The Student Union is making a run for the border.

Taco Bell Express, a miniature version of the brand-name fast-food restaurant, will open Thursday inside Cafe Sonora, said Mike Low, Student Union assistant director for student business affairs.

"We wanted to say something to the students a long time ago," Low said. But because of legalities surrounding contract negotiations, he said, they had to wait until an agreement was signed.

Low said their newest tenant is an attempt to meet the growing student demand to include brand-name products in the Student Union's food service offerings.

In a survey of 600 incoming freshman, Taco Bell Express was their top fast-food choice for the union.

Students, however, will find that Taco Bell Express' menu is limited, Low said. For instance, the "Lite" brand will not be offered because it is still in Taco Bell's product-development stage.

So, Cafe Sonora will continue to offer its main menu line for students wanting more than the standard taco or burrito, Low said.

"If you like our combination platters, our soups, or chimichangas € you can still get that," Low said. "We consider ourselves very fortunate that Taco Bell will allow its brand to exist right next to ours."

Donald Barlow, chemical engineering senior, said he would try out the Taco Bell Express when it opens.

"I prefer it over Cafe Sonora," he said.

Trey Jackson, management information systems sophomore, said he would like to see a variety of offerings in the student union.

"Compared to ASU, this union doesn't seem to have the variety," he said.

Low said the Student Union will operate the station with equipment shipped to the UA from Taco Bell. The Union will follow complete plans and specifications from installation of the food preparation equipment to placing the last olive on a Taco Bell tostada.

When students go through the line, Low said, they will give them genuine Taco Bell items.

"They are very specific on how they prepare the product," Low said.