Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Charles Hammer. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Charles, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

For many entrepreneurs, the path to success is often shaped by unexpected moments of inspiration. For me the journey to founding Music City Taco began not in a traditional business setting, but after the global COVID-19 pandemic.

As healthcare workers, we were putting in long hours with little time to eat and very few options available in the hospital. It was a challenging time, and I started thinking about how I could create a solution that would serve not only healthcare workers but also the wider community in a way that was flexible and mobile.

This reflection sparked the idea for Music City Taco, a unique taco pop-up concept that allows the business to meet customers where they are—whether at local events, office gatherings, or community festivals. The concept was designed to be nimble, avoiding the constraints of a traditional brick-and-mortar restaurant while offering fresh, high-quality food to Nashville’s diverse and growing population.

I didn’t want to open a traditional restaurant, I envisioned something that could bring a fun, high-quality food experience to people wherever they needed it. A mobile taco service that was accessible, easy, and enjoyable.

What began as a small initiative to serve the healthcare community quickly gained traction. As word spread, the demand for pop-up events grew exponentially. I started receiving texts and emails from people asking if we could bring our tacos to their events, and before I knew it, we were turning down opportunities because the demand was so high.

By the summer of 2024, Music City Taco was experiencing overwhelming success, with the business unable to keep up with the increasing number of event requests. It was a sign that the concept had resonated deeply with Nashville residents. The response has been incredible. It’s been a rewarding experience to see something that started as a simple idea become a service people genuinely appreciate.

For me, the most fulfilling aspect of Music City Taco has been the ability to connect with the local community. Being able to offer a service that’s both convenient and loved by the public has been the biggest reward. Each event is an opportunity to bring something special to people’s lives, and I’m grateful for the chance to do that every day.

Looking ahead, I am excited about the future of Music City Taco and the continued growth of the pop-up model. As the business expands, one thing remains clear: Music City Taco has become an integral part of Nashville’s food scene, offering not just tacos, but a truly unique dining experience.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

The idea for Music City Taco emerged during an unexpected time—while working as a nurse during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Long hours, limited food options, and the relentless stress of frontline healthcare work led us and my colleagues to often joke about the need for a taco truck. “We’d say things like, ‘I wish we had a taco truck outside, or just some kind of food truck,’”

One day, it dawned on me: Why not make that a reality? The thought of bringing tacos directly to people, especially those in underserved spaces, sparked the idea for a mobile taco pop-up business. I wanted to extend my service mentality beyond the hospital walls and offer something that brought joy and convenience to people,

Thus, Music City Taco was born—the only taco pop-up in Nashville. The concept was simple yet revolutionary in its approach: no physical storefront, no large food truck—just a flexible, mobile service that brings fresh, affordable tacos directly to the people.

What sets us apart is the fact that we come to you, Whether it’s a neighborhood event, a corporate gathering, or a private party, we go where the demand is. We also offer catering services for special occasions, ensuring that people can experience our tacos no matter the setting.

One of the core principles that drives the business is accessibility. Music City Taco offers a rotating menu with various options, but one thing remains consistent: the price. We want our tacos to be affordable for everyone. No matter what the event or special of the day is, our tacos will always be $5. By operating without the overhead costs of a traditional food truck or restaurant, we’re able to keep our prices low, without sacrificing quality. It’s all about providing great food at a price people can appreciate.

With its focus on mobility, affordability, and community, Music City Taco has quickly become a local favorite. What started as a simple idea to bring a little joy to the hectic lives of healthcare workers has blossomed into a beloved pop-up brand that continues to grow—and delight—Nashville residents.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

The foundation of Music City Taco lies in simplicity and authenticity. I believe the key to building our reputation has been staying true to who we are—honest, personable, and committed to giving people what they really want.

From the very beginning, I focused on creating a business that was not just about tacos, but about building genuine connections with customers. The core of our business is really about being fair and transparent. We offer a service that people are excited about, and we do so in a way that’s straightforward and authentic.

For Music City Taco, success has been less about following trends and more about listening to the community and delivering on those needs. By staying attuned to what customers want—and doing it with integrity—the brand has built a loyal following. We focus on offering a great product at an affordable price, and we’re committed to making sure every interaction feels personal.

Any advice for managing a team?

As a healthcare leader, my primary focus remains in the emergency department, where I lead a dedicated team of professionals in one of the most high-pressure settings in healthcare. My role is dynamic—my day-to-day workload can shift dramatically depending on the needs of the department. While I spend a lot of time managing performance metrics and overseeing departmental operations, I make it a point to be on the floor, engaging directly with both staff and patients. That’s where I can truly gauge the pulse of the department.

The demands of the emergency department can be intense. The fast-paced, high-stakes environment often presents challenges that require quick thinking and unwavering leadership. Some days are incredibly tough. The work is demanding, and it takes a toll on both the staff and myself. But it’s crucial to remember that the team is the backbone of the department. Part of my role is ensuring that our staff feel supported and have the resources they need to succeed in their work.

One of the most important aspects of leadership is fostering an environment of open communication and trust. My best advice for managing a team and maintaining high morale is to listen to them. The staff on the frontlines know best what the department needs to improve its workflow and efficiency. If I can make their jobs easier and help them feel heard and valued, that will ultimately translate into better patient care and a stronger overall team performance.

By prioritizing the well-being of my team, this ensures that the department can deliver the highest quality of care, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @MusicCityTaco
• Facebook: Music City Taco