Ken Eats Gainesville

Since opening Cilantro Tacos in Newberry a few years ago, the owners have built a steady following of customers despite having no prior restaurant experience. Their emphasis on fresh foods that are prepared daily (and are never frozen) has catapulted them in local popularity. The Al Pastor here is some of the best you’ll find anywhere. It’s always made with fresh diced pineapples and is prepared every single day.

Recognizing that they were limited in their Newberry location, the Cilantro team decided to invest in a food truck. Since then, it has made it easier for Gainesville residents to try their delicious tacos and gigantic burritos. Through the effective use of social media (they’re all over Instagram) and through building relationships with local breweries and farmer’s markets, they’ve arguably become the most popular food truck in the area, developing an even larger cult following than their original brick and mortar.

Riding the wave of their popularity, Cilantro Tacos is now ready to open a second location in downtown Gainesville. One of the owners, Sen Khiev, has just informed me they plan on opening by August at 317 SW 4th Avenue. There’s even talks about taking over the old Sandwich Depot location on 13th Street, as well. Not too shabby for a group of folks who had no prior restaurant experience — just friendly smiles, a quality product, and hard work.

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