National Taco Day 2023: Where to get freebies, specials and discounts in metro Phoenix
Another made-up holiday is upon us: National Taco Day is Oct. 4.
Although a 2009 Del Taco press release sealed the permanence of the annual holiday, its origins go back to the 1960s. According to Gustave Arellano's book "Taco USA: How Mexican Food Conquered America," Roberto Gomez, a columnist for the San Antonio Express and News was also the head of the San Antonio Social Civic Organization (SASCO).
Gomez started a tradition of sending President Kennedy a giant tamale for his birthday, which evidently never made it to him. In the following years, he continued to send Kennedy, Johnson, Carter and Nixon large food gifts including a piñata filled with candy, pralines and a 55-pound taco, as a reminder of the political power of Mexicans, albeit with a dose of humor. All the presidents accepted his gifts, except for Nixon.
In 1968, Congressman Henry B. Gonzalez named the week before Cinco de Mayo National Taco Week and proclaimed his own birthday, May 3, National Taco Day. The following year, the governor of Texas followed suit. Arellano said there was not another mention of National Taco Day until 2000 when Chuy's tried to trademark the day on June 12. Even though Chuy's application was rejected, June 12 still showed up in the news as National Taco Day up until 2004.
No one has figured out how or exactly when the date changed to Oct. 4, but Arellano did find that in 2009, Del Taco put a press release stating that it was time to "celebrate National Taco Day!" on Oct. 4. And it stuck.
This year, restaurants around the Phoenix area are offering taco deals, discounts and freebies for the holiday. Here are some of the best Taco Day deals in metro Phoenix.
Taco Bell: A taco a day for 30 days
For 2023 National Taco Day, Taco Bell is giving $10 Taco Lover's Pass to rewards members on Oct. 4 to redeem a taco a day for 30 days. Eligible tacos are Seasoned Beef Crunchy Taco, Seasoned Beef Soft Taco, Seasoned Beef Crunchy Taco Supreme, Seasoned Beef Soft Taco Supreme, Spicy Potato Soft Taco, Seasoned Beef Doritos® Locos Taco and Seasoned Beef Doritos® Locos Taco Supreme.
Macayo's Mexican Food: BOGO
For National Taco Day, Macayo's is offering a buy one, get one free Grilled Tacos Meal, which includes two grilled chicken tacos ($15.49) or carne asada tacos ($16.49) with rice and refried beans. The meal is available for dine-in or takeout.
Rubio's Coastal Grill: Free tacos on National Taco Day
Rubio’s is offering a free a la carte taco with any purchase on National Taco Day. Use code TACO when ordering online or on the app or scan the coupon (available at rubios.com/coupons/taco-day) at the register at participating locations.
Fuzzy's Taco Shop: $1.50 tacos all day
Fuzzy's Taco Shop is giving away two free tacos to reward members with a $5 purchase on the app and $1.50 tacos for all patrons.
Someburros: $2 crispy tacos
On National Taco Day, Someburros is offering $2 Crispy Chicken Tacos with promo code “TACODAY.” The code is valid for online, app or in-person purchases.
Taqueria Factory: BOGO
Taqueria Factory's two Phoenix-area locations are celebrating National Taco Day with a buy any taco and get one for free deal. Guests can build their own tacos from flour, corn, or keto tortilla and choice of carne asada, chicken, shrimp, birria or al pastor with or without pineapple. They can also choose half portions of two different types of meat.
On The Border: $2 beef or chicken tinga tacos
On National Taco Day, On The Border is selling chicken tinga or seasoned ground beef tacos for $2 and Southwest chicken or brisket tacos for $4.
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7-Eleven: $3 mini tacos
On National Taco Day, 7-Eleven is offering 10 mini spicy shredded beef tacos for $3 for pick up or 7NOW Delivery at participating locations nationwide.
Download the 7-Eleven app from the App Store or Google Play or by visiting 7Rewards.com.
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Reach the reporter at BAnooshahr@azcentral.com. Follow @banooshahr on X, formerly Twitter.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: National Taco Day 2023: Deals in metro Phoenix, Macayo's to Taco Bell
