Rusty Taco Super Fan Visits Virginia Restaurant Every Day for Eight Weeks

Many people have a favorite restaurant that they visit once a month, or maybe even once a week. But not many can say they love a restaurant enough to eat there every day. One guest at Rusty Taco has done just that, however, eating at the brand’s Short Pump, VA location daily for 2 months.

Jeff Saunders, affectionately nicknamed “El Queso Jefe” by the Rusty Taco team, attended the restaurant’s grand opening on Feb. 7 and returned every day for the following 8 weeks. His goal was to eat Rusty Taco for a total of 56 straight days, inspired by famous baseball player Joe DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak.

“When I first started coming to Rusty Taco, I was just trying to support a good friend of mine who works with the brand,” said Saunders. “But the food was so good, I decided to keep coming back. When I’m not at the restaurant, I’m coaching baseball, so it made sense try to set my own unbreakable record, like DiMaggio.”

Saunders’ dedication is not solely driven by a love of tacos and queso. He also hopes to bring awareness and support to Finnegan’s Challenge, a non-profit that supports children who are born with birth defects, and their families, by generating resources to fund research, education, and awareness.

“We are incredibly honored by Jeff’s commitment, not only to our brand, but to Finnegan’s Challenge,” said Andrew Hyde, Marketing Director at Rusty Taco. “It has been inspiring to see our Short Pump team, as well as the surrounding community, gather together to support Jeff and his goal.”

Saunders reached his 56-day goal on Sunday, April 3. To celebrate the completion of his streak, Rusty Taco’s Short Pump location will be donating 20% of their sales on Saturday, April 9th, to Finnegan’s Challenge. The restaurant is located at 11525 West Broad Street, and is open daily from 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. The brand’s corporate team has also made a $560 donation to the non-profit in Saunders’ honor.

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 ten states and is part of the Inspire Brands family of restaurants.