Cruel Hoax Promises Alaskan Town a Fake Taco Bell

When the closest Taco Bell is 400 miles away, people apparently get pretty excited when the chain announces plans to open up right in their very own town. At least that's what happened in Bethel, Alaska — population 6,080 — when fliers announcing Taco Bell's arrival — complete with a fake phone number and website — started appearing all over town.

But, alas, it was a hoax perpetrated by some cruel pranksters. After a week of excitement, local radio station KYUK breaks the news gently: "Sorry folks, in Bethel you won't be able to munch on Cheesy Gordita Crunches or Grande Nachos anytime soon. That's right, officially Bethel is not getting a Taco Bell. I repeat. Bethel is not getting a Taco Bell." These pranksters haven't yet been caught, but KYUK helpfully informs Bethel residents that they can still go to Anchorage — accessible by plane — for a Taco Bell fix.

· Bethel Taco Bell Rumor a Hoax [KYUK]
· All Taco Bell Coverage on Eater [-E-]