History of Taco in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 1, 2025

A taco is a traditional Mexican dish featuring a small tortilla (corn or wheat) filled with various ingredients. Common fillings include beef, pork, chicken, seafood, beans, vegetables, and cheese. Tacos are typically garnished with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, lettuce, coriander, onions, tomatoes, and chiles. This versatile dish is a staple of Mexican street food (antojitos) and has gained global popularity.

1949: Publication of The Good Life: New Mexican food

In 1949, the cookbook "The Good Life: New Mexican food" by Fabiola Cabeza de Baca Gilbert, published in Santa Fe, New Mexico, became the first to include a recipe for the hard-shell taco.

Good Life: New Mexico Traditions and Food

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1962: First Taco Bell Opens

In 1962, Glen Bell established the first Taco Bell restaurant in Downey, marking a significant step in popularizing Mexican food among Anglo Americans.

1964: First Taco Bell franchise opens

In 1964, Kermit Becky, a former Los Angeles police officer, acquired the first Taco Bell franchise from Glen Bell and opened it in Torrance.

1967: 100th Taco Bell restaurant opens

By 1967, Taco Bell had expanded significantly, with its 100th restaurant opening at 400 South Brookhurst in Anaheim.

1968: First Taco Bell east of the Mississippi opens

In 1968, Taco Bell opened its first franchise location east of the Mississippi River in Springfield, Ohio, expanding its reach across the United States.