MORRISTOWN, NJ – How’s that for a comeback? Months after reorganizing their once closed business, ESO Artisan Pasta the chefs will showcase their culinary talents to a national audience.
ESO leaders recently traveled to Southern California, but couldn’t reveal why before. But the secret is out: ESO Artisanal Pasta has participated in the new season of “The Great Food Truck Race,” which will air at 9 p.m. on June 5 on Food Network.
The ESO team includes chefs AJ Sankofa, Kristina Gambarian, and Matt McFadden.
Nine teams of aspiring food truck owners will participate in the program for a grand prize of $50,000. Participants must prove their cooking skills, marketing savvy and sales skills in different challenges to beat their rivals and stay in the race.
In the season premiere, teams will see their food trucks for the first time in Laguna Beach. The first challenge will feature tables filled with colorful hot peppers, which contestants must use in a dish to impress host Tyler Florence.
The show will feature different tests for chefs and will stop all over California. In the July 24 season finale, the two remaining teams will face off in San Diego. The last truck standing will win the prize.
It’s been a wild ride for ESO since it opened in July 2020. Owner and Chef AJ Sankofa once attended a culinary institute and worked in a restaurant in Italy, inspiring “Chef AJ” to bring the nation’s authentic flavors in his hometown.
But the company opted to close last September, citing disputes with former partners that left them without capital. In November, the ESO property launched a fundraiser for a comeback and began the next chapter of the company.
Foodies and institutions outside of Morristown have taken notice. The ESO received a grant from the Jets and Visa initiative to support black-owned businesses, and the football team featured the Morristown business on its YouTube channel. (see below). Sankofa also presented his homemade cavatelli recipe for Delight.
Soon, Food Network viewers will see ESO chefs trying to take over the food truck industry. This season of “The Great Food Truck Race” will consist of eight episodes, which will be available to stream on Discovery+.
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