Historic Scottsdale Taco Bell gets second life as Filiberto's
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The closed old-school Taco Bell in south Scottsdale will be replaced by a Filiberto's. Photo: Jessica Boehm/Axios
The iconic old-school Taco Bell building in south Scottsdale, which served its final crunchwraps more than a year ago, is getting a new purpose. And dare we say it feels a little kismet?
State of play: Local Mexican chain Filiberto's appears to be taking over the mission-style restaurant. It's been painted bright red and a sign announcing the new tenant hangs where Taco Bell's did for more than 50 years, 12 News reported.
What they're saying: "Like the Roman Catholic Church taking over old Rome ruins," one fan posted on Instagram.
Why it matters: The restaurant, which first opened in the 1960s, was the nation's 31st Taco Bell location and was among the oldest still operating in the U.S when it closed last April.
- It's one of very few that had maintained the original brick cantina design.
The intrigue: When franchise owner Desert de Oro Foods decided to decommission the vintage building and redirect taco traffic to a new modern drive-thru next door, we feared the structure would become a pile of rubble.
- So we're among the Mexican food and historic preservation fans applauding Filiberto's takeover of the space.
Catch up quick: Fliberto's has become a cultural institution in the Valley since its first shop opened in Mesa in 1993.
- Today, there are dozens of Valley locations, and plenty of copycat "-berto's," though as Filiberto's says on its to-go cups: "Don't be fooled!! There is 1… only 1!"
The other side: Not everyone's cheering the switcheroo.
- "Filiberto's is the Spirit Halloween of washed up restaurant buildings," reads one social post.
Yes, but: "Could be a parking lot or unaffordable luxury apartments. I'll take Filiberto's over those," an astute observer of south Scottsdale development reminded the haters.
What we're watching: The new restaurant hasn't announced an opening date.