Meet The Watermelon Man, A South Side Legend With The Sweetest Melons In Town

Kenny "The Watermelon Man" Smith operates a beloved fruit truck at 83rd Street and Stony Island Avenue in Avalon Park, where he sells watermelons sourced from southern farms. Customers, including regulars like Mykhail Willis and Penny H. , praise the sweetness and quality of his melons, often making special trips to buy from him. Smith has cultivated a loyal customer base over nearly two decades, traveling weekly to Florida, Georgia, and other states to ensure he offers the best produce. His truck features a variety of red, yellow, and orange seeded watermelons, along with peaches and pecans.

Customers frequently inquire why his prices are higher than those at grocery stores, and he emphasizes the superior quality of his products. Smith has learned to judge the quality of watermelons through experience, enabling him to build trust with his suppliers. His dedication to quality and customer service sets him apart in a competitive market, making his truck a summer staple for many South Siders. The Watermelon Man embodies the local culture, providing a taste of the South in Chicago.