Taco Cabana, the beloved Texas-based fast-casual chain known for its Mexican-inspired cuisine, is celebrating its 47th anniversary in a way that is as bold and flavorful as its menu. The brand has announced the inaugural Taco Cabana World Taco Eating Championship, an extraordinary event that combines competitive eating, a Guinness World Record attempt, and the chance for everyday taco lovers to test their skills alongside professionals.
Scheduled for September 20, the competition will unfold at Taco Cabana’s Austin Highway location in San Antonio, Texas—the city where the brand was born in 1978. The event is set to feature high-energy excitement, an enthusiastic crowd, and, of course, thousands of Taco Cabana’s iconic Bean and Cheese Tacos, which will serve as the centerpiece of the contest.
A Feast of Competition
For 10 intense minutes, professional competitive eaters from around the country—alongside ambitious local participants—will battle for supremacy in a taco showdown unlike any before. The challenge: devour as many Bean and Cheese Tacos as possible within the time limit. The competitor who eats the most will walk away crowned as the first-ever Taco Cabana World Taco Eating Champion.
The competition carries an added layer of significance with the presence of a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS official judge, who will be on-site to authenticate results and verify whether a new global record is set. The record at stake: most soft-shell tacos eaten in three minutes. For both the participants and the audience, this means witnessing not just a local milestone, but possibly a moment of international recognition.
The Taco That Started It All
The decision to spotlight the Bean and Cheese Taco was no accident. This menu staple has been a customer favorite for decades and represents the heart of Taco Cabana’s food philosophy: fresh, simple ingredients served with flavor and authenticity. Each taco is made with creamy refried beans, shredded cheese, and wrapped in a warm, soft flour tortilla—a comfort food that is as filling as it is delicious.
By elevating the humble Bean and Cheese Taco into the centerpiece of a world-class competition, Taco Cabana is honoring both its history and its loyal fans, who have enjoyed the item for nearly five decades.
A Historic Celebration of 47 Years
The championship is more than just a food competition—it’s a commemoration of 47 years of Taco Cabana’s impact on the Texas dining scene. Since opening its first location in San Antonio, the brand has become a staple for generations of Texans seeking Mexican-inspired dishes made fresh daily.
“Our iconic Bean and Cheese Tacos have been a fan-favorite for decades, and now they’re taking center stage to help us reinforce what has made Taco Cabana a beloved dining destination for nearly half a century,” said Ulyses Camacho, President and COO of Taco Cabana.
“As we recognize 47 years in business, we are proud to unveil a one-of-a-kind spectacle that’s unlike anything we’ve ever done before—a celebration that features world-class eaters, the electric thrill of a Guinness World Record attempt, and the kind of global exposure that takes Taco Cabana to new heights,” Camacho added.
Partnerships That Amplify the Event
To bring this ambitious event to life, Taco Cabana has teamed up with Major League Eating (MLE)—the global organization that oversees professional eating contests worldwide—and Dr Pepper, one of Texas’s most iconic beverage brands. This collaboration ensures the championship will be an unforgettable experience, uniting food, competition, and culture in a way that speaks directly to Texas pride.
Major League Eating has produced some of the world’s most famous eating competitions, including the renowned Fourth of July hot dog eating contest. By aligning with MLE, Taco Cabana ensures its World Taco Eating Championship will immediately enter the ranks of premier competitive eating events.
A Chance for Fans to Compete
While professional eaters are expected to dominate the stage, Taco Cabana is also inviting locals to throw their sombreros into the ring. Texans who believe they have the appetite and determination to tackle the taco challenge can register to compete through Major League Eating’s official website. This creates a rare opportunity for everyday fans to share the spotlight with elite competitors and possibly make history.
“This isn’t just about watching from the sidelines—it’s about giving our fans a chance to become part of Taco Cabana history,” said Camacho. “Whether they’re eating or cheering, everyone who attends will play a role in this milestone celebration.”
For those interested in testing their taco-eating limits, registration and event details are available at:
Nearly Five Decades of Flavor and Tradition
Since its founding, Taco Cabana has built a reputation for serving flavorful, authentic, and affordable meals in a welcoming, casual setting. Its recipes, rooted in Mexican culinary traditions, highlight freshness and quality. Over time, the chain has expanded to include more than 140 locations across Texas, each offering a wide range of menu items that cater to diverse tastes and mealtimes.
Guests can enjoy everything from breakfast tacos available in convenient dozen boxes, to street tacos, burritos, combo plates, and refreshing margaritas made with real tequila. In response to consumer demand for value and convenience, Taco Cabana also introduced a popular under-$5 value menu that has broadened its appeal to a wider audience.
Notably, every location offers drive-thru service, reflecting the brand’s ability to adapt to evolving customer preferences while staying true to its roots.
A Legacy That Looks Ahead
The Taco Cabana World Taco Eating Championship is more than a celebration of the past—it’s a signal of the brand’s confidence in the future. As Taco Cabana approaches its 50th anniversary in just a few years, events like this demonstrate its commitment to innovation, entertainment, and community connection.
For longtime fans, the event offers a chance to reflect on decades of shared meals, family traditions, and late-night taco runs. For newcomers, it presents an invitation to experience Taco Cabana not just as a restaurant, but as part of Texas’s cultural fabric.
As the countdown begins for September 20, all eyes are on San Antonio. Will a new Guinness World Record be set? Who will claim the inaugural championship title? And how many Bean and Cheese Tacos will disappear in the process?
One thing is certain: Taco Cabana’s 47th anniversary celebration will be remembered not just for tacos consumed, but for the passion, energy, and pride of a brand that has become an enduring part of Texas life.
