Anyone wanting to make a run for the border in Franklinton will now no longer have to drive to Bogalusa to find the closest Taco Bell.

Wednesday, the parish’s newest Taco Bell opened, launched by Gregory Hamer, the owner of the Bogalusa store. This was the first Taco Bell in Franklinton. Hamer also owns the Picayune location and 93 locations in all, from Wiggins, Miss., through Angleton, Texas.

Hamer said he would have opened the Franklinton location sooner, except, “it took a while to secure the property.”

The Taco Bell is located on Washington Street, and Hamer said he figures it is a good spot.

“There seems to be a lot of development around here,” he said, pointing to the strip mall under construction next door.

In the first hour of operation, Hamer saw the drive-thru back up with cars, and a steady stream of diners walked through the doors.

“We’re glad to be here,” he said. “We hope the people are glad to have us.”