This is a story of the circle of life, fast-casual style.

First, the news you may have been wondering about: What is going on at the old Taco Bell at 3020 Easton Ave. in Bethlehem Township?

It's becoming an Arby's, the property's leasing agent and general contractor said Tuesday.

James Balliet, from Keller Williams Realty, said the owner is shooting to open by the end of July. Construction should be done around the start of the month, said Dean Thomas, superintendent for the contractor, Virginia-based Itek Construction.

Here's where it gets a little weird.

That location used to be a Taco Bell, before the franchise moved in 2016 to a new building at 2585 Easton Ave. in Bethlehem.

The new Taco Bell replaced a building that had been a Checkers and before that, until fall 2012, an Arby's.

So long-story short: The Bethlehem area now has a new Taco Bell and will soon have a new Arby's.

Itek has gutted the place and redone the exterior, raising the height of the building's parapets, Thomas said.

"Very little of it is actually remaining," he said of the original Taco Bell building.

A drive-through is in the works, as is outdoor patio seating.

Construction continues June 12, 2018, on the former Taco Bell at 3020 Easton Ave. in Bethlehem, which is being replaced by an Arby's expected to open in July. (Kurt Bresswein | For lehighvalleylive.com)

The building had been eyed as a Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, according to Balliet, but the owners went with Arby's based on area demographics.

Neither the owner nor Arby's parent Inspire Brands could be reached immediately for comment Tuesday.

Arby's has 3,415 locations around the world, in seven countries, including 3,283 domestically across 48 states. There are 138 Arby's locations in Pennsylvania, not counting the new one in Bethlehem Township.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.