Go On, Big Guy

"Glen W. Bell Jr., the innovator and entrepreneur who tapped an unsated hunger for Mexican fare as Americans discovered fast food, creating Taco Tia, El Taco and in 1962 his signature Taco Bell, has died. He was 86.

As he restlessly built new stores and explored developing chains of food shops with partners, only to sell his interests, he influenced the creation of such fast-food brands as Taco Tia, Del Taco, El Taco and even Der Wienerschnitzel, whose owner he tutored.

Fresh out of names for a new enterprise, Bell turned to his real estate agent and friend, Bob Trujillo, who came up with the trademark Taco Bell.

The first Taco Bell opened in March 1962 in Downey."

-- The Los Angeles Times.