Taco Bell is a special establishment. It’s a judgment-free zone and an all-around dependable, comfortable environment with its trademark purple and orange walls screaming beneath fluorescent lights where you (most likely) drunkenly order your third flaming hot Crunchwrap Supreme. In other words, it’s there for you when you need it most.
As of Nov. 1, the Wrigleyville neighborhood of Chicago will be devoid of one beloved Taco Bell. Having been in the neighborhood for 24 years and presumably serving thousands of inebriated folk during that time, it will soon be demolished in order to make room for a three-story luxury retail outlet.
The space that will take Taco Bell’s place will be 16,000 feet of shopping, including a two-story climbing gym called Planet Granite. And unlike Taco Bell, Planet Granite will probably not be an ideal place to visit whilst under the influence. The developer paid a cool $8.9 million for the property, so hopefully he makes a good return on his investment. Until then, fans of the location are mourning their loss.
One could credit a man named C. J. Black for planting the seed to hold a wake. Last August, when news broke that the Chicago Taco Bell would be closing down, Black jokingly proposed a rally on social media in support of saving the Taco Bell. Originally meant for only a few close friends, the post went viral (and also garnered some criticism for being insensitive to actual rallies meant to make a difference) but the rally never happened.
Nisei Lounge, located just five minutes from the doomed Taco Bell, took some inspiration from Black and decided to hold a traditional Irish wake and memorial service in lieu of its demolition. The bar confirmed that if they’re still selling food, Taco Bell fare will be a part of the menu.
For those unfamiliar, a traditional Irish wake is more of a celebration rather than a mourning session. Games are played and there’s plenty of laughter, food and general merrymaking.
If you're in the Chicago area, the wake will be held on Oct. 28, just a few days before demolition is scheduled. On the official event Facebook page, they write, “Though we're Team Burrito Mexicano around here, we know greatness, and the Wrigleyville Taco Bell always had it, if not in the food or the service, but definitely in the people watching.”
Nisei Lounge boasts being Wrigley’s oldest tavern, having been in the area for 67 years, and have been lucky enough to witness the full lifespan of their neighborhood’s Taco Bell from beginning to end. It’s only fitting that Taco Bell is getting the proper memorial service it deserves.