The Hard Shell Invention
Glen Bell founded “Bell’s Hamburgers and Hot Dogs” in San Bernardino, CA. After watching long lines at the Mitla Cafe across the street, he engineered a pre-fried U-shaped crispy taco shell to serve fast Mexican food.
◷ Brand Heritage & Origins
About Taco Bell: History, Glen Bell & Brand Milestones
From a humble hamburger stand in San Bernardino to a global Mexican-inspired powerhouse with over 8,200 restaurants worldwide.
First Official Taco Bell
Glen Bell officially opened the first Taco Bell restaurant in Downey, California, serving crispy tacos for just 19 cents each. By 1964, the first franchise location was established.
PepsiCo & Yum! Brands
PepsiCo purchased Taco Bell from Glen Bell in 1978 for $125 million. In 1997, PepsiCo spun off its restaurant division into Tricon Global Restaurants, renamed Yum! Brands in 2002.
Doritos Locos & Cantina
Launch of Doritos Locos Tacos (over 1 billion sold), AVA Vegetarian certification, the “Live Más” brand ethos, and the 2024–2026 premium Cantina Chicken menu revolution.
8,200+ Restaurants Worldwide
Taco Bell serves more than 42 million customers every week across 30+ international countries.
First QSR AVA Certified
The first national quick-service brand certified by the American Vegetarian Association, offering over 30 certified vegetarian ingredients.
Parent Company: Yum! Brands
Operates alongside sister chains KFC, Pizza Hut, and The Habit Burger Grill under Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM).