The pandemic has sped up the evolution of fast food, and the newest Taco Bell in the Twin Cities is a peek into the future of the industry.

Driving the news: Local franchisee Border Foods opens the first-ever "Defy" restaurant today in Brooklyn Park.

How it works: The kitchen was built above four drive-thru lanes and a takeout window. A locally engineered conveyor system lowers the food down to pick-up kiosks.

• It has double the food production lines of a typical Taco Bell so it can handle twice the volume. The goal: Orders fulfilled in two minutes.

Why it matters: This idea for this Taco Bell — where tacos drop down from the sky and there's no indoor dining — was dreamed up during the pandemic, according to Lee Engler, CEO of Border Foods, which owns 230 Taco Bells.

What he found: Engler said pre-pandemic, about 65% to 70% of sales at Border's Taco Bells came from the drive-thru line. Now that number is north of 90%, even as the pandemic wanes.

• "We saw a lot of behavior change, and we don't see (the old way) coming back," he told Axios during a tour Monday.

The intrigue: Fast food restaurants everywhere are trying to figure out how to deal with more drive-thru traffic as well as the explosion of food delivery services like UberEats and Grubhub.

• Engler enlisted the services of Minneapolis-based Vertical Works Inc. to design the lift system.
• Having the kitchen above allows for four food points, instead of the one or two in a traditional drive-thru restaurants.
• That allows Taco Bell to dedicate three lanes to food delivery drivers as well as those who order on their phones in advance, clearing up the traditional drive-thru lane for old-fashioned customers. There's also a contactless counter service inside.

What's ahead: Engler said Border Foods is already working up plans for new "Defy" locations, but that's tricky because not every city is as supportive of drive-thrus like Brooklyn Park was.

• While this one doesn't have a dining room, future locations might, he said.

The upcoming criminal trial of two former Minneapolis police officers charged in connection with George Floyd's death has been postponed until 2023.

The big picture: Tou Thao and J. Alexander Kueng were set to stand trial on aiding and abetting second-degree murder and manslaughter charges starting next week.

• But on Monday, Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill moved the start date to Jan. 5 over concerns that the former cops wouldn't get a fair trial given coverage of other recent developments.

The intrigue: With such a long runway until the rescheduled trial, Thao and Kueng could still strike a plea deal with prosecutors before the proceedings begin.

Read the full story

🎾 The ball is in your court. Check out these opportunities.

1. Oracle Services - CC&B Functional Architect - Manager at EY.
2. Mobility Technician at Insight.
3. Data Analytics MGR at Old National.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

Hiring? Post a Job.

🙏 A 3-year-old boy was seriously injured in a shooting in North Minneapolis Sunday. It marked the eighth time a child under 10 has been struck by gunfire in Minneapolis since last April. (Star Tribune)

⛽ The average price of gas in Minnesota jumped another 35 cents this week, to $4.58 a gallon. (Fox9)

🗳️ Can't decide who to back on the ballot? Fargo is trying out "approval voting," which allows residents to select multiple candidates. Whoever gets the most votes wins. (MPR News)

? What is: #LocalAngle? A Twin Cities meteorologist with the National Weather Service knocked off the reigning champ in his "Jeopardy" debut last night, winning more than $18,000. (Pioneer Press)

A new food hall backed by well-known Twin Cities restaurateurs is set to open on Minneapolis' Eat Street this summer.

What's happening: The folks behind Bebe Zito and Zen Box Izakaya have teamed up to create launch Eat Street Crossing in the former Old Arizona Studios building at 2821 Nicollet Ave.

• A spokesperson told Axios the group is hoping to open in August.

What to expect: The 15,000-square-foot location will offer six dining concepts, including one featuring "fan-favorite food items" from Bebe Zito, a full bar, live music and a space for private events.

• A liquor and gift store is also slated for the Whittier property, though it will have a separate entrance.

Plus: The cocktail menu, crafted by former Khaluna beverage director Trish Gavin, will rotate quarterly and include non-alcoholic and drinks without sugar for people with diabetes.

🧛 Read the full story for a "Buffy" connection...

Jason DeRusha is sticking around in Twin Cities media and will host WCCO Radio's 3pm-to-6pm drive time slot.

Driving the news: WCCO Radio parent company Audacy announced DeRusha's new post as well as a reshuffling of hosts on the "Good Neighbor" this morning.

• Jordana Green and Adam Carter will host the 9am to noon show.
• Green's 3pm to 6pm co-host, Paul Douglas, is moving into a chief meteorologist role, with appearances throughout the day.
• Vineeta Sawkar will continue to host the morning show.

Of note: DeRusha's last day at WCCO TV is June 23. He starts June 27 on the radio dial.

• The TV and radio station are no longer affiliated.

More coverage: Jason DeRusha is leaving WCCO-TV after 19 years

Did you know that 2008 wasn't the Twin Cities' first time hosting a Republican National Convention?

Flashback: On this day in 1892 the RNC was held in Minneapolis.

• About 1,800 delegates and 10,000 spectators packed the Minneapolis Industrial Exposition building across the river from present day downtown, according to the Minnesota Historical Society.

Trivia: Without looking, who did the Republicans nominate that year?

• First Axios reader to respond with the correct answer gets free swag!