Taco Bell
Taco Bell is an American-based chain of fast food restaurants originating in Irvine, California in 1962, by founder Glen Bell. Taco Bell is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. The restaurants serve a variety of Mexican-inspired foods, that include: tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, novelty and specialty items, along with a variety of "value menu" items. As of 2018, Taco Bell serves over two billion customers each year, at 7,072 restaurants, more than 93 percent of which are owned and operated by independent franchisees and licensees.[1] Taco Bell was founded by Glen Bell, an entrepreneur who first opened a hot dog stand called Bell's Drive-In in San Bernardino, California in 1948. Bell watched long lines of customers at a Mexican restaurant called the Mitla Cafe, located across the street, which became famous among residents for its hard-shelled tacos. Bell attempted to reverse-engineer the recipe, and eventually the owners allowed him to see how the tacos were made. He took what he had learned and opened a new stand in 1951. The name underwent several changes, from Taco-Tia through El Taco, before settling on Taco Bell.[2]
Naked Chicken Chalupa ad
The advertisement, in the style of a vintage public announcement, features a man unwrapping his meal and throwing the packaging away. In the first version of the ad, the paper misses a trash can and hits a baby stroller, which is being pushed by a black woman.[3]
Controversy
This ad caused the controversy because according to AgencySpy, a broadcaster accidentally aired the first version of the ad, which is how the video landing on social media. Some viewers found the ad was "racist" and vowed to never eat at Taco Bell again.[4]
Clarification
After the controversy, Taco bell produced an edited version of the scene where the man throws the paper directly into the trash. They also released a statement apologizing for the commercial, saying, “We had no intention of upsetting anyone with this ad and apologize to anyone who was offended. We immediately re-edited the commercial and removed the original version from the air.”[5]
References
- ↑ Taco Bell. Retrieved on December 26, 2020.
- ↑ Moskin, Julia (2012). How the Taco Gained in Translation. Retrieved on December 26, 2020.
- ↑ Rath, Julien (2017). Taco Bell edited an ad for its 'Naked Chicken Chalupa' that some viewers claimed was 'racist'. Retrieved on December 26, 2020.
- ↑ Rath, Julien (2017). Taco Bell edited an ad for its 'Naked Chicken Chalupa' that some viewers claimed was 'racist'. Retrieved on December 26, 2020.
- ↑ Taco Bell apologizes for commercial some viewers called racist. Retrieved on December 26, 2020.
