Hi,

How many of you remember what Taco Bell used to be? (Dedicated to the memory of Taco Bell founder Glen W. Bell, Jr., who passed away this January 17th at age 86.)

As to their buildings, between 1962 and 1985 they all resembled mission buildings with their bell-like structures (there was even an opening for a facsimile of a bell). After 1985, the chain's buildings took on a more standard approach decade-wise.

#1a - A typical 1979-85 Taco Bell had looked like this:


#1b - This is perhaps a Taco Bell from before 1979, due to the stucco:

(Note replacement signage from at least 1994 - original logo was either the "tippy blocks" which spelled out "TACO BELL" or red lighted letters reading the same)

#2 - Another pre-1985 Taco Bell but with 1985-93 signage:


#3 - A post-1985/pre-1994 Taco Bell had looked like this:


#4 - And let's not forget the old-style road sign that was in use from 1962-1985:


Photo credits from Flickr:
#1a, 1b, 3: Darrell James
#2: Andrew Turnbull
#4: T.W. Collins

~Ben

i remember they tore down one and build a newer taco bell. i thought it was gone for good.

The #3 style was the type I worked at back in the 90s. It was built in 1995 and was considered high tech at the time with an automated energy management system (removed in 2000). They changed the style shorly after on newer stores to this.
http://www.sascorpinc.com/images/new_pictures_112506/Taco_Bell/Taco_Bell_Main_FP_Image.JPG

I went to help out at a couple of the older style stores. One thing I noticed about the older stores was the lack of lighting inside and out. The other was the wasted space on the layout and the general old 70s look. Those older stores have been knocked down and rebuilt. Most have become Pizza Hut and KFC combo stores. Also most have been sold as franchise stores.

i just recently found out the taco bell dog from the 90s died i'm sad

She's been dead for a while now.

I loved the Taco burger that they had in the 80s. The Bellbeefer. But it's only still available at a few Taco Bell's around the country.

ha i drive by one that has the 1994 sign .. i like the best and can relate cause i grew up with that sign.. I don't like the new ones.. rips the memories apart lol

Whatever happened to Gidget the Taco Bell dog?

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/unleashed/2009/07/gidget-taco-bell-chihuahua-dog-dies.html

Lived for 15 years.

I worked at Taco Bell during 59, 79 ,99! Best Taco Bell campaign ever

I remember the building styles #2 and #3. I miss the way they used to look. I thought I was the only one who liked old fast-food building architecture, LOL. Now, they look totally bland and nondescript.

I grew up going to the ones that look like the 1a one.....shit I've got old!

Just for fun, here's a restaurant in Phoenix that was converted from an old Taco Bell, complete with old sign design! :P

http://www.notfoolinganybody.com/20bestofphilly/

I liked the logo from the 80-90s. The one near me now has the new logo and color design.

Anybody remember Zantigo? It was just like Taco Bell in the later 70s to early 80s. They were originally called Zapata with Richardo Montalbon doing the commercials.