Reviewed by: Liv George
Taco Casa celebrates its 50th year anniversary this year
The iconic Alabama Tex-Mex restaurant, Taco Casa, will celebrate its 50th year anniversary this year. We sat down with its founder, Rod Wilken, to discuss Taco Casa’s story. Keep reading to learn how a call from Bear Bryant started this taco dynasty.
The iconic big green cactus
Alabamians know the big green cactus. Its an iconic symbol across the state for fresh Tex-Mex food, served with southern hospitality.
The big green cactus’s story began in Tuscaloosa. Founder Rod Wilken was a junior college all American from Wichita, Kansas. Wilken had offers from many schools, but when Coach Bryant called, he came to visit Tuscaloosa and knew it was the place for him.
Wilken learned many lessons in business during his time at The Capstone.
He worked for former star quarterback Joe Namath at Namath’s bar Bachelors III after school.
About discipline learned from football, Mr. Wilken said, “You get knocked down and learn how to get back up and keep going.”
Alabama football players also had a curfew at 10PM. Wilken said the players would talk at night about what they wanted to do in life. “I would say I’m going to start a Mexican restaurant when I get out of school,” Wilken said.
And that he did. Taco Casa opened its original store in 1974 and blossomed to seven stores across the state.
Taco Casa locations in Alabama
Taco Casa’s fifty years of endurance
The restaurant’s success, however, was not without challenges. Only a year after opening, Mr. Wilken was diagnosed with stage four melanoma skin cancer. A religious man, Wilken credits God with the miracle of his full recovery.
“I never had any chemo or radiation… it changed my life. If I wouldn’t have started living for Him, I wouldn’t be here,” Wilken said.
Taco Casa also endured COVID-19 a few years ago. However, the family-owned business stayed in operation despite the pandemic.
“We didn’t close a day. We didn’t have anybody come inside for a while, but the drive thru was wrapped around the building,” Wilken said.
Taco Casa’s story is one of lasting perseverance. This iconic Tex-Mex Alabama tradition will no doubt continue for another fifty years!
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