It had to happen sooner or later.

Once upon a time, PepsiCo owned Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell. In 1997, the three brands were sold to Tricon Global Restaurants – which, incidentally, also operates all A&W and Long John Silver’s restaurants. The company changed its name to Yum! Brands, Inc. in 2002 “to reflect its expanding portfolio of brands and its ticker symbol on the New York Stock Exchange.”

Now, with an innovative concept they call “multibranding,” Yum! is serving up your favorite category-leading restaurants in pairs. I’ve seen a few of these at fuel stops; perhaps you have too. Today marked the first day that I saw two of these brands in a restaurant that was designed very specifically as a standalone. It wasn’t attached to any other building or even parking lot for that matter. There’s no escaping the thought that maybe this was done intentionally.

I think I shall dub the restaurant “Taco Fried Chicken.” After all, “Kentucky Fried Bell” just sounds gross. And yes, I did sample items from both menus, if you really must know. (Too. Much. Information.?ed)

Visit Taco Fried Chicken in lovely Ripon, Wisconsin.