The owners of ColCal Colorado Inc. dba Taco Bell sold their 10 Taco Bell restaurants located in Mesa, Delta and Montrose counties to Alvarado Restaurant Nation, a Denver-based company that owns and operates more than 200 Taco Bell and KFC locations.

ColCal Colorado Inc., owned and operated by the Basinger family, announced the sale in a news release, which said, “The transition officially took effect October 21, 2026, marking the close of a 49-year chapter for the Basinger family and the beginning of a new era for Taco Bell in western Colorado.”

The news release added: “The story began in 1977, when Ken Basinger started his career with Taco Bell. Through years of dedication and hard work, he advanced within the organization, gaining the experience that would eventually lead him to franchise ownership. In 2012, Ken became the sole owner of the franchise, continuing to build the business with the involvement of the Basinger family.

“As this chapter closes, the Basinger family extends their sincere appreciation to the employees, customers and community members who have been part of their journey.”

Five of the Taco Bell restaurants are in Grand Junction, two in Montrose, and one apiece in Fruita, Clifton and Delta.

Alvarado Restaurant Nation says on its website it opened its first Taco Bell location in 1984 in downtown Denver.