Yum! Restaurants to launch Mexican chain Taco Bell

US-based fast food restaurants brands operator Yum! Restaurants is planning to introduce its Mexican speciality chain Taco Bell in India with the first restaurant planned to start in Bangalore in October.

Yum! Restaurants, which operates brands like Pizza Hut and KFC, is looking to tap the young consumer segment with Taco Bell’s Mexican offerings as part of its effort to increase its footprint in the estimated $1-billion Indian fast food market.

“The first Taco Bell restaurant will be opened in Bangalore sometime in October. It will offer the latest Mexican delights customised for the tastes of the Indian consumers,” Yum Restaurants India Managing Director (Indian Subcontinent) Niren Chaudhary said.

He said the company would be introducing Taco Bell as a new concept for the young India foodies and test the market before undertaking an expansion of the brand.

“The Indian customer is waiting for new concepts in the quick service restaurant (QSR) segment. Besides, the Mexican delicacies will have a sure market in India with their spicy food,” Chaudhary said.

The Louisville (Kentucky)-based company operates over 5,600 Taco Bell restaurants in the US, which specialises in Mexican items like burritos and quesdillos. Yum! Restaurants currently runs 50 KFC and 110 Pizza Hut restaurants in India.