Growing up hearing about his grandfather's street vendor days, Adam DiSilvestro (right) decided to leave behind his marketing job and revive the family business. Bringing in Chef Danamarie McKiernan, and restaurant cook Benny Chodan, Adam decided to open Diso's. With sandwiches like the Big Pauly, Joey Shakes and Vinny Chins, their aim is to bring the old-school, quality Italian deli experience to the streets of New York City. Last year their business took a hit, so they're hoping to bring home the win.
GD Bro Truck — Orange County, Calif.
Having met years ago while both working at Disneyland, Kevin Nguyen (center) and Mark Cruz (right) eventually grew as close as brothers and decided to follow a shared passion. After quitting their jobs, they decided to open a food truck, against their traditional Asian parents' wishes. Eventually joining them was Geoffrey Manila, and the trio took SoCal by storm, serving up gourmet burgers and specialty fries. They want to show their families they can succeed at what they love.
The Guava Tree Truck — Dallas
After 16 unsatisfying years in the advertising industry, Onel Perez decided to follow his passion and open a food truck serving the authentic Cuban dishes he learned from his parents. With his wife, Pam, and their daughter Mariah, he transformed an old fixer-upper into the heart of his family's business. From it they serve up dishes like The Cubano with guava mustard, loaded yucca fries and Cuban doughnuts. They want to win so they can take their business to the next level.
Pho Nomenal Dumplings — Raleigh, N.C.
High school friends Sunny Lin (left) and Sophia Woo (right) left their corporate jobs and invested their life savings, along with funds from Kickstarter, in an Asian fusion food truck. Soon their pal Becca Plumlee joined the two, bringing her Southern hospitality to the business. Pork and chive dumplings, beef pho and bulgogi sloppy joes have earned them a loyal following. And the girls have high hopes of making their North Carolina community and Kickstarter supporters proud with a win.
Postcards — Los Angeles
Greg King grew up cooking in his parent's soul food restaurant, but he put his culinary dreams aside to enter corporate America. Hating it, he eventually quit and put his savings into opening a food truck. He's always dreamed of opening up a restaurant, so this mobile eatery is his first step in making that dream a reality. With his friend Mo, whom Greg considers his big sis, and his daughter Grae, Greg has the team to beat, cooking his family's time-tested healthy, soulful recipes.
Spice It Up — Phoenix
Chris Paciora (center) waited until her kids were off at college to start her food business. She eventually hired best friends Nichole Mellor (left) and Keri Frazier (right) to bring her internationally inspired creations to the streets. Known for their unique use of spices with dishes like chicken tikka masala and Jamaican jerk lettuce wraps, this trio of moms is passionate about food. The women want to show other moms it’s never too late to follow your dreams — or in this case, take them on the road!
Waffle Love — Provo, Utah
Brothers Steven, Jared and Adam Terry come from a family of 14 siblings. Adam grew up dreaming of restaurant ideas and playing chef in the kitchen. Only after losing his banking job did he decide to pursue his true passion. With a loan from his grandma and help from the entire family, Adam brought his food truck to life. But being the first in the area led them down a road of obstacles. The brothers believe they have the determination, skills, charm and heart to take their truck to the finish line.
More Food Trucks
Go behind the scenes of the food truck teams, explore the stops along the route, and browse photo galleries of the challenges.
