No Free Taco Bell Tacos in New Jersey and Here’s Why It’s a Good Thing

As the song says, “I love tacos, I love tacos, I eat tacos all the time. Give me tacos, plenty of tacos, the only thing that’s on my mind.” That song came so close to being our wedding song, and then we decided on something less cheesy and romantic.

There aren’t many people in New Jersey who don’t love tacos. In fact, the only thing we love more than tacos in the Garden State is free tacos.

However, we are the only state in the union that will NOT be receiving free tacos from Taco Bell. As reported by CNN, Taco Bell is giving away five million dollars worth of Doritos Locos Tacos to, what they say, celebrate the “liberation” of the “Taco Tuesday” trademark.

Whether you think “Taco Tuesday” should be allowed to be trademarked or not, Taco Bell bullied Taco John’s out of their 34-year trademark to the popular saying. This allows Taco Bell to use the phrase in every single state in the United States of America! Wait, correction, every single state except New Jersey. Why?

The reason we won’t be getting free tacos in Jersey is thanks to a man named, Gregory Gregory and his family. This is not a bad thing and the Gregorys are not bad people. They are the “little guy” who decided to stand up to the "big bully."

Their family-owned Gregory’s Restaurant and Bar in Somers Point, New Jersey is not letting go of their service trademark that they were given in 1982. Their website proudly says, “Gregory's is a family-owned restaurant and bar proudly serving delicious food and great drinks to the Somers Point area since 1946.” It also boasts, “The Original Taco Tuesday. We served our first tacos on a Tuesday night in February 1979. It's been history ever since.”

While I won’t be getting any free tacos from Taco Bell, I’m proud that someone in New Jersey is standing up for what they believe in and won’t collapse under the pressure of their larger competitor.

In good faith, the Gregorys should point out to the Taco Bell folks that they're free to use "Enchilada Wednesday" for their Tuesday promotions.

I should mention that I do love me some Taco Bell as well, but am more than willing to pay for it.

It’s also worth noting that Gregory’s “is hosting a charity event with free tacos.”

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The once-challenging quest for vegan options at fast-food restaurants has gotten a lot easier in recent years. Gone are the days of painstakingly customizing orders to suit specific dietary needs. Or worse, just having French fries and lettuce. Fast-food chains have taken significant strides in recent years, expanding their menus to offer an array of plant-based choices.

Plenty of fast-food chains have recognized the shifting dietary preferences of their customers and have embraced the challenge of providing satisfying vegan options. The evolution of vegan choices at these establishments has been impressive. From the golden arches of well-known burger joints to the cozy corners of popular sandwich shops, the vegan revolution has made its mark.

Vegans no longer have to rely solely on customizing existing meals to meet their dietary requirements. Instead, they can revel in the sheer variety that now graces the menus of fast-food chains. These establishments now proudly feature vegan burgers that sizzle and satisfy, dairy-free milkshakes, and even plant-based twists on classic comfort foods.

With an increasing number of people embracing plant-based lifestyles and seeking sustainable dining choices, the fast-food industry has risen to the occasion. These establishments understand that providing diverse options isn't just about following a trend but about fostering inclusivity and catering to many people with specific tastes and needs. So, the next time you're in a hurry and hunger strikes, rest assured that the vegan options at fast-food restaurants are not only abundant but also thoughtfully crafted to satisfy your cravings and nourish your values.

Whether you’re on a diet, dairy-free, vegetarian, or simply vegan there are fast-food places for you to grab a quick bite. Check out these fast-food vegan restaurant menu items. If you're a very strict vegan, you might consider checking with the establishment regarding any potential cross-contamination with meat products when placing your order.

According to Taco Bell, most of their products are vegan. They say to order any item "fresco style", which replaces mayo-based sauces, cheeses, and reduced-fat sour cream with freshly prepared diced tomatoes. Then, substitute the protein with black beans, refried beans, or potato bites. In June, the chain announced that they’re testing a new Vegan Crunchwrap which is meatless and dairy-free. If all goes well, you can soon see that on menus too.

For a restaurant known for its coffee, you may be surprised by the vegan options. Dunkin offers more than 20 vegan menu items, according to their site. Dunkin' features avocado toast and a selection of non-dairy milk alternatives such as oat, almond, and coconut milk to accompany your coffee. In addition to avocado toast, vegans can enjoy other choices like avocado and roasted tomato toast, a bacon avocado tomato sandwich minus the bacon, various bagels including plain, cinnamon raisin, everything, and sesame without cream cheese, an English muffin, and hash browns.

For those seeking plant-based options, Chipotle has consistently offered a reliable meal comprising rice, beans, fajita veggies, salsa, and guacamole. The year 2013 saw a transformative addition to Chipotle's menu with the introduction of vegan sofritas. This was a game-changing choice; it features flavorful spicy braised tofu. As confirmed by the restaurant chain, their sofritas option has been given the seal of approval for both vegans and vegetarians alike.

Burger King offers the Impossible Burger patty, which is widely available across their fast-food outlets nationwide. The Impossible Whopper, just like the classic version, features an Impossible patty crafted from plant-based ingredients. Both Burger King and Impossible Foods representatives informed INSIDER that, upon request, the Impossible Whopper can be prepared separately to ensure it is not cooked on the same surface used for meat products. Additionally, Burger King has begun testing Impossible chicken nuggets.