Today is a sad day for humanity. The founder of Taco Bell, Glen Bell, has passed away. I never knew the man personally, but he definitely brought us the single greatest fast food restaurant in the world.

Let me explain:

You can argue for days as to who is better (McDonalds, Subway, Burger King, Dunkin Donuts, or Taco Bell) and you’ll have many different answers. The main reason why Taco Bell beats all of these out in my eyes is because not only did Glen Bell make Mexican food accessible for all Americans who weren’t neighbors with Mexico, but he made them crave it.

No one had to do this with cheeseburgers, french fries, chicken sandwiches, donuts, and turkey sandwiches – they’re as American as over taxation (and given our wastelines are enjoyed more than exercise). The explosion in Mexican and Hispanic eateries would not be well received with main stream America if Bell didn’t take the plunge.

Note: If you listen to the Herd, they covered the “big four” fast food restaurants this morning. This not a plug for the show or an attempt to steal their humor.

Long live the legacy of the man who brought us the 7-layer burrito and the Chalupa.

Thanks to Gabbalicious for passing this along.