How Taco Bell Started

Hot dogs first

Glen Bell did not start with tacos. In 1948 he opened a hot dog stand called Bell's Drive-In in San Bernardino, California. He noticed the queues at a Mexican restaurant nearby and became fascinated by tacos.

In 1951 he opened a taco stand of his own, and after several other ventures he opened the first Taco Bell on 6 July 1962 at 7112 Firestone Boulevard in Downey, California.

The hard-shell idea

The key to fast tacos was the pre-fried hard shell. Instead of frying each tortilla to order, the shells could be made ahead, filled quickly with seasoned beef, lettuce and cheese and served in moments.

That speed fitted perfectly into the drive-in culture of 1960s California, and the hard-shell taco became the chain's signature.

Tacos and nutrition

A single crunchy taco is fairly small, usually well under 200 calories, which is one reason tacos can be a lighter fast food choice. Calories climb quickly with extras such as sour cream, cheese sauce and fried sides, and larger items like loaded burritos can approach a full meal's worth.

Beans are a popular swap for beef and add fibre. As always, the chain's own nutrition calculator gives exact numbers for each item and change.

A taste of Mexico, adapted

Taco Bell's food is Mexican-inspired rather than traditional Mexican cooking. In Mexico, tacos are usually soft corn tortillas filled with grilled or stewed meat, onion, coriander and salsa.

Both styles have their fans. The American hard-shell taco has become a food of its own, while traditional taquerias keep the original style alive.

Building a lighter order

Taco menus are easy to customise. Asking for fresco style, where cheese and creamy sauces are replaced with diced tomatoes, is one common way to cut fat. Choosing chicken or beans, adding extra lettuce and skipping fried sides helps too.

A couple of simple tacos with a side of beans can make a filling meal that is lighter than many burger combos, while a large loaded burrito with sauces and a sweet drink can easily pass 1,000 calories. The difference is all in the order.

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