Taco Bell’s New Model: Chipotle

Columbus Dispatch:

For Yum Brands Inc.’s Taco Bell, thinking outside the bun means going gourmet.

The chain, which once used a talking chihuahua to sell chalupas, is working with Miami chef Lorena Garcia to win back eaters who have become accustomed to Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc.’s style of Mexican fare.

Menu items will include Chipotle staples such as black beans, cilantro rice and corn salsa, Taco Bell President Greg Creed said last month.

Taco Bell could use a boost. The chain has shrunk by more than 1,000 stores since 2000 and has been left behind as Yum expanded its KFC and Pizza Hut chains overseas. Chipotle, meanwhile, has been a stock-market star, its shares tripling since the end of 2009.