Today, Sunday, September 22, 2013 Mayor Emanuel makes a guest appearance on the Food Network series “The Great Food Truck Race” hosted by Chef Tyler Florence. The Mayor taped his appearance mid –June when the series filmed in Chicago.

The Great Food Truck Race, a popular Food Network series features a multi-week showdown to challenge fledgling food truck operators to outsell one another in a coast to coast road trip.  Featured segments include specific challenges tailored to the hosting City and overall sales strategy. Each week, top sellers avoid elimination and remain to travel and compete in the next City to win the grand prize, a fully loaded Food Truck to launch their business at the series end.

Mayor Emanuel applauded the show’s contestants and their stop in Chicago.

“I was happy to appear on a show that promotes a thriving entrepreneurial industry with great food, great people, and a great way to show off our beautiful City to the rest of the country,” said Mayor Emanuel. “We’ve been working hard to grow the food truck industry in Chicago and it’s nice to get this recognition.”

The Mayor took part in a segment with host Tyler Florence and the members of the final three truck teams in the competition: Aloha Plate, Tikka Tikka Taco, and Philly's Finest Sambonis.

The Mayor’s appearance on the show was one of many food truck firsts this summer in Chicago.  With great success, food trucks made their debut appearance at Taste of Chicago in July and by summer’s end the City saw the number of cook on board trucks expand from 13 to 21 new trucks. There are over 120 food trucks in total in Chicago right now.

Tune in to the Food Network on Sunday, September 22nd at 8pm CST to watch the Great Food Truck Race.

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