1970s iconic Rusty’s Mexican Food owner sells ‘party house’ after 40 years

The former owner of a well-known Sunshine Coast 1970s Mexican restaurant will say goodbye to his home of 40 years, which gained a reputation as a “party house”.

Youle Rust – known as Rusty – opened Rusty’s Mexican Food in 1977 which became a popular destination for Sunshine Coast diners until its closure in the 2000s.

Rusty sold the diner, which was in Cotton Tree, in 1986.

He has lived in his Maroochydore home for 40 years.

Byron Rust – named Rusty Junior – said his father decided to sell his home and move in with his son’s family at the age of 92.

Rusty Jnr described the parties as “busy” and said his father threw them mainly for staff to unwind after a hard day’s work.

“Just to relax and forget about their normal everyday problems,” he said.

“He just has a good heart.”

The restaurant was “just a lifestyle” for his family and they served quality food with a minimum of two or three sittings every weekend, he said.

“There were no real highlights, it was just what we did,” Rusty Jnr said.

“It was treating the locals with respect, making sure they had a good time when they came in.”

Rusty Jnr said the house was built in 1981 and his father is now ready for a new beginning.

“It has a lot of memories and I think that’s why he wants to leave.”

The 1970s home has retro fittings including a green tasselled lampshade, flamingo-pink walls and timber and brick throughout the home.

Rusty Jnr has kept the family recipes alive and trades at the Fisherman’s Rd Markets frequently to share his cooking.

Rusty’s home, at 34 Wurtulla St, Maroochydore, will be one of several homes to be auctioned at Ray White Maroochydore’s Auction at Altitude on March 14.