Johnny Nevada’s quietly opened a pop-up inside Ride ‘em Cowboy at 2451 Central Avenue | St. Pete Rising

One of St. Petersburg’s most popular food trucks has found a semi-permanent home in the Grand Central District.

Last month, Johnny Nevada’s quietly opened a pop-up inside Ride ‘em Cowboy at 2451 Central Avenue. The pop-up is expected to run for at least a year, according to owner James Shields.

“We’re excited to be back in the Grand Central District,” Shields told St. Pete Rising. “Lost & Found was one of the food truck’s first gigs, and we’ve also spent a lot of time at Par Bar and Dog Bar.”

Launched in 2022, Johnny Nevada’s quickly became a staple at major local events like Localtopia and the St. Pete Grand Prix. However, back-to-back hurricanes in 2024 temporarily halted operations.

The menu includes Mexican-inspired tamales and tacos | Johnny Nevada’s

The concept, inspired by Shields’ father—a leather-jacketed Air Force veteran nicknamed “Johnny Nevada”—is rooted in bold Mexican flavors and a bit of family legend. “If you had tamales in Tampa in the early '80s, you were probably eating from Johnny Nevada,” Shields laughs.

Today, the menu honors those roots with tamales, tacos, street corn, and more.

Thanks to the larger kitchen space, Johnny Nevada’s has been able to expand its menu.

“A food truck menu has to be very limited,” Shields explains. “In the next two to three weeks, we’ll roll out more entrée-style offerings—not just tacos or tamales.”

The concept is inspired by Shields’ father, a leather-jacketed Air Force veteran nicknamed “Johnny Nevada” | Johnny Nevada’s

The current menu features three varieties of tamales, including the standout Short Rib “Barbacoa” Tamale, made with slow-cooked short rib, guajillo and ancho chilies, garlic, cumin, cilantro, lime, and chopped onion, all topped with house red sauce, crema, pico de gallo, and guacamole.

The taco staples include carnitas, short rib, chicken, and pork belly. However, there are always one or two rotating tacos like crispy fish, chorizo, butternut squash, and blackened mahi.

Beyond tacos and tamales, Johnny Nevada’s is known for its fire-grilled street corn off the cob, topped with tomatoes, onion, cilantro, cotija cheese, and crispy smoked pork belly.

Additionally, Shields says the Applewood-Smoked Red Chile Chicken Wings have unexpectedly become a best-seller.

Beyond tacos and tamales, Johnny Nevada’s is known for its fire-grilled street corn off the cob | Johnny Nevada’s

What’s next for Johnny Nevada’s after the year-long pop-up? Shields says he’s actively searching for a permanent location. For now, they’ll continue operating out of Ride ‘em Cowboy, with delivery available through DoorDash and Uber Eats.

Johnny Nevada’s is open Tuesday through Thursday from 4–9 p.m., and Friday through Sunday from 12–9 p.m., with weekly Taco Tuesday specials and more on the way.

The truck will be operational again for festivals and in time for the Tacos and Tequila event taking place Mother’s Day weekend at Vinoy Park.

Be sure to follow them on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date on the newest menu items and the latest specials.