Tyler Florence challenges the six remaining food truck teams to practice their survival skills by starting a fire to make delicious s'mores, and the judges for the taste test are the other teams! Because of its long daylight hours in the summer, Palmer, Alaska, is home to some of the largest vegetables in the world. The teams are tasked with creating dishes using some of Palmer's most famous vegetables, but the obstacles mount as the teams start to sell amid short daylight hours, raging winds and blistering cold.
The three remaining teams roll into Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta, and learn that when it comes to food, Georgia is famous for two things: peaches and peanuts. Tyler announces the Truck Stop Challenge to create an original dish incorporating both items, but instead of providing these Georgia specialties, they must beg and borrow from the locals downtown. Chef Kevin Rathbun determines the winner and hands out a game changing reward - a guaranteed spot in the finals. All bets are off as Tyler reveals the game-changing Speed Bump: each team will lose their lead chef for the day.
The five remaining teams roll into Manhattan, Kan., the home of Kansas State University, and meet Tyler at the county courthouse. Tyler gives the teams a college-themed Truck Stop challenge to stay on student budget and spend only five dollars at the local market to create an original tasty dish. With only a short time to prepare, the teams hope to impress guest judge Charles Fezzura and win exclusive rights to sell their food on the bustling campus during commencement weekend. The Speed Bump hits the teams hard: every item they sell for the entire weekend can only cost one dollar.
Season four starts in Los Angeles, under the Hollywood sign, where host and chef Tyler Florence greets the eight teams fighting for their chance to win the grand prize of $50,000 and their own food truck! For the first challenge, the teams must go high class, selling one signature dish in Beverly Hills, Calif., but that dish must be sold for at least $20. The second challenge takes place in San Francisco, where they teams can only sell a NEW signature dish. The team to sell the least amount with their two signature dishes is sent home.
The two remaining teams arrive in St. Louis, ready for their final big sell. Tyler Florence challenges the teams to create three different dishes in 30 minutes to serve to two of the most renowned grill chefs in St. Louis, with the winner getting a valuable head start on the finale weekend. On their way to the Chicago showdown, they hit Springfield, Ill., for a Lincoln-themed sale. Once in Chicago, the teams have to hit three different ethnic neighborhoods with three different ethnic dishes. The team that first sells 50 dishes in each location will be crowned the champion of the Great Food Truck Race and drive away $50,000 richer.
Tyler Florence has a surprise for the four remaining food truck teams: a taste of the Nashville's famous hot chicken, prepared by Nashville native and owner of restaurant 400 Degrees, Aqui Hines. The teams sample and see if they can take the heat, then Tyler challenges them to make their own versions of hot dishes -- but without chicken. Aqui tastes the dishes, awarding the winner $500 in their till. On the second day in Nashville, Tyler has the teams to create their own self-promotion, much like the many artists in the city. Country singer Craig Wayne Boyd judges their promotions, rewarding the winning team with immunity.