Neil and Phyllis Strawder have big personalities and even bigger BBQ skills. The couple own two food establishments in Southern California and are dedicated to growing their business in hopes of eventually passing it down to their 9-year-old daughter. They have been joined on the road by their "adopted BBQ son," Eric Lara, who has worked for the Strawders for two years. BigMista's Fatty Wagon specializes in BBQ and breakfast with dishes like Fatty Grits, Sweet Potato Fatty Hash and Fatty Pancakes with Candied Bacon.
Carretto Siciliano — Staten Island, N.Y.
Vinny Guadagnino is well-known for his time on the show Jersey Shore, and his mother, Paola, is recognized for her outstanding traditional Italian cooking, especially her famous Sunday dinners. Vinny and his uncle Angelo Giaimo are determined to help Paola achieve her dream of owning a own food business, so together they are bringing her homemade classics, like Zeppoli Chicken Cutlets, Rice Balls and Mashed Potato Bowls, from Staten Island to Southern California. With Vinny and Uncle Angelo's business skills and Paola's delicious dishes, they are in this race to win.
Fortune Cooking — Milford, Mich. And Denver
Tom Lin is a professional chef and culinary instructor who owns and runs two restaurants with his family. His wife, Julie Hill-Lin (right), is an advertising executive by day and an amazing cook by night — and the couple are known for throwing big food-centric gatherings at their home. Joined by Julie's best friend, Tiffany Webster, they are serving up an Asian fusion menu that includes their signature dishes: General Tso's Chicken Spring Rolls, Lettuce Wrap Sliders and Fusion Banh Mi Sandwiches.
Grilled Cheese All-Stars — San Francisco and San Diego
Identical twins Michael and Charlie Kalish have trained with the best cheese makers in France, Switzerland, Italy and the United States. They have been joined by their college buddy Bryce Adams, and the cheesy trio are hitting the road to serve the country's hottest grilled cheeses. These NorCal surfer guys now live apart, so this road trip is a chance to reunite and see if they can make it to the finish line.
Lei-Away Leidies — Provo, Utah & Laie, Hawaii
Sisters Carey Ofahengaue (left) and Summer Prescott (right) moved from Hawaii to Utah, but they are still passionate about Hawaiian culture, especially the food. They run a successful flower shop now, but their true joy is sharing authentic culinary specialties like Poke Bowls, Hukilau Bowls and Teri Burgers. Summer's strong-willed daughter, Autumn, has held a lot of different jobs, including photographer and DJ, but this summer she is joining her mom and aunt for the food journey of a lifetime.
Sweet Southern Soul — Chicago and Atlanta
Chicago police officer Tiffany Ermon (center) is a passionate home cook who learned her soul food style of cooking from her mother and grandmother. She hopes to open her own restaurant one day, and her younger sister Tikia Travis (right) and best friend Kizzma Snoddy have joined her for the ride. Their sweet and savory Southern specialties include their Southern Girl Bowl with Chicken, Sweet Potatoes and Dressing-Flavored Quinoa.
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.
