FOOD NEWS
Facts About Taco Bell You Probably Didn't Know
BY Sarah O'Phelan
Vegas Cantina Weddings
At Taco Bell's Las Vegas Cantina location, you can get married for $600. The chain first offered the opportunity as part of an old contest and never stopped.
The package offers a 30-minute ceremony in the chapel, a private reception area for up to 25 guests, a Taco Party Pack, a Cinnabon Delights cake, and some Taco Bell wedding merch.
Female Managers
Launched in 1961, Taco Bell had 100 stores by 1967. Soon, struggling to find managers, it turned to women and became one of the first chains to hire female managers.
As John Gorman, the company's first-ever director of operations, once told Restaurant News, Taco Bell was "the first chain to hire women to run the stores."
50 Cent's Lawsuit
Rapper 50 Cent sued Taco Bell for $4 million in damages over the franchise's "79-89-99 Why Pay More" value menu launched during the 2008 Recession.
The franchise claims it offered to donate $10,000 to the charity of 50 Cent's choice if he changed his name for one day and rapped his order at one of the restaurants.
Taco Bell allegedly sent a letter about the request to various media outlets instead of to the rapper. 50 Cent claims he didn't see the request until it was already reported.
Gidget The Star
Although Gidget, a 12-pound chihuahua, won hearts as Taco Bell's mascot in the late '90s and early aughts, the promotion drew fire for stereotyping Mexican culture.
Following her stint at Taco Bell, Gidget went on to star as Bruiser, Elle Woods' beloved chihuahua in "Legally Blonde." Sadly, she crossed the rainbow bridge at the age of 18.
Advertising Partnerships
After Tim Burton's "Batman" opened in 1989, Taco Bell's "Batman" promo revolutionized fast food advertising, as its success led chains to work with studios.
As part of the promo, Taco Bell was set to offer 10 million cups featuring "Batman" characters and scenes. The ad was successful, and over 20 million cups were dispensed in months.