The original Taco Bell opened in 1962 in Downey, CA. It now stands empty and local preservationists hope to save it.
Back in January, we reported that the Downey, CA, building where Taco Bell got its start more than 50 years ago is facing possible demolition. Taco Bell, which has long since moved on from that building, responded with a social media campaign to judge whether the structure was worth saving. But now it looks like the company is seriously considering the possibility of preserving the building where it all started, but in a different location.
There is already a relatively new, fully functional Taco Bell down the street from the currently vacant structure at 7112 Firestone Blvd. in Downey, where company founder Glenn Bell first opened the doors in 1962. And the land it sits on is likely too valuable to justify just keeping it as a bit of fast food history.
So, According to ABC News, Taco Bell has hired a local non-profit group, We Are the Next, to conduct a feasibility study for relocating the building.
“I don’t think there’s any question whether or not the building physically can be moved; it’s a very simple process,” explains WATN’s Katie Rispoli, adding that it’s more about figuring out the regulatory requirements involved. “[W]ould we be working with the city of Downey, would we have time to buy land before the building faces demolition, if we do buy land, is it going to be in Downey or somewhere near Downey? So we have a lot of factors we’re considering right now.”
A rep for Taco Bell tells ABC that the restored building could ultimately serve any number of purposes.
“Whether it’s used for another Taco Bell or as a museum or as community space we don’t know,” says the rep. “That’s the fun conversation we get to brainstorm about now. That’s the next question.”
Downey is home to another destination for fast food historians. The oldest existing McDonald’s (which is actually the third one ever built) is only a short drive across town.
by Chris Morran via Consumerist