Taco Bell is turning its Southern California headquarters into a giant drive-thru for large essential vehicles that cannot fit through a restaurant’s traditional drive-thru lane.
The front driveway of the brand's corporate office in Irvine, Calif. will open for business Friday for serving a free custom meal for essential workers who drive large vehicles such as truckers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, police and media in news vans.
The “Truck-Thru at HQ” will be serving a free meal featuring a Crunchwrap Supreme, Bean Burrito, Cinnamon Twists and a Baja Blast.
The makeshift drive-thru will be serving large vehicles Friday and May 1 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Since the COVID-19 crisis swept through the United States, restaurants – from individual franchisees to chains – have been providing free meals to frontline workers and local communities even as they face catastrophic revenue losses tied to stay-at-home mandates.
Earlier today, McDonald’s and its franchises announced plans to give a free meal to first responders starting Wednesday through May 5.
On Monday, Chick-fil-A and Chipotle Mexican Grill announced separate initiatives to help the needy and essential workers. Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A has created a $10.8 million community relief fund that will be distributed through its network of more than 1,800 franchisees.
Newport Beach, Calif.-based Chipotle Mexican Grill has launched a buy one, give one program. From now until April 26, Chipotle will donate a burrito to medical professionals every time customers name their burrito order "4HEROES" on the Chipotle app or Chipotle.com.
Taco Bell has been helping frontline workers in other ways.
The chain, a division of Yum Brands, has deployed its “Taco Bell Taco Truck” to feed 7,000 frontline workers in states across the U.S. The truck plans to more than double that number over the coming weeks.
Last week, Subway said it was teaming up with Feeding America to provide up to 15 million meals to people in need across the country. With every purchase of a Footlong sandwich, Subway will provide a meal to Feeding America. The offer goes through April 30.
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