Q 01/05

In which US state did the first Taco Bell open in 1962?

A) California

B) Texas

C) Arizona

D) New Mexico

Answer · why

A) California

The chain spent its first years entirely in southern California. Its founder had been selling food a few miles away since the late 1940s.

Q 02/05

Which Los Angeles County city hosted that original 1962 restaurant on Firestone Boulevard?

A) Anaheim

B) Modesto

C) Pomona

D) Downey

Answer · why

D) Downey

The same city produced the Carpenters and the oldest surviving McDonald's building. The original taco stand there is now a protected local landmark.

Q 03/05

Before he ever sold a taco, Glen Bell ran a San Bernardino drive-in selling what?

A) Doughnuts

B) Fried chicken

C) Hot dogs

D) Ice cream

Answer · why

C) Hot dogs

He opened it in 1948, fourteen years before the chain existed. The stand sat a short walk from the McDonald brothers' original restaurant.

Q 04/05

How large was the original 1962 building, roughly the size of a two-car garage?

A) 4,000 square feet

B) 400 square feet

C) 2,500 square feet

D) 1,200 square feet

Answer · why

B) 400 square feet

There was no indoor seating at all — customers ordered at a window and ate outside. The whole menu was tacos, burritos, chiliburgers and frijoles.

Q 05/05

Which drinks giant bought the chain in 1978?

A) PepsiCo

B) Coca-Cola

C) General Mills

D) Nestle

Answer · why

A) PepsiCo

The deal put fountain drinks and fast food under one roof, which is why the chain still pours a rival cola's competitor to this day.