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Other Fast Food Chains (page 5)

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The El Taco chain was established by Glen Bell in 1958. In 1962, after four locations had been built, Bell broke away from his partners and established the Taco Bell chain. The El Taco locations were either built entirely or primarily in California and Arizona. There were plans to build 100 locations but I don't know how many were actually built. If you know of other El Taco locations still in operation with vintage signs or buildings, I'd love to know about them.

former El Taco
Tucson, AZ
2012: 2020:
El Taco
Orange, CA
former El Taco
Anaheim, CA
This Tucson location was built in 1966. I believe this building is the only one with a sawtooth roof. I don't know if there were others built like this. At least 20 locations were built in Tucson. However, this was apparently the only one left. I believe it closed in 2013. The building and sign were still there in 2014. By 2016, the building was housing the Caravan Mediterranean restaurant. [map]

The Orange and Anaheim buildings appear to have had double drive-thru windows. Those lanes are blocked off now. The Anaheim location became Taqueria El Primo around 2019 and the El Taco signs were removed. [Orange map]; [Anaheim map]

former El Taco
Costa Mesa, CA
This former El Taco building later housed Taco Jr. Later, it housed Taco Brat. The building now houses Landers Bar & Kitchen and has been painted black. [map]

former El Taco
Maywood, CA
This former El Taco building has housed the El Indio Azteca restaurant since at least 2007. [map]

El Taco
San Pedro, CA
This El Taco location appears to be more modern. It is also known as El Taco #17. This location has a simple boxy building with a walk-up window and a single drive-thru window on the side. This plastic sign is also not embossed. These photos are from 2014. The panels were replaced again around 2021. [map]

There are a couple of locations in Downey, CA but they do not have vintage buildings or signs.

More El Taco:
Glendale, AZ [closed; sign removed; building remodeled]
Downey, CA [vintage; gone]

More Fast Food Chains:
Dawn Donuts
Geri's Hamburgers
Gino's Hamburgers: 1, 2
Happy Chef
Horne's
Hot Shoppes Jr.
In-N-Out Burger
Kelly's Jet-System Drive-In: 1, 2, 3 [scan thanks Robby Delius]
Lil' Duffer Burger Barn
Mister Donut
Pioneer Chicken: 1, 2
Red Barn Restaurants
Sherer's Drive-ins
Stuckey's
Waffle House: 1, 2

Videos:
Where's the Beef? Savoring Relics of America's Fast-Food Chains
Spotlight on Main Street: Who is Speedee?

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