The footprint featured a kitschy vibe with Palm Springs-inspired, midcentury-style signage.Photo: Courtesy of Taco Bell
The Cantinas is yet another quirky experiential move from the brand, which is known for its off-the-wall activations like the Taco Bell Hotel & Resort back in 2019 and a "slide-thru" window at a ski resort.
And earlier this year, Taco Bell hosted Live Más LIVE, a tech industry-esque event that featured a year's worth of product unveils, fan recognition, musical performances, and celebrity appearances—an unconventional move for a fast-food chain.
"Delivering modern and unexpected experiences for our fans is what we’ve always been about," said a Taco Bell spokesperson. "From Live Más LIVE to exclusive activations for rewards members, we’re always listening to what our fans want next, which allows us to create delicious food and unique brand experiences for them that they’ll enjoy. One day it’s an early retirement community, the next, who knows."
Its latest two-day event was filled with recreational activities including crocheting and jewelry-making, a pickleball tournament, golf and croquet, and sound bath sessions. Afternoon naps and 8 p.m. bedtimes were also on the agenda. Influencers Retirement House, Joey Zauzig, and Terri Joe served as the board of directors and hosted activities throughout the weekend.
"The Cantinas was born to help redefine what it means to Live Más, catering to Gen Z’s culture that values a slower, more relaxed pace of life," explained the spokesperson about the activation idea. "Younger consumers are craving 'turning in' instead of 'turning up,' and The Cantinas offered them the flexibility and space to do it in a way that only Taco Bell can."
Membership options, which sold out in under three minutes, according to the brand, included overnight stays as well as single-day passes. The community also featured hints of the signature Taco Bell aesthetic throughout the footprint including a bell tower and colorful pickleball sets.
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