How Taco Bell’s ‘The Cantinas’ Retirement Village Made Getting Old Cool Again
Earlier this year, in a keynote address reminiscent of an Apple event, Taco Bell announced plans to open an early retirement village in sunny San Diego, California. Tickets went live, and within three minutes, the entire weekend was sold out. Fortunately, Foodbeast got an exclusive preview of what the future might hold at Taco Bell’s The Cantinas Early Retirement Village.
Upon arrival, guests were greeted by an enormous, retro The Cantinas sign welcoming all retirees to the village. If that didn’t set the vintage tone for the weekend, I don’t know what could have. Let’s just say the vibes were strong. Once we were checked into our suite, we were given a jam-packed calendar of activities to choose from: pickleball tournaments, a Baja Blast sound bath, bocce ball, water aerobics, tennis, driving range, putting green, 9-hole golf, and even croquet for the true old-school fans.
If soaking up the sun wasn’t your vibe, there were plenty of indoor activities to enjoy inside the luxurious golf club-turned-retirement village. Guests could make friendship bracelets, paint still-life portraits, play Bingo hosted by the legendary Retirement House, or even use an old-school telephone setup to spill the tea on all the shenanigans happening around the village. There was also a unique Taco Bell thrift shop, featuring clothing thrifted from across the country and upcycled for guests to wear throughout the weekend. I scored a great pair of men’s athletic shorts, but due to their length, I won’t be showcasing them for our audience at this time.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Taco Bell weekend if it didn’t include a plethora of delicious delights provided to the masses. Every breakfast, lunch, and dinner was catered to perfection with Taco Bell’s most popular offerings: a nacho bar, beefy cheesy burritos, selections from their Cantinas Chicken menu, and my favorite breakfast item the Sausage breakfast burrito. If y’all have never had Taco Bell breakfast, you’re missing out. I can’t recommend it more.
The entire weekend was everything I hope retirement will be—a perfect blend of community and the luxurious, relaxed lifestyle one can only dream of. Though it was a one-weekend-only event, it was clear that all 300+ attendees had the time of their lives. I made friendships at The Cantinas that I never expected but always longed for. Plus, I went undefeated in the pickleball tournament, so I walked away a champion in both heart and body.
Let this be my love letter to Taco Bell. Dear Mr. Taco Bell, please make The Cantinas a yearly experience. Yours truly, Dylan.
