Rusty Taco » Our Story (2024)

Authentic Inspiration

Our name comes from our founder, Rusty Fenton, who along with his wife Denise and 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 to travel – and one love often led to the other. That was the case on the day he and his wife, Denise, were coming in from a day of fishing in Acapulco, Mexico. Rusty spotted two women selling tacos on the street. From the first bite of that fish ceviche taco, he was hooked.

Nothing Fancy. Just Real Flavor.

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 up a simple neighborhood taco stand. Nothing fancy. Just real flavor. Cheap, too. He wanted to keep it affordable so everyone could enjoy it. And the place had to be friendly, of course. Somewhere everyone wanted to hang out. Throw in a great margarita to wash it down and it was pretty much perfect.

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

Rusty’s commitment to making everything fresh and by hand inspires us daily, but his “little taco stand” is more than just a place to eat and drink. He always wanted it to be a place where everyone would feel welcome. That’s why we make it all with love – from our warm chips to our ice-cold margaritas – so no matter who you are, if you’re hungry, you’re in the right place.

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The story of Rusty Taco is one steeped in the passion for authentic flavors and community connection. Rusty Fenton's journey from discovering a taste sensation on the streets of Acapulco to creating a taco haven in Dallas showcases his dedication to genuine, simple, and affordable food experiences.

Let's break down the key concepts and themes from the article:

  1. Rusty Fenton, Denise, and Steve Dunn:

    • Founders: Rusty Fenton, along with his wife Denise and partner Steve Dunn, established the first Rusty Taco location in Dallas, TX, in 2010.
  2. Inspiration from Acapulco, Mexico:

    • Rusty's pivotal moment came after encountering two women selling tacos on the streets of Acapulco. The profound experience of tasting a fish ceviche taco ignited his passion for authentic flavors.
  3. Simple, Authentic, and Affordable Experience:

    • Rusty's dream was to create a straightforward neighborhood taco stand that focused on real flavor without compromising affordability. The emphasis was on offering something genuine and accessible to everyone.
  4. Location Selection:

    • The choice of the first Rusty Taco location was a meticulously considered process. It took years of contemplation before the converted gas station near University and Greenville Avenue in Dallas became the ideal spot.
  5. Commitment to Freshness and Community:

    • Rusty's commitment to preparing everything fresh by hand was at the heart of the brand. Additionally, his vision was not just about food and drinks; it was about fostering a sense of belonging and making everyone feel welcome.
  6. Philosophy of Inclusivity and Warmth:

    • The ethos behind Rusty Taco was creating a space where everyone, regardless of background, felt at home. This principle extended to the love and care put into every aspect, from the food to the environment.
  7. Use of Cookies and Privacy Policy:

    • The company's website utilizes cookies to enhance user experience and tailor content and advertisem*nts. They ensure transparency by providing a Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy to inform users about data usage.

The story of Rusty Taco isn't just about tacos; it's a narrative of passion, authenticity, community, and a dedication to creating an inclusive space through food and warmth.

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