The oldest Taco Bell building in Arizona, serving Scottsdale for nearly 60 years, is closing its doors early Saturday morning.
Since 1966, the mission-style Taco Bell at 78th Street and McDowell Road has been known for its nostalgic architecture and 24-hour service.
The layout of Taco Bell location #31 is small, with only three tables inside, but has outdoor seating for customers to admire the brick cantina-style design known for its unique arched windows and Spanish roof tiles.
Although a new, larger Taco Bell is opening down the street, customer Donna Vigneri says she will miss the iconic location.
“I'm glad that they're putting a new one right there because that means we will still have a Taco Bell here, but you know this is kind of an iconic architecture, so kind of sorry to see it go, " Vigneri said.
The iconic building will close this Friday, the same day as the opening of the new location less than a block away on the corner of Hayden and McDowell roads. The new Taco Bell will offer a two lane drive-thru, curbside pickup, and a larger indoor seating space for customers.
"Oh yeah, if they destroyed this building, I would be pretty upset,” Vigneri said. “I don't even live in this town. I live in another town adjacent, but yeah ... it's a legendary building.”
Plans for the old building have not been announced.
Other former Taco Bell buildings in the Valley
There are several former Taco Bell buildings in the old mission style around the Phoenix metro area that are now home to other businesses. Here's a look at a few.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This headline and story have been updated to correct the closing date of the Taco Bell.
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