
Taco Bell Has Over 7,000 Locations Worldwide
Taco Bell is not just a popular chain in the United States, but it has also expanded globally. Currently, there are over 7,000 Taco Bell locations worldwide in various countries, such as Japan, China, and Canada. The chain's global expansion has helped it become one of the largest fast-food chains in the world.
Taco Bell's Slogan Has Changed Multiple Times
Taco Bell is known for its catchy slogans that have become a part of pop culture. However, the chain has gone through multiple slogans over the years, such as "Make a Run for the Border" and "Think Outside the Bun." In recent years, Taco Bell has used the slogan "Live Mas" to promote its brand.
Taco Bell's Doritos Locos Tacos Were a Huge Success
In 2012, Taco Bell introduced a new menu item called the Doritos Locos Tacos. This taco was made with a shell that was flavored like Doritos chips. The Doritos Locos Tacos were an instant hit, and they quickly became one of the most popular menu items at Taco Bell. In fact, the chain sold over 100 million Doritos Locos Tacos in just 10 weeks after they were released.
Taco Bell Has a Secret Menu
Taco Bell has a secret menu that is not listed on its regular menu. This menu consists of items that are not officially offered, but they can be made upon request. Some of the popular items on the secret menu include the Cheesarito, the Enchirito, and the Quesadilla Burger.
Taco Bell Was the First Fast-Food Chain to Offer Vegetarian Options
Taco Bell was the first fast-food chain to offer vegetarian options on its menu in 2015. The chain introduced a vegetarian menu that included items such as the 7-Layer Burrito and the Black Bean Crunchwrap Supreme. Taco Bell's vegetarian options have become increasingly popular over the years, and the chain has continued to expand its vegetarian and vegan offerings.
Taco Bell Has a Taco Bell Hotel
In 2019, Taco Bell opened its first-ever Taco Bell Hotel in Palm Springs, California. The hotel was designed to look like a Taco Bell restaurant, and it featured Taco Bell-themed decor and amenities. The hotel was only open for a limited time, but it was a huge success and sold out within hours of its opening.
Taco Bell Has a Wedding Chapel
In Las Vegas, Taco Bell has a wedding chapel where couples can get married. The chapel is located inside a Taco Bell restaurant and features Taco Bell-themed decor. Couples can choose to exchange their vows in front of a Taco Bell logo, and their wedding packages include a Taco Bell meal and a cake made out of cinnamon twists.
Taco Bell Was Once Owned by PepsiCo
From 1978 to 1997, Taco Bell was owned by PepsiCo, the same company that owns Pepsi and Frito-Lay. During this time, Taco Bell underwent a major expansion and became one of the most popular fast-food chains in the United States.
Taco Bell's Chihuahua Was a Huge Marketing Success
In the late 1990s, Taco Bell introduced a new mascot named Gidget, a Chihuahua that was featured in many of the chain's commercials. The Chihuahua became a huge marketing success and helped increase Taco Bell's sales. However, the campaign was short-lived, and the Chihuahua was eventually retired.
Taco Bell's Beef Filling Contains Only 88% Beef
Many people believe that Taco Bell's beef filling is not made with real beef. However, the chain has clarified that its beef filling is made with 88% beef and 12% "signature recipe." The signature recipe includes a blend of spices, water, and other ingredients that are used to enhance the flavor of the beef.
Taco Bell's Breakfast Menu Was a Huge Success
In 2014, Taco Bell introduced a new breakfast menu that included items such as the Waffle Taco and the A.M. Crunchwrap. The breakfast menu was a huge success, and it helped increase Taco Bell's sales. The chain's breakfast menu is still available today and has become a popular option for fast-food breakfast lovers.
Taco Bell's Nacho Fries Are a Limited-Time Item
Taco Bell's Nacho Fries are a popular menu item that is only available for a limited time. The fries are seasoned with a blend of spices and served with a side of nacho cheese sauce. The Nacho Fries have become so popular that they have been brought back multiple times since their initial release in 2018.
Taco Bell's Fire Sauce Contains More Than Just Spices
Taco Bell's Fire Sauce is a popular condiment that is known for its spicy kick. However, the sauce contains more than just spices. The ingredients of the Fire Sauce include water, tomato puree, vinegar, sugar, salt, and other ingredients that are used to enhance the flavor of the sauce.
Taco Bell's Cinnamon Twists Are Vegan
Taco Bell's Cinnamon Twists are a popular dessert item that is vegan. The twists are made with flour, sugar, cinnamon, and other ingredients that are vegan-friendly. This makes them a popular option for people who follow a vegan diet and are looking for a sweet treat.
Taco Bell's Menu Items Vary by Location
Taco Bell's menu items can vary by location. This is because the chain allows its franchisees to make changes to the menu to suit the local tastes and preferences. As a result, some Taco Bell locations may have items that are not available at other locations.
Taco Bell's XXL Grilled Stuft Burrito Was Huge
Taco Bell's XXL Grilled Stuft Burrito was a menu item that was known for its size. The burrito was filled with seasoned beef, rice, nacho cheese sauce, sour cream, and other ingredients. The XXL Grilled Stuft Burrito was so large that it had over 800 calories per serving.
Taco Bell's Gordita Was Named After a Mexican Dish
The Gordita is a menu item at Taco Bell that is named after a Mexican dish. In Mexican cuisine, a gordita is a type of pastry that is stuffed with meat, cheese, and other ingredients. Taco Bell's Gordita is a soft flatbread that is filled with seasoned beef, lettuce, cheese, and other toppings.
Taco Bell's Chalupa Was Invented by a Chef
The Chalupa is a popular menu item at Taco Bell that was invented by a chef named Lorena Garcia. Garcia was hired by Taco Bell to help create new menu items that would appeal to a wider audience. The Chalupa was one of the new menu items that Garcia created, and it quickly became a popular option for Taco Bell customers.
Taco Bell Has a Loyalty Program
Taco Bell has a loyalty program called Taco Bell Rewards that allows customers to earn points for every dollar they spend at the chain. These points can be redeemed for free menu items, such as tacos and burritos. The loyalty program is free to join and is available through the Taco Bell app.
Taco Bell's Quesarito Was Invented by a Customer
The Quesarito is a menu item at Taco Bell that was invented by a customer. The customer requested that Taco Bell employees make a burrito with a quesadilla as the shell. The employees obliged, and the Quesarito was born. The Quesarito has since become a popular menu item and is now an official item on the Taco Bell menu.