Taco Bell is Giving Away Free Tacos Everywhere — Except NJ

Fast food giant Taco Bell is celebrating the “liberation” of the phrase Taco Tuesday by offering free tacos in 49 states, but not in New Jersey.

We told you a couple of weeks ago about the fight that a Somers Point restaurant was putting up in the debate over who had the right to use "Taco Tuesday."

Taco Johns relinquished their claim to the phrase, deciding that it wouldn’t be worth the money to fight a company the size of Taco Bell.

However, Gregory’s Restaurant and Bar originally had the trademark on the phrase going back to 1982. After a missed deadline in 1989, Taco Johns snapped up the name; a negotiation resulted in Taco Johns having use of the phrase in 49 states and Gregory’s retaining its protection in New Jersey.

"Because now that Taco Tuesday is free* – your tacos should be, too," Taco Bell said in a release. The asterisk led to a caveat that New Jersey residents are out of luck for the Door Dash deal.

The chain is partnering with Door Dash to cover a portion of orders from participating Mexican food vendors – they do not have to be Taco Bell restaurants – on Tuesday, September 12th.

In addition, Taco Bell is offering a free Doritos Loco Taco on Tuesdays (Aug. 15, 22, 29 and Sep. 5). According to CNN, that promotion will be available in New Jersey.

In an interview with CNN, Gregory’s Seafood’s owner, Gregory Gregory said Taco Bell advertising that the promotion excludes New Jersey is making the restaurant "look bad."