Major fast-food chain losing one of its oldest, most iconic locations

Out with the old, in with the new. One of Taco Bell’s oldest operating locations with an iconic facade is closing its doors.

Taco Bell restaurant number 31, which stands for the fast-food chain’s 31st location, off McDowell and Hayden roads in Scottsdale, Arizona, is shutting down sometime in the near future, FOX 10 Phoenix reports.

“Well, it seems like it’s kind of silly to be sentimental about a fast-food place closing,” Todd, a customer of the location, told the local TV station. “But, you know, this is really just an icon.” 

The location currently operates 24 hours a day. It opened in the 1960s and has outgrown its small kitchen, indoor dining area and drive-thru. 

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“We found out that this store would be closing, and as a Taco Bellian, you can’t miss it,” Stephanie Suriano, who lives in Michigan and flew out to the Valley to eat at the location one last time, told KPNX-TV.

“It’s a flagship location. It was one of the first to be built like this, it’s the last to be built like this; they don’t exist like anymore,” she said. 

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“After nearly 60 years as part of the Scottsdale community, we can confirm that the Taco Bell at 7847 E. McDowell Road will be closing its doors in the coming week,” Taco Bell Corp. said in a statement to FOX Business. 

“This location is proudly operated by Desert de Oro Foods, and while it’s bittersweet to say goodbye, it’s also a chance to say thank you. Thank you to generations of people who helped make this spot more than just a place to grab tacos,” the statement said. 

Desert de Oro Foods opened its 219th Taco Bell last month, according to a media release. The company’s website says that it uses names, designs, logos, related trademarks and products “under license from Taco Bell Corporation and Yum! Brands.”

Employees at the location told KPNX they expect the closure to happen on Friday. A DDO spokesperson told the media outlet no plans are set in stone for the building, furniture or street sign once the new location opens across the street. 

“Desert de Oro Foods will be transferring all team members from this location to a new Taco Bell opening soon at 7901 E. McDowell Rd,” Taco Bell Corp.’s statement said.  “If this Taco Bell has meant something to you over the years, we invite you to visit one last time, and share your memories.”