Chelo brings the vibrant flavors of his family's recipes from the heart of Mexico straight to the streets of Nevada City. Using locally made organic tortillas from Hola Tortilla, plus organic chicken, grass-fed beef, slow-simmered pintos, fresh veggies, and more, Chelo crafts taco truck magic. From classic carne asada and chicken tacos overflowing with flavor, to riquísima birria and carnitas, to vegetarian-friendly and vegan creations, Chelo's is ¡el sabor más rico!

Chelo is owner and chef José Martinez. José’s mother, siblings, and friends have called him "Chelo" for as long as he can remember. It’s a beloved nickname that has stuck with him throughout his life. When it came time to name his food truck, he knew he wanted to honor his family roots and his childhood spent learning timeless Mexican recipes. That's why you'll find the name "Chelo's" on the colorful truck bringing you authentic street taco flavors.

From as far back as he can remember, Chelo was in the kitchen with his mom learning his family's recipes from Jalisco. He took such pride in mastering her authentic Mexican staples like handmade tortillas, rich moles, and carnitas. But he didn't just follow her recipes - he experimented tirelessly, tweaking spices and techniques until the flavors of the salsas and marinades were perfect to his taste. Opening his own taco shop was a lifelong dream, but the costs of a full brick-and-mortar restaurant seemed insurmountable. That's when Chelo started entertaining the idea of a food truck. After extensive research, owning and operating a mobile taco business felt exciting and challenging - but he was up for it! In 2023, Chelo took a leap of faith to bring his vision to life on four wheels. Chelo's Street Tacos was born from his driving passion to introduce people to the rich, traditional flavors of Jalisco in a delicious, accessible way.

Chelo's Street Tacos is committed to sustainable, eco-friendly operations. We source fresh ingredients locally when possible, including tortillas from family-owned Hola Tortilla. Our packaging is 100% compostable and plastic-free, made from plant-based materials. We're dedicated to delicious Mexican food while minimizing environmental impact.