Glen Bell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Glen Bell
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| Born |
Glen William Bell Jr.
September 3, 1923 |
| Died | January 16, 2010 (aged 86) |
| Resting place | Rancho Santa Fe, California |
| Occupation | Restaurateur |
| Years active | 1948–2010 |
| Known for | Founder of Taco Bell restaurants |
| Spouse(s) | Martha Bell |
| Children | 3 |
Glen William Bell Jr. (born September 3, 1923 – died January 16, 2010) was an American businessman. He is famous for starting the popular fast-food chain, Taco Bell.
Contents
The Story of Taco Bell's Founder
Glen Bell was born in Lynwood, California. He grew up and finished high school in 1941. During World War II, he served as a cook in the U.S. Marine Corps.
After the war, Glen decided to open his own food stand. In 1948, he started 'Bell's Drive-In' in San Bernardino. He sold hot dogs there.
From Hot Dogs to Tacos
Glen was always looking for new ideas. In 1952, he sold his hot dog stand. He then built a second place that sold hot dogs and hamburgers. Soon, he started selling tacos too. He sold them for 19 cents each from a special window. He called this taco stand Taco-Tia.
Between 1954 and 1955, Glen opened three more Taco-Tia restaurants. He later sold these places. Then, he opened four "El Tacos" restaurants with a business partner. These were in the Long Beach area. Glen learned how to make his tacos from a local restaurant called Mitla Café.
The First Taco Bell
In 1962, Glen decided to go out on his own again. He sold his share of El Tacos to his partner. That same year, he opened his very first Taco Bell restaurant. It was located in Downey, California.
Taco Bell quickly became very popular. Glen started letting other people open Taco Bell restaurants using his name and ideas. This is called "franchising." His company grew very fast. By 1978, there were 868 Taco Bell restaurants. He sold the company to PepsiCo for a lot of money.
Glen Bell's Other Ventures
In the late 1970s, Glen Bell started a fun project. He opened a tourist railroad in Tuolumne, California. This railroad used old tracks and steam trains from a former logging company. Visitors could also enjoy boat rides and RV parking. Glen collected old train equipment to display at the park. The railroad closed in the early 1980s.
Later Life and Passing
Glen Bell passed away on January 16, 2010. He was 86 years old. He died in Rancho Santa Fe, California, due to Parkinson's disease. He left behind his wife, Martha, his two sons, one daughter, four grandchildren, and three sisters.
