About Us

Founded in 1973, Rudy’s Tacos began with Rudy and Marilyn Quijas’ vision to bring Mexican cuisine and a welcoming community space to their Quad Cities home.

 

Recipes came straight from Rudy’s mother, Mary Louise, who wrote nothing down. She came in to work for the first year, preparing meat bases and sauces and passing down generations of home-cooking.

 

Rudy initially owned a bar in the Village of East Davenport. He noticed after bars closed, people were all looking for somewhere to eat. This drove them to purchase the nearby storefront in 1973. The first Rudy’s was a small restaurant with just three booths.

 

Rudy Quijas was the outgoing face of the business. He was an Air Force veteran, and a member of the East Davenport Turners, Elks Lodge 298, and Davenport Moose Lodge. He made friends wherever he went and was known to generously support athletic events and teams including Little Leagues, golf tournaments, and Mexican-American traveling basketball.

 

Meanwhile, Marilyn Quijas was the backbone of the operation; cooking, managing the books, and raising four kids. Sometimes she was managing multiple restaurants at once!

 

A few years after the first restaurant opening, Rudy’s was ready to expand. The second location opened on Cedar Street in Davenport, then in 1979, they opened a location across the river into Illinois. Throughout the late ’70s and early ’80s, seven new locations invited the Quad Cities to fall in love with Rudy’s Tacos. Franchising soon followed, allowing other family members and trusted partners to carry on the tradition. Within 10 years, Rudy’s had seven locations through the QC area.

 

Together, Rudy and Marilyn built something special. Their passion and dedication laid the foundation for a growing network of locations, many of which are still family-owned and operated today.

 

Rudy Quijas passed away from prostate cancer at 55. His fight against cancer is still deeply felt by his friends and family, who honor his legacy with the support of Us Too and an annual promotion of prostate cancer awareness.

 

Now operated by the second generation, owners Kevin and Brice Quijas and their sister Christine, plus other extended family members, Rudy’s Tacos continues to be a gathering place known for its relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.

 

Rudy’s has now proudly served the Quad Cities for over half a century. Their focus continues to be focused on great food and giving back. Come be part of the next chapter in our story!