In 1997, Taco Bell launched one of its most memorable ad campaigns featuring a small, charismatic Chihuahua named Gidget. The dog, voiced by actor Carlos Alazraqui, became famous for the catchphrase “¡Yo quiero Taco Bell!” (which means “I want Taco Bell!”). The campaign ran until around 2000 and included other iconic phrases like “Viva Gorditas!” (Imagine the fallout if that was said today!)
The ads were wildly popular, making the Chihuahua a pop culture icon. However, Taco Bell eventually retired the campaign due to declining sales and a lawsuit from the advertising agency that claimed they weren’t properly compensated for the idea.
