FRANCHISE RESALES

Buy a Rusty Taco Franchise

Rusty Taco was founded in 2010 by Rusty and Denise Fenton, along with Steve Dunn, in Dallas, Texas. Inspired by Rusty’s experience tasting authentic street tacos in Acapulco, Mexico, the brand aims to deliver fresh, handmade tacos with bold, authentic flavors at an affordable price. Rusty Taco emphasizes a casual, neighborhood taco stand atmosphere, serving a variety of tacos made with quality ingredients, complemented by sides, salsas, and signature margaritas. The franchise has grown steadily to over 30 locations across the U.S., focusing on community engagement and a welcoming environment. Rusty Taco’s straightforward menu and commitment to freshness appeal to families, young professionals, and taco lovers seeking a flavorful, fast-casual dining experience. The brand returned to its original name in 2018 to honor its roots and founder’s vision.

Latest Resales

  • There are currently no Rusty Taco resales available
Register your interest

Why buy a Rusty Taco Franchise?

Investing in Rusty Taco offers entry into a proven, growing fast-casual brand with a unique niche in authentic street-style tacos. Franchisees benefit from a scalable business model, comprehensive training, and robust marketing support. The brand’s focus on fresh ingredients, community atmosphere, and affordable pricing creates strong customer loyalty. With initial investments ranging from approximately $523K to $1.12M and veteran discounts available, Rusty Taco presents an attractive opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking a flavorful and culturally resonant franchise in the expanding fast-casual dining market.

Rusty Taco Franchise Costs & Information

Based on 2025 data reported in the 2026 FDD

  • Brand Profile

    • Year Founded

      2010

    • Franchising Since

      2010

    • New Startup Cost

      $529,400 – $1,129,950

    • Avg. Resale Price

      Contact us for details

  • Franchise Fees

    • Initial franchise Fee

      $30,000

      for new territories

    • Transfer Fee

      $5,000

      plus attorneys' fees and $1,000 – $2,000 inspection expenses

    • Royalty Fee

      5%

      of Gross Revenue

    • Marketing Fee

      2%

      of Gross Sales

  • Unit Performance

    • Total Units *

      26

    • New Units Opened *

      1

    • Units Transferred *

      0

    • Avg. Unit revenue *

      $939,635

    * Based on 2025 data reported in the 2026 FDD

Rusty Taco – Additional  Information

  1. Training & Support

    Rusty Taco offers comprehensive training with 144-172 hours of on-the-job training and 16-28 hours of classroom instruction. Franchisees receive ongoing support including site selection, lease negotiation, proprietary software, marketing assistance (national/regional advertising, social media, SEO), and operational guidance. The brand hosts conventions, provides newsletters, and offers a franchisee intranet platform to facilitate communication and best practice sharing. Marketing support includes loyalty programs and digital campaigns to drive customer engagement.

  2. Ideal Owner

    The ideal Rusty Taco franchisee is an enthusiastic entrepreneur with a passion for food and community engagement. Strong people skills and business acumen are important, while prior restaurant experience is helpful but not mandatory due to the brand’s thorough training. Franchisees should be prepared for full-time, hands-on management, focusing on delivering quality food and a welcoming customer experience.

  3. Recognition & Awards

    Rusty Taco is recognized for its authentic street-style tacos and strong franchise growth, with over 30 units open as of 2024. Though not ranked in the latest Entrepreneur Franchise 500, it has been praised for its community focus and quality food offerings. The brand’s return to its original name and commitment to authenticity have strengthened its reputation in the fast-casual Mexican food segment.

  4. Industry / Market

    Rusty Taco is recognized for its authentic street-style tacos and strong franchise growth, with over 30 units open as of 2024. Though not ranked in the latest Entrepreneur Franchise 500, it has been praised for its community focus and quality food offerings. The brand’s return to its original name and commitment to authenticity have strengthened its reputation in the fast-casual Mexican food segment.

Learn more about
how to own a Rusty Taco franchise resale

Please fill out the form below and a Franchise Flippers expert will be in touch with you shortly.

The Franchise Brand Index

This page is part of Franchise Flippers’ independent franchise Index, designed as an educational resource to help potential buyers explore the franchise resale market and compare brands.

Trademark & Affiliation Disclaimer

This website is an independent, informational resource. All trademarks, logos, and brand names displayed are the property of their respective owners and are used solely for identification and educational purposes. Their use does not imply any affiliation with, endorsement by, or sponsorship from the respective trademark holders.