Today, Mayor Emanuel announced the latest progress for Chicago’s growing food truck industry after taping an appearance on the Food Network’s Great Food Truck Race.

This past week, the City licensed seven new mobile cook -onboard food trucks to hit the streets this summer and serve hungry Chicagoans. The seven new operators licensed this week as cook-onboard trucks are the result of the reforms passed by City Council last summer. The newest trucks are: The Eastman Egg Company, the City’s first breakfast themed truck serving up egg specialties, Beaver’s Donuts and Coffee, Giordanos, the first pizza truck to sell fresh oven baked pies, Gelato D’Oro, offering a variety of authentically Italian hand-dipped, homemade gelatos, Cheesie’s, serving up a variety of grilled cheese, Patty Wagon, a burger specialist and Carbon Kitchen offering gourmet waffles.

The introduction of the seven newest additions to Chicago’s food truck fleet was capped off by Mayor Emanuel’s taped appearance for the Food Network’s Great food Truck Race hosted by Tyler Florence. The popular Food Network series features a multi-week showdown that challenges teams of fledgling food truck operators to outsell one another in a coast to coast road trip. The top team is awarded a fully loaded food truck to launch their business.

“I was happy to appear on a show that promotes the thriving food truck industry and will spread the word that Chicago is a great place for food!  Chicago’s food truck industry is growing and will continue to grow,” said Mayor Emanuel. “We remain committed to creating the conditions and opportunities that will allow this industry to thrive, create jobs and support a vibrant food culture across Chicago.”

Today, the City has approximately 120 food trucks serving hungry diners, including 13 trucks licensed to cook -onboard with more expected to launch throughout the summer. The trucks can be found throughout the City, many utilizing the food truck stand parking provided by the mobile food ordinance that expanded licensing to include cook and prep on board business. The City has worked closely with new applicants to help new trucks get started and launch their business.

“We are excited to get out on the streets of Chicago and sell some great Gelato.  Special thanks to everyone with the City of Chicago who helped me through the licensing process,”said Michael Meranda of the Gelato D’Oro truck.

"At Giordano's, we're always looking for new ways to satisfy our customers, and there is no better way to meet their needs than by bringing our irresistible pizza and other favorites straight to them," said Yorgo Koutsogiorgas , Giordano's CEO. "The food truck movement continues to grow across the country, especially right here in Chicago, and we're thrilled to be the very first Chicago pizza restaurant to obtain a license from the city to prepare food on a truck."

 “The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection was extremely helpful during the permitting process,”   said Hunter Swartz. “The Eastman Egg Company is thrilled to be Chicago's first breakfast sandwich food truck!  We use quality local ingredients to create delicious breakfast sandwiches all day long.”

The announcement of the new trucks comes on the heels of another Chicago food truck first, the inclusion of food trucks at Taste of Chicago, July 10-14, 2013 in Grant Park. This year, participating food trucks will serve thousands of concert attendees at the Petrillo Music Shell on the centerfield concrete path just east of the lawn seating at the pavilion.

Photos attached and video of the cook-onboard trucks are attached to this release.

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