Rusty Taco to open first full-service airport restaurant at Dulles this November

Rusty Taco will open its first full-service airport restaurant in Washington Dulles International Airport’s new Concourse E this November, adding a larger-format location to its airport push. The second Dulles site is designed for travelers with a full dining room, grab-and-go options and an expanded bar.

Why it matters: - Rusty Taco is moving beyond a standard quick-service airport footprint with a full-service format built for longer dwell times before flights. - The opening expands the brand’s presence at Washington Dulles International Airport and adds a new option for travelers and airport workers in Concourse E. - The larger model gives Rusty Taco a chance to test a more service-heavy airport restaurant in a high-traffic travel setting.

What happened: - Rusty Taco will open its second location at Washington Dulles International Airport in November. - The new restaurant will open in the airport’s newly built Concourse E. - Aero Taco LLC, Rusty Taco’s franchise partner, is behind the new location. - The restaurant will be Rusty Taco’s first-ever full-service airport restaurant.

The details: - The Dulles opening is part of Rusty Taco’s airport expansion. - The new location will serve handcrafted street tacos and build-your-own bowls. - Rusty Taco’s food will be made with fresh ingredients and served with housemade salsas. - The upcoming restaurant will be about 3,000 square feet. - The layout includes a larger dining room for a full-service experience. - The restaurant will also include a grab-and-go area. - An expanded bar is designed to serve guests waiting for flights. - The new Dulles site is larger than Rusty Taco’s first airport location in Concourse D, which follows a traditional quick-service model. - Aero Taco LLC is led by Neelu Toteja and Jimit Naik. - Toteja and Naik have operated food and beverage brands including Capitol Grounds Coffee and Baskin-Robbins.

Between the lines: - Rusty Taco appears to be tailoring airport units to different traveler needs, with Concourse D serving faster transactions and Concourse E aimed at a longer stay. - The full-service format suggests the brand sees room to deepen airport sales beyond standard counter service. - David Gonzalez, vice president of development for Gala Capital Partners, said the company is excited to continue working with Aero Taco LLC and expects the team to bring the new model to life. - Jimit Naik said the first Dulles location received a strong response and the new format will help the team serve more guests and create a place to relax before flights.

What's next: - Rusty Taco is scheduled to open the Concourse E location in November. - More information is available at Rusty Taco franchise information.

The bottom line: - Rusty Taco is using Dulles to debut a bigger, more service-oriented airport restaurant as it keeps building its travel-hub strategy.