Rusty Taco, the Dallas-based fast-casual chain known for its made-to-order street-style tacos, is significantly expanding its national footprint by opening locations in airports, convenience stores, and other non-traditional venues. This strategic move underscores the brand’s flexibility and its ability to thrive in high-traffic environments, potentially setting a precedent for other fast-casual concepts seeking growth beyond traditional restaurant spaces.
This fall, Rusty Taco will open a new restaurant at Norfolk International Airport, marking its entry into the East Coast travel market. Additionally, the brand will open a second location at Washington Dulles International Airport in Concourse E, building on its first location that opened in Concourse D in 2023. These airport expansions are part of a partnership with Affinity LLC, an experienced foodservice operator at Dulles. According to David Gonzalez, VP of Development for Gala Capital Partners, parent company of Rusty Taco, “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.”
Beyond airports, Rusty Taco is also expanding into convenience stores through a partnership with Good 2 Go Eats, a chain with 75 locations. The first C-store location opened in Ammon, Idaho, in 2023, followed by agreements for eight more. Three Denver-area C-stores are currently open, with four additional locations planned for early 2027. These locations feature a reduced menu centered on grab-and-go burritos, catering to travelers seeking quick, quality options.
The brand’s non-traditional growth also includes sports and entertainment venues. Rusty Taco has a presence at Salt River Fields, the spring training home of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies, and has served fans at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis for multiple seasons. This fall, Rusty Taco will open its first bowling alley location at Bowlski’s in Dallas, further diversifying its portfolio.
These expansions demonstrate how Rusty Taco’s concept can adapt to various environments while maintaining its made-to-order menu and guest experience. The flexible operating model supports four dayparts – breakfast, lunch, happy hour, and dinner – creating opportunities to serve guests throughout the day. Gonzalez added, “Rusty Taco was built around a simple idea: serve fresh, flavorful ingredients in handcrafted street-style tacos, along with great hospitality. 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 28 locations across multiple states, Rusty Taco continues to build its footprint while offering franchisees and partners new ways to bring the brand to new guests nationwide. For more information, visit www.rustytaco.com/franchise or RustyTaco.com.
