Brian Nagele
Popular fast food restaurant Taco Bell offers Mexican-inspired fare. Given that Taco Bell is one of the most well-known brands in the fast food sector, many people would be curious about its ownership. The answer is Yum! Brands, Inc., a significant American fast food company that also owns well-known franchises including KFC and Pizza Hut.
Yum! Brands, Inc., originally Tricon Global Restaurants, Inc., is a Fortune 1000 company with operations in more than 150 nations.
When PepsiCo made the decision to separate its fast food division, which included KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell, the corporation was born.
With more than 50,000 locations and $13 billion in annual revenue, Yum! Brands, Inc. is currently one of the biggest restaurant companies in the world.
Taco Bell is only one of the numerous trademarks that are included in Yum! trademarks, Inc.
Taco Bell Ownership History
Early Years
Glen Bell created Taco Bell in 1962, opening his first location in Downey, California.
Before deciding to try his hand at Mexican food, Glen Bell had previously owned a hot dog and hamburger shop.
Although the first Taco Bell was a little taco stand with a small menu, it quickly became successful and Bell started adding more locations.
Acquisition by PepsiCo
Glen Bell sold Taco Bell to PepsiCo for $125 million in 1978. Around 868 Taco Bell stores could be found in the US at the time.
The purchase was a component of PepsiCo’s plan to broaden its product line and enter the fast food sector.
Taco Bell kept expanding quickly while owned by PepsiCo. The business developed its global footprint and added additional menu items in the 1980s and 1990s.
In 1997, Tricon Global Restaurants was created out of the restaurant section of PepsiCo, which included Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and KFC.
Tricon Global Restaurants became Yum! Brands, Inc. in 2002. With more than 50,000 locations across more than 150 countries, Yum! Brands is currently one of the largest restaurant brands in the world.
With more than 7,000 stores worldwide, Taco Bell continues to be one of its most well-known brands.
In general, Taco Bell’s ownership history has been rather steady, with just two significant changes occurring since the company’s start.
The company’s unique menu options and flexibility in responding to shifting consumer preferences have been key factors in its success.
Current Ownership
Yum! Brands, Inc., a fast food company with its headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky, now owns Taco Bell.
Tricon Global Restaurants, Inc. was the previous name of Yum! Brands until it changed its name in 2002.
Other fast food franchises controlled by Yum! Brands include KFC, Pizza Hut, and The Habit Burger Grill, with the exception of China, where a different company, Yum China, is in charge of running the brands.
Business Insider claims that since Yum! Brands now have scale, it is not necessary for it to expand through the acquisition of additional businesses.
Taco Bell has been a part of Yum! Brands’ portfolio since 1997, when it paid $125 million for the restaurant business.
Taco Bell had more than 5,000 stores in the US and about 300 in other nations at the time of the acquisition.
Since that time, Taco Bell has expanded tremendously while being owned by Yum! Brands. There are more than 7,000 Taco Bell restaurants globally as of 2021, with the majority of them in the US.
In addition, Taco Bell has added breakfast meals and vegetarian and vegan options to its menu.
Taco Bell has been successfully owned by Yum! Brands, and the business is still a well-liked place for many people to get fast food.
Financial Information
A publicly traded business called Yum! Brands, Inc., which also owns KFC and Pizza Hut, is the owner of the fast-food brand Taco Bell.
Taco Bell contributed a large amount of Yum! Brands’ $17.6 billion in revenue as of 2023, according to that company’s report.
Taco Bell was predicted to have revenue of about $4.5 billion in 2023, making it one of Yum! Brands’ top-performing brands.
The corporation operates more than 7,000 restaurants across the globe, the most majority of which are found in the United States.
Taco Bell’s success can be due to its creative menu options, many of which feature seasonal foods that thrill and excite customers.
The business has also made significant technological investments, and functions like mobile ordering and delivery have aided in boosting sales.
Taco Bell has remained resilient in the face of the COVID-19 outbreak, as the firm just reported positive same-store sales growth.
By 2023, Taco Bell will be in a good position to maintain its dominance in the fiercely competitive fast-food sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns Taco Bell?
Taco Bell is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. Yum! Brands is a publicly traded company that also owns other fast-food chains, including KFC and Pizza Hut.
When was Taco Bell founded?
Taco Bell was founded in 1962 by Glen Bell in Downey, California. The first Taco Bell restaurant was a small stand that sold tacos for 19 cents each.
How many Taco Bell restaurants are there?
As of 2021, there are over 7,000 Taco Bell restaurants in the United States and around the world. The company has expanded to over 30 countries, including Canada, Mexico, Australia, and India.
What kind of food does Taco Bell serve?
Taco Bell serves a variety of Mexican-inspired foods, including tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, and more. The company is also known for its unique menu items, such as the Crunchwrap Supreme and the Doritos Locos Tacos.
Does Taco Bell offer vegetarian and vegan options?
Yes, Taco Bell offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan options on its menu. The company has a “Make It Vegetarian” option that allows customers to substitute beans for meat in any menu item. Taco Bell also offers a dedicated vegetarian menu that includes items like the Black Bean Crunchwrap Supreme and the Veggie Power Bowl.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Yum! Brands, Inc., a global fast food company that also owns KFC and Pizza Hut, controls Taco Bell.
Glen Bell launched Taco Bell in 1962, and it has since expanded to rank among the biggest fast food restaurants in the world.
Over 50,000 restaurants are part of Yum! Brands, Inc.’s portfolio, which is spread over more than 150 nations and territories.
Due to the company’s emphasis on franchising, it has been possible for it to grow quickly and keep a commanding position in the industry.
Taco Bell’s unique menu choices, audacious marketing strategies, and great brand recognition are all factors in its success.
The business has embraced technology as well, putting a particular emphasis on mobile ordering and delivery.
