On Halloween morning, Taco Bell fans from across metro Phoenix gathered in Scottsdale for a retro fiesta of tacos, tunes, hot rods and limited-edition swag all served with a side of nostalgia.
By 11 a.m., the mission-style Taco Bell on E. McDowell Road — the only one in this original '60s aesthetic in Arizona and one of less than ten remaining in the U.S. — was buzzing with fans of all generations.
"It was packed here," says Kelsey Torres, a representative for the Mexican-inspired fast-food chain founded in 1962. "People came out for our Decades menu and merch."
The first 100 fans in line received a special gift box containing a hoodie and matching stainless steel cup, each piece featuring unique designs celebrating a different decade of Taco Bell’s evolution.
The Scottsdale 24-hour Taco Bell also launched its limited-time Decades Menu with dishes from each era. Starting with a classic from the 1960s, the $2.19 Tostada returned. The dish was one of the original menu items from Taco Bell’s first Southern California location. The late founder, Glen Bell, first made the tostadas which feature a corn shell topped with refried beans, lettuce, red sauce and shredded cheese.
The 1970s are represented by the Green Sauce Burrito, priced at $2.49 and filled with refried beans, onions, cheddar cheese and Taco Bell's signature tomatillo green sauce. Fans of the 1980s can enjoy the return of the Meximelt for $2.99, packed with seasoned beef, pico de gallo and a melted cheese blend in a warm tortilla.
The 1990s bring back the Beef Gordita Supreme for $2.99, featuring seasoned beef, lettuce, reduced-fat sour cream, a three-cheese blend and diced tomatoes in a soft flatbread. From the 2000s, the Caramel Apple Empanada, a crowd-pleaser, will return on Nov. 21 for $2.99.
Arizona has 196 Taco Bells, most located in the Valley and the throwback menu will be available for a limited time at the Scottsdale location and select others.
The first merch design, a tribute to the 1960s, displays the Taco Bell name in vibrant, colorful boxes at playful angles. The cup design reflects the mission-style architecture of original Taco Bell locations, including Scottsdale’s signature roof tiles, arches and hanging bell.
"This is one of the last-standing ’60s-style mission restaurants," Torres adds. "If you’re looking for retro photos or just a throwback moment, visit us here."
Local influencers captured the scene atop groovy, striped tables on the patio while a DJ spun ’60s surf music. In the parking lot, vintage hot rods attracted fans snapping selfies with their new Taco Bell hoodies and steel cups.
Each era’s merch design reflects Taco Bell’s evolving style. The ’70s feature bold letters on a brown background, the ’80s design has a thinner font and an orange bell, the ’90s showcases the giant bell logo and a shadow of the bell marks the 2000s style.
Taco Bell has rolled out an in-app Decades Quiz for rewards members, offering a chance to win a hoodie or stainless-steel cup. Each week, fans answer decade-themed questions to discover their “Taco Bell Archetype” and enter the drawing, with five participants ultimately winning the entire Decades collection. Participating Taco Bells nationwide will also offer limited-edition commemorative plastic cups with medium-sized drinks.
In Scottsdale, employees embraced the old-school look, donning paper hats, burgundy bowties and gold aprons.
“It’s a dream,” said one customer, eyeing the $7 Luxe Cravings Box, also available for a limited time. The box includes the ’90s Gordita Supreme, a Double Stacked Taco, a Beefy 5-Layer Burrito, chips with nacho cheese sauce and a medium fountain drink — a nod to a similar '90s deal.
"Everyone remembers the moment they fell in love with Taco Bell and that one special menu item that brings you right back," says Taylor Montgomery, Taco Bell’s Chief Marketing Officer.
With the Decades Menu, it's an experience Taco Bell aims to revive with every nostalgic bite and sip. Lucky for local fans, the retro Scottsdale location offers the perfect backdrop.
By 11 a.m., the mission-style Taco Bell on E. McDowell Road — the only one in this original '60s aesthetic in Arizona and one of less than ten remaining in the U.S. — was buzzing with fans of all generations.
"It was packed here," says Kelsey Torres, a representative for the Mexican-inspired fast-food chain founded in 1962. "People came out for our Decades menu and merch."
The first 100 fans in line received a special gift box containing a hoodie and matching stainless steel cup, each piece featuring unique designs celebrating a different decade of Taco Bell’s evolution.
The mission-style Taco Bell on McDowell Road in Scottsdale is the only Arizona location that has maintained its original '60s aesthetic.
Mike Madriaga
The 1970s are represented by the Green Sauce Burrito, priced at $2.49 and filled with refried beans, onions, cheddar cheese and Taco Bell's signature tomatillo green sauce. Fans of the 1980s can enjoy the return of the Meximelt for $2.99, packed with seasoned beef, pico de gallo and a melted cheese blend in a warm tortilla.
The 1990s bring back the Beef Gordita Supreme for $2.99, featuring seasoned beef, lettuce, reduced-fat sour cream, a three-cheese blend and diced tomatoes in a soft flatbread. From the 2000s, the Caramel Apple Empanada, a crowd-pleaser, will return on Nov. 21 for $2.99.
Arizona has 196 Taco Bells, most located in the Valley and the throwback menu will be available for a limited time at the Scottsdale location and select others.
The throwback menu will be available for a limited time at the Scottsdale location and select others in the Valley.
Taco Bell
"This is one of the last-standing ’60s-style mission restaurants," Torres adds. "If you’re looking for retro photos or just a throwback moment, visit us here."
Local influencers captured the scene atop groovy, striped tables on the patio while a DJ spun ’60s surf music. In the parking lot, vintage hot rods attracted fans snapping selfies with their new Taco Bell hoodies and steel cups.
Each era’s merch design reflects Taco Bell’s evolving style. The ’70s feature bold letters on a brown background, the ’80s design has a thinner font and an orange bell, the ’90s showcases the giant bell logo and a shadow of the bell marks the 2000s style.
Taco Bell has rolled out an in-app Decades Quiz for rewards members, offering a chance to win a hoodie or stainless-steel cup. Each week, fans answer decade-themed questions to discover their “Taco Bell Archetype” and enter the drawing, with five participants ultimately winning the entire Decades collection. Participating Taco Bells nationwide will also offer limited-edition commemorative plastic cups with medium-sized drinks.
In Scottsdale, employees embraced the old-school look, donning paper hats, burgundy bowties and gold aprons.
“It’s a dream,” said one customer, eyeing the $7 Luxe Cravings Box, also available for a limited time. The box includes the ’90s Gordita Supreme, a Double Stacked Taco, a Beefy 5-Layer Burrito, chips with nacho cheese sauce and a medium fountain drink — a nod to a similar '90s deal.
"Everyone remembers the moment they fell in love with Taco Bell and that one special menu item that brings you right back," says Taylor Montgomery, Taco Bell’s Chief Marketing Officer.
With the Decades Menu, it's an experience Taco Bell aims to revive with every nostalgic bite and sip. Lucky for local fans, the retro Scottsdale location offers the perfect backdrop.
