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Let’s Retire Early With…Taco Bell??

Have you thought about retiring yet? Taco Bell has. The fast food chain announced an ‘early retirement’ community called The Cantinas that will be open Aug. 17 to 18 in San Diego, CA.

The Cantinas is reminiscent of Taco Bell’s pop-up hotel, The Bell, that sold out in mere minutes in 2019. The hotel was considered a successful campaign, despite the challenges that arose from the pandemic. Taco Bell’s experimental brand campaigns reflect their push towards being a lifestyle brand, fostering feelings of nostalgia and holistic hospitality in their marketing. Taylor Montgomery, the U.S. chief marketing officer at Taco Bell, said the brand wanted a place for all generations to be able to live the ‘mellow life.’

“There’s a common misconception that retirement unlocks the life you’ve been waiting for. And while that may be true for some, we don’t think you should have to wait until 55 to live the life you’re craving,” said Montgomery in a press release. “The Cantinas early retirement community, just like our brand, represents a place where all generations can come together, regardless of age, to Live their Más however they want.”

What is The Cantinas?

The name, The Cantinas, is an ode to Taco Bell’s alcohol-serving chain and the Florida-based retirement community, The Villages.

You won’t actually be retiring, just feel like you are. From Aug. 17 to 18, Taco Bell rewards members over the age of 21 are invited to participate in activities common to retirees, like aerobics classes, pickleball, golf, shopping, and of course dining. The weekend pass is $150 and includes overnight accommodations and full access to amenities for you and a guest. Day passes are also available for $50, and include access to the grounds, recreation, and dining for you and a guest from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.

Tickets go live at noon, July 16 EST on www.thecantinas.net. To purchase, make sure you’re a rewards member, and be ready to click fast.

Rewards members 21 and over who consider themselves old souls may just find the perfect way to live más in this experience. 

Maya Ikenberry is a member of the Spoon University National Writers Program. She writes food-related articles and stays up to date on food news and trends. Maya is a Junior at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. She is majoring in journalism and history. She has written for their student newspaper, The Daily Northwestern, and is involved in various clubs on campus including Model UN. She also does research for Northwestern's Medill school of journalism on the State of Local News Project. She hopes to work in investigative journalism or foreign correspondence one day.In her free time, she loves to watch movies, hang out with friends, cook, or eat at new restaurants. She runs almost everyday and loves to go to the beach whenever she can.