Chapter
The History of Tacos
42:59 - 49:25 (06:26)
The hosts discuss the origins and popularization of tacos, including a debate around whether or not Glen Bell, the founder of Taco Bell, played a role in their rise to fame.
Clips
The founders of fast-food restaurants like Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and KFC had surprising connections to different locations than one might expect.
42:59 - 44:14 (01:14)
Summary
The founders of fast-food restaurants like Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and KFC had surprising connections to different locations than one might expect. Despite the rise of gourmet tacos in Los Angeles, the founders of Taco Bell are not actually Mexican or even from a southwestern state in the US.
ChapterThe History of Tacos
EpisodeHow Tacos Work
PodcastStuff You Should Know
The early days of tacos in the United States featured ground beef as the central ingredient due to its popularity with Americans.
44:14 - 45:31 (01:17)
Summary
The early days of tacos in the United States featured ground beef as the central ingredient due to its popularity with Americans. Even in "Mexican" restaurants, such as Chi-Chi's, ground beef was the main filling option.
ChapterThe History of Tacos
EpisodeHow Tacos Work
PodcastStuff You Should Know
The rise of fast food culture in the '60s and '70s led to an increase in popularity for tacos, even though they were not yet available widely.
45:31 - 49:25 (03:54)
Summary
The rise of fast food culture in the '60s and '70s led to an increase in popularity for tacos, even though they were not yet available widely. Descriptive food writing also played a role in popularizing tacos before they became a fast food staple.