About Us
Established in May 2022, Chef Kenny’s Kitchen was built from a shared vision between husband-and-wife duo Chef Kenny and DJ Harker, alongside their daughter, Lailah. What started as a dream quickly turned into a family-driven operation rooted in hard work, faith, and a commitment to doing things the right way.
We specialize in a small, focused menu of American comfort food with an elevated twist. From hearty entrées to fresh-fruit lemonades and our signature scratch-made bread pudding, every item is crafted with intention and attention to detail. Operating from our 22-foot custom-built trailer kitchen, complete with a built-in smoker on our screened-in porch, we bring both flavor and personality wherever we park.
In 2025, we were honored to be named Charlotte’s Best Food Truck, a milestone that reflects the loyalty of our customers and the dedication we pour into every service. While we are proud of how far we have come, we are even more excited about where we are headed and the greater milestones still ahead.
At Chef Kenny’s Kitchen, delicious food and exceptional service are not goals, they are standards. Our passion shows in every dish, and our focus remains on delivering an unmatched Chef Kenny Experience that keeps guests coming back to our kitchen time and time again.
Meet Chef Kenny
Kenny Harker, Chef and Co-Owner, has spent more than 27 years in the kitchen earning his stripes the old-fashioned way. He started at 18 years old washing dishes in a fast-paced, well-known chain restaurant. When a spot opened up on the line, he stepped in without hesitation, and that single decision turned into a lifelong career.
From day one, Chef Kenny built his reputation on two things: precision and performance. He has always believed that every plate matters. Known for his sharp attention to detail and calm focus during a rush, he has run an entire line solo on some of the busiest nights and taken pride in food never coming back for lack of quality or preparation.
Nearly a decade in a high-volume restaurant in Concord, NC sharpened his versatility. Serving a wide range of guests taught him how to adapt across cuisines, accommodate dietary needs, and maintain consistency no matter the pace. Volume never compromised standards. Quality always came first.
Kenny is a man of few words, but he stands firmly behind one phrase: “My food speaks for itself.” No shortcuts. No overcomplication. Just thoughtfully prepared, high-quality food made to be remembered.
Every dish reflects his experience, discipline, and commitment to doing things the right way.
Meet The Team
DJ
Operations and Co-Owner
DJ is a true people person with a natural gift for customer service and relationship building. She greets everyone with a warm smile and makes it her mission to ensure each guest feels seen, heard, and appreciated.
Her passion for working with people started early, from helping at a seafood stand in the 5th grade to building a career in Human Resources, where she has worked for over 10 years.
During the week, she continues her HR role at a local manufacturing company in Concord, NC, sharpening the same skills she brings to the truck every day: communication, empathy, and connection.
DJ has a way of making conversations feel easy and genuine. She will not hesitate to share a personal story while taking an order, and by the time your food is ready, you will likely feel like more than just a customer.
Providing an exceptional experience is not just part of the job for DJ, it is personal. She treats every visitor like a friend, welcoming each person as if they have stepped into the Harker family kitchen. The food may bring you in, but the experience will keep you coming back.
Lailah
Apprentice
Lailah is the fun-loving, high-energy heartbeat of the team. Known for her dance moves and bright personality, she brings joy wherever she goes and is always ready to entertain.
As a young apprentice in training, she is learning firsthand what hard work and perseverance look like. She pays close attention to everything her parents do, quietly soaking up lessons in teamwork, responsibility, and entrepreneurship. While dancing may always be her first love, she is already building the foundation for whatever she chooses to pursue.
Truth be told, she might just be the real boss behind the scenes, but we will let the adults think they are still in charge.