Business all seem to be trying to find ways to make social media work for them. They think if they can get the right mix and the best message it will be the key to success. But at the same time they are fighting to gain market share they are struggling to make sure social media doesn't come around to bite them in the rear.
This week pictures surfaces of an employee of Taco Bell licking a stack of taco shells. He is clearly in the Taco Bell kitchen and wearing the uniform. As of right now, even though the pic has been posted, no comments have been made on the Taco Bell social sites. The article says that the Huffington Post has reached out to the company for answers, but don't have an official statement.
This isn't the first time this has happened to a brand, especially one where food is involved. In fact anyone who has ever worked in a restaurant knows what can happen in a kitchen. But knowing or suspecting what is happening is different from seeing the picture right in front of you.
There is no proof that the shells in question were eaten by any customers. This could easily have been food scheduled to be thrown out as waste, which would be the best case scenario.
No matter if the shells made it to customer or to the trash, either way it hurts the brand. It makes consumers think twice, especially in a fast food environment when many customers pick a restaurant based on what they drive by. Will they still stop at Taco Bell or will they continue up the road and look for the next food option. Does this type of picture make you think twice before you go to Taco Bell?