While fast food chains have long conducted private franchisee meetings to preview upcoming menu innovations and marketing efforts, Taco Bell last year took the extra step of conducting a separate keynote event, filled with music and celebrities in a bid to build buzz with common fans.

Taco Bell is testing a Caliente Cantina Chicken Burrito in Cincinnati and the Strawberry Passionfruit Aguas Refrescas in Charlotte.

"New investment is always important. Filling an empty building is even better," a Prattville city official said.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is suing on behalf of female workers employed by Teamlyders LLC and other affiliated companies doing business as Taco Bell restaurants, alleging discrimination and retaliation.

Items include soft and crispy tacos at about $2.99 each; a burrito at $5.99; a quesadilla at $6.49; and a chicken bowl with rice, black beans, iceberg lettuce, shreddedpurple cabbage, pico de gallo, reduced-fat sour cream, guacamole and cheddar cheese at $7.99.

A $2.59 potato bowl is at the center of the lawsuit, filed against the Albion restaurant owner and operator and the employee. The restaurant contended the substance was sour cream, the lawsuit says.