Chef Robert Irvine tries to turn around restaurants across America that are facing an impending demise if things don't improve. With a $10,000 budget and two days to work, Irvine uses his creativity and resourcefulness to turn the eatery's fortunes around.
Robert Irvine heads to Ash Fork, Ariz., where owner Felicia's failing restaurant has forced her to sacrifice her time with her children. Overwhelmed by guilt, she is ignoring her mountain of debt and her deteriorating business. Robert must help Felicia turn her attitude and strategy around to save the restaurant and her family.
Robert Irvine travels to The Amigo Cafe on Arizona's Navajo Reservation, where owner Julene's struggle to turn a profit has taken a toll on her health; Robert helps Julene's daughter, Heather, gain the confidence to step into her mother's shoes.
Robert Irvine visits Nampa, Idaho, to rescue a Hawaiian restaurant called Island Kine Grinds. Married owners Renus and Ludi are on the edge of both bankruptcy and despair. Renus' health issues have left him physically incapable of helping Ludi, who is overwhelmed managing the restaurant by herself. Robert must help Renus heal his mind, body and spirit or else their marriage and business could fail.
In Baton Rouge, La., an owner struggles to keep going after losing her husband years ago. Over a quarter-million dollars in debt, Yolanda is letting everything fall apart in her restaurant. Robert Irvine must help her let go in order to save her dying business, but if she can't find the strength to become a motivated owner, she'll lose a lot more than just her restaurant.
In Baton Rouge, La., owner Maurice claims to be proud of his restaurant, but his lack of leadership and inability to inspire his staff threaten to destroy the business. If Robert Irvine can't teach Maurice how to lead effectively, his restaurant has no chance to survive.
In Memphis, a father's passion project has turned into a nightmare. Owner Tyrone has lost his way, and his family is suffering because of it. Robert Irvine must teach him about more than just the ins and outs of running a restaurant before this family loses their livelihood and their bond.
Robert Irvine faces a unique challenge in Opelika, Alabama, where he must save a restaurant located at a gas station. Owner Penny's health is failing, and so is her lifelong dream. Unless she makes big changes to more than just the restaurant, she'll lose everything.
At GiGi's Place in Covington, Georgia, owner Gigi's health is failing, but she can't take a step back with her daughter and her longtime head chef fighting constantly. Everything Gigi worked for is about to fall apart unless Robert Irvine can repair a relationship that may be too far gone.
In Greenville, South Carolina, an airport cafe hangs in the balance. Owners Lem and Mike believe a nearby playground is the root of their problems, with too many kids driving away their paying customers. If Robert Irvine can't convince them their problems are fixable, this restaurant will be grounded permanently.
Robert Irvine heads to Williamston, Mich., to resurrect the Sunnyside Café, a little breakfast joint with big problems. Owner Jeanette is an intense micromanager who alienates her staff and refuses to make any changes to the restaurant inside or out. Robert wastes no time addressing the problems and finding solutions to keep this restaurant from going under.
In Coleman, Mich., Robert Irvine finds a failing restaurant that's destroying a loving marriage. Insecure and hypersensitive, owner Leah won't listen to her husband and co-owner Chris' advice, forcing him to step away. Now, with the business spiraling even deeper into debt, Robert must help Leah find her confidence and allow Chris to be a full partner again if they're going to have any chance to save the business and their marriage.
In Middletown, N.Y., an unforgivable mistake has driven a wedge between Franco Di Roma's married owners. Franco refuses to change, Karen refuses to show up, their son refuses to work with them and the restaurant is on the brink of collapse. Robert must help them bridge the divide and forgive each other or their restaurant and family might not survive.
At The Balanced Chef in Rome, New York, owner Brian is facing a mountain of problems. His concept is confusing, and he's facing very serious health issues. The stakes are high as Robert Irvine must help Brian figure out a plan to reduce stress personally and professionally.
In Lincoln, New Hampshire, Robert Irvine discovers he has more than just a restaurant to repair. The White Mountain Tavern's co-owners have a volatile relationship and toxic standing in the community, giving Robert only two days to fix two massive problems.
At the Dutch Treat in Franconia, New Hampshire, Robert Irvine meets John, an owner who has lost the desire to keep his family restaurant going. His wife, Jenn, is more than willing to help, but no matter what she and Robert do, the Dutch Treat doesn't stand a chance without John.
