Taco Bell Motors to a Top Spot On the Best Drive-Thru in America 2002 Survey

Caperations by nearly 20 percent since 2000 has catapulted the company's "service time" ranking to fourth (167.15 seconds) this year from the seventh spot (179.43 seconds) in 2001. In 2000, Taco Bell placed eleventh (192.69 seconds) in this lifornia (October 4, 2002) - QSR Magazine's 2002 drive-thru study ranked Taco Bell® third overall, up two spots from fifth in 2001, among the nation's 25 leading quick-service Restaurant chains. The annual rankings demonstrate consistent year-to-year improvements in the company's service time and order accuracy.

"Drive-thru accounts for 66% prcent of Taco Bell business, so naturally we're very proud of our accomplishments," said Bob Nilsen, chief operating officer, Taco Bell Corp. "We're consistently improving our operations initiatives and have our sights set on the coveted No. 1 spot, overall," said Nilsen.

Another area where Taco Bell performed well and continues to make progress is order accuracy. Taco Bell ranked fourth this year from sixth in 2001 and thirteenth in 2000.

"Taco Bell, over the past four years, has improved their performance as much as other quick service restaurant chains, and more so than the vast majority," said Greg Sanders, editor/associate publisher, QSR Magazine.

Taco Bell Corp., a subsidiary of Yum! Brands Inc., is the nation's leading Mexican-style quick service restaurant chain serving tacos, burritos, signature Quesadillas, Border Bowls, nachos and other specialty items.

Taco Bell serves more than 35 million consumers each week in nearly 6,500 restaurants in the United States. In 2001, Taco Bell generated nearly $5 billion in systemwide sales.

QSR Study Methodology

The 2002 QSR Drive-Thru Time Study is an independent study conducted by Sparagowski & Associates, a market research firm based in Sylvania, Ohio. The study was co-sponsored by Sparagowski & Associates, QSR magazine and Phase Research.