A Massive Piece Of Arizona History Is About To Be Lost

Everyone has a different idea of heaven. For some, it's nothing but peace. Others may envision castles of gold or an endless field of flowers and trees. Me?

It's almost a guarantee there's a Taco Bell behind those pearly gates.

Number 31

Initially developed in Southern California in the early 1960s, Taco Bell quickly exploded into a fast food phenomenon. Now, there are over 8,700 locations across the world, but before that, it was purely a southwest food chain.

One of the oldest locations, and the oldest remaining Taco Bell is Store #31, located in Scottsdale, Arizona. 31 is unique compared to the Taco Bells you know and love, as it hasn't changed its architecture or furnishings since they opened, maintaining the classic "mission style" that classic Taco Bell locations were known for. Those days are sadly coming to an end.

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The End of an Era

To the dismay of Bell lovers everywhere, Taco Bell 31's time has come to a close. The store will close in the near future to make way for a more modern, more efficient location. As sad as this is, it is out of necessity. The store that opened in the 1960s can no longer accommodate modern technology, much less the modern crowds that come through every day.

Many are fighting to have the building memorialized, with one even suggesting the building be moved to the Smithsonian, and I have to agree with him. There are no standing Taco Bell's left with this design, and as iconic as it is, we need to memorialize this piece of Arizona history.

[Axios Phoenix][Phoenix New Times][Tastebud via Instagram]