AND THEN THERE'S CHEF.

Chef Fernanda Reyes

TACO NACO KC has always been chef-led.

Behind the tacos, salsas, marinades, specials, and organized chaos of a busy kitchen is Chef and co-founder Fernanda Reyes.

Her story started long before TACO NACO KC—with culinary training, professional kitchens, international competition, travel, and a lifelong connection to Mexican food and culture.

And she brought all of it to Kansas City.

SILVER MEDAL

Culinary World Cup

2010

Chef Fernanda earned a Silver Medal at the Culinary World Cup, competing on an international culinary stage.

BRONZE MEDAL

IKA Culinary Olympics

2008

Chef Fernanda earned a Bronze Medal at the IKA Culinary Olympics, one of the world's established international culinary competitions.

And years later, her role in culinary competition came full circle.

OFFICIAL JUDGE

Grill Master H-E-B

Sociedad Mexicana de Parrilleros

Chef Fernanda was selected to serve as an official judge for Grill Master H-E-B, the major Latin American grilling championship organized with the Sociedad Mexicana de Parrilleros.

As part of its specialized judging committee, she joined culinary and grilling professionals responsible for evaluating competitors across flavor, texture, cooking technique, and presentation under standardized competition criteria. It represents a different kind of recognition, not being asked to compete, but being trusted to judge the competition.

From competitor to judge to chef-owner.

International medals are something to be proud of. So is being trusted to evaluate the work of other culinary professionals. But ask Chef Fernanda what matters and the answer eventually comes back to the same place: the food. That philosophy continues to shape what comes out of TACO NACO KC kitchens every day.