It can be hard to say “goodbye.” But in mid-April, we walked away from one of Taco Bell’s last standing mission-style restaurants — coined “Store 31” (Taco Bell’s 31st restaurant built) — to usher in the modern amenities, design and technology desired by today’s guests and team members.
Our nostalgic Store 31 has been officially replaced by a bright, open, modernized Taco Bell in the same vicinity — with the same dedicated team!
Growing Pains
Located at McDowell and Hayden Roads in Scottsdale, AZ, the original Store 31 opened in the ’60s with a Spanish-inspired facade of window arches and warm earthy adobe roof tiles. In a recent article, Dailymail.com provided additional historic background for context. Desert De Oro Foods’ (DDO) acquired the now shuttered restaurant in 1997.
Store 31’s unusually small footprint has quite simply stifled growth and our team’s efficiency of service. It was built with a small kitchen, only three indoor tables, minimal parking spots and a narrow drive-thru. It simply could not keep pace with industry standards and consumer preferences.
“The A/C was continually going out, the power grid couldn’t handle upgrades,” says Area Coach (AC) Heather Tener. “It wasn’t sustainable for the business [or the team].”
At the same time, there’s something nostalgic about an icon of the past. In fact, Store 31 was the perfect place for us to host our Decades Menu early access event retro style last winter!
“The last week of ‘31’ … so many people said it was a tragedy that it was being torn down,” Heather says. The fact is, Store 31 still stands, we’ve just moved the entire restaurant crew and operations to a new address!
All Things Shiny & New
On April 12, we celebrated the opening of the team’s new Taco Bell within steps of the iconic Store 31.
What’s the big deal? Well, for one, our customers have more room to dine inside now! And that’s important with the hot Arizona climate.
“It’s very bright inside, lots of purples,” Heather says. She adds that the layout is much more open; guests can see into the kitchen.
She recalls that taking some of the team members over to the new building gave her that “warm, fuzzy feeling. “Honestly, after all these years, they kind of deserve it!” she admits.
There are six digital kiosks in the lobby, a walk up mobile window and a dual drive-thru. Heather says this setup is more hands-on for the customer; now, our guests can be more self-sufficient with their ordering.
“The community response has been amazing,” she adds. “We haven’t seen a decrease in sales.”
So we start a new chapter in an existing community, but not without a respectful nod to our past. There’s a team photo from Store 31 displayed on the counter with a basket full of memories. Guests are invited to share in the nostalgia and record their Store 31 memories.
Open 24 hours, come see it all for yourself:
7901 E. McDowell Road, Scottsdale