Chicken, Taco Chains Join Forces

Colonel Sanders is heading for the border.

PepsiCo’s KFC and Taco Bell chains have opened four joint restaurants here, with 50 scheduled to open nationwide by June. Analysts say the move could accelerate a trend of “dual branding” in the cutthroat fast-food business.

Customers can mix and match items from the full KFC menu and a slightly abbreviated Taco Bell menu.

“It’s an interesting blend. Taco Bell has a large day business. KFC is traditionally a dinner business,” said KFC Vice President Chuck Rawley, who spearheaded the move.

KFC first tested the two-in-one approach in Tapahannock, Va., two years ago and liked the results.

The first 50 stores will be located primarily in the Chicago, Detroit, Philadelphia, Atlanta and Los Angeles areas, Rawley said.