Fort Myers stars in Food Network finale

Two-hour lines form to try food served at “The Great Food Truck Race” contest in downtown Fort Myers.

If you tune into the popular Food Network’s television show, “The Great Food Truck Race,” you might see some familiar faces in the future.

“The Great Food Truck Race” filmed on the streets of downtown Fort Myers last week.

The hit television series drew a crowd as they shot the finale episode for season 17.

“Let’s get rolling, Fort Myers,” cheered Tyler Florence, popular chef and television host.

In “The Great Food Race,” food truck teams broil for the top spot. Florence goes to different cities and creates cuisine challenges. The goal for the trucks is to outsell the competition in hopes of winning the $50,000 grand prize and bragging rights.

Crew members and contending teams took photos with people who showed up in downtown. Locals had the opportunity to cheer on Fort Myers, for the show’s famous introduction at Centennial Park before moving the food trucks to First Street to start cooking.

“We got up and got ready just to be here and see it! We have watched every episode, and it is a lot of fun to see how it is filmed and done. It exceeded our expectations,” said Maggie Adler. “We even practiced the ‘let’s get rolling’ for the intro scene we were a part of.”

Diners were eager to try fare served at “The Great Food Truck Race” contest in downtown Fort Myers. CARLIE ADMIRE / FLORIDA WEEKLY

The “Great Food Truck Race,” started with nine teams. They traveled from Texas and hit stops along the Gulf Coast. Fort Myers is the final stop and the big showdown to determine the winner. Battling it out, were trucks from Chicago and Maryland.

“We are going to serve you something good,” said the Bao Bei team, strutting in pig hats.

“I can’t wait to see what they created!” said Loo Spatario, who was there with his wife. The two are long-time family friends of Wally from Wally’s Waffles. “We have known him since he was in kindergarten, and we are so excited they are here in Fort Myers. This area is fantastic, and Wally’s Waffles has Chicago rooting for them. We got a text saying to come out and glad to see such a huge crowd for this.”

Celebrity chef Tyler Florence meets with fans in downtown Fort Myers.

Fort Myers proudly represented itself, with lines forming before truck windows latched up and began plating. Television show enthusiasts cheered while gathering to check out the unveiling of menu specialties and trying to snag an appearance with the cameraman.

“We waited a little over two hours and then decided to split up so we can grab something from each truck,” laughed Fred Piercy who attended with his wife. “After watching the show for years, we never thought it would be in our area and we could be a part of it.”

“One truck has my vote, they really hit the spot with the challenge item,” teased Sean Shanahan. “We are food truck people; my son even owns one and will be jealous to know we were here since we always watch the show.”

His wife Pam Shanahan joked with, “I can’t wait to see him in the episode, they interviewed him after grabbing our bowls. It was really funny.”

After traveling from Texas to Florida, the season 17 finale will air sometime this summer. The winner will be determined based on the challenge and final sales from the downtown Fort Myers showdown.

“Seeing it on television when it airs will be a lot of fun and will probably bring more people to this area, it will be nice to showcase Fort Myers,” said Piercy. “We always watch it and never thought we would have a chance to be in it and try out the final two trucks.”

Laurie Stila agreed. “This is just a lot of fun! From seeing it on TV to being part of it. Fort Myers’ has been popular, but this will add to it,” she said. ¦

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