Taco Bell, founded by Glen Bell in 1962 in Downey, California, initially started as a hot dog stand before Bell pivoted to tacos, inspired by the nearby Mexican restaurants. By 1964, Bell opened the first Taco Bell restaurant in the same location, introducing his signature crispy-shell tacos. The chain rapidly expanded across the United States, pioneering the concept of fast-food Mexican cuisine. In 1978, PepsiCo acquired Taco Bell, marking the beginning of a series of corporate ownership changes. Throughout its history, Taco Bell has been known for its innovative menu items, including the introduction of the Crunchwrap Supreme and Doritos Locos Tacos, which have garnered widespread popularity and contributed to the brand's continued success in the fast-food industry.