Potato Expo 2016 will feature the first Food Truck Chef Competition, the "Spud Nation Throwdown"
Potato Expo 2016 features first Food Truck Chef Competition
![Potato Expo 2016 will feature the first Food Truck Chef Competition, the "Spud Nation Throwdown" Potato Expo 2016 will feature the first Food Truck Chef Competition, the "Spud Nation Throwdown"](https://media.potatopro.com/spud-nation-throwdown-809.jpg?width=1200&height=743&crop=smart&mode=crop)
For the first time, Potato Expo 2016, the largest conference and trade show for the potato industry in North America, will host a food truck chef competition highlighting the broad appeal of potatoes and mobile food trucks.
During the Spud Nation™ Throwdown on January 12, three food truck chefs selected as finalists of a nationwide competition will present their most creative and flavorful potato recipe. A panel of judges will crown one of the chefs “Top Spud” with an award of $5,000.
There are more than 4,500 food trucks operating in the U.S. and nearly 50% of consumers will purchase a meal from a food truck this year. With the growing appeal of food trucks due to convenience and taste, many chefs are offering creative takes on traditional dishes.
Phil Lempert, Supermarket Guru:
“The growing number of adventurous diners combined with the universal appeal of potatoes, both as center of the plate and side dish recipes, is the perfect storm.”
“We predict big things for these food trucks.”
![Watch Supermarket Guru Phil Lempert introduce the competition in this video
Watch Supermarket Guru Phil Lempert introduce the competition in this video](https://media.potatopro.com/phil-lempert-introducing-spud-nation-throwdown-550.jpg?width=809)
Watch Supermarket Guru Phil Lempert introduce the competition in this video
And even if you don't go to the Potato Expo, you don't have to miss the energy these chefs bring!
Live coverage will be streamed via Periscope on January 12.
The chef finalists are:
Heather Banter, Circle City Spuds
Indianapolis, IN![Heather Banter from Circle City Spuds – Indianapolis, IN Heather Banter from Circle City Spuds – Indianapolis, IN](https://media.potatopro.com/circlecity-550.jpg?width=809)
Heather Banter from Circle City Spuds – Indianapolis, IN
“We think the Naptown Mac & BBQ spud is a perfect ending for Vegas nights,” said Banter.
Daniel McCarthy, Tato Heads
Columbus, OH![Daniel McCarthy from Tato Heads – Columbus, OH Daniel McCarthy from Tato Heads – Columbus, OH](https://media.potatopro.com/tatoheads-550.jpg?width=809)
Daniel McCarthy from Tato Heads – Columbus, OH
His entry for the Throwdown is the Chorizo Cheese Fries.
“Late night or early morning, these tater tot fries hit the spot,” he added.
Bridgett Blough, The Organic Gypsy
Kalamazoo, MI![Bridgett Blough from The Organic Gypsy – Bridgett Blough from The Organic Gypsy –](https://media.potatopro.com/the-organic-gypsy-550.jpg?width=809)
Bridgett Blough from The Organic Gypsy –
“I grew up eating potatoes 5 nights a week. I’m excited to bring to Vegas healthy comfort food with a twist in my Green Tahini Potato Soup.”
Join us January 12 to discover the next great thing in potato food trucks!