Taco Bell plans to be open in Bowling Green just before Christmas.

Bell American Group of Indianapolis joined local leaders in breaking ground on the one million dollar project Thursday.

The 40-seat restaurant will have 25 employees and feature an updated design that’s new to the franchise in Missouri and Illinois. Opening is planned for December 12.

Bell American started with two Taco Bells franchises in 1982 and now operates more than 170 restaurants with 200 million dollars in sales.

Plans call for two entry points – one off of Business 61 and another along Sharry Street in the Bowling Green Business Park.

Taco Bell will be the second restaurant in the business park. The Saints Avenue Café opened two years ago.