Food Network is set to bring back one of its most popular culinary road-trip competitions with the official launch of “The Great Food Truck Race” Season 19, delivering another exciting season filled with intense challenges, creative dishes, and fierce food battles. Returning with host Tyler Florence at the wheel, the new season promises a fresh twist on the familiar format as eight ambitious food truck teams compete across multiple locations for the ultimate prize: a $50,000 grand reward.
This season introduces a brand-new theme that divides the competitors into two culinary categories: Sweet versus Savory. Four teams will represent the world of desserts and sweet creations, while four others will focus on savory meals and bold flavors. The unique setup creates a direct clash between different styles of cooking, forcing each team to prove that their specialty can win over customers, judges, and the competition.
The journey begins in Nashville, Tennessee, a city known for its vibrant food culture and passionate culinary community. From there, the food trucks will travel through the Great Smoky Mountains, stopping in locations filled with unique flavors and hungry customers. Along the way, the teams will face a series of themed challenges designed to test not only their cooking abilities but also their creativity, business strategies, and sales skills.
As always, the competition is about much more than preparing delicious food. The teams must learn how to attract customers, promote their brands, manage limited resources, and make quick decisions under pressure. Every stop on the journey will challenge the contestants to adapt to new environments while competing against equally determined rivals who are all hoping to turn their food truck dreams into reality.
One of the biggest changes coming to Season 19 is the introduction of a new elimination twist. For the first time in the show’s history, the two lowest-performing teams each week will not immediately face elimination. Instead, they will compete in a special taste redemption battle, where they must prepare a dish that proves they deserve another chance. The winning team from that showdown will remain in the race, while the losing truck will be forced to leave the competition.
The new rule adds even more drama and uncertainty to the season, as no team can feel completely safe until they prove themselves. A single mistake, disappointing dish, or weak sales performance could place a competitor in danger, making every challenge and customer interaction more important than ever.
The season will feature eight new food truck teams representing different regions across the United States. Each group brings its own personality, culinary background, and specialty to the competition. Among the competitors are Bug & Bear’s Cannoli, featuring Joseph Serpico, Matthew Wilson, and Dina Pecci from Los Angeles, California, who will showcase their take on the classic Italian dessert.
Also joining the race is Cason Funnel Cakes, made up of Terrance Cason, Andre Cason, and Morris Green from Richmond, Virginia, bringing their sweet creations and carnival-inspired flavors to the battlefield. Deadproof Pizza Co., featuring Thomas Lomanno, Dante Marino, and Lisa Bosteels from Derry, New Hampshire, will represent the savory side with their pizza-focused menu.
From New York, Grounds Donut House, with Carmela Varotta, Gabriella Amoroso, and Stephanie Hill from the Bronx, will compete with their donut creations. Hawaii-based team Hele Rolls, consisting of Brittany Lopez, Jasmine Milam, and Mari Wills from Kapolei, will bring their own specialty and island-inspired approach to the competition.
The savory teams will also include Jollof Bowl, featuring Ethel Kamara, Andrea Kamara, and Lekan Oketunji from Baltimore, Maryland, who will highlight their flavorful cuisine. New Orleans-based Stuph’d Beignets & Burgers, with Dionne Lewis, Duana Lawrence, and Sherman Clarke, will combine classic comfort food with their own creative style. Finally, Waffadilla, featuring Shawn Peterson, Madison Peterson, and Gavin Mari from Hampshire, Illinois, will compete with their unique menu concept.
The new season will once again showcase the balance between culinary talent and business ability that has made “The Great Food Truck Race” a fan favorite. While great food is essential, success also depends on teamwork, marketing, customer connections, and the ability to stay calm during unexpected challenges.
Hosted by Tyler Florence, the series will continue its tradition of taking viewers on a nationwide adventure filled with memorable food moments, emotional victories, and surprising eliminations. Florence will guide the teams through the highs and lows of the competition as they fight for every sale and every opportunity to move one step closer to the championship.
Season 19 is scheduled to premiere on Sunday, July 26, at 9/8c on Food Network, with new episodes becoming available to stream the following day on HBO Max. The competition will conclude with a major finale on Sunday, September 6, at 9 p.m., taking place at the legendary Churchill Downs racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky. At the end of the journey, only one food truck will survive the challenges and claim the $50,000 grand prize.
With a new Sweet versus Savory rivalry, a challenging cross-country route, eight determined teams, and an all-new redemption battle twist, Season 19 of “The Great Food Truck Race” is set to deliver one of the most competitive and unpredictable culinary showdowns yet. Fans can expect plenty of creativity, pressure-filled moments, and unforgettable dishes as the race officially gets rolling.
