The Taco Truck, one of the state's best-known and loved taquerias, has closed its operations.

"It is with a heavy heart that we inform you that The Taco Truck will be closing its doors," read a message on its Facebook page last week.

"For the last decade, it has been our pleasure to serve you and to be an integral part of your community ... for that we will always be grateful."

Founder and CEO Jason Scott, reached by phone, said the move was "very bittersweet for us. It's been fantastic to see how much people loved The Taco Truck. I'd love to find a way for someone to carry on the name.''

Fans of Taco Truck storefronts in Princeton, Hoboken and Morristown reacted with surprise and shock to the news.

"So sad to hear this; we are going to miss you,'' said one loyal customer. "OH NO, even Hoboken!'' added another.

Several food truck owners also weighed in. Here was one:

@TheTacoTruck thank for being an inspiration to us, and for setting a high standard in this business. Good luck in your future endeavors. — El Lechon de Negron (@LechondeNegron) May 2, 2017

The business started as a taco truck on the streets of Jersey City in 2009, eventually alternating between there and Hoboken. Scott was founder/CEO; Chris Viola was chief operating officer. Scott enlisted Roberto Santibanez, a Mexico City native and restaurateur/author, as the truck's "culinary partner.''

In 2010, Scott and Viola told me they would take turns getting up at 6 a.m. to claim a parking spot in Hoboken -- and having a ton of coins for the meter. Their first truck was a former cookie delivery truck.

The truck's tacos, tortas and such dishes as Oaxaca frijoles negros (black beans cooked with avocado leaves and chiles) soon attracted a fanatical following; the business grew to include trucks in New Jersey and Boston, plus storefronts in Princeton, Morristown, Hoboken and King of Prussia, Pa.

The Taco Truck placed #4 in my ranking of the state's best taco shops/restaurants.

"When we launched The Taco Truck our mission was to provide our guests with an American street food experience and we've been lucky enough to do so,'' continued the Facebook page post. "You all have made this chapter unforgettable.''

Peter Genovese may be reached at pgenovese@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @PeteGenovese or via The Munchmobile @NJ_Munchmobile. Find the Munchmobile on Facebook and Instagram.