Rusty Taco - Franchise
Quick Summary
Offering an authentic, street-taco inspired menu, Rusty Taco elevates the experience for both the customer and the owner by bringing the flavor, experience and simplicity of a traditional taco stand to local communities. Designed as a place that feels authentic and approachable, Rusty Taco is a place to come enjoy a meal however the customer wants.
*Please contact "Rusty Taco" to confirm the accuracy of any information provided on this page.
Rusty Taco
Business Cost, Fees & Facts for 2025
| Minimum Cash Required | $500,000 | |
| Year Founded | 2010 | |
| # of Existing Units | 31 | |
| Training & Support | Yes | |
| Home Office Location | Atlanta, GA |
Available In These States:
- AK
- AL
- AR
- AZ
- CO
- DC
- FL
- GA
- HI
- IA
- IL
- IN
- KS
- KY
- LA
- MI
- MN
- MO
- MS
- NC
- ND
- NE
- NJ
- NM
- OH
- OK
- PA
- SC
- SD
- TN
- TX
- UT
- VA
- WI
- WV
- WY
- Overview
Rusty Taco - Franchise
Rusty Taco is a fast casual taco concept that re-creates the traditional taco stand experience in local communities, offering up creative street-style tacos and breakfast tacos served all day, with fresh sides and salsas made from scratch. Each of our authentic tacos are made fresh to order, using simple, fresh, high-quality ingredients. Our restaurant design includes patio spaces along with flexible prototype formats along with the option of a full-service bar offering fresh lime juice margaritas and select beers.
Rusty Taco is part of the Inspire Brands family of restaurants which also includes Arby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, SONIC Drive-in, and Jimmy John’s. Backed by the power of Inspire, Rusty Taco is able to leverage its combined resources to provide its franchisees with support across all areas of the business, from supply chain and distribution to 3rd party delivery partners. For more information on how to spread the taco love, visit rustytacofranchising.com or inspirebrands.com.
About Rusty Taco
Rusty Taco was founded in 2010 by visionary and dreamer Rusty Fenton, who lived by the motto, “Tacos are the Most Important Meal of the Day®.” The brand continues today as an emerging fast casual restaurant concept featuring a variety of deliciously uncomplicated tacos crafted by hand. Rusty Taco operates over 30 locations in nine states and is part of the Inspire Brands family of restaurants.
About Inspire Brands
Inspire Brands is a multi-brand restaurant company whose current portfolio includes more than 11,100 Arby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, SONIC Drive-In, Rusty Taco, and Jimmy John’s Sandwiches locations worldwide. The company was founded in 2018 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.
Franchise Criteria
Rusty Taco requires our franchisees to meet the following criteria in order to own and operate a minimum of 2 Rusty Taco restaurants:
- Liquid Capital: $500,000
- Net Worth: $1,000,000+
- Franchise Fee: $25,000 per store
- Initial Start Up Costs Range: $529,817 - $796,325
- Royalty Fee: Royalty 5% of gross sales
- Advertising Fee: 1%-3%
- Multi-Unit restaurant experience
- Demonstrated enthusiasm, drive and passion in the restaurant industry
Why Rusty Taco
Rusty Taco is based on 3 core principals – simplicity, approachability, authenticity. Our menu is simple and easy to prepare, using fresh ingredients. We are the neighborhood taco stand and approachable to everyone – in our service, in our food and in our environment. We are authentically inspired and that shows in all that we do – from our menu and ingredients, to our service and décor.
- “Average unit volume reported by the top 25% of franchised restaurants from January 1, 2019 to December 29, 2019. 2 of 5 (40%) franchised restaurants achieved or surpassed this average. 2020 results were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Your individual results may differ. There is no assurance that you’ll sell or earn as much.”
- Flexible prototype formats including full-service bar options
- Backed by the power of Inspire Brands, the 4th largest restaurant company in the U.S.
- Incentive programs available for new market developments and veterans
- Integrated online ordering platform with direct connection to 3rd party delivery
- Part of a $45B Mexican Food Category
- Multiple dining occasions including 4 day parts: breakfast, lunch, happy hour, dinner, plus serves breakfast tacos all day long, a current popular trend.
- Simple menu focused on street tacos that also includes a wide variety of options for the guest
- Available markets across the U.S.
- Appeals to a wide customer base and attracts diners across all income brackets
Franchise Support
Real Estate/Design/Construction Support
Rusty Taco will provide support and criteria for targeted site selections for current and future growth plans, as well as all specifications and consultations on building your Rusty Taco restaurants.
Training and Pre-Opening Support
Rusty Taco has a comprehensive 4-week training program that is conducted at one of our corporate restaurants and offers on-site opening training assistance at your restaurants.
Grand Opening and Marketing Support
Support for planning and executing grand opening marketing with assistance from our marketing team is provided, as well as local marketing initiatives for your restaurants.
Operations and On-Going Support
Rusty Taco supports the operations of your restaurants by providing access to pre-approved suppliers and national purchasing programs, as well as ongoing brand standard reviews and coaching, business growth consultation, and community engagement strategies.
Here are some other suggestions in the same category that you selected :
TOGO’S Franchise Opportunity
Our TOGO’S 3.0 Concept is outperforming expectations, and we are excited to offer this opportunity in California and contiguous states for both Multi-Unit and Single Unit Franchisees. We’re looking for hands-on owner operators who are looking for a fun brand known for premium quality sandwiches and great customer service.
$ 200,000 Min.Cash Required
Beef-A-Roo
Join a 57-year-strong, fast-growing QSR brand with a loyal following and unbeatable flavors! Beef-a-Roo offers award-winning burgers, famous cheese fries, and a family-friendly atmosphere that keeps customers coming back. With locations nationwide and major partnerships, we’re rapidly expanding. Own a Beef-a-Roo franchise and bring this iconic brand to your community!
$ 100,000 Min.Cash Required
SmartMarket Solutions
SmartMarket Solutions is redefining unattended retail with AI-powered SmartMarts that offer secure, grab-and-go access to today’s most popular snacks and beverages. No lines, no staff, and no franchise fees—just a smarter, more scalable way to build a flexible business. Backed by advanced technology, national brand products, and full training and support, this is a future-ready opportunity designed for entrepreneurs who want real freedom and strong income potential.
$ 50,000 Min.Cash Required
Kono's Northshore
Kono’s Northshore is a new standard in delicious Hawaian cuisine, served up within a casual, fun model. Founded in 2002 in Haleiwa, Hawaii, Kono’s Northshore set out to deliver Extra Aloha Service with each and every meal we served. From the craveworthy Kalua Pig Nachos to the Pupukea Breakfast Bomber, there’s something for every visitor at every time of day here at Kono’s Northshore.
$ 200,000 Min.Cash Required
The Brass Tap - Craft Beer Bar
The Brass Tap is an upscale beer bar that offers 40-60 different craft beers on tap, more than 300 varieties of imports, and local craft beers. We are constantly searching for the best beers from all regions around the world, and rotate our taps to ensure that you can always expect to find a new favorite. We offer hundreds of different bottled beers that are also available for carry out. At The Brass Tap, you can enjoy our spacious patio and never have to drink the same beer twice!
$ 250,000 Min.Cash Required
Port of Subs
Join the Port of Subs® family! Own your very own Sliced Fresh franchise. Today, Port of Subs® has over 140 restaurants and is expanding throughout the West. We have stayed true to our beginnings and still make each sandwich fresh to order as our guests look on.
$ 100,000 Min.Cash Required
Straw Hat Pizza
The family entertainment destination that happens to have great pizza! Straw Hat Pizza has been in business since 1959 by providing an excellent product and places for families to find something fun for everyone. Games and entertainment for the kids, salad and wine for mom, with sports and beer for dad. For our franchise owners we provide the right systems and training to help get you started. Additionally, we have some of the lowest franchise costs you will find in the pizza segment.
$ 250,000 Min.Cash Required
Purchase A Franchise Using Your Retirement Plan
This is NOT a franchise or business opportunity. This is a service offered to those seeking to purchase a franchise or business using their retirement funds without having to pay the taxes and penalties. You can purchase a franchise or traditional business with a tax qualified retirement plan such as an IRA, 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), SEPs and others.
$ 30,000 Min.Cash Required
Brusters Real Ice Cream
At Bruster's our simple retail model distinguishes us from the other franchises by focusing on serving ice cream and related products filled with the giant chunks of real fruit, candies, cookies, nuts and other delicious mix-ins. We have over 200 successful units open in 22 states!
$ 150,000 Min.Cash Required
Beef 'O' Brady's Family Sports Pub
Beef 'O' Brady's blends family, sports, and great food into a community-focused franchise experience. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, hearty menu, and local sports spirit, it offers franchisees a proven model with strong support, flexible build options, and multiple revenue streams. With over 30 years of brand recognition and a loyal customer base, Beef 'O' Brady’s is the perfect recipe for entrepreneurs hungry for success in the casual dining space.
$ 250,000 Min.Cash Required
