KFC contributed $320 million of Restaurant Brand's $421 million sales income. Pizza Hut Pizza Hut entered the New Zealand market in September 1974, with the opening of its first restaurant in New Lynn, Auckland. Pizza Hut was acquired by Restaurant Brands in 1995 from PepsiCo. After the acquisition Restaurant Brands completely changed Pizza Hut from a dine-in business to a home delivery and takeaway operation. This was achieved by acquiring and rebranding the Eagle Boys chain in New Zealand. The first Eagle Boys store was converted to a Pizza Hut in June 2000 and the last store was converted just 13 weeks later. The majority are now home delivery and takeaway outlets. Pizza Hut commenced selling a number of its smaller regional stores to independent franchisees in 2011. Carl's Jr. In 2011, Restaurant Brands acquired the New Zealand franchise for Carl's Jr. The brand commenced rolling out stores in late 2012 and now has nearly 20 stores in operation. Taco Bell Rumours of Taco Bell being introduced to the New Zealand market by Restaurant Brands began to surface in 2011. In 2013, Restaurant Brands hinted at the possibility of further expanding and introducing Taco Bell to New Zealand, saying it could be achieved within the next year or two. Speculations resurfaced in 2015 when a Taco Bell-branded sign appeared on a Ponsonby Road storefront. Speculation of Restaurant Brands acquiring the New Zealand Taco Bell rights has risen after the announcement that the Auckland-based company had acquired a Hawaii-based fast food operator of the Taco Bell brand, among others, that operates in Hawaii, Guam, and Saipan. The company stated that the acquisition was not a prerequisite for acquiring the New Zealand rights, but rather a move that would give Restaurant Brands greater insight into the inner-workings of the brand. It was reported on 18 April 2018 that Restaurant Brands had acquired the New Zealand franchise rights for the Taco Bell fast food brand, and is planning to open their first store in New Zealand in the "not too distant future." Chief Executive Russel Creedy reported that the company, based on sales at its Taco Bell stores in Australia and Hawaii, would open a store soon. Creedy stated, in December 2017, that a trial store could be operational by the New Year. Radio New Zealand reported that the first store could be open by 2020. Taco Bell opened its first New Zealand