News

Taco Bell treats Alaskans to free tacos after hoax

July 2, 2012

A feud between two Bethel, Alaska, residents resulted in Taco Bell's "Operation Alaska" over the weekend, in which the chain gave away about 10,000 tacos.

According to the Associated Press, the giveaway was prompted when one of the two residents spread flyers throughout the town of about 6,200 people announcing that Taco Bell would soon be opening there.

Residents were excited to learn the news, as Subway is currently the only quick-service brand in Bethel. The closest Taco Bell is located in Anchorage (about 400 miles away). The announcement turned out to be a hoax, however, as the flyers included the other feuding resident's phone number.

When Taco Bell executives learned about the prank, they flew in a food truck from Anchorage, as well as enough ingredients to support the giveaway – 950 pounds of beef; 300 pounds of lettuce; and 150 pounds of cheese.

"If we can feed people in Afghanistan and Iraq, we can feed people in Bethel," CEO Greg Creed told the AP, declining to discuss the cost of the giveaway.

Taco Bell posted photos from "Operation Alaska" on its Facebook page, including a long line of residents, and a helicopter lowering the food truck.

The brand's Facebook fans' responses to the Bethel promotion were overwhelmingly positive.

"As someone who has been to Bethel before and knows their limited access to any kind of chain restaurant, it's pretty cool of Taco Bell to make good on this hoax," said Michael W. French.

Clara Fryberger rewarded the company for its deed by dining there Sunday: "Thank you Taco Bell for what you did in Bethel. I live in Anchorage and had you guys for dinner because of what you did."

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