Taco Bell physically relocated its first-ever store in Downey, Calif., to the company’s headquarters in Irvine in order to save the 53-year-old, 400-square-foot taco stand with walk-up windows.
Called “Numero Uno,” the structure made the 45-mile journey through the streets of Southern California to its temporary setting until the company finalizes plans for the building’s restoration and future use.
Numero Uno has held its place in Downey since 1962 when fast-food entrepreneur Glen Bell established the site as a Mexican-inspired center with shops, live music and fire pits — anchored by a taco stand called Taco Bell. It closed as a Taco Bell in 1986 due to the popularity of larger restaurants with indoor seating and drive-thrus and was permanently vacated in December 2014.