‘So sad.’ Valley reacts to the closure of Scottsdale's retro Taco Bell

The Scottsdale Taco Bell was store No. 31. It was the last in Arizona and one of less than 10 in the U.S. with mission-style architecture. Sara Crocker

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A little piece of Scottsdale history closed on Friday. The 24/7 Taco Bell on McDowell Road near Hayden Road has served its final chalupas.

In its last few days, we visited the small restaurant to chat with customers making a special trip before the building, built in the mid-1960s, closed its doors. One couple had been crunching on tacos at the restaurant for 50 years, and another biked over from their nearby home.

The retro restaurant was known for its tiny interior with just three tables, its patio filled with bright turquoise chairs and its 1980s-style sign with Taco Bell's old yellow logo.

Online, news of the closure spread through social media. Phoenix New Times readers added to the conversation.

Most were sad to see the retro restaurant say goodbye. Ken summed it up:

That's a bummer to see an original Taco Bell closing. 

Robert added:

If I would have known this existed, I would have definitely made the pilgrimage!  

Jackie shared a memory:

I had my first tostada there.

Terry said:

Sooo sad!!! People loved it as it was. Not every business needs to be bigger. Maybe it is just fine as is!!!    

Not all commenters shared their sadness. Will dropped a hot take:

People being reminiscent about dilapidated eyesore of a building blows my mind…. I live near it, it’s not a shrine to any type of human construction. It has no curb appeal near a corner that is badly in need of updating. Taco Bell isn’t even a brand or menu worth celebrating. This isn’t one of those things to be sad about, find better causes.

Becki disagreed:

This is so sad. Everything keeps changing & we keep having to say goodbye to our favorite places. 😢   

Sheila offered her opinion:

Taco Bell’s food was great back in the '60s and '70s then they started changing the recipes or something not as good anymore.

click to enlarge

A new, modern Taco Bell located on McDowell Road and 79th Street has replaced the aging cantina.

Sara Crocker

Don is excited for the new location, built just across the street:

Hopefully the new one won't be a pain in the ass to drive through!  

And Bryan offered some insider knowledge:

The nostalgia of those old taco bells are cool but as someone who has worked in one of those building(s) tear it down!

Walt was a regular:

I lived down the street and visited this establishment many many times for many years.

So was Wesley:

Lived on the first street south of it as a kid in the late '60s. Went there often.  

Carl hoped the old Taco Bell's legacy will live on:

Hopefully this old location and all its signage will make its way into a museum.  

Did you ever eat at the nostalgic spot? Share your memories in the comments or let us know at [email protected].