Popular Eastern Iowa Mexican Restaurant Is On The Market

This is not a restaurant closing story so take a deep breath and let it out.

An iconic Mexican restaurant in Iowa has gone up on the market by the owners. Like many restaurants and businesses, the effects of COVID-19 can still be felt. However, other unfortunate circumstances have created setbacks for these owners, leading them to decide to put this location up for sale.

If you've ever considered or wanted to own your very own Rudy's Tacos, a restaurant that is truly Quad Cities, then you're in luck. The Rudy's Tacos on Elmore Ave. in Davenport is for sale.

Rudy's Tacos On Elmore In Davenport Is For Sale

In a social media post over the weekend, Mike Kehl, one of the owners of Rudy's Taco at 3944 Elmore Avenue in Davenport, announced that he and his wife Cassie will be selling that location.

Cassie and Mike began working for Rudy's Tacos in 1984 in Moline and Rock Island, according to the post. They opened the Rudy's Taco location at 3502 W Kimberly Rd., the Rudy's at 326 Cedar St. (which closed in 2022), and finally, the Rudy's location on Elmore Avenue.

After 40 years of being a huge part of the Rudy's Tacos family, the Kehl family is stepping away, and understandably so.

Back in September of 2021, the Rudy's Tacos location at Elmore, now the Kehl's only store, caught fire which forced them to close. They re-opened in mid-2022 and had a grand re-opening in March of 2023.

On top of that, in January of 2021, doctors discovered Cassie had a 6” brain tumor, according to WHBF. After meeting with doctors in Iowa City, surgery was scheduled for March 2021 but during the surgery, she suffered a stroke that left her paralyzed on her left side.

"It is bittersweet having to sell our final store as it was Cassie's motivation to get healthy again she is still making progress but still has a journey ahead of her," read the social media post announcing the Kehls selling the Elmore location. "After we battled through COVID, her surgery, and the fire, it has taken a toll on us and I can no longer sustain the pace of running two businesses and trying to make sure Cassie gets the care she needs. It is not fair to her or to the Restaurant."

The post also included several thank yous to staff and customers.

The Kehls said they're headed to Tennessee for some hunting and fishing. For those interested in buying Rudy's Tacos on Elmore Avenue, reach out to Caleigh McGonigle at the store for more information and to set up a meeting to talk with Caliegh and Mike.

This Saturday, Dec. 14th. Rudy's Tacos on Elmore will be celebrating its 13th anniversary with a day full of specials, great food, and service. The restaurant will continue to remain open until a new owner takes over.

Rudy’s Tacos was founded in 1973 by Rudy and Marilyn Quijas. The restaurant opened at 2214 East 11th St. in the Village of East Davenport. There are 12 Rudy's Tacos locations across Iowa and Illinois with locations primarily in the Quad Cities area.