Taco Bell Corp. is an American multinational chain of fast food restaurants founded in 1962 by Glen Bell (1923–2010) in Downey, California. Taco Bell is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. The restaurants serve a variety of Mexican-inspired foods, including tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, novelty, and speciality items, and a variety of "value menu" items. As of 2023, Taco Bell serves over two billion customers each year, at 8,212 restaurants, more than 94 percent of which are owned and operated by independent franchisees and licensees.
Current headquarters at 1 Glen Bell Way in Irvine, California
A modern Taco Bell restaurant in Hiawassee, Georgia
Former headquarters at 17901 Von Karman Avenue in Irvine, California
The downstairs interior of the Taco Bell Cantina flagship store in Las Vegas, Nevada
A fast-food restaurant, also known as a quick-service restaurant (QSR) within the industry, is a specific type of restaurant that serves fast-food cuisine and has minimal table service. The food served in fast-food restaurants is typically part of a "meat-sweet diet", offered from a limited menu, cooked in bulk in advance and kept hot, finished and packaged to order, and usually available for take away, though seating may be provided. Fast-food restaurants are typically part of a restaurant chain or franchise operation that provides standardized ingredients and/or partially prepared foods and supplies to each restaurant through controlled supply channels. The term "fast food" was recognized in a dictionary by Merriam–Webster in 1951.
A fast-food restaurant in the port of Malinska, Croatia
A Hesburger fast-food restaurant in Tapiola, Espoo, Finland
A Café de Coral restaurant in Hong Kong
A fish and chip shop in Broadstairs, Kent, England