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.

Tell everyone you know

Frankie Muniz, the 40-year-old actor and Scottsdale resident most known for the sitcom "Malcolm in the Middle," took to X to complain about a long-drawn city permit nightmare.

The intrigue: Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky and Council Member Barry Graham promptly offered to help Muniz in the replies.

Flashback: Muniz moved to Arizona in 2008 at the height of his career.

• Her briefly ran Outrageous Olive Oils & Vinegars in Old Town Scottsdale and has flipped multi-million-dollar luxury homes in the Phoenix and Scottsdale markets.
• He also launched a comeback as a professional race car driver in 2023.

🎭The bottom line: For Scottsdale residents hoping to fast track their own permits, it appears being a former child actor helps.

Share it with a friend.

🇵🇭 Seafood City, a California-based Filipino supermarket chain, will open its first Arizona location at Chandler Fashion Center next Thursday. (AZcentral)

🫏 Some U.S. House Democrats are calling for more control over Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee spending after it used $500,000 to boost Marlene Galán-Woods' unsuccessful campaign against Amish Shah in the primary for Arizona's 1st Congressional District. (Axios)

🗳️ State and federal officials are trying to determine why more than 900 early ballots weren't delivered to voters in Navajo County before the primary election. (KJZZ)

🌊 Scottsdale will spend $8.25 million to buy millions of gallons of Harquahala Valley water in the form of long-term storage credits. (ABC15)

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Hi friends. I know I'm usually one to overshare, but I've been keeping a big secret.

• It's my last day at Axios.

🥹 Flashback: Four years, one month and two weeks ago, Jeremy and I took a wild leap of faith and launched Axios Phoenix. I was hopeful that we were onto something special.

Flashforward: By any metric, my wildest dreams for this newsletter have been surpassed.

• What I never expected when we started this journey, however, is the community Axios Phoenix has given me.

When I think of this chapter, here's what I'll remember most:

• The thoughtful advice you all shared as I underwent several life changes (I got married, bought a house and had a baby while helming this newsletter!).
• The genuine relationships I built with many of you, which presented themselves through the sharing of top secret banana bread recipes, carefully curated European travel itineraries, pet photos, reading recommendations and more.
• The moments of surprise, delight and civic pride — many of them shared with my dear friend Jeremy — that led to joyful stories that reminded me why I love living here and serving this community.

What's next: It took an opportunity singularly special for me to step away from all of the fun we have at Axios.

• I can't get into details yet, but am excited to share more soon about my next role, which is very much still rooted in Arizona journalism.
• Stay in touch on X or LinkedIn.

What I'm watching: The future of Axios Phoenix, which I'm confident has its best days ahead.

• Between Jeremy, our new Mesa/Scottsdale reporter Gitanjali Poonia and a very-soon-to-be-announced new Phoenix reporter, I promise that I'm leaving you in great hands.

💓 The bottom line: Thank you.