Taco Bell (Gone)
St. Petersburg, FL
Photo courtesy Allen Sandquist

That colorful sign, complete with the old "Taco Bell guy," made this Taco Bell one of St. Petersburg's best-known roadside stops. It wasn't just another fast-food restaurant, either. It was Florida's very first Taco Bell, opening in 1967 as the chain's 200th location.

The original restaurant featured Taco Bell's classic Mission-style design with a red tile roof, arched windows, and a walk-up ordering window. Along with the multicolored sign, it had plenty of roadside character and looked right at home beside busy 5th Avenue.

The original building has since been replaced with a modern Taco Bell, and the vintage signs are long gone. Still, old photos like this recall a time when even a quick stop for tacos came with a little extra roadside style.

UPDATE: The original Taco Bell building has been replaced, but the restaurant continues to operate on the site. 07-26