Did you know that Taco Bell is the top Entrepreneur franchise in the 2024 Franchise 500 Ranking? With a staggering network of over 8,300 locations worldwide, Taco Bell has become synonymous with quick-service Mexican-style cuisine, garnering an estimated $16 billion in sales in 2023 alone.
While you may believe you are familiar with everything there is to know about this fast food giant and its beloved menu, there is always more to discover. Dive in as we uncover 10 fascinating facts about the number one franchise, revealing the secrets behind its incredible success.
1. It didn't start with tacos.
Founder of Taco Bell Glen Bell initially focused on selling hamburgers and hot dogs. Tacos were just an additional item on his menu. It wasn't until he saw the popularity of tacos that he decided to make them the main focus. Before creating Taco Bell, he ran a taco stand called Taco Tia. Eventually, he opened the first Taco Bell restaurant in Downey, California, in 1962, which served only tacos and other Mexican-inspired dishes. This shift in focus paved the way for Taco Bell to become the iconic brand it is today.
2. The first location had no indoor seating.
of the first Taco Bell it was an outdoor hangout with only a walk-up window where customers could order their food. There was no indoor seating; instead, patrons would enjoy their meals outside, making it a casual and social dining experience. This original setup was quite different from the Taco Bell restaurants we know today, which typically include indoor seating, outdoor tables, and drive-thru service.
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3. Doritos Locos Tacos added 15,000 jobs.
Featuring a taco shell made from Doritos chips, Doritos Locos Tacos were wildly popular when they debuted in 2012, and their success contributed to significant job creation at Taco Bell.
The overwhelming demand for these tacos was a major factor in driving sales growth, which in turn required the hiring of more employees to meet customer demand. While it wasn't just Doritos Locos Tacos that drove the hiring increase, they played an essential role in the company's overall growth and expansion, leading to the addition of approx. 15,000 jobs.
4. You can get married at a Taco Bell in Las Vegas.
If you and your partner are loco for Taco Bell, you can consider stumbling in a Taco Bell. At the Las Vegas Taco Bell Cantina, you can get married and enjoy a 30-minute ceremony in a private chapel inside the restaurant, a reception area with Taco Bell food, a bridal shower bouquet and custom Taco Bell wedding swag.
5. The Taco Bell Foundation has given away more than $188 million.
Taco Bell gives back to its community and employees through Taco Bell Foundation, focusing on eliminating barriers to education. Since its inception in 1992, the Taco Bell Foundation has awarded over $188 million in scholarships and grants, benefiting more than 5 million young people.
The foundation aims to eliminate barriers to education and empower the next generation of leaders by providing resources and opportunities for personal and professional development. Through programs like Bursa Live Más, the foundation helps students achieve their educational and career goals.
6. Taco Bell helps music fans discover new artists.
Taco Bell has a program called Feed The Beat to support upcoming artists. Taco Bell believes that hard-working artists don't have to worry about food while on tour, so artists receive $500 Taco Bell gift cards.
In addition to gift cards, selected artists may also have opportunities to have their music featured in Taco Bell commercials or at Taco Bell-sponsored events and concerts. Feed The Beat has been an important initiative in supporting the music community and helping emerging artists gain exposure.
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7. The Automatic Taco Machine is closed.
To Taco Bell's knowledge, automatic machine for the production of tacos that Taco Bell tried to debut in 1992 has been locked behind many secure doors at Taco Bell headquarters. The machine was capable of making 900 tacos an hour, but maybe it was too early in the story, or maybe the tacos lacked the human touch and the machine was retired.
8. Move over the Golden Globes, Taco Bell has the Golden Bell.
Area head coaches and general managers at Taco Bell are invited to Golden Bell. In 2023, key employees were invited to Hawaii.
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9. Taco Bell was a pioneer in hiring women managers.
According to Taco Bell's first Director of Operations, John Gorman, Taco Bell was “the first chain to hire female managers to run stores.” Founder Glen Bell realized there weren't enough good managers to go around – and noticed they were all men. So Bell hired women managers and never looked back.
10. Taco Bell played an April Fool's joke on America.
In a 1996 April Fools' Day marketing gimmicksTaco Bell convinced everyone that it bought the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia and named it the “Taco Liberty Bell” in an effort to ease the national debt.
