Finds an abandoned franchise of one of the most popular restaurants of the 21st century: a time capsule from 1995
Despite its advanced state of disrepair, the place retains its characteristic and colorful retro furniture from the 90s, and even an old VHS tape.
It’s like stepping into a forgotten chapter of American fast food history.
Urban explorer RangerRickTV, a Louisiana-based content creator, recently discovered a fully intact Taco Bell restaurant that’s been sealed off since the mid-1990s. Though time has taken its toll on the structure, the interior remains a striking tribute to the chain’s iconic 90s aesthetic.
“I can’t believe what I’m seeing,” he says in his now-viral TikTok and YouTube videos. “Almost preserved like a time capsule.”
The discovery has stunned viewers across social media, many of whom remember the distinctive style of Taco Bell’s old-school design—bold colors, geometric shapes, and that unmistakable vintage vibe.
Inside the forgotten Taco Bell: a look at the retro details
Despite signs of wear and decades of decay, the abandoned restaurant retains its original furnishings, straight out of the 1990s. Think neon pinks, teal booths, and art deco-style tables that wouldn’t look out of place on a set of Miami Vice.
Adding to the surreal atmosphere: an old VHS tape tucked among the debris. It features a promotional clip from Fort Rapids, a now-defunct water park in Columbus, Ohio, which was shut down in 2016 over health code violations.
“It really does feel like the place was just frozen in time,” said one commenter. Others chimed in with nostalgic memories of family dinners and drive-thru runs in the 90s.
Why he’s keeping the location secret
To protect the site from vandalism or theft, RangerRickTV has chosen not to reveal its exact location. The spot was tipped off to him by one of his subscribers—part of a tight-knit community of urban explorers who specialize in tracking down and documenting America’s forgotten spaces.
“I have been exploring places for 8 years,” he shared with Newsweek. “I got into it because I always had a passion to see beauty in decay.”
From abandoned mansions to old theaters and power plants, his explorations have led him to some fascinating places—but few as striking as this 90s-era Taco Bell.
A rare discovery that’s hard to top
“I’ve no idea why it’s still there,” he added. “I’m sure there are others like this but it’s hard to find and limited.”
And while the world has moved on—with Taco Bell now operating over 8,000 locations across 32 countries—this untouched relic offers a vivid glimpse into a time when fast food felt like a neon dream.
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