Taco Bell’s PR Strategy? The (Blunt) Truth.

With all the Taco Bell controversy and Alabama attorneys strutting about trying to make a mockery of one of my favorite eateries (yes, by night AND day), I feel compelled to comment and commend the delicious meat-serving franchise for several different reasons:

1) Find me a better taco meat (or taco meat-like thing) – really…I dare you.

I can see how this whole controversy could really lay an egg with some of the health-crazed Kashi eaters, but as one who allows herself to appreciate the finer (yet notably more unhealthy) things in life from time to time, this isn’t a whole big heck of a shock. Let’s face it – no one out there thinks they’re eating 100% beef when they order a 99-cent taco. The rumors have been flying for years. Also, no one orders a Crunch Wrap Supreme thinking they’re making a healthy decision.

2) Taco Bell, you speak to the facts…and I believe you.

Instead of dodging allegations of falsified taco meat, what did Taco Bell do? They responded, but not in that “I have no idea why the cookie jar’s empty, Mom” kind of way. They addressed the issue and stated the facts. In a sense, they weighed the pros and the cons and decided to come clean with the admission of serving up a mixture that is definably 88% beef and USDA certified for all of those percentages. All the way from the top, Taco Bell CEO Greg Creed silenced the gossip from Taco Bell’s YouTube channel to an interview with ABC’s George Stephanopoulos.

Even despite the snarky headline in the full-page advertisements that Taco Bell nabbed following the scandal that read “Thank You for Suing Us: Here’s the Truth About Our Seasoned Beef,” the message is clear and defiant. If you talk bad about my company and it’s not warranted, I will retaliate with the truth. Props to Taco Bell for being consistent with messaging and originating content from the big guy on the totem pole. Instead of hiding behind accusations, the franchise stood tall and—frankly—impressed me.

Now, I’m the first to say that I am a bit biased. So, tell me, what do you think about Taco Bell? Did the company’s response to these allegations nudge you in the direction of the drive-thru, or are you quarantining yourself to Whole Foods from here on out?