The Great Food Truck Race: A Delicious Journey to Victory

The Great Food Truck Race is a reality TV series that premiered on August 15, 2010, on the Food Network. The show features a competition among food truck owners, who travel across the United States, serving their culinary creations to locals and tourists alike. The team that earns the most money at the end of each episode wins a cash prize and a chance to continue competing in the next round. In this article, we will explore the winners of The Great Food Truck Race and what made their dishes stand out from the rest.

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Season 1: The First-Ever Winners

The first season of The Great Food Truck Race premiered in 2010 and featured seven teams competing against each other. The teams traveled across the Southern United States, serving their dishes in various cities, including New Orleans, Louisiana; Austin, Texas; and Nashville, Tennessee. The winning team of the first season was Grill ‘Em All, a food truck from Los Angeles, California, specializing in gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches.

Grill ‘Em All, owned by Ryan Harkins and Matthew Chernus, won the competition by serving creative and delicious grilled cheese sandwiches, such as the “Mother Clucker” (a grilled cheese sandwich with fried chicken and honey mustard) and the “Muenster Mash” (a grilled cheese sandwich with ham, turkey, and muenster cheese). Their dishes were a hit with the locals and tourists, and they won the grand prize of $50,000.

Season 2: The Return of the Food Trucks

The second season of The Great Food Truck Race premiered in 2011 and featured eight teams competing against each other. The teams traveled across the Western United States, serving their dishes in various cities, including Los Angeles, California; Las Vegas, Nevada; and San Francisco, California. The winning team of the second season was The Lime Truck, a food truck from Irvine, California, specializing in Mexican cuisine.

The Lime Truck, owned by Daniel Shemtob and Jason Quinn, won the competition by serving creative and delicious Mexican dishes, such as the “Lime Rickey” (a taco with grilled shrimp, lime crema, and cilantro) and the “Crab and Avocado Tostada” (a tostada with crab, avocado, and lime crema). Their dishes were a hit with the locals and tourists, and they won the grand prize of $100,000.

Season 3: The Battle for Food Truck Supremacy

The third season of The Great Food Truck Race premiered in 2012 and featured nine teams competing against each other. The teams traveled across the Eastern United States, serving their dishes in various cities, including Miami, Florida; Washington, D.C.; and New York City, New York. The winning team of the third season was Nonna’s Kitchenette, a food truck from Nashville, Tennessee, specializing in Italian cuisine.

Nonna’s Kitchenette, owned by Jaclyn Kolsby and Lisa Nativo, won the competition by serving creative and delicious Italian dishes, such as the “Chicken Parmesan Sandwich” (a sandwich with breaded and fried chicken, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese) and the “Cannoli” (a Sicilian pastry dessert with sweetened ricotta cheese and chocolate chips). Their dishes were a hit with the locals and tourists, and they won the grand prize of $50,000.

Season 4: The Food Truck Frenzy Continues

The fourth season of The Great Food Truck Race premiered in 2013 and featured eight teams competing against each other. The teams traveled across the Southern United States, serving their dishes in various cities, including Charleston, South Carolina; Savannah, Georgia; and New Orleans, Louisiana. The winning team of the fourth season was Aloha Plate, a food truck from Los Angeles, California, specializing in Hawaiian cuisine.

Aloha Plate, owned by Adam Tabura and Lanai Tabura, won the competition by serving creative and delicious Hawaiian dishes, such as the “Kalua Pig Tacos” (tacos with slow-cooked pork, cabbage, and cilantro) and the “Loco Moco” (a burger with a beef patty, fried egg, and gravy). Their dishes were a hit with the locals and tourists, and they won the grand prize of $50,000.

Season 5: The Food Truck Face-Off

The fifth season of The Great Food Truck Race premiered in 2014 and featured nine teams competing against each other. The teams traveled across the Western United States, serving their dishes in various cities, including Los Angeles, California; San Diego, California; and Santa Fe, New Mexico. The winning team of the fifth season was Middle Feast, a food truck from Los Angeles, California, specializing in Middle Eastern cuisine.

Middle Feast, owned by Keith Cohen and Chris Cohen, won the competition by serving creative and delicious Middle Eastern dishes, such as the “Falafel Wrap” (a wrap with falafel, hummus, and tabbouleh) and the “Shawarma Sandwich” (a sandwich with grilled lamb, tahini sauce, and pickled turnips). Their dishes were a hit with the locals and tourists, and they won the grand prize of $50,000.

Season 6: The Food Truck Frenzy Continues

The sixth season of The Great Food Truck Race premiered in 2015 and featured eight teams competing against each other. The teams traveled across the Eastern United States, serving their dishes in various cities, including Boston, Massachusetts; Portland, Maine; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The winning team of the sixth season was Grilled Cheese All-Stars, a food truck from Los Angeles, California, specializing in gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches.

Grilled Cheese All-Stars, owned by Michael Cohen and Tiffany Cohen, won the competition by serving creative and delicious grilled cheese sandwiches, such as the “Brie and Fig Jam Sandwich” (a sandwich with brie cheese, fig jam, and arugula) and the “Tomato Soup Grilled Cheese” (a sandwich with grilled cheese, tomato soup, and basil). Their dishes were a hit with the locals and tourists, and they won the grand prize of $50,000.

Season 7: The Food Truck Face-Off

The seventh season of The Great Food Truck Race premiered in 2016 and featured seven teams competing against each other. The teams traveled across the Southern United States, serving their dishes in various cities, including Nashville, Tennessee; Memphis, Tennessee; and New Orleans, Louisiana. The winning team of the seventh season was Waffle Love, a food truck from Los Angeles, California, specializing in gourmet waffles.

Waffle Love, owned by Adam Terry and Jared Terry, won the competition by serving creative and delicious waffles, such as the “Strawberry Basil Waffle” (a waffle with strawberries, basil, and whipped cream) and the “Chicken and Waffles” (a waffle with fried chicken, maple syrup, and butter). Their dishes were a hit with the locals and tourists, and they won the grand prize of $50,000.

Season 8: The Food Truck Frenzy Continues

The eighth season of The Great Food Truck Race premiered in 2017 and featured eight teams competing against each other. The teams traveled across the Western United States, serving their dishes in various cities, including Los Angeles, California; San Francisco, California; and Seattle, Washington. The winning team of the eighth season was BigMista’s Fatty Wagon, a food truck from Los Angeles, California, specializing in gourmet barbecue.

BigMista’s Fatty Wagon, owned by Neil Strawder and Phyllis Strawder, won the competition by serving creative and delicious barbecue dishes, such as the “Burnt Ends Grilled Cheese” (a sandwich with burnt ends, grilled cheese, and barbecue sauce) and the “Pork Ribs” (pork ribs with barbecue sauce and coleslaw). Their dishes were a hit with the locals and tourists, and they won the grand prize of $50,000.

Season 9: The Food Truck Face-Off

The ninth season of The Great Food Truck Race premiered in 2018 and featured eight teams competing against each other. The teams traveled across the Eastern United States, serving their dishes in various cities, including New York City, New York; Boston, Massachusetts; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The winning team of the ninth season was Shrimpin’ Ain’t Easy, a food truck from Los Angeles, California, specializing in seafood.

Shrimpin’ Ain’t Easy, owned by Eric Norris and Adam Greenberg, won the competition by serving creative and delicious seafood dishes, such as the “Shrimp and Grits” (shrimp with grits, cheese, and scallions) and the “Lobster Roll” (a sandwich with lobster, mayonnaise, and lemon). Their dishes were a hit with the locals and tourists, and they won the grand prize of $50,000.

Season 10: The Food Truck Frenzy Continues

The tenth season of The Great Food Truck Race premiered in 2019 and featured eight teams competing against each other. The teams traveled across the Southern United States, serving their dishes in various cities, including Nashville, Tennessee; Memphis, Tennessee; and New Orleans, Louisiana. The winning team of the tenth season was Rolling Indulgence, a food truck from Los Angeles, California, specializing in gourmet desserts.

Rolling Indulgence, owned by Andrea Harrison and Tiffany Harrison, won the competition by serving creative and delicious desserts, such as the “Strawberry Shortcake” (shortcake with strawberries, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce) and the “Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Sandwich” (a sandwich with cookie dough, chocolate chips, and ice cream). Their dishes were a hit with the locals and tourists, and they won the grand prize of $50,000.

Season 11: The Food Truck Face-Off

The eleventh season of The Great Food Truck Race premiered in 2020 and featured eight teams competing against each other. The teams traveled across the Western United States, serving their dishes in various cities, including Los Angeles, California; San Francisco, California; and Seattle, Washington. The winning team of the eleventh season was Spice It Up, a food truck from Los Angeles, California, specializing in gourmet Indian cuisine.

Spice It Up, owned by Rohan Puri and Surbhi Sahni, won the competition by serving creative and delicious Indian dishes, such as the “Chicken Tikka Masala” (chicken with tomato sauce, cream, and spices) and the “Samosas” (fried or baked pastries with spiced potatoes and peas). Their dishes were a hit with the locals and tourists, and they won the grand prize of $50,000.

Season 12: The Food Truck Frenzy Continues

The twelfth season of The Great Food Truck Race premiered in 2021 and featured eight teams competing against each other. The teams traveled across the Eastern United States, serving their dishes in various cities, including New York City, New York; Boston, Massachusetts; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The winning team of the twelfth season was It’s a Wrap, a food truck from Los Angeles, California, specializing in gourmet wraps.

It’s a Wrap, owned by Michael Cohen and Tiffany Cohen, won the competition by serving creative and delicious wraps, such as the “Chicken Shawarma Wrap” (a wrap with grilled chicken, tahini sauce, and pickled turnips) and the “Veggie Wrap” (a wrap with hummus, tabbouleh, and feta cheese). Their dishes were a hit with the locals and tourists, and they won the grand prize of $50,000.

Conclusion

The Great Food Truck Race is a reality TV series that showcases the culinary creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of food truck owners. The show has featured a diverse range of teams and cuisines over the years, and the winners have been chosen based on their ability to serve delicious and creative dishes to locals and tourists alike. From gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches to gourmet Indian cuisine, the winners of The Great Food Truck Race have proven that with hard work, determination, and a passion for food, anything is possible.

Winners of The Great Food Truck Race

Note: The information provided is accurate as of the knowledge cutoff date of 01 March 2023.

What is The Great Food Truck Race?

The Great Food Truck Race is a reality television series that premiered in 2010 on the Food Network. The show features a competition among food truck owners and chefs who travel across the United States, competing against each other to sell the most food and win a cash prize. The contestants face various challenges and obstacles along the way, including limited cooking time, unpredictable weather conditions, and intense competition.

Throughout the series, the contestants are judged on their culinary skills, creativity, and ability to run a successful food truck business. The show provides an exciting and entertaining look at the food truck industry, highlighting the hard work and dedication required to succeed in this competitive field. With its unique blend of cooking, competition, and travel, The Great Food Truck Race has become a popular program among foodies and reality TV fans.

How are the contestants selected for The Great Food Truck Race?

The contestants on The Great Food Truck Race are selected through a rigorous casting process. The show’s producers typically hold open casting calls in various cities across the United States, where potential contestants can apply and audition for a spot on the show. The producers look for contestants with a strong passion for food, a unique culinary concept, and a charismatic personality.

In addition to the open casting calls, the show’s producers also actively seek out talented food truck owners and chefs through social media and online research. Once selected, the contestants undergo a thorough background check and interview process to ensure they are a good fit for the show. The producers aim to create a diverse and dynamic cast, featuring a range of culinary styles and personalities.

What is the format of The Great Food Truck Race competition?

The Great Food Truck Race competition typically features a group of contestants who travel to different cities across the United States, competing against each other to sell the most food and win challenges. Each episode features a new city and a new challenge, with the contestants facing off in a series of cooking and sales competitions.

The contestants are typically given a limited amount of time to prepare and sell their food, and the team that sells the most food or wins the challenge earns a cash prize and immunity from elimination. The team that sells the least amount of food or loses the challenge is often eliminated from the competition. The last team standing wins a grand prize of $50,000 and the title of The Great Food Truck Race champion.

What kind of challenges do the contestants face on The Great Food Truck Race?

The contestants on The Great Food Truck Race face a variety of challenges, including cooking competitions, sales challenges, and obstacles that test their culinary skills and business acumen. Some common challenges include cooking with mystery ingredients, preparing food for large crowds, and navigating difficult weather conditions.

In addition to the cooking and sales challenges, the contestants also face obstacles such as mechanical issues with their trucks, conflicts with local health inspectors, and competition from other food vendors. The contestants must be able to think on their feet and adapt to changing circumstances in order to succeed in the competition.

How does The Great Food Truck Race promote the food truck industry?

The Great Food Truck Race promotes the food truck industry by showcasing the creativity and diversity of food trucks across the United States. The show highlights the unique culinary concepts and specialties of each truck, as well as the hard work and dedication required to run a successful food truck business.

By featuring food trucks on national television, The Great Food Truck Race helps to raise awareness and interest in the food truck industry, attracting new customers and entrepreneurs to the field. The show also provides a platform for food truck owners and chefs to share their stories and showcase their talents, inspiring others to pursue their passions and start their own food truck businesses.

Can I apply to be on The Great Food Truck Race?

Yes, you can apply to be on The Great Food Truck Race by visiting the Food Network’s website and filling out an application form. The network typically holds open casting calls and accepts applications from potential contestants throughout the year.

To be eligible to apply, you must be at least 18 years old and have a valid food truck business or concept. You will need to provide information about your business, including your menu, marketing strategy, and sales data. You will also need to submit a video showcasing your personality, culinary skills, and food truck concept.

Where can I watch The Great Food Truck Race?

The Great Food Truck Race airs on the Food Network, and you can watch full episodes on the network’s website or through various streaming services such as Hulu and Amazon Prime. You can also purchase individual episodes or seasons of the show through online retailers like iTunes and Google Play.

In addition to watching the show on television or online, you can also follow The Great Food Truck Race on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest news, behind-the-scenes updates, and contestant profiles. The show’s social media accounts often feature exclusive content, including sneak peeks, interviews, and recipes from the contestants.