A New York-based man named Frank Siragusa has taken Taco Bell to court for false advertising on several items, according to a class action lawsuit filed in a Brooklyn court. The lawsuit highlights the discrepancies between what Taco Bell has advertised and what Siragusa received from his local restaurant. The items in question include the Crunchwrap Supreme, Grande Crunchwrap, Vegan Crunchwrap, Mexican Pizza, and Veggie Mexican Pizza. Siragusa is seeking $5 million in damages for himself and others who feel deceived by Taco Bell’s advertising.
The Taco Bell Gift Card No-Go (2023)
Taco Bell faced a lawsuit for refusing to refund customers with gift cards that had balances under $10. The company settled the lawsuit for $85,500 after three California counties sued them for violating a law that protects customers’ right to receive refunds on gift cards regardless of the amount. As part of the settlement, Taco Bell agreed to pay penalty fees, cover investigative costs, and contribute to the California Consumer Protection Prosecution Trust Fund. The company also implemented measures to ensure that their gift cards provide clear information about redemption policies and that employees receive proper training.
The Skin Burning Incident (2022)
A Taco Bell manager poured hot water on two customers who were trying to fix an incorrect order, causing severe burns and skin damage. The customers, Brittany Davis and her niece, experienced the incident at a Taco Bell location. They had initially tried to correct their order through the drive-thru window but entered the restaurant when their attempts were unsuccessful. Inside, one employee threatened Davis’s niece, and the manager poured hot water on them. Although they managed to escape before another bucket of hot water was poured, employees followed them outside and taunted them. Davis suffered burns on her chest and stomach, as well as a brain injury resulting in seizures. Her niece had burns on her face, chest, stomach, legs, and arms. The lawsuit sought $1 million in damages.
The Chalupa Cravings Fiasco (2018)
A couple from New Jersey sued Taco Bell for false advertising related to the Chalupa Cravings box. Nelson and Joann Estrella were enticed by an ad announcing a special promotion for the Chalupa Cravings but discovered that their local Taco Bell was not running the promotion. As a result, they paid more for their Chalupa Cravings boxes and sued Taco Bell for false advertising, wasted time, and gas expenses.
Where’s The Beef? (2011)
An Alabama-based law firm named Beasley Allen sued Taco Bell for selling meat products that allegedly contained more fillers than actual meat. The firm claimed that the beef did not meet the USDA’s standards for classification as meat. The lawsuit was eventually dropped after Taco Bell disclosed the ingredients in their beef.
Honorable Mention: The Taco Tuesday Battle
Taco Bell is currently engaged in a trademark court battle with regional restaurant Taco John’s over the ownership of the phrase “Taco Tuesday.” Taco Bell aims to void Taco John’s 34-year trademark on the phrase so that it can be freely used by anyone in branding, press materials, or taco-related celebrations.