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Students Hold Vigil In Remembrance Of Closed Down Taco Bell

Students Hold Vigil In Remembrance Of Closed Down Taco Bell

A crowd of students even broke into song as they lit candles outside the Penn State restaurant

Rebecca Shepherd

Rebecca Shepherd

When your favourite fast food restaurant closes, what do you do? Gather as many people as you possibly can and hold a vigil, obviously. That's what happened when a Taco Bell in Pennsylvania abruptly closed down - leading to students setting up a ceremony to mourn its passing.

A large group gathered on Sunday evening (1 March) where they lit candles and laid flowers, in a bid to show their love to the fast food restaurant located in State College, Pennsylvania.

According to FOX News, the vigil was organised by computer science major Prajesh Patel who even stood up to make a speech in front of the crowd.

Prajesh Patel stood and made a speech.
Twitter/@PSUBarstool

He announced: "I knew that Taco Bell was there with me from all the hard times at 3am, when my girlfriend broke up with me, to the lunch at 1pm. I know he was always there for me.

"What I want you guys to remember is that Taco Bell is not gone. It is not forgotten but it lives here." The rest is unrecognisable for all the cheering.

Penn State's student-run Daily Collegian also reported that Patel said: "We were all shooketh after hearing about the closing of this beautiful, beautiful State College establishment. Taco Bell was our home away from home, and added spice to our life."

The vigil was set up as a Facebook event by Patel who wrote: "RIP Gone but never forgotten. Join us as we spice things up outside of our beloved downtown food establishment. Being one of the best spots to spend a late night out, Taco Bell can never be replaced."

People turned up in their masses.
Twitter/@PSUBarstool

He added: "If you share the same feelings come out and support your Happy Valley community. We will be sharing kind words and lighting candles. Everyone is encouraged to let the world know how they feel!"

One person wrote: "Taco Bell was more than a place to get a cheap bite to eat on drunken nights downtown, it was a sense of community, a sense of belonging, and a sense of family.

"My thoughts, prayers and love goes out to all in the Happy Valley community mourning this tragic loss. Without Taco Bell this valley is a little less happy."

Another wrote: "I remember waiting in line opening day of TBell breakfast. Heartbreaking."

Even Finneas O'Connell - Billie Eilish's brother, co-writer and producer - took note of the tribute to the fast food joint. Retweeted a video of the wake, he said: "I didn't go to college, but from now on I'm referring to Penn State as my alma mater."

In a statement to LADbible, Taco Bell said: "We join the Penn State community in mourning the loss of this local Taco Bell. While gone, it's certainly not forgotten and we look to the support of other local Taco Bell restaurants in the community.

"We're happy to share that all team members from the former restaurant have been offered roles at nearby locations and a new State College, PA location is set to open this spring."

Featured Image Credit: Twitter/@PSUBarstool

Topics: Viral, Food, Community, Viral, Food, US News