Taco Bell picks Essex for launch of first UK site

Taco Bell, the US-based Mexican restaurant giant, is to launch its first UK outlet in Essex next month. The chain, a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, which also operates Pizza Hut and KFC, will use a franchise model in the UK and target the value end of the market. Items on its menu will start at 79p.

Nick Dawson, the general manager for Taco Bell UK and Europe, said: "There is a gap in the quick service market for a fresh concept like ours, and I am confident that our wide range of exciting new menu items at unbeatable prices will prove very popular over here." The first restaurant will open in the Lakeside Shopping Centre at the end of June. Mr Dawson said: "This will be the first of a long existence in the UK."