There’s a controversial discussion lately surrounding the question, “does Pepsi own Taco Bell?”. Well, before going into the detail, let me first answer the question.
Pepsi or PepsiCo (the parent company of Pepsi) doesn’t own Taco bell which is contrary to many people’s beliefs.
So if that’s the case, who owns Taco Bell, and what are the other companies they own? What are the companies owned by PepsiCo? Why the misconception about the owner of Taco Bell?
In this article, I will answer all the above questions and any other ones you may have regarding Pepsi being the owner of Taco Bell.
SEE: Here’s How You Can Still Get Meximelt At Taco Bell
About PepsiCo
PepsiCo, Inc. is a multinational food, snacks, and beverage corporation that produces, markets, and distributes products in more than 200 countries and territories. The company is known as the largest bottler of Pepsi-Cola beverages in the world.
Dating back to 1893, the history of PepsiCo began when Caleb Bradham started selling carbonated drinks out of his drug store in New Bern, North Carolina.
Since then, Pepsi has grown into one of the largest companies in the world by acquiring numerous other businesses and brands.
Founded in 1965 and headquartered in Harrison, New York, in the hamlet of Purchase, PepsiCo has about 23 brands in its product portfolio each of which generates more than $1 billion in estimated annual retail sales as of 2021.
Some of the product of PepsiCo includes Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Gatorade, Tropicana, Diet Pepsi, 7 Up, Doritos, Brisk, Cheetos, Lay’s, Mirinda, Aquafina, Quaker Foods, Kevita, Propel, Ruffles, Sobe, H2oh, and Sabra to mention a few.
Does Pepsi Own Taco Bell?
Taco Bell is not owned by Pepsi, though at a time it was, not anymore. PepsiCo the parent company of Pepsi expanded its business by acquiring other businesses which the majority were fast-casual restaurants.
This acquisition took place between the late-1970s and the mid-1990s. It was during this time PepsiCo acquired Taco Bell and became its parent company.
Other restaurants that PepsiCo bought back then include Pizza Hut, Hot ‘n Now, KFC, and Chevys Fresh Mex among others.
In 1997, in an attempt to focus on its primary snack food and beverage business, PepsiCo sold out some of its non-core subsidiaries while others including Taco Bell were spun off into a new company named Tricon Global Restaurants.
SEE: How to Win $500 Cash Prize at Taco Bell
If Pepsi doesn’t own Taco Bell, then who owns it?
The name of Taco Bell’s parent company is Yum! Brands, Inc. So, Yum! Brands own Taco Bell.
The businesses PepsiCo spun off into a new company named Tricon Global Restaurants was what later became Yum! Brand. This is where people get the misconception that it is Pepsi that owns Taco Bell.
However, Yum! Brands Inc is no longer owned by PepsiCo. But how did Yum! Brands come into the picture?
In March 2002, Yorkshire merge with Tricon Global Restaurants (which was a conglomerate of some of the spun-off PepsiCo subsidiaries) and this was what brought about the company Yum! Brands.
SEE: IHOP All Day Breakfast And Its Menu
About Yum! Brands Inc.
Yum! Brands Inc. is known to be one of the world’s largest fast food restaurant companies in terms of system units.
Through its subsidiaries, the company operates restaurant chains in the United States and some other countries such as Australia, Germany, the Netherlands, Thailand, and Japan.
Apart from Taco Bell, Yum! also own some other popular fast-food restaurants which I will discuss in the next section. The Company’s segments include Europe; Latin America; North America; Asia Pacific; Middle East & Africa; China and Other International.
Other companies owned by Yum! Brands Inc.
1. Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC)
KFC is one of the world’s largest quick service restaurant brands with many restaurants in over 145 countries and territories. The company offers a variety of menu items including chicken sandwiches, wraps, salads, and sides.
Today KFC operates more than 25,000 restaurants around the world with more than 4,300 of those located in the United States. KFC is also one of Yum!’s top five largest global brands.
KFC has long been known for its secret recipe of 11 herbs and spices used to flavor its fried chicken product.
The company also offers an extensive line of vegetarian products such as French Fries, whole kernel corn, green beans, and baked beans.
SEE: How to Eat at KFC Restaurant for Free
2. WingStreet
Specializing in chicken, WingStreet is another American multi-national restaurant chain that is owned by Yum! Brands. WingStreet currently operates more than 1,000 locations throughout the United States and Canada.
Apart from chicken dishes, WingStreet’s menu also includes Fried Cheese Sticks, Apple Pies, and pizza. They also serve dipping sauces and drinks.
SEE: How to Stand a Chance to Win a $50 Gift Card at Wingstop
3. Pizza Hut
When it comes to authentic pasta, pizza, salads, and sandwiches, Pizza Hut is one of the largest restaurants you can point to. They are usually referred to as a pizza restaurants.
Pizza Hut also offers other menu items such as pasta, bread, and desserts. In addition to being sold through its own stores, Pizza Hut operates pizza delivery services throughout the United States.
With its headquarter in Plano, Texas, Pizza Hut currently operates over 3,639 restaurants across the United States with about 86 locations alone in Huston.
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5. The Habit Burger Grill
Known for its charbroiled hamburgers, The Habit Burger Grill is one of the American fast-casual restaurant chains that belongs to Yum! Brands Inc.
The Habit Burger Grill serves its burgers on a fresh, never frozen bun with real lettuce and tomatoes, along with a special sauce that’s made from fresh ingredients. The menu also includes salads and sandwiches.
In addition to its burger menu, The Habit Burger Grill also offers a selection of sandwiches and flatbreads. These include grilled chicken sandwiches, grilled fish sandwiches, grilled vegetarian sandwiches, and grilled steak sandwiches.
A variety of sauces are available for these sandwiches as well as for the burgers served at the restaurant. The restaurant also serves appetizers like chips and salsa, onion rings, and shakes.
SEE: Burger King Specials Menu: The Complete List
FAQs
Does Pepsi own Yum Brands?
No, Pepsi is not the parent company of Yum! Brands.
Does Pepsi own KFC?
KFC is owned by Yum! Brand Inc. and not Pepsi.
What does Pepsi own?
Brands that Pepsi own include Diet Pepsi, Pepsi, 7 Up, Doritos, Naked Juice, Brisk, Cheetos, Lay’s, Mirinda, Aquafina, Quaker Foods, Kevita, Starbucks bottled beverages, Tropicana, and Gatorade among others.
Does Pepsi own Burger King?
No, the parent company of Burger King is Restaurant Brands International and not Pepsi.
SEE: How to Get Free Whopper at Burger King
Conclusion: Does Pepsi Own Taco Bell?
Lastly, Pepsi or PepsiCo (Pepsi’s parent company) doesn’t own Taco Bell, at least not anymore. Unfortunately, many don’t know this.
While there are many Pepsi franchises across the country, Taco Bell is not one of them. It has been long acquired by Yum! Brands Inc., a holding company that owns several restaurants including Pizza Hut, KFC, The Habit Burger Grill, and WingStreet.
Now that you have the right answer, you can correct anyone still thinking Taco Bell is owned by Pepsi. While it was so many years ago, many people are not aware that the story has changed since 2002 when the name changed from Tricon Global Restaurants to Yum! Brands Inc.
I hope you found this article helpful. If you do, you should check out the Restaurants Category on Cheffist. You will get to see the complete list of your favorite restaurants’ menus and the amazing offers available.
Thank you for reading
