Automated And Futuristic 'Taco Bell Defy' Opens in Minnesota, Inspiring Reactions And Memes

A new Taco Bell restaurant opening today in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota has shocked and excited fans of the fast-food brand and observers of modern culture. The Taco Bell “Defy” has two floors, four drive-thru lanes and no indoor dining.

Beloved menu items like the Baja Blast or the recently returned Mexican pizza are prepared upstairs and then sent down to the drive-thru in a series of tubes. In short, a customer coming for tacos will never need to lay eyes on another human being.

Dare to Defy. Meet the Taco Bell of the future. pic.twitter.com/6UZcffWgGa

— Taco Bell (@tacobell) June 7, 2022

Taco Bell Defy’s arrival was largely met with great excitement on Twitter, and many deemed it “architecturally significant.”

The thin Baja line. Showing respect for the workers of Taco Bell. pic.twitter.com/4S5uttKzcu

— 🤡 Simpsons Joker Wonk ☢️ (@SeinzurKomodie) June 6, 2022

Despite the praise, there were also those who were less enthused about the Taco Bell Defy and compared its look to a bank.

I'm at the bank!
I'm at the Taco Bell!
I'm at the combination bank and Taco Bell! https://t.co/OnFMwODKNX

— SwiftOnSecurity (@SwiftOnSecurity) June 6, 2022

This is the Taco Bank.

Hello I’d like to withdraw three spicy potato soft tacos from my checking account. https://t.co/fP3Eb9kxHU

— Hootie (@BrodTHEchode69) June 7, 2022

As is always the case when a fascinating new location drops, some asked the eternal question, “What if we kissed?”

what if we kissed under the taco tube at taco bell defy 🥺 https://t.co/J8hnPvVWpx

— Madeleine Roux✨ (@Authoroux) June 7, 2022

What if we went on a date to Taco Bell Defy ? 😳👉👈 https://t.co/N6n8J9lERP

— Jubi The Wrasslin Slime (Heel Arc)- EnVtuber (@jubitheslime) June 6, 2022

The new location, which Taco Bell describes as “a culmination of years of success” and “the future,” is intended to keep up with changing consumer habits following the coronavirus pandemic. During COVID lockdowns, Taco Bell saw drive-thru users spike, and many customers have continued to avoid indoor dining.

The brand is heavily promoting the Defy restaurant, and it’s possible the Minnesota location won’t be the last one. Taco Bell might also not be the last restaurant to embrace semi-automation and large tubes for food delivery in drive-thrus.

Went to the new Taco Bell Defy location in Brooklyn Park, MN! Got a free Defy Hat! @tacobell pic.twitter.com/gShta7vwSL

— AAASportsMemorabilia (@AAASports) June 4, 2022

Do you ever want to defy all common sense and go get Taco Bell at 12:30am

— Rhea (@rheanroll) June 3, 2022