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The Food Network visited Tuscaloosa over Memorial Day weekend to film an episode of The Great Food Truck Race, this season focused on the Deep South. Producers arrived early at the Federal Building to set up locations and plan the day’s challenges. Using social media and the help of local favorite Local Roots, they announced where the trucks would be serving and invited the public to join in.
Five teams took part in the event:
- The Southern Frenchie
- Braised in the South
- The Breakfast Club
- Stick Em Up
- Mr. Po’ Boys
On Monday morning the trucks posted their hours and locations. Four positioned along University Boulevard while the Southern Frenchie set up in the alcove beside Monarch Espresso. Most trucks offered a brunch menu for a few hours, and each had a media team on site with release forms for anyone appearing on camera. For the challenge, pecans were provided as an ingredient to incorporate into a brunch dish.
Stick Em Up opened with a bold marketing move: a promoter walked the area blowing a horn and teasing that the other trucks were Auburn fans. The playful rivalry drew attention and hungry customers. Stick Em Up’s menu highlighted meat-on-a-stick items and gouda grits to bring a brunch twist.
Breakfast Club focused on crowd-pleasers: homemade donuts, savory breakfast nachos and a mocha beverage. Pairing the mocha with the donuts proved popular and kept a steady line at their window throughout the morning.
Mr. Po’ Boys served classic po’ boys with options like shrimp or chicken with bacon and guacamole, plus a po’ boy chicken salad. For dessert they offered pecan praline pudding, which became a big hit—this truck sold out by mid-afternoon, a clear sign of success.
Braised in the South offered a varied menu with gluten-free options and inventive items like “totchos” — chicken nachos served over tater tots — and pulled pork tacos. They also included a “Roll Tide” themed item to attract local fans and featured a dessert that used the pecan challenge ingredient.
The Southern Frenchie wrapped up the lineup behind Government Plaza, showcasing a fried chicken and pimento cheese grilled sandwich and Johnny cakes. The branding referenced local favorites like “Yellow Hammer,” a smart marketing touch, though some items would need modifications for a gluten-free diet.
Overall, the event brought a lively crowd and showcased a range of creative Southern brunch dishes. Food Network crews captured the action and local flavors, giving Tuscaloosa an opportunity to be seen by a national audience. Check local listings for when the episode of The Great Food Truck Race will air. In the meantime, this visit highlights the growing food scene here and the potential for more events like this in Tuscaloosa.