After a surprising start with two eliminations, season 18 of The Great Food Truck Race moved to Charleston, South Carolina. Seven teams continued their journey as they prepared for new challenges and sales.
In the first challenge, host Tyler Florence and guest Kardea Brown asked the teams to add their twist to a classic Gullah Geechee dish, with an extra $300 on the line. Teams like Nishaan, Cooking with Que, and Fat Kid Food Co. stepped up to the plate, showcasing dishes like shrimp and grits and Carolina crab rice. Fat Kid Food Co. won this round and secured the cash, gaining an edge moving forward.
Day 2 brought a lowcountry boil challenge, which promised an hour of extra selling time for the winning team. However, G’s Cheesesteaks struggled to find a good selling location. They attempted to park at a local brewery, then a busy park but failed both times. They finally set up at a school, managing a few sales, but it was clear the day hadn’t gone well for them. Meanwhile, Good Fortune Company excelled, earning the extra hour by selling the most dishes.
As the days progressed, inclement weather loomed over Charleston, impacting overall sales. On the final day, Chef Rodney Scott joined the teams to judge their dishes, which included using barbecue pork from his catering service. While Burger Walla thought they had the winning recipe, G’s Cheesesteaks took the prize instead, doubling their special’s sales and improving their standing.
At the end of the episode, tension rose as teams awaited the elimination announcement. Burger Walla fell short in sales, leading to their surprising exit from the competition.
As of now, Nishaan remains a strong contender with impressive sales, despite not winning any challenges this week. Their strategy seems to be paying off, making them a team to watch in the upcoming Myrtle Beach leg.
With each passing week, the competition intensifies, showcasing not just talent but the challenges of running a food truck. As teams adapt and strategize, it will be interesting to see who will rise and who will fall in the next round.
For detailed insights on food trucks and their impact, you can check out this 2023 Food Industry Report, which highlights trends and shifts in the culinary landscape.
