JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – When the News4JAX team pulled up to Chenile’s Kitchen food truck to announce one of the winners in this year’s JAXBest contest, the aroma of soul-infused flavor filled the air.
Not what you might expect from the winner of Best Taco.
But owner Chenile Brown’s creative mashups of Southern soul food with Mexican street fare keep customers coming back for more crab boil tacos, oxtail tacos, fresh-made desserts, drinks and more.
And they’re willing to wait.
When News4JAX showed up to surprise Chenile with the good news, cheers erupted from her loyal customers who’d been waiting for hours — some even sitting in their cars to make sure they were among the first in line.
“I didn’t know I won already!” said Chenile, who thought we were there to highlight her truck as a finalist.
As she accepted her JAXBest award, Chenile thanked the people who helped her get there.
“I want to say thank you to my customers, first and foremost. If it was not for my customers, I would not be here,” she said.
Every one of those customers is greeted with Chenile’s signature smile and her trademark line: “Hey, pretty people!” It’s that warmth and authenticity that make her food truck more than a business — it’s a community.
“One thing about me and my customers — they’re like family. I love them for real. They come out here and support me. One day, my first person was in line at 10 o’clock. I love them real bad.”
And they love her -- and her tasty food.
“You have to experience that sauce — the taste is wonderful,“ one fan said. ”It’s like you’re having a wonderful party in your mouth.”
With flavors that blend heart, history, and hometown pride, it’s clear that Chenile’s Kitchen isn’t just serving tacos — she’s serving love, one bite at a time.
Chenile’s food truck is out only once a week -- follow the location on her social media pages.
Our other Best Taco finalists were 904 Taco, One Night Taco Stand and TacoLu.
A special thanks to our JAXBest sponsor, Farah & Farah!