News

Taco Bell signs global master franchisees in Brazil, Spain

June 28, 2018

Taco Bell has signed its first master franchise agreements with Sforza Holding Group in São Paulo, Brazil, and Casual Brands Group in Spain, making the two franchisees two of the largest by store count in the brand's family of operators, a news release said. 

"This growth will take us further down the path of becoming a truly global brand," Taco Bell International President Liz Williams, said in the release. 
Sforza Holding Group began working with Taco Bell International two years ago under the ownership of the Martins family, who own and operate all  Taco Bell restaurants in Brazil. The group set a development record for the brand by opening more than 20 restaurants in under two years with expectations of growing to more than 200 locations in the state of São Paulo by 2027. 

CBG has worked with the brand for 10 years and now owns and operates 40 Taco Bell restaurants in Spain. Two years ago, it was awarded the brand's International Franchisee of the Year recognition, and its new agreement guarantees it will build more than 200 locations over the next decade. 

Since 2016, Taco Bell has opened in eight new international markets, including China, Australia, Finland, the Netherlands, Scotland, Sri Lanka, Romania and most recently, Peru. By the end of this year, outside of the U.S., it will have more than 500 restaurants in 27 markets with a plan of 1,000 locations globally by 2022.

Domestically, Taco Bell has than 7,000 restaurants, with plans for 2,000 more by 2022.