Taco Tuesday just got extra messy.
Fast food giant Taco Bell announced Tuesday that they will be giving out free Doritos Locos Tacos every Tuesday. The move comes after it was announced that its fierce rival Taco John would be dropping its “Taco Tuesday” trademark.
In order to celebrate the crunchy occasion, the chain announced in a press release that every Tuesday starting Aug. 15 through Sept. 5, taco lovers can enjoy one freebie while supplies last.
“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 U.S. CMO, Taylor Montgomery.
“When tacos win, we all win. We all win when Taco John’s decides to release its trademark registration, we all win when taco vendors everywhere are free to join the movement, and we all win when taco fans can freely celebrate and support Taco Tuesdays at Taco Bell or anywhere else.”
The fast food joint also revealed that on Sept. 12, it plans to open a $5 million dollar “taco tab” to “cover a portion of taco fans’ orders from any participating vendor selling Mexican cuisine.”
The Post reached out to Taco Bell for comment.
According to the release, the journey to free “Taco Tuesday” began in April 2023 when the restaurant announced that it was shelling out a petition to reclaim the phrase which had been held by Taco John — which is based in Wyoming — in 49 states.
In May, the company took things a step further and filed a legal petition with the U.S. Trademark Trial and Appeal Board.
“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,” claimed the release.
According to the post, the rival folded in late July and “courageously decided” to relinquish their claim on the phrase.
Taco Bell states not only did the Wyoming eatery give up the claim, but it also gave a hefty donation of $40,000 to Children of Restaurant Employees (CORE), which Taco Bell also matched.
As of Thursday, the only state where “Taco Tuesday” is legally trademarked is New Jersey.