LeBron James is about to be totally stoked. Taco Bell just announced that for a full month, the mexican chain will be celebrating Taco Tuesday with a free taco for all customers.
Back in April, a rival taco fast food chain Taco John successfully acquired a patent which trademarked the phrase “Taco Tuesday.” Basically, this random taco spot in Wyoming technically owned the phrase.
Taco Bell immediately had some qualms about the trademark. Believing that Taco Tuesday was a day to be celebrated by all taco lovers everywhere, Taco Bell began a petition to reclaim the trademark from Taco John. In May, Taco Bell took things even more seriously as they filed a legal petition with the U.S. Trademark Trial and Appeal Board.
Due to the legal petition, Taco John would have needed to shell out (pun intended) loads of money in order to fight for the phrase. In July, Taco John CEO Jim Creel said “we’ve always prided ourselves on being the home of Taco Tuesday, but paying millions of dollars to lawyers to defend our mark just doesn’t feel like the right thing to do.”
Following his announcement, Taco John decided to relinquish its hold of the phrase and release it back to public use. Afterwards, Taco Bell commended Taco John’s “courageous decision” and is now celebrating the phrase’s independence.
In a press release from Taco Bell headquarters, the chain explained their motives for their fight. “The aim was simple: to free the phrase for restaurants nationwide. The message was clear: Taco Tuesday belongs to everyone, from Taco Bell to Taco John’s to your favorite local taco spot.”
Now having accomplished their goal, Taco Bell has decided to celebrate Taco Tuesday with free tacos for everyone. Starting next Tuesday August 15, Taco Bell will give a free Doritos Locos taco to all customers every single Tuesday. The promotion will run through September 5. That is one month of free Taco Tuesdays.
“Taco Tuesday belongs to all who make, sell, eat and celebrate tacos, and this Free-For-All will not only thank taco fans who supported the cause, but will also spotlight local restaurants and vendors who can now embrace Taco Tuesdays without fear of legal action,” said Taco Bell’s chief marketing officer Taylor Montgomery.
It’s unclear if free tacos require purchase or if you seriously can roll up to the drive-thru without a wallet. Though I’m sure more details will come soon enough, let’s be real. You don’t go to TBell and just get a single taco.
This is a day to celebrate. Thank you Taco Bell for fighting the good fight. Your hard work, determination, and moral values have not gone unnoticed. Speaking for all taco lovers everywhere, we appreciate you and look forward to seeing you on Tuesday.
