Culture
Taco Bell subreddit locks down in protest at chain's decision to ax the Mexican Pizza
Taco Bell executives are surely freaking out right now.
The moderators of /r/TacoBell have locked the subreddit into private mode after the chain announced it is removing the Mexican Pizza from its menus. Taco Bell also said that it's eliminating shredded chicken as a protein option in a move to simplify its menu during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Mexican Pizza consists of refried beans or meat between two hard tortillas with cheese, hot sauce, sour cream, and diced tomatoes on top. It’s pretty good, and evidently will be missed.
The revolt — Trying to visit /r/TacoBell now displays a message that reads, "This sub will remain locked until Taco Bell reverses their decision to remove Mexican Pizzas from the menu." The message also asks visitors to sign a Change.org petition.
Earlier in the day before the 90,000-strong subreddit was locked, users were seen calling for the ouster of Taco Bell's CEO. They are, needless to say, quite opinionated about their favorite pseudo-Mexican fast-food chain.
Like other chains, Taco Bell decided to simplify its menu at a time when fewer employees are working the kitchen, due to social distancing mandates, and more people are filling the drive-thru lane. Some menu items can take more time to prepare, and if they're not popular in the first place, eliminating them can make workers' lives easier — as well as save restaurant’s money at a time when revenue is down.
McDonald's has also removed some less popular items, like salads, and may not bring them back.
Vegetarian heaven no more? — Taco Bell is signaling that removing the Mexican Pizza will allow it to add new items in the future. Many vegetarians have been up in arms about the elimination of other meatless options like the Spicy Potato Soft Taco, Taco Bell has long been a vegetarian mainstay. Every item on its menu can substitute meat for beans without diminishing the quality, a reason why The Bell is considered one of the best fast food options for vegetarians.
Taco Bell has been coy when asked if it plans to introduce a meat-alternative protein like Beyond Beef or Impossible. It would probably be smart to throw vegetarians a bone soon, following the eliminations.
Fans of the Mexican Pizza can continue enjoying it until November 5 — unless, of course, Reddit has its way. We're sure executives at Taco Bell are trembling right now.