Rusty Taco, the fast-casual chain known for made-to-order street-style tacos, is significantly expanding its national presence through a growing portfolio of non-traditional locations, including airports, convenience stores, and even a bowling alley. The Dallas-based brand announced new restaurants at Washington Dulles International Airport and Norfolk International Airport this fall, along with an upcoming location inside Bowlski's in Dallas.
The expansion into airports is a key part of Rusty Taco's strategy. A new location at Norfolk International Airport is set to open toward the end of November, growing the brand's presence among East Coast travelers. Additionally, Rusty Taco will open its second location at Washington Dulles International Airport in Concourse E in November, building on its first location that opened in Concourse D in 2023. This growth is in partnership with Affinity LLC, an experienced foodservice operator with a long-standing presence at Dulles. "Our growth in airports and other non-traditional venues is a strong example of how we can adapt to different environments while still delivering the same fresh menu guests know and love," said David Gonzalez, VP of Development for Gala Capital Partners, parent company of Rusty Taco. "It's also an opportunity to introduce our brand to travelers from across the country who might be trying us for the first time."
Beyond airports, Rusty Taco has established a track record of bringing its tacos to high-traffic environments. Its partnership with Good 2 Go Eats, a convenience store chain with 75 locations, brought the first Rusty Taco C-store location to Ammon, Idaho, in 2023, followed by agreements for eight additional locations. Three Denver area C-stores are open today, with four more set to open in early 2027. These locations run a reduced menu built around grab-and-go burritos. The brand also has a presence at Salt River Fields, the spring training home of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies, and served fans at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis for multiple seasons. This fall, Rusty Taco will add its first bowling alley spot at fellow Dallas-based brand Bowlski's.
These locations demonstrate how Rusty Taco's concept can adapt to different environments while maintaining the same made-to-order menu and guest experience. Its flexible operating model supports four dayparts – breakfast, lunch, happy hour, and dinner – creating opportunities to serve guests throughout the day. "Rusty Taco was built around a simple idea: serve fresh, flavorful ingredients in handcrafted street-style tacos, along with great hospitality," said Gonzalez. "That same approach gives us the flexibility to bring Rusty Taco to places that look very different from a traditional restaurant, and we see significant opportunity to continue growing in new and unexpected places."
With a growing portfolio of traditional and non-traditional locations, Rusty Taco is continuing to build its footprint while giving franchisees and partners new ways to bring the brand to new guests nationwide. For more information, visit www.rustytaco.com/franchise.
