10 Fun Facts About Taco Casa

Taco Casa has been delighting customers with tasty burritos, enchiladas, and tacos for 50 years.

Whether you’re a longtime fan from the University of Alabama, a local from Tuscaloosa, or just a lucky traveler, the giant cactus sign of Taco Casa is always a happy sight.

To celebrate its 50th anniversary, here are some interesting facts about how Taco Casa became a Tuscaloosa favorite.

1. A Connection to Alabama Football
   Taco Casa founder Rod Wilkin, originally from Wichita, Kansas, moved to Tuscaloosa in 1967 to play football for Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant at the University of Alabama. While living in Bryant Hall, Wilkin dreamed of opening a Mexican restaurant in Tuscaloosa because he missed the Tex-Mex food from his home.

2. Celebrating 50 Years
   The first Taco Casa opened on August 20, 1974, at 1801 10th Avenue in Tuscaloosa, with tacos priced at 30 cents and large soft drinks at 20 cents. Today, there are eight locations in Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, and Northport.

3. High Risk of Failure
   Wilkin and his wife Susan Strong used a $2,500 inheritance to start Taco Casa. They faced a tough start, getting rejected for a loan twice before finally securing a small business loan. At that time, there was a 97 percent chance of failure.

4. Famous Shaved Ice
   Taco Casa is known for its unique shaved ice. Unlike other types of ice, it’s become so popular in Tuscaloosa that it’s simply called "Taco Casa ice."

5. Tacos Were New to Many
   When Taco Casa first opened, many locals weren’t familiar with Mexican food. Customers often asked what tacos and enchiladas were.

6. The Sancho
   One of Taco Casa’s signature items is the Sancho. It looks like a burrito but tastes like a soft taco. It’s made with a soft flour tortilla, seasoned meat, lettuce, Wisconsin cheddar cheese, and a choice of sauce.

7. A Family Affair
   Taco Casa is run by the Wilkin family. Rod’s four children began working there as summer employees at a young age, and today, his three sons hold executive positions in the company.

8. No Days Off
   In the first three months of Taco Casa’s operation, Rod Wilkin worked 100-120 hours a week without a day off. He still visits every store daily.

9. Rebuilt After the Tornado
   The Taco Casa on 15th Street was heavily damaged by tornadoes on April 27, 2011. Luckily, no employees were injured. It reopened on October 17, becoming the first business to reopen after the storm.

10. Drive-Thru Innovation
    In August 1980, Taco Casa added drive-thrus to all its locations, becoming the first restaurant to have a covered canopy over both the ordering menu and drive-thru window.