Free Republic

DOWNEY — The building that housed the world’s first Taco Bell is under “imminent threat of demolition,” according to the Downey Conservancy, a Downey-based preservation group. Although Downey is more famously recognized as the site of the oldest operating location for the world’s largest hamburger chain, it is Taco Bell that built its very first location within the city. The building, located at 7112 Firestone Blvd, was opened by founder Glen Bell in March 1962.

Glen W. Bell, Jr., 86, founder of the Taco Bell restaurant chain, passed away last evening in his home in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif... One of the founding fathers of fast food and pioneer of the Mexican Quick Service Restaurant, Glen Bell is best known for founding Taco Bell, the world’s leading and most successful Mexican QSR chain...