The new beverage agreement, set to launch system-wide in April of 2005, makes Pepsi the beverage supplier of choice to Taco John's.  After a comprehensive assessment that involved a decision-making "Beverage Council" of Taco John's executives and franchisees, Taco John's decided to make the switch to Pepsi beverages.  Taco John's will also offer Dr. Pepper in the new brand lineup.
 
"For the majority of our 35-year history, Taco John's has poured mostly Coca-Cola in the system. We chose system alignment behind a Pepsi partnership because Pepsi offers state-of-the-art equipment and the most responsive service in the field so we can pour the highest quality fountain beverages in the industry," said Brian Dixon, Taco John's vice president of marketing.

The Taco John's Beverage Council agreed that Pepsi's history of innovation and total portfolio of beverages appeals to the tastes of today's consumer.  "PepsiCo is continually innovating with new products and new beverage categories—which is critical when selecting a long-term beverage partner," said Brent Murray, Taco John's vice president of purchasing and distribution.  

"PepsiCo also offered in-depth marketing resources to help us solve for some fundamental beverage opportunities today and align with Taco John's strategic business initiatives into the future.  Taco John's is a strong and growing franchise, soon to be that much stronger through our partnership with Pepsi," added Dixon.  "The past year has been a successful one with the introduction of our new West-Mex™ menu items and marketing approach.  The Pepsi partnership is another step in fulfilling our mission of serving high-quality, fresh tasting food with the spirited service our customers have come to expect."

Taco John's operates and franchises more than 400 quick-serve restaurants in 27 states.  Independently owned and operated, the business opened its first restaurant in 1969.  Taco John's celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2004.  Taco John's prides itself on serving generous portions, menu items prepared fresh to your order, high quality ingredients, and special West-Mex™ recipes, seasonings and sauces.  

Purchase, N.Y.-based Pepsi-Cola North America (www.pepsi.com) is the $4 billion refreshment beverage unit of PepsiCo Inc. in the United States and Canada.  Its U.S. brands include Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Pepsi Edge, Pepsi ONE, Wild Cherry Pepsi, Pepsi Twist, Pepsi Vanilla, Mountain Dew, Diet Mountain Dew, Mountain Dew Code Red, Mountain Dew LiveWire, Sierra Mist, Sierra Mist Free, Mug, Slice, Aquafina, Dole single-serve juices, Tropicana Juice Drinks and SoBe.  The company also makes and markets North America's best-selling ready-to-drink iced teas and coffees, respectively, via joint ventures with Lipton and Starbucks.

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Source: Taco Johns