Episode Summary
Taco Bell’s PR and brand communications team is behind some of the most talked-about marketing campaigns in the industry. At the helm is Matt Prince, the brand’s Head of PR and Brand Communications, who has helped shape Taco Bell’s cultural relevance through bold, unexpected, and fan-driven campaigns.
In this episode of Digital PR Explained, we break down three of Taco Bell’s biggest PR wins from the past year, uncovering the insights, strategy, and execution that made them so impactful. Matt shares how Taco Bell leverages consumer behavior, social listening, and cultural trends to create moments that drive both engagement and sales. If you’ve ever wondered how a global brand keeps its PR fresh and exciting, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.
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About Matt Prince
Matt Prince is the Vice President of Brand Communications at Taco Bell, where he oversees PR, influencer marketing, and brand storytelling for the globally recognized restaurant brand. He’s known for developing creative, high-impact campaigns that drive conversation and engagement beyond the fast-food industry.
📌 Learn more about Matt:
- LinkedIn: Matt Prince
- Follow Taco Bell’s latest campaigns on Instagram: @TacoBell
Inside This Episode: Breaking Down Three Taco Bell PR Wins
🔹 The Taco Bell Cantina “Retirement” Pop-Up
Taco Bell reimagined retirement for Gen Z with a playful, nostalgia-driven event in San Diego, featuring Baja Blast margaritas, live entertainment, and “senior living” vibes.
✅ The consumer insight that inspired the campaign
✅ Why Gen Z’s slower lifestyle shift influenced Taco Bell’s brand storytelling
✅ How influencer partnerships and experiential marketing played a key role
🔹 Live Más Live: Taco Bell’s Apple-Style Keynote Event
Taco Bell spoofed Apple’s iconic product launches, unveiling new menu items in a high-production keynote event.
✅ How taking inspiration from outside the industry created a fresh PR approach
✅ The role of social listening and why fans drive the brand narrative
✅ How the event lived beyond its 60-minute runtime, creating viral social content
🔹 The Fight for Taco Tuesday & Moving National Taco Day
For over 30 years, “Taco Tuesday” was trademarked—until Taco Bell fought to make it free for all.
✅ How the legal battle unfolded and why it mattered
✅ What it took to officially move National Taco Day to Tuesday
✅ Why brand advocacy is a powerful PR tool
Key PR Lessons from Taco Bell
💡 Consumer insights drive the best campaigns – Taco Bell’s biggest PR wins come from listening to fans and tapping into cultural moments.
💡 Take inspiration from unexpected places – Looking outside your industry can unlock bold, creative ideas.
💡 Social media extends campaign impact – PR is no longer just about one moment—it’s about creating experiences that live on through social content.
Episode Links & Resources
📄 Watch Live Más Live on YouTube
📌 Follow Taco Bell for more creative campaigns: @TacoBell
📬 Follow Matt’s latest PR insights on LinkedIn: Matt Prince
🎧 Listen now: Spotify | Apple Podcasts
📺 Watch the interview on YouTube: Subscribe here