The Taco Bell Chihuahua was an iconic advertising mascot for the fast food chain Taco Bell in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The ad campaign featuring the dog was a huge success and helped to increase the chain’s visibility and popularity. But what happened to the beloved Taco Bell dog?
The Rise of the Taco Bell Chihuahua
The Chihuahua, named Gidget, was created by advertising agency TBWA\Chiat\Day in 1997. The dog was used in a series of commercials that were intended to appeal to younger audiences and to increase brand recognition. The commercials featured the Chihuahua uttering the famous phrase, “Yo quiero Taco Bell,” which means “I want Taco Bell” in Spanish.
The ads were an immediate hit and the dog became an instant celebrity. Gidget was featured on the covers of magazines, made numerous television appearances, and even had her own line of merchandise. She was so popular that Taco Bell even held a nationwide contest to find a real-life Chihuahua that could play Gidget in the commercials.
The Decline of the Taco Bell Chihuahua
The ad campaign ran until 2000, when Gidget was replaced by a new mascot: a large, humanoid, Taco Bell-branded creature named the Taco Bell Guy. The change in direction did not go over well with consumers, who were devoted to Gidget and her catchy phrase.
The Taco Bell Guy was soon retired, but Gidget was not brought back. Instead, the company focused on more traditional marketing campaigns and began to focus more on product-centric messages. This strategy worked and the company remained popular, but the Taco Bell Chihuahua was no longer a part of the equation.
What Happened to Gidget?
Gidget was retired from the world of advertising and was adopted by her trainer, Sue Chipperton. Gidget went on to make appearances in television shows and movies, and was even featured in a video game.
Sadly, Gidget passed away in 2009 at the age of 15. Her legacy lives on, however, in the hearts of the millions of people who loved her and her signature phrase. She was an important part of pop culture history and will always be remembered for her contribution to the world of advertising and marketing.