Thursday, August 6, 2026

Question: In what Southern California city did Glen Bell open the very first Taco Bell in 1962?

Answer: Downey. Glen Bell opened the very first Taco Bell there in 1962 at 7112 Firestone Blvd.—a tiny, 400-square-foot stucco stand with a walk-up window and a rooftop sign featuring a sombrero and a bell. Bell had already operated hot dog and hamburger stands, but with Taco Bell he set out to distinguish himself from competitors like McDonald’s by serving Mexican-inspired fast food to a public that was largely unfamiliar with it. The concept was so new that some early customers reportedly pronounced tacos as “tay-kohs.” From that single Downey stand, the chain grew into a global brand with thousands of locations.