Food & Beverage

'Taco' bite! What's not to like?

Sunday, Oct. 4, is National Taco Day.

Sunday's the day that taco brands everywhere celebrate the almighty taco nationally. (Photo: iStock)

October 2, 2020

Underline it. Circle it. Give it an honored place on the front of the refrigerator. Sunday, Oct. 4, is National Taco Day, but you probably already knew that. What you may not know is how the following brands, both taco-tailored and not, are celebrating the momentous occasion, so here's the scoop.

As you might suspect, Taco Bell is kicking up some of most tortilla dust over the national day by launching its first e-gifting service, and it's doing it in the only way it really could, by giving lots of customers some e-gifts.

Through its Taco Gifter, accessed via website or app, customers can send a taco anywhere to anyone for any reason. Plus, the brand is giving away a free taco to gift for the first 10,000 people who use its gifter. The freebies will be announced via Twitter and for a limited time, the QSR is also wrapping the tacos in seasonal gift wrap.

"For years, Taco Bell has been a part of our fans' milestone moments — from proposals and weddings to graduations and proms — and we're excited to introduce a fun and convenient service to help celebrate any occasion in between," Nikki Lawson, Taco Bell chief global brand officer said in the release. "As we continue to innovate and identify new ways to deliver engaging brand experiences with consumers, our focus on our digital infrastructure has allowed us to surprise and delight fans with unexpected offerings. We're excited to keep exceeding expectations."

Whether sending a taco gift across the room or across the nation, the gifting process begins on the gifter with users selecting a gif, entering the recipient's name and a personal message, then chicking out and sending the unique URL to the recipient via text, email, DM or other channel.

At competing QSR, Del Taco, customers can celebrate the big "day of the taco" by getting a free Del Taco via the brand's app, with a purchase, from Oct. 3 through Oct. 4, a news release said.

"We certainly want our guests to enjoy The Del Taco, but during 'Tacoberfest,' millions of our other popular tacos are up for grabs all month long. We can't wait to kick off a celebration of all things taco at Del Taco."

Throughout the month the brand is offering sporadic specials in honor of the taco, including:

• Oct. 10: Free Secret taco offer with details forthcoming.
• Oct. 17: Free Grilled Chicken taco with any purchase.
• Oct. 24: Free Chicken al Carbon taco with any purchase.
• Oct. 31: $5 Off Any Fiesta Pack delivered via the Del Taco app.

And lastly, even one convenience store food brand is getting in on the taco transactions this month, when Casey's General Stores offer an $11.99 large taco pizza on Oct. 4 at any of its 2,200 stores in 16 states.