Rusty's Dream
Our name comes from our founder, Rusty Fenton, who along with his wife Denise and business partner, Steve Dunn, opened the first Rusty Taco location in Dallas, TX in 2010. But the story starts well before that time…
Rusty loved to eat, and he loved tacos. Frequent visits to a local gas station and eating tacos in the back of the family Suburban were common in the Fenton household. Rusty’s family and friends had long known about his dream – to open a simple neighborhood taco stand, nothing fancy, somewhere everyone wanted to hang out. Throw in a great margarita, always made with fresh lime juice, and it was pretty much perfect.
Authentic Inspiration
The menu evolved from Rusty’s love of authentic tacos and the enjoyment he got from eating tacos across Texas and on travels to different states, as well as Mexico. Nothing made him happier than finding a hidden gem, as he did one day coming in from a fishing trip in Acapulco. Rusty loved finding the perfect brisket, fajita, or slow roasted pork, always topped with a simple garnish like cilantro, onion, and a squeeze of lime, and often shared photos of his discoveries with family and friends.
Finding The Perfect Spot
Fast forward a few years. Rusty, Denise, and their daughters were living in a little house in Dallas, near the intersection of University and Greenville Avenue. They spotted a building in their neighborhood – it wasn’t much to look at, but they liked the bones of it. “Wouldn’t that make a cool restaurant?” he’d say. It took years of driving by and dreaming, but that converted gas station would be the very first Rusty Taco.
Today's Rusty Taco
The best moments happen over tacos. Margs were made to mingle. Queso isn’t a solo sport.
Rusty’s is that simple neighborhood taco spot that brings everyone together to fuel great experiences. With flavors that keep it real, ingredients that keep it fresh, and a commitment to making every bite legendary.
Today we are in 12 states and continuing to grow, spreading the taco love across the country, just the way Rusty dreamed of doing.