Great Scott Taco Bell? Look Out, Allston
The former Great Scott in Allston will become a Taco Bell Cantina. Great Scott Taco Bell. I don’t know how I feel about that.
The news actually broke on this one back in August while I was on vacation. Speaking of, my annual week in Wells Beach, Maine was such a delight, I decided to put this together: 15 Wells Beach Vacation Tips from a Seasoned Pro. I’m no travel expert, mind you. But I’ve been spending summer in Wells Beach for pretty much my entire life. It’s an area of expertise, so take advantage of my knowledge.
I wouldn’t go so far as to say that beloved former Boston music venue Great Scott is an area of expertise for me. But I did put together this oral history of the venue shortly after it shuttered for good in back in 2020. I didn’t spend nearly as much time there as the people in my piece did, regrettably. But the time I did spend there seeing live acts and hosting live sessions was time well spent. I miss Great Scott. I have the tshirt.
Great Scott Taco Bell? Look Out, Allston
Back to the news. I first saw it reported on Vanyaland, so props to Michael O’Connor Marotta and his crew. Vanyaland’s piece fleshed out this report from Marc Hurwitz of Boston Restaurant Talk. Marc’s source says the Taco Bell bigs are looking to open one of their Cantina concepts at 1222 Commonwealth Ave., aka the former home of Great Scott. And now it seems, according to in-the-know Twitter account @OnlyInBos, that the plan has been approved.
The Boston Licensing Board has approved for a Taco Bell Cantina to open at 1222 Commonwealth Avenue in Allston, the former location of the Great Scott music venue.
— Only In Boston (@OnlyInBOS) October 3, 2023
This Taco Bell will be allowed to serve alcohol and stay open until 3AM every night. pic.twitter.com/ejpJpWWmAs
Like many, I was holding out hope that somehow, some way, Great Scott would be reborn it it’s old home. That seems to be just a dream now. But hey, I like Taco Bell. And at least it’s not a bank, right? I’ll leave the last word to the late, great venue.