Rusty Taco signs Bowlski’s franchise deal for Texas and Colorado

Rusty Taco has signed two franchise agreements with Bowlski’s owners Craig and Jennifer Spivey, bringing the taco brand into the family’s entertainment venues in Dallas and Aspen Valley. The move expands Rusty Taco into non-traditional spaces as the chain pushes growth beyond its core restaurant footprint.

Why it matters: - The deal puts Rusty Taco inside Bowlski’s entertainment venues, a format that can drive traffic from bowling, food and drinks under one roof. - The agreement expands Rusty Taco into Texas and Colorado through a family-owned operator with experience in entertainment-focused dining. - The partnership gives Rusty Taco another path for growth beyond traditional storefronts.

What happened: - Rusty Taco signed two new franchise agreements with Bowlski’s, a family-owned and operated bowling center with iconic venue space. - Bowlski’s owners Craig and Jennifer Spivey are the new Rusty Taco franchise partners. - The first location is planned for the historic Lakewood Theater at 1825 Abrams Pkwy in Dallas later this year. - A second location is planned for Aspen Valley early next year.

The details: - Craig Spivey said he had been looking for a restaurant concept to feature at Bowlski’s and called Rusty Taco a strong fit. - Craig Spivey first met Rusty Taco founder Rusty Fenton in 2010. - He reconnected with Rusty Taco in 2017 while working with US Foods, where the taco brand was one of his accounts. - Craig Spivey became a regular customer and fan of Rusty Taco over the years. - Craig and Jennifer Spivey opened Bowlounge in 2013 before opening Bowlski’s in Dallas. - Bowlski’s is described as a family-owned entertainment venue with 10 lanes of bowling, food and craft beer. - David Gonzalez, VP of Development for Gala Capital Partners, said the partnership expands Rusty Taco’s presence in non-traditional spaces like Bowlski’s. - Gonzalez said the brand was built as a gathering place and that the partnership reinforces that mission. - For more information, visit Rusty Taco franchise information.

Between the lines: - The deal suggests Rusty Taco is using venue-based partnerships to reach customers where they already gather for entertainment. - Bowlski’s brings an operator with a built-in audience and a concept that pairs food service with leisure spending. - Rusty Taco’s emphasis on community and hospitality fits the social setting of bowling and entertainment venues.

What's next: - The Dallas location is expected to open first, with the Aspen Valley site to follow early next year. - The partnership could serve as a template for additional Rusty Taco openings in non-traditional venues if the model performs well. - Rusty Taco continues to expand from its Dallas base while operating 28 locations across multiple states.

The bottom line: - Rusty Taco is betting that entertainment venues can be a strong growth channel for franchise expansion, and Bowlski’s is the latest test of that strategy.