Step into fast food nostalgia with this authentic vintage-inspired t-shirt celebrating the legendary Naugles, the innovative Mexican-American fast food chain that dared to combine tacos and burgers under one roof. This classic piece captures the essence of what was once a beloved fixture of West Coast dining culture.
Naugles opened its first location in 1970 in Riverside, California, founded by Dick Naugle who had previously worked with the founders of Taco Bell. The restaurant broke new ground by offering both Mexican food and traditional American fare like hamburgers and french fries, recognizing that families often had diverse tastes and preferences. The distinctive orange and brown color scheme, along with the memorable sombrero-wearing mascot, made Naugles instantly recognizable throughout Southern California. The chain's motto "Naugles Knows Mexican Food" became synonymous with authentic-tasting tacos, burritos, and nachos served alongside classic American favorites.
At its peak in the early 1980s, Naugles operated over 225 locations across California, Nevada, Arizona, and Texas. The restaurants became popular gathering spots for teenagers and families who appreciated the variety and affordability of the menu. Naugles pioneered several innovations in fast food, including combination meals that mixed Mexican and American items, and was among the first chains to offer breakfast burritos. The brand developed a cult following, particularly in Southern California, where the distinctive architecture and neon signs became landmarks in countless suburban strip malls and standalone locations.
Unfortunately, rapid expansion and increased competition from both Mexican fast food chains and traditional burger restaurants began to strain the company's resources in the mid-1980s. The dual-concept menu, while innovative, proved challenging to execute consistently across hundreds of locations, leading to quality control issues. Rising real estate costs in California markets, combined with aggressive expansion by competitors like Taco Bell and Del Taco, squeezed profit margins. In 1988, the struggling chain was purchased by Del Taco, which converted most locations to Del Taco restaurants, effectively ending the Naugles brand. The final Naugles location closed in 1995, though one location in Fountain Valley, California, later reopened in 2015 as a tribute to the original concept.
Now you can keep the memory of this innovative fast food chain alive with this premium quality t-shirt. The distressed, cracked vintage logo design on the front captures the weathered charm and timeless appeal that made Naugles so special. The back remains clean and blank for a classic look.
- Material: 100% preshrunk heavy cotton (5.3 oz)
- Brand: Gildan 5000
- Fit: Classic unisex standard fit
- Sizes: Available in S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL
- Colors: Multiple popular color options available
- Label: Tear-away for comfort
- Printing: State-of-the-art direct-to-garment technology for vibrant, long-lasting colors
- Design: Vintage logo on front only
This comfortable, durable shirt is perfect for fast food history enthusiasts, vintage California memorabilia collectors, or anyone who appreciates the story behind innovative American dining concepts. Whether you're a former customer reliving fond memories or discovering this piece of culinary history for the first time, this t-shirt serves as a tribute to the entrepreneurial spirit and cultural fusion that made Naugles a true original in the fast food industry.
Honor the legacy. Wear the story.