Taco Bell Retirement Community Opening In California
Fast food is an industry known for publicity stunts and promotional events, but the Taco Bell retirement community is exceptionally odd. The Cantinas will open next month in San Diego and is being advertised as a place where “everyone can live like a retiree.” The event will offer a variety of activities and amenities inspired by senior living stereotypes.
Obviously, the Taco Bell retirement community isn’t an actual senior living facility but more of a recreational event with a senior citizen theme. It is open to anyone age 21 or older, but does require a Taco Bell Rewards Membership. The event will take place over a single weekend, with overnight and day-pass options available.
The Cantinas
The Taco Bell retirement community features a number of activities one might expect to see at a real senior living center. These activities include aerobics classes, golf, and pickleball along with other less physical activities like arts and crafts. Other amenities include overnight lodging, free exclusive merch, and of course meals provided by the fast food restaurant.
Those who want to experience the Taco Bell retirement community will have to buy tickets, which go on sale July 16th at 9 AM. Weekend tickets, which include overnight lodging for two, cost $150. Day passes are also available and cost $50, but it’s important to note that single-day ticket holders are also allowed to bring a guest.
Senior Citizen Themed Events
Taco Bell’s retirement community event looks like it will lean into its ironic senior citizen theming based on the advertising for the event. The scheduled activities are set to end at 8 PM and begin early in the morning to let participants get to bed early every night. The entire event is also being pitched as intentionally slow-paced, encouraging guests with rooms to take afternoon naps and relax.
A Strange Marketing Event
While the Taco Bell retirement community stands out as a particularly strange marketing event, it fits with the brand’s current event-focused promotional strategy. Earlier this year the company held an event called Live Más LIVE where they announced upcoming new menu items and other details in an event similar to those held by videogame developers. It’s unclear if the strategy is translating into sales, but it has certainly been successful in grabbing headlines with these events.
Encourages Memberships
The Taco Bell retirement community also seems designed to sell customers on its reward membership program. With membership required to purchase tickets the fast food chain is encouraging customers to sign up for the program. It also sets the precedent for future promotional events, creating the idea that membership comes with potential rewards and opportunities that go beyond the usual purchase rewards.
Demand Is High
The Taco Bell retirement community will be open on August 17th and 18th in San Diego, California. It seems like the event will only be available for that weekend, so ticket demand may be high it is being sold through the Taco Bell Reward Membership app on a first-come, first-serve basis. With such an odd theme and the involvement of a significant fast-food brand, it’s sure to be a memorable experience.
Source: The Cantinas
