 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."