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We're building the world's most loved, trusted and connected restaurant brands in partnership with the best franchise operators in the business.

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Our Four Iconic Brands

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<p> Taco Bell exclusive beverages are full of innovations, from the category-leading Mountain Dew Baja Blast to its 25-plus flavored Freezes, including the Strawberry Limonada. But the beverages have often been perceived as add-ons to the brand’s signature offerings, like the Crunchwrap, until December 2024 when Taco Bell opened its first Live Más Café, giving beverages literal real estate and creating yet another brand elevation. </p> <p>Each Live Más Café resides inside a Taco Bell but has its own drink machines and staff members, known as Bellristas. The reason for the restaurant within a restaurant? In 2024, the <a href="https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/u-s-non-alcoholic-beverages-market-107932#:~:text=KEY%20MARKET%20INSIGHTS,forecast%20period%20of%202025%2D2032." >U.S. nonalcoholic beverage market was valued at $169.5 billion</a>, with <a href="https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/us-specialty-coffee-market-report" >specialty coffees capturing over 25%</a> of that total. Both are projected to keep growing, which is kismet, because Taco Bell is set to open two additional California-based Live Más Cafes (for three total in the state), and it’s expecting 28 more by the end of 2025.</p> <p>“What differentiates Live Más Café from other beverage concepts is the elevated experience paired with the innovative spirit of Taco Bell,” said Taco Bell Marketing Director and Live Más Café Concept Lead Kathryn Chen. “You can satisfy two cravings at once by getting a specialty beverage and food under the same roof.”</p> <p>Live Más Café also has a unique origin story that involves a passionate franchisee, a cross-functional squad and a food innovation team that has developed a collective brain freeze after taste-testing SO. MANY. BEVERAGES. </p> <p>Here’s how Taco Bell opened its first shop within a shop, giving its beverages the spotlight.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b><span style="font-size: 18px;">Dreaming without handcuffs</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 18px;"></span></b></p> <p>Food Innovation Director Nola Krieg has been with Taco Bell for 11 years, and one of those years, she spent solely working on Live Más Café. She’s fuzzy on the concept’s origin story – she heard it had something to do with a few members of the leadership team and a passionate franchisee dreaming about future ideas after the first Live Más LIVE in Las Vegas. </p> <p>“But what happens in Vegas <i>doesn’t</i> stay in Vegas because Taco Bell Chief Food Innovation Officer Liz Matthews came to my desk soon after with what she called a ‘no handcuffs’ assignment,” Krieg said. “It was really exciting because we could create new specialty coffee, what you see in boba shops, infusions, pumps using lots of different trending flavors!”</p> <p><img src="/wps/wcm/connect/yumbrands/6b4a49ba-caa8-44f1-a789-5121a19c26ca/1/LMC-AppHomepage-FeaturedLMC.jpg?MOD=AJPERES" title="" style="width: 620px; height: 351px; margin: 0px auto; display: block;" /></p> <p>Drawing from Southern California’s Mexican-inspired cafés and cafés in Mexico City, Matthews and Krieg began ideating the beverage menu offerings, finding inspiration in Mexican-inspired drinks such as agua frescas and Mexican coffees that can be enjoyed from breakfast through late night. For weeks, that aforementioned franchisee, which happened to be Diversified Restaurant Group CEO and President SG Ellison (whose company owns and operates more than 360 quick service restaurants, a majority of which are Taco Bells), would come to the Taco Bell test kitchen for taste tests. Over time, Krieg finally pared down the menu to fruity Refrescas, specialty coffees, milkshake-like Churro Chillers and pre-packaged grab and go drinks from third-party vendors. The premium beverage lineup featured high quality ingredients, which was exciting, but supply chain posed a challenge for Krieg.</p> <p>“Where it really became tricky was figuring out how I’m supposed to get all of these ingredients in one store,” Krieg said as Ellison and Taco Bell intended to prove the concept in a single location before expanding. “Normally, our suppliers order in bulk for hundreds or thousands of stores, but we started with just one Live Más Café, so it was a lot of trial-and-error, working with our existing suppliers and some new ones who were all willing to lean in with us.”</p> <p>But the power of the brand and its parent company Yum! with its scale and collection of suppliers came through, and in the nick of time as within two weeks of opening, Live Más Café customers blew past sales forecasts, purchasing four times what Krieg had anticipated. </p> <p>“I remember calling the supplier, asking for a truck from Kansas to deliver more shake mix to California last minute,” Krieg said. “We sometimes had to scramble, but thankfully, we got it done with the partnership of our suppliers.” </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b><span style="font-size: 18px;">Designing for the ambition</span></b></p> <p>At first, Ellison and the Taco Bell team considered selling a new line of beverages alongside the food – via its existing counters and drive-thru windows. The move would increase sales, and possibly open new dayparts for the brand, but it wouldn’t change customer perception.</p> <p>“When you think about Taco Bell, you think about Doritos Locos Tacos, Crunchwraps – maybe Baja Blast to go with your food, but the beverage rarely comes to mind first,” said Chen. “So, it’s about designing for the ambition. If we want to be known as a beverage destination, then we need to have a physical presence and a differentiated experience that goes with it.”</p> <p><img src="/wps/wcm/connect/yumbrands/6b4a49ba-caa8-44f1-a789-5121a19c26ca/2/Live+M%C3%A1s+Caf%C3%A9_01.jpg?MOD=AJPERES" title="" style="width: 620px; height: 414px; margin: 0px auto; display: block;" /></p> <p>Watching the Bellristas make a drink, Chen says, gives a handcrafted element to it – shifting perceptions from a typical QSR premade concoction to a premium quality beverage. </p> <p>The shop-within-a-shop concept also plays well from an operations standpoint as the Bellrista is a new role for the brand delivering a personable experience to each customer. </p> <p>“Focused on serving elevated experiences and specialty beverages for our customers, the Bellrista is critical when integrating the Live Más Café model into our restaurant model, keeping hospitality, consistency, and efficiency top of mind,” said Taco Bell Senior Operations Manager Brent Harkins, who leads the Live Más Café Operations strategy.&nbsp;</p> <p>While Live Más Café doesn’t script what Bellristas can say, it does give them a brand vision that stops short of being prescriptive, allowing the team members the freedom to make it their own. This approach allowed the brand to open the café’s doors in nine months from concept to construction.</p> <p>"We didn’t need to hire the best bartender or juice maker—we needed Taco Bell team members with full hearts, bright smiles and great attitudes,” said Shane Grant, DRG director of operations. “We kept it simple, searching inside and outside Taco Bell to find incredible team members to bring the vision to life. During training, I ask the team to imagine hosting a party — welcoming guests with smiles, serving delicious food and drinks and creating special memories." </p> <p><b>&nbsp;</b></p> <p><b><span style="font-size: 18px;">Taking bold swings</span></b></p> <p>Live Más Café is emerging as a premium beverage destination. Nearly a year after its first location opened in Southern California, two more are opening in the region, with another handful in Texas. &nbsp;</p> <p>“We’ve designed a concept that has catapulted the brand to be legitimately considered for specialty beverages by consumers,” Chen said.</p> <p><img src="/wps/wcm/connect/yumbrands/6b4a49ba-caa8-44f1-a789-5121a19c26ca/3/Live+M%C3%A1s+Caf%C3%A9_02.jpg?MOD=AJPERES" title="" style="width: 620px; height: 414px; margin: 0px auto; display: block;" /><br /></p> <p>The initial results show that happening – many customers are making it part of their daily ritual, coming for the beverage and adding on the food, opening that snacking occasion and solidly giving beverages main character energy. </p> <p>“The ambition for Live Más Café is to become a meaningful part of Taco Bell’s future,” Chen said. “We’re learning and ideating on the future of Live Más Cafe every day, and we intend to take bold swings on how it could come to life.”</p>
<ul dir="ltr"> <li><i>Sean Tresvant named Yum! Brands&nbsp;Chief Consumer Officer and Chief Executive Officer of Taco Bell</i></li> <li><i>Jim Dausch, Global Chief Digital &amp; Technology Officer of Pizza Hut, named&nbsp;Yum! Brands&nbsp;Chief Digital &amp; Technology Officer and President of Byte by&nbsp;Yum!</i></li> <li><i>Ranjith Roy, Yum! Chief Strategy Officer and Treasurer, named Yum! Brands&nbsp;Chief Financial Officer</i></li> </ul> <p dir="ltr"><b>LOUISVILLE, Ky., September 9, 2025 –</b> Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM) today announced strategic leadership appointments that will strengthen its enterprise capabilities and drive long-term value creation across its global portfolio.</p> <p dir="ltr">The appointments come as Chris Turner, Chief Executive Officer-Designate and Chief Financial &amp; Franchise Officer, Yum! Brands, Inc., prepares to step into the role of Chief Executive Officer on October 1.</p> <p dir="ltr">Sean Tresvant’s role will be expanded, and he will now serve as <strong>Taco</strong> <strong>Bell Chief Executive Officer and</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Yum! Brands Chief Consumer Officer</strong>, a role dedicated to ensuring the consumer of today and tomorrow remains at the forefront across Yum!’s iconic brands. No single part of Yum! is more focused on the consumer than Collider, Yum!’s in-house consumer insights agency. To elevate its full impact across our brands, Collider will now report to Tresvant, bringing together a combined marketing force to help unlock Yum!’s biggest growth opportunities.</p> <p dir="ltr">Tresvant has served as CEO of Taco Bell since 2024. He joined Yum! in January 2022 as the Global Brand Officer at Taco Bell. His leadership has propelled the brand to new heights and driven strong business results, delivering positive same-store sales growth every quarter of his tenure. He also led transformative initiatives across marketing, innovation and brand strategy notably driving cultural moments like the viral return of the Mexican Pizza and Taco Bell’s Consumer Day investor event and Live Más LIVE for fans. Prior to joining Yum!, Tresvant&nbsp;served as the Chief Marketing Officer of the Jordan Brand at Nike.&nbsp;</p> <p dir="ltr">“Sean is a talented and visionary business leader, and Taco Bell’s consumer-centric growth is undeniable,” said Turner. “His ability to create cultural relevance, fuel growth and connect with consumers in meaningful ways makes him the perfect leader to ensure our iconic brands win the hearts of the future consumer.”</p> <p dir="ltr">In addition, Jim Dausch, Global Chief Digital &amp; Technology Officer of Pizza Hut, has been promoted to&nbsp;<b>Yum! Brands’ Chief Digital &amp; Technology Officer and President of Byte by&nbsp;Yum!</b>, replacing Joe Park who is leaving Yum! to pursue an outside opportunity. Since joining Pizza Hut Global as CDTO, he’s led the brand’s technology strategy and created strong franchisee relationships. Previously, Dausch served as Executive Vice President &amp; Chief Consumer Officer at Under Armour, where he focused on driving consumer demand and engagement across the brand’s digital channels. Prior to that, he spent more than 20 years at Marriott, where, during his tenure, he led global digital and technology, sales, brand, operations and business transformation.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Jim is a seasoned and highly capable business leader with extensive experience in a complex, global, multi-brand franchised organization,” said Turner. “As we continue to scale Byte by Yum! and harness the power of AI, his leadership will be instrumental in elevating our digital capabilities, enabling franchisee success and creating even more connected and personalized experiences for our consumers.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Finally, Ranjith Roy<b> </b>(“Roy”)<b> </b>has been promoted to<b> Yum! Brands Chief Financial Officer, </b>taking over from Turner as he steps into the Chief Executive Officer role. Roy joined Yum! in 2024 as Chief Strategy Officer and Treasurer, overseeing strategy, mergers and acquisitions and treasury operations. In this role, he brought financial expertise and a strategic lens to key growth initiatives and balance sheet management. As CFO, Roy will play a pivotal role in driving Yum!’s financial planning and performance across its iconic brands. Before joining Yum!, Roy served as CFO of the e-commerce marketplace Goldbelly, where he helped scale operations and unlock new growth opportunities. He also spent more than 15 years with Goldman Sachs where he led investment banking relationships for restaurant, food and food tech businesses, building industry expertise.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Roy brings a blend of commercial acumen as well as strategic insight on Yum! and the restaurant industry to the CFO role,” said Turner. “He has a proven ability to navigate fast-paced and complex environments with a sharp focus on long-term value creation.”</p> <p dir="ltr">In addition to these promotions, Turner plans to add a&nbsp;<b>Chief Scale Officer</b> to his leadership team. Yum! Brands is beginning a search for a candidate to fill this new role, which will focus on leveraging Yum!’s scale to accelerate franchisee returns, maximize unit economics and drive restaurant profitability across the entire enterprise. This leader will oversee global functions including supply chain, Franchise Office, Food Safety &amp; Quality Assurance and more, and will play an important role in scaling innovations and driving sustainable growth.&nbsp;</p> <p dir="ltr">“This new structure and industry-leading talent strengthens our ability to deliver for our stakeholders and positions Yum! to grow in ways that only we can,” said Turner. “With their deep expertise and innovative thinking, alongside our already strong leadership team, I am confident we will continue to build on our momentum and shape the future of Yum! together.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><b>About Yum! Brands</b>&nbsp;<br /> Yum! Brands, Inc., based in Louisville, Kentucky, and its subsidiaries franchise or operate a system of over 61,000 restaurants in more than&nbsp;155&nbsp;countries and territories under the company’s concepts – KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and Habit Burger &amp; Grill. The Company's KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut brands are global leaders of the chicken, Mexican-inspired food and pizza categories, respectively. Habit Burger &amp; Grill is a fast casual restaurant concept specializing in made-to-order chargrilled burgers, sandwiches and more.&nbsp;In 2024, Yum! was named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index North America, Newsweek’s list of America’s Most Responsible Companies, USA Today’s America’s Climate Leaders and 3BL’s list of 100 Best Corporate Citizens. In 2025, the Company was recognized among TIME magazine’s list of Best Companies for Future Leaders. In addition, KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut led Entrepreneur's Top Global Franchises 2024 list and were ranked in the first 25 of Entrepreneur’s 2025 Franchise 500, with Taco Bell securing the No. 1 spot in North America for the fifth consecutive year.</p> <p dir="ltr">###</p> <p dir="ltr"><b>Contacts</b></p> <p dir="ltr">Analysts may contact Investor Relations at 888/298-6986.</p> <p dir="ltr">Media may contact Public Relations at 502/874-8200.</p>
<p> <i>Since its founding in 1997, Yum! has been Serving Up Good with its brands by investing in initiatives that enable team members, employees and communities to thrive. Yum! remains committed to using its capital – financial and human – to reduce food insecurity and to help individuals gain the skills and capabilities they need to build meaningful careers. This series highlights both the stories of Yum! leaders who are driving meaningful change and shaping a better future for all, as well as the beneficiaries of the many community impact programs Yum! leads around the world.</i>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p><br /></p> <p>When Andrew German was a sophomore, he dropped out of college, unable to pay for another semester. Since he wasn’t going to class, his aunt asked him to accompany her to their local Taco Bell for a job interview, serving as her translator. By the end of the interview, the manager was so impressed that both German and his aunt left with jobs. </p> <p>Less than a year into his new role, German’s manager recalled how he often talked about practicing with a local dance company that he started outside of work and was aware of the obstacles that German faced with his first attempt at college. Taking both into consideration, she encouraged him to re-enroll in school and apply for the Live Más Scholarship to help make his educational goals possible. &nbsp;While this scholarship offers financial support for school, it’s a passion-based scholarship —applicants submit a video showcasing what they care about, rather than writing a traditional essay.</p> <p>“My manager saw so much potential in me and encouraged me to apply,” German said. &nbsp;“After my first college experience, I didn’t feel very confident about going after new opportunities. But she truly believed in me and encouraged me to take the leap, so I did.”</p> <p>A few weeks later, German’s manager asked to meet with him; he thought it was to interview for a shift lead position. But instead of an interview, she surprised him with a $25,000 Live Más Scholarship.</p> <p>German is just one of over 3,000 Live Más scholars. Continue reading to learn how he advanced from a restaurant team member to an analyst with the Taco Bell Foundation, where he now manages the Live Más Scholarship program.</p> <p><img src="/wps/wcm/connect/yumbrands/9828677c-5c25-4f70-99ae-d9d4288ee717/1/Andrew+Live+Mas+Scholarship+Awarding.jpg?MOD=AJPERES" title="" style="width: 600px; height: 450px; margin: 0px auto; display: block;" /><br /></p> <p><b><span style="font-size: 18px;">How did your experience as a Live </span><span style="font-size: 18px;">Más</span><span style="font-size: 18px;"> Scholar help you understand the impact and mission of the Taco Bell Foundation?</span></b> </p> <p>I had never heard of the Taco Bell Foundation until I applied for the Live Más Scholarship, but I now know that the Taco Bell Foundation is on a mission to fuel bold ambitions, inspiring the next generation to Live Más.</p> <p>The scholarship opens doors in fields like food, arts, trades and entrepreneurship by focusing on each recipient’s story, strengths and dreams. Live Más goes beyond financial aid, providing scholars with career resources, mentorship and connections with professionals to help achieve their goals. </p> As an employee managing this program, I've learned that everyone has talent and potential. We help individuals realize and utilize their abilities to grow. Our organization has the resources and expertise to make these experiences accessible to young people facing barriers. <p><b><br /><img src="/wps/wcm/connect/yumbrands/9828677c-5c25-4f70-99ae-d9d4288ee717/2/Andrew+Video+2.png?MOD=AJPERES" title="" style="width: 700px; height: 392px; margin: 0px auto; display: block;" /></b></p> <p><b><span style="font-size: 18px;"><br /></span></b></p> <p><b><span style="font-size: 18px;">Is it fair to say the foundation changed your life?</span></b></p> <p>One thousand percent yes! After I was awarded the scholarship, the foundation kept me engaged with various opportunities that aligned with my love for dance, from a music video cameo to national campaign features. </p> <p>The Live Más Scholarship offered numerous workshops and conferences where I met Taco Bell senior leadership, learned about internships and got a first look at corporate jobs, I’d have to say that the mentorship was my favorite part. As a Live Más scholar, I was mentored by Zach Trail from the People &amp; Culture team. His story mirrored mine, and his guidance helped me silence my imposter syndrome. With his encouragement, and the support of Mikerra Spoon with the Talent Acquisition team, I applied for a role I was interested in at the corporate office. Although I didn't get the first role I applied to, Mikerra thought I’d be a great fit for another open role with the Taco Bell Foundation and with Zach’s continued motivation, I tried again, and this time I got it! The program's exposure and support were instrumental in my career growth, reinforcing my mantra, “Alone you can do so little, but together we can do so much.”</p> <p><img src="/wps/wcm/connect/yumbrands/9828677c-5c25-4f70-99ae-d9d4288ee717/3/Andrew+TB+PSA.png?MOD=AJPERES" title="" style="width: 600px; height: 337px; margin: 0px auto; display: block;" /><br /></p> <p><b><span style="font-size: 18px;">What key insights have you gained in your role that others should know?</span></b></p> <p>While the Scholarship isn’t exclusively for Gen Z applicants, my close work with this generation — through my dance studio, youth-centered volunteer work and professional relationships with restaurant team members — revealed clear gaps in how organizations connect with them. I saw an opportunity to ensure our program didn’t just include Gen Z but truly supported their needs. Rather than relying on outside interpretations, I’ve found the most effective insights come from direct engagement. By treating Gen Z as collaborators, not just recipients, their voices have been able to help shape our scholarship experience&nbsp;in a way&nbsp;that resonates across generations and is especially impactful for the next one.</p> <p><br /></p> <i>Whether through a passion for dance or a dedication to inspiring the next generation, teaching is at the heart of what fuels German. You can support the journey of ambitious individuals, like him, aspiring to live their dreams, by </i><a href="https://www.tacobellfoundation.org/donate/" ><i>donating to the Taco Bell Foundation </i><i>Live Más Scholarship program.</i></a> <p><br /></p>