Restaurant: Impossible

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Restaurant: Impossible
Restaurant Impossible foodn logo.png
Presented byRobert Irvine
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons18
No. of episodes191 (not counting specials, revisits, or back in Business)
Production
Executive producerMarc Summers
Producer
Editors
  • John Gerbec
  • Bryan Monzella
  • Scott Markowitz
  • Mark Wawrzenski
  • Chip Schofield
Running time42 minutes
Production companies
  • Alkemy X, Inc.
Release
Original networkFood Network
Discovery+ (2021)
Original releaseJanuary 19, 2011 (2011-01-19) –
present
Chronology
Preceded byDinner: Impossible
Related showsKitchen Nightmares
External links
Website

Restaurant: Impossible is an American reality television series, featuring chef and restaurateur Robert Irvine, that originally aired on Food Network from 2011 to 2016. After a three-year hiatus, the show returned on April 20, 2019.[1] The premise of the series is that within two days and on a materials budget of $10,000, Irvine renovates a failing American restaurant with the goal of helping to restore it to profitability and prominence. Irvine is assisted by an HGTV designer (usually , Cheryl Torrenueva, or , but sometimes , Krista Watterworth, , or ), along with general contractor Tom Bury, who sometimes does double duty as both general contractor and designer. After assessing the problems with the restaurant, Irvine typically creates a plan for the new decor, oversees the refurbishment of the restaurant, calculates profitable food costs, reduces the number of items on the menu and improves the quality of the entrees, develops a promotional activity, educates or resolves conflicts for the restaurant's owners, or trains the staff, as needed for each restaurant.[2] On January 4, 2021, the show planned to move to Discovery+, with new episodes airing every Thursday.[3] The move to the streaming platform was reversed in March 2021 due to negative viewer feedback, and now episodes will continue to premiere on Food Network for the near future.[4]

Introduction[]

Currently, each episode opens with:

Chef Robert Irvine has 2 days and $10,000 to do the impossible!

Previously, each episode opened with:

Robert Irvine is a fearless chef and top restaurateur. He's never met a challenge he wouldn't take. Robert's new mission: fix America's most desperate restaurants. With limited time and few resources, this may be ... Restaurant: Impossible!

Synopsis[]

Irvine enters a restaurant, assesses the issues, and confronts the owners with the problems. He begins outlining the changes he intends to make. He typically reduces the size of the menu and frequently adds simple dishes that he believes will sell, changes the décor to make it more appealing to customers, oversees cleaning, trains the staff (sometimes changing the staff's duties, e.g. making one person an executive chef or making one person a host or hostess), and gives the restaurant's owners the practical tools and suggestions to succeed.

Each episode ends with a group of new customers and some that might have been there during Irvine's first visit being invited to the new-look restaurant. Occasionally, selected items from the new menu are prepared and samples are presented to the public to advertise the restaurant.

Series overview[]

Season Episodes Originally aired
First aired Last aired
1 7 January 19, 2011 (2011-01-19) March 2, 2011 (2011-03-02)
2 18 July 6, 2011 (2011-07-06) January 11, 2012 (2012-01-11)
3 13 February 8, 2012 (2012-02-08) June 13, 2012 (2012-06-13)
4 13 July 11, 2012 (2012-07-11) October 17, 2012 (2012-10-17)
5 13 November 21, 2012 (2012-11-21) March 24, 2013 (2013-03-24)
6 13 April 14, 2013 (2013-04-14) August 25, 2013 (2013-08-25)
7 13 October 23, 2013 (2013-10-23) February 5, 2014 (2014-02-05)
8 13 March 5, 2014 (2014-03-05) June 11, 2014 (2014-06-11)
9 13 July 23, 2014 (2014-07-23) November 3, 2014 (2014-11-03)
10 8 November 24, 2014 (2014-11-24) February 18, 2015 (2015-02-18)
11 8 March 18, 2015 (2015-03-18) May 13, 2015 (2015-05-13)
12 8 October 22, 2015 (2015-10-22) December 17, 2015 (2015-12-17)
13 8 March 9, 2016 (2016-03-09) May 4, 2016 (2016-05-04)
14 4 April 20, 2019 (2019-04-20) May 11, 2019 (2019-05-11)
15 8 July 20, 2019 (2019-07-20) September 7, 2019 (2019-09-07)
16 12 December 26, 2019 (2019-12-26) March 12, 2020
17 5 May 14, 2020 June 11, 2020
18 January 6, 2021

Episodes[]

Season 1 (2011)[]

No.
overall
No. in
season
RestaurantLocationOriginal air date
11"Villari's"Palmyra, New JerseyJanuary 19, 2011 (2011-01-19)
Chef Michael G (Giletto), who turned down the head chef position at Villari's, previously appeared on Food Network's Chopped and as a sous chef on Iron Chef America
22"Mainelli's"Providence, Rhode IslandJanuary 26, 2011 (2011-01-26)
33"Rascal's BBQ and Crab House"New Castle, DelawareFebruary 2, 2011 (2011-02-02)
44"Salt Works II"Wilmington, North CarolinaFebruary 9, 2011 (2011-02-09)
55"Meglio's"Bridgeton, MissouriFebruary 16, 2011 (2011-02-16)
66"Secret Garden Cafe"Jacksonville, FloridaFebruary 23, 2011 (2011-02-23)
77"Flood Tide"Mystic, ConnecticutMarch 2, 2011 (2011-03-02)
Renamed The Wood Grill at Flood Tide during production.

Season 2 (2011–12)[]

No.
overall
No. in
season
RestaurantLocationOriginal air date
81"Dodge City"Harrisburg, PennsylvaniaJuly 6, 2011 (2011-07-06)
92"La Stanza"Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaJuly 13, 2011 (2011-07-13)
103"Sweet Tea"Chapin, South CarolinaJuly 20, 2011 (2011-07-20)
114"County Fare"Stafford, VirginiaJuly 27, 2011 (2011-07-27)
125"Snooty Fox"Indianapolis, IndianaAugust 3, 2011 (2011-08-03)
136"Pastori's"Ellington, ConnecticutAugust 24, 2011 (2011-08-24)
147"Scrimmages"Wilmington, DelawareAugust 31, 2011 (2011-08-31)
158"Mamma D's"Pipersville, PennsylvaniaSeptember 7, 2011 (2011-09-07)
169"Off Street Cafe"Cerritos, CaliforniaSeptember 14, 2011 (2011-09-14)
1710"The Trails Eatery"San Diego, CaliforniaSeptember 21, 2011 (2011-09-21)
1811"Cap'n and the Cowboy"Port Charlotte, FloridaSeptember 28, 2011 (2011-09-28)
1912"Mad Cactus"Strongsville, OhioNovember 2, 2011 (2011-11-02)
2013"McShane's"East Syracuse, New YorkNovember 9, 2011 (2011-11-09)
2114"Coffee's Boilin' Pot"Madisonville, LouisianaNovember 16, 2011 (2011-11-16)
2215"St. James Soup Kitchen"Newark, New JerseyNovember 23, 2011 (2011-11-23)
Features an extra food challenge from Newark Mayor Cory Booker.
2316"Wildcat Café"Canton, OhioDecember 7, 2011 (2011-12-07)
Renamed from The Heritage Room during production. The Wildcat Café is operated by the students of the culinary program at Canton South High School.[5]
2417"Sullivan's Grill"Fruita, ColoradoJanuary 4, 2012 (2012-01-04)
2518"Hoffman's Bistro"Santa Cruz, CaliforniaJanuary 11, 2012 (2012-01-11)

Season 3 (2012)[]

No.
overall
No. in
season
RestaurantLocationOriginal air date
261"Moss' Prime Rib & Spaghetti House"Elyria, OhioFebruary 8, 2012 (2012-02-08)
272"Chatterbox"Windham, New HampshireFebruary 15, 2012 (2012-02-15)
283"Anna Maria's"Dunmore, PennsylvaniaFebruary 22, 2012 (2012-02-22)
294"Del's"Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaFebruary 29, 2012 (2012-02-29)
305"Woody's Tupelo Steakhouse"Tupelo, MississippiMarch 7, 2012 (2012-03-07)
316"Valley View"Quarryville, PennsylvaniaMarch 14, 2012 (2012-03-14)
Note: This restaurant closed permanently 4 days before the episode aired.
327"Pelican Grill"Seabrook, TexasApril 25, 2012 (2012-04-25)
338"Mama Lee's Soul Food Restaurant"San Antonio, TexasMay 2, 2012 (2012-05-02)
349"Pappas Restaurant"Benicia, CaliforniaMay 9, 2012 (2012-05-09)
3510"Ristorante Barolo"Aptos, CaliforniaMay 16, 2012 (2012-05-16)
3611"University Grill"Burlington, North CarolinaMay 23, 2012 (2012-05-23)
3712"Pollard's Bar-B-Que"Memphis, TennesseeMay 30, 2012 (2012-05-30)
3813"Horton's Kids"Washington, DCJune 13, 2012 (2012-06-13)
In this episode, Robert is given a mission by First Lady Michelle Obama to transform a community center for underprivileged children.

Season 4 (2012)[]

No.
overall
No. in
season
RestaurantLocationOriginal air date
391"Longbranch Steak and Seafood"Fayetteville, GeorgiaJuly 11, 2012 (2012-07-11)
402"The Main Dish"Meridianville, AlabamaJuly 18, 2012 (2012-07-18)
413"Zandi's Grill"Millersville, MarylandJuly 25, 2012 (2012-07-25)
424"Italian Village"Milmont Park, PennsylvaniaAugust 1, 2012 (2012-08-01)
435"Stella's Italian Restaurant"Stratford, ConnecticutAugust 8, 2012 (2012-08-08)
44*"Wedding: Impossible"NAAugust 18, 2012 (2012-08-18)
Recaps Robert's wedding to wrestler Gail Kim.
45*"Behind the Impossible"NAAugust 22, 2012 (2012-08-22)
Behind-the-scenes footage and revisits to Moss', Dodge City, Trails, and McShane's.
466"Gusanoz Mexican Restaurant"Lebanon, New HampshireAugust 29, 2012 (2012-08-29)
477"Frankie's"Three Rivers, MichiganSeptember 5, 2012 (2012-09-05)
488"Paliani's Restaurant"Burton, MichiganSeptember 12, 2012 (2012-09-12)
499"Michele's"Corry, PennsylvaniaSeptember 19, 2012 (2012-09-19)
5010"Maple Tree Cafe"Las Vegas, NevadaSeptember 26, 2012 (2012-09-26)
5111"Whistle Stop"Hot Springs, ArkansasOctober 3, 2012 (2012-10-03)
5212"Valley Inn"Palos Hills, IllinoisOctober 10, 2012 (2012-10-10)
5313"Oleander Bar And Grill"Olean, New YorkOctober 17, 2012 (2012-10-17)

Season 5 (2012–13)[]

No.
overall
No. in
season
RestaurantLocationOriginal air date
541"Poco's on the Boulevard"Kansas City, MissouriNovember 21, 2012 (2012-11-21)
552"Rohrer's Tavern"North Bend, OhioNovember 28, 2012 (2012-11-28)
563"Bronk's Bar and Grill"Lake City, MinnesotaDecember 5, 2012 (2012-12-05)
57*"Holiday: Impossible"Joplin, MissouriDecember 9, 2012 (2012-12-09)
Renovation of the Boys & Girls Club which served homeless children following the 2011 Joplin tornado. Robert and his team, including Chef Michael Chiarello, must also cook a child-friendly meal for the staff, children, and their families. Unlike other episodes, the team was given three days and $30,000 to renovate and improve.
584"Rising Sun Bistro"Kalispell, MontanaDecember 19, 2012 (2012-12-19)
595"Whiskey Creek Steakhouse"Keyport, WashingtonJanuary 2, 2013 (2013-01-02)
606"Windseeker Restaurant"[6]The Dalles, OregonJanuary 16, 2013 (2013-01-16)
617"Sapori D'Italia"[6]Fountain Hills, ArizonaJanuary 23, 2013 (2013-01-23)
628"Nanny Goats Cafe and Feed Bin"[7]Kilgore, TexasFebruary 20, 2013 (2013-02-20)
639"Dinner Bell"Madison, TennesseeFebruary 27, 2013 (2013-02-27)
6410"Maniaci's Italian Bistro"Mohnton, PennsylvaniaMarch 10, 2013 (2013-03-10)
6511"Caseyville Cafe"Caseyville, IllinoisMarch 13, 2013 (2013-03-13)
6612"Soup to Nuts Diner"Tavares, FloridaMarch 17, 2013 (2013-03-17)
6713"Sweet Tea's Restaurant & Catering"Pineville, North CarolinaMarch 24, 2013 (2013-03-24)

Season 6 (2013)[]

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleRestaurantLocationOriginal air date
681"Something's Fishy"Joe Willy's Seafood HouseFishkill, New YorkApril 14, 2013 (2013-04-14)
692"Father Knows Worst"Old World Italian RestaurantMurrells Inlet, South CarolinaApril 21, 2013 (2013-04-21)
703"Creepy in Clearwater"Smitty's RestaurantClearwater, FloridaApril 28, 2013 (2013-04-28)
714"Drowning in Debt"Mom & Dad's Italian RestaurantDeFuniak Springs, FloridaMay 12, 2013 (2013-05-12)
725"Muskrat Mayhem"Wagon Wheel Family RestaurantSmyrna, DelawareMay 19, 2013 (2013-05-19)
736"In the Pits"Bryan's SmokehouseLufkin, TexasMay 26, 2013 (2013-05-26)
747"Lost in the Woods"Pinehurst's Country LodgeGreeley, PennsylvaniaJune 9, 2013 (2013-06-09)
758"Sink or Swim"Pier West RestaurantTwin Lakes, WisconsinJune 16, 2013 (2013-06-16)
769"It's All Greek to Me"Angelo's Family RestaurantWoodstock, IllinoisJune 23, 2013 (2013-06-23)
7710"Kalico Kraziness"Kalico KitchenDouglas, MichiganJuly 14, 2013 (2013-07-14)
7811"Barely Edible"Edibles Restaurant & PubHorsham, PennsylvaniaJuly 21, 2013 (2013-07-21)
Renamed Hurley's American Grille during production.
7912"Benner Street in Bethlehem"Benner Street RestaurantBethlehem, PennsylvaniaJuly 28, 2013 (2013-07-28)
8013"Pie in the Sky"Aponte's PizzeriaMason, OhioAugust 25, 2013 (2013-08-25)

Season 7 (2013–14)[]

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleRestaurantLocationOriginal air date
811"Bring Mama Back"Mama Campisi's RestaurantSaint Louis, MissouriOctober 23, 2013 (2013-10-23)
822"Feathers Fly"Ducky's Family RestaurantKokomo, IndianaOctober 30, 2013 (2013-10-30)
83*"Restaurant: Impossible Sneak Peek"NANAOctober 30, 2013 (2013-10-30)
Favorite moments from Restaurant: Impossible as well as a sneak peek at Robert Irvine's new series Restaurant Express.
843"His Way or the Highway"Windsor 75Windsor, ConnecticutNovember 6, 2013 (2013-11-06)
854"Outside the Box"Coach Lamp Restaurant & PubLouisville, KentuckyNovember 13, 2013 (2013-11-13)
865"Soul Searching"Georgia Boy CafeHagerstown, MarylandNovember 20, 2013 (2013-11-20)
87*"Restaurant More Impossible"Gusanoz Mexican RestaurantLebanon, New HampshireNovember 20, 2013 (2013-11-20)
The episode was a re-air of Gusanoz Mexican Restaurant with trivia and behind-the-scenes stories.
886"Unlucky Number Seven"SEVENLa Porte, IndianaNovember 27, 2013 (2013-11-27)
897"Unfixable Family"Mike LaSusa's Italian RestaurantOak Creek, WisconsinDecember 4, 2013 (2013-12-04)
908"Holiday: Impossible 2"LBI Pancake House / Ship Bottom Volunteer Fire DepartmentShip Bottom, New JerseyDecember 8, 2013 (2013-12-08)
Robert tries to revive the LBI Pancake House and the town's volunteer fire department, the , which were both devastated by Hurricane Sandy. Similar to the first Holiday: Impossible, the team is given three days and $50,000 instead of the usual $10,000. Also, there are two designers this time, with designing the LBI Pancake House, and with Cheryl Torrenueva designing the Ship Point Fire House.
919"Goombazz Gone Wild"Goombazz Big City EatzzRock Island, IllinoisDecember 18, 2013 (2013-12-18)
9210"Clueless in the Country"Heather's Country KitchenPlains, MontanaJanuary 1, 2014 (2014-01-01)
9311"Monkey Business"Spunky Monkey Bar & GrillAuburn, WashingtonJanuary 15, 2014 (2014-01-15)
9412"Dirty Laundry"Hillbillies RestaurantMurphys, CaliforniaJanuary 29, 2014 (2014-01-29)
9513"Mumbo Jumbo"Estrada's RestaurantDaly City, CaliforniaFebruary 5, 2014 (2014-02-05)
96*"Restaurant More Impossible"Angelo's Family RestaurantWoodstock, IllinoisFebruary 12, 2014 (2014-02-12)
The episode was a re-air of Angelo's Family Restaurant with trivia and behind-the-scenes stories.
97*"Restaurant More Impossible"Coach Lamp Restaurant and PubLouisville, KentuckyFebruary 19, 2014 (2014-02-19)
The episode was a re-air of Coach Lamp Restaurant and Pub with trivia and behind-the-scenes stories.
98*"Restaurant More Impossible"Maple Tree CafeLas Vegas, NevadaFebruary 26, 2014 (2014-02-26)
The episode was a re-air of Maple Tree Cafe with trivia and behind-the-scenes stories.
99*"Restaurant More Impossible"San Diego, CaliforniaMarch 1, 2014 (2014-03-01)
The episode was a re-air of The Trails Eatery with trivia and behind-the-scenes stories.

Season 8 (2014)[]

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleRestaurantLocationOriginal air date
1001"Up in Smoke"Mill Creek BBQRedlands, CaliforniaMarch 5, 2014 (2014-03-05)
1012"A Lot to Lose"Tootie's Texas BBQCathedral City, CaliforniaMarch 12, 2014 (2014-03-12)
1023"Fiery Family Fusion"Pasion Latin FusionAlbuquerque, New MexicoMarch 19, 2014 (2014-03-19)
1034"Pizza: Impossible (f/k/a N.Y. State of Mind)"Mama Della's N.Y. City PizzeriaBaton Rouge, LouisianaMarch 26, 2014 (2014-03-26)
1045"Ungratifying"Gratifi Kitchen and BarHouston, TexasApril 2, 2014 (2014-04-02)
1056"Face the Music"Urban RootsOklahoma City, OklahomaApril 9, 2014 (2014-04-09)
1067"Treading Water"Bryant's Seafood WorldHueytown, AlabamaApril 23, 2014 (2014-04-23)
1078"Bummed Out"Bumbinos Italian RistoranteOrange City, FloridaApril 30, 2014 (2014-04-30)
1089"Meet the Impossible"NANAMay 7, 2014 (2014-05-07)
10910"Living in the Dark Ages"Cave Inn BBQWinter Garden, FloridaMay 21, 2014 (2014-05-21)
11011"The Writing on the Wall"Big Jim's Bama QHammondville, AlabamaMay 28, 2014 (2014-05-28)
11112"Saving Grace"Grace's Place Bagels and DeliPalm Coast, FloridaJune 4, 2014 (2014-06-04)
11213"No Day at the Beach"Portu-Greek CafeHudson, FloridaJune 11, 2014 (2014-06-11)

Season 9 (2014)[]

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleRestaurantLocationOriginal air date
1131"Fork in the Road"Fork DinerCalhoun, GeorgiaJuly 23, 2014 (2014-07-23)
1142"Culture Clash"Marie's at Ummat CafeAtlanta, GeorgiaJuly 30, 2014 (2014-07-30)
1153"Bowling: Impossible"Paul's Bar & BowlingPaterson, New JerseyAugust 6, 2014 (2014-08-06)
1164"Golf: Impossible"Pomona Golf and Country ClubEgg Harbor City, New JerseyAugust 13, 2014 (2014-08-13)
1175"Holy Cow!"Country Cow Restaurant and BarCampton, New HampshireAugust 20, 2014 (2014-08-20)
1186"No Laughing Matter"Uncle Andy's DinerPortland, MaineAugust 27, 2014 (2014-08-27)
1197"Take It Or Leave It"El BistroTitusville, PennsylvaniaSeptember 3, 2014 (2014-09-03)
Renamed Renae's Corner during production.
1208"Spicing Things Up"Spicy Bar & GrillFalls Church, VirginiaSeptember 10, 2014 (2014-09-10)
1219"Military: Impossible"Green Beret ClubFort Bragg, North CarolinaSeptember 17, 2014 (2014-09-17)
Renamed Smoke Bomb Grille during production.
12210"Drama at Mamma's"Mamma Lucrezia's RestaurantBellefonte, PennsylvaniaSeptember 24, 2014 (2014-09-24)
12311"Paradise: Impossible"Padre Rita GrillSouth Padre Island, TexasOctober 6, 2014 (2014-10-06)
12412"An Abundance of Emotions"Abudanza RistoranteWilbraham, MassachusettsOctober 13, 2014 (2014-10-13)
125*"Gross, Grosser, Grossest"NANAOctober 20, 2014 (2014-10-20)
126*"Worst of the Worst"NANAOctober 27, 2014 (2014-10-27)
12713"Recipe for Disaster"Papa C's Eastside CafeFairport, New YorkNovember 3, 2014 (2014-11-03)

Season 10 (2014–15)[]

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleRestaurantLocationOriginal air dateUS viewers
(millions)
1281"Without a Prayer"[8]Mama E's Wings & WafflesOklahoma City, OklahomaNovember 24, 2014 (2014-11-24)N/A
Note: This restaurant was previously featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives in 2009.
1292"Holiday: Impossible"Double "H" RanchLake Luzerne, New YorkDecember 8, 2014 (2014-12-08)[6]N/A
Robert and his crew help transform and renovate a camp for children with life-threatening illnesses. Unlike most episodes, the team has three days and $50,000.
1303"Oh Brother!"Knife and Fork GastropubSan Antonio, TexasDecember 15, 2014 (2014-12-15)[6]0.948[9]
131*"Biggest Blowups"NANADecember 29, 2014 (2014-12-29)[6]N/A
1324"Revved Up"Shade Tree Customs and CafeAlbuquerque, New MexicoJanuary 14, 2015 (2015-01-14)[6]0.987[10]
1335"Mystic Mystery"Mystic TreatsAshland, OregonJanuary 28, 2015 (2015-01-28)N/A
Note: This restaurant closed permanently a month before the episode aired.
1346"Betting the House"Zoog's Caveman CookinPort Hadlock, WashingtonFebruary 4, 2015 (2015-02-04)0.968[11]
1357"Dog and Pony Show"Dog & Pony AlehouseRenton, WashingtonFebruary 11, 2015 (2015-02-11)0.996[12]
1368"Game Over"Be'ne Pizza & PastaOmaha, NebraskaFebruary 18, 2015 (2015-02-18)N/A

Season 11 (2015)[]

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleRestaurantLocationOriginal air dateUS viewers
(millions)
1371"4,000 Square Feet of Trouble"[13]WhaBah SteakhouseBowling Green, KentuckyMarch 18, 2015 (2015-03-18)1.144[14]
1382"Double Trouble"[13]Valentino's and Italian BistroSummerville, South CarolinaMarch 25, 2015 (2015-03-25)1.152[15]
In this episode, Robert is asked to transform two restaurants: Valentino's and Italian Bistro.
1393"Chocolate: Impossible"[13]CocoamodaCalvert, TexasApril 1, 2015 (2015-04-01)1.152[16]
1404"When Life Gives You Lemons"[13]Zest BistroDowners Grove, IllinoisApril 8, 2015 (2015-04-08)1.315[17]
In this episode, Robert transforms a restaurant inside of The Lemon Tree Grocer. He also transforms the grocery store.
1415"Prescription for Failure"[13]Lyon's Pharmacy of ElktonElkton, MarylandApril 22, 2015 (2015-04-22)1.016[18]
In this episode, Robert transforms an old lunch counter inside of a local family-owned pharmacy.
1426"Going Down with the Ship"[13]Gigi's Music CafeSunrise, FloridaApril 29, 2015 (2015-04-29)1.045[19]
1437"The Ambush"[13]Tornatore's PizzeriaOrlando, FloridaMay 6, 2015 (2015-05-06)1.101[21]
For the first time ever, Robert ambushes a restaurant by not telling the owner in advance that the show is coming.[20]
1448"Bad Juju"[13]The JuJu BagNew Orleans, LouisianaMay 13, 2015 (2015-05-13)0.967[22]
In this episode, Robert is tasked with transforming both a restaurant and a barber shop.

Season 12 (2015)[]

Beginning this season, Irvine ambushed owners of failing restaurants, making changes without telling them in advance that he is coming.

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleRestaurantLocationOriginal air dateUS viewers
(millions)
1451"Ambush: Breakfast Break-In"Theresa's RestaurantBradenton, FloridaOctober 22, 2015 (2015-10-22)1.219[23]
1462"Ambush: Son Sneak Attack"Lake Arrowhead Sports GrilleBlue Jay, CaliforniaOctober 29, 2015 (2015-10-29)1.012[24]
1473"Ambush: Eyes on the Surprise"Copper Still RestaurantCrestwood, IllinoisNovember 5, 2015 (2015-11-05)0.894[25]
1484"Ambush: Stay ... Or Go?"Ellendale's RestaurantNashville, TennesseeNovember 12, 2015 (2015-11-12)1.013[26]
1495"Ambush: Fight to the Finish"Stella's RestaurantNew Kensington, PennsylvaniaNovember 19, 2015 (2015-11-19)1.099[27]
1506"Ambush: Facing Fears"Cape Horn Family RestaurantRed Lion, PennsylvaniaDecember 3, 2015 (2015-12-03)0.958[28]
1517"Holiday: Impossible"Broken Arrow RanchJackson, WyomingDecember 10, 2015 (2015-12-10)0.671[29]
In this episode, Robert and his team transform a summer camp for at-risk teens. Unlike most episodes, the team has three days and $50,000.
1528"Ambush: Special Delivery"La Casa BiancaWhitehouse Station, New JerseyDecember 17, 2015 (2015-12-17)1.015[30]

Season 13 (2016)[]

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleRestaurantLocationOriginal air date
1531"Ambush: Faded Star"[31]Starlite Restaurant & PizzaWest Orange, New JerseyMarch 9, 2016 (2016-03-09)[32]
1542"Ambush: Beneath the Surface"[31]De Rican ChefVirginia Beach, VirginiaMarch 16, 2016 (2016-03-16)[32]
1553"Ambush: A Taxing Situation"[31]BFE Bar and GrillWaynesboro, GeorgiaMarch 23, 2016 (2016-03-23)[32]
Renamed Pointers Grill At Hancock Landing during production.
1564"Ambush: In Robert We Trust"[31]Peppino's Ristorante ItalianoOviedo, FloridaMarch 30, 2016 (2016-03-30)[32]
1575"Ambush: Out of Control"[31]SiP BistroHolly Springs, North CarolinaApril 13, 2016 (2016-04-13)[32]
1586"Ambush: Exercise Surprise"[31]So Natural Organic RestaurantHarker Heights, TexasApril 20, 2016 (2016-04-20)[32]
1597"Ambush: Cray Cray"[31]Cray Eatery and Drinkery'sColumbus, OhioApril 27, 2016 (2016-04-27)[32]
Renamed Factory on 4th during production.
1608"Ambush: Third Ambush Is the Charm"Broadstreet BistroNorth Versailles, PennsylvaniaMay 4, 2016 (2016-05-04)[32]

Season 14 (2019)[]

The show returns after a three-year hiatus. The "ambush" format of 2015–2016 has been discontinued.

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleRestaurantLocationOriginal air date
1611"Dying Diner"Rosie's CafeEscondido, CaliforniaApril 20, 2019 (2019-04-20)
1622"Fight at Filomena's"Filomena's Italian Kitchen and MarketCosta Mesa, CaliforniaApril 27, 2019 (2019-04-27)[33]
1633"Mom Finds Her Mojo"Incredible CafeSan Diego, CaliforniaMay 4, 2019 (2019-05-04)[33]
1644"Smoky Steakhouse"Copper Steer SteakhouseSafford, ArizonaMay 11, 2019 (2019-05-11)[33]

Season 15 (2019)[]

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleRestaurantLocationOriginal air date
1651"Hard Times at Josephine's"Josephine's CookingChicago, IllinoisJuly 20, 2019 (2019-07-20)[33]
1662"A Family Restaurant at War"McLank's Family RestaurantColumbia, MissouriJuly 27, 2019 (2019-07-27)
1673"Caribbean Catastrophe"Chez OlgaGrand Rapids, MichiganAugust 3, 2019 (2019-08-03)
1684"A Single Dad Sparks His Passion"Mike Audia's RestaurantNutter Fort, West VirginiaAugust 10, 2019 (2019-08-10)
1695"Dull Diner Dilemma"Rosie's DinerNorth Chelmsford, MassachusettsAugust 17, 2019 (2019-08-17)
1706"Saving a Family's Legacy"Al's SeafoodEssex, MarylandAugust 24, 2019 (2019-08-24)
1717"Lakefront Disaster"Besse's on Clear LakeTomahawk, WisconsinAugust 31, 2019 (2019-08-31)
1728"A Daughter Finds Her Groove"Madison Street Retro DinerMuncie, IndianaSeptember 7, 2019 (2019-09-07)

Season 16 (2019–20)[]

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleRestaurantLocationOriginal air dateUS viewers
(millions)
1731"Dumplings in Delaware"Southern Grille of EllendaleEllendale, DelawareDecember 26, 2019 (2019-12-26)[33]N/A
1742"Cleaning Up in Mississippi"Rossini's Cucina ItalianaRidgeland, MississippiJanuary 2, 2020 (2020-01-02)N/A
1753"Help Is On the Way"Edgar's RestaurantAkron, OhioJanuary 9, 2020 (2020-01-09)N/A
1764"Old Habits Die Hard"Perella's RistoranteWarren, Rhode IslandJanuary 16, 2020 (2020-01-16)N/A
1775"New Roles, New Results"Foxfire GrillAlexandria, VirginiaJanuary 23, 2020 (2020-01-23)N/A
1786"Out with Old, In with New"The Chianti CowPort Jervis, New YorkJanuary 30, 2020 (2020-01-30)N/A
1797"Saving a Piece of History"Garrett's Mill & Brewing CompanyGarrettsville, OhioFebruary 6, 2020 (2020-02-06)N/A
1808"Restaurant on the Rocks"Drake's PlaceFerguson, MissouriFebruary 13, 2020 (2020-02-13)N/A
1819"Cajun Seafood Crisis"The BalconyLarose, LouisianaFebruary 20, 2020 (2020-02-20)N/A
18210"Chattanooga Blues"Blue OrleansChattanooga, TennesseeFebruary 27, 2020 (2020-02-27)N/A
18311"Lost in the Bayou"Lil G'sBelle Chasse, LouisianaMarch 5, 2020 (2020-03-05)N/A
18412"Greek Tragedy"Taverna TrelaDelray Beach, FloridaMarch 12, 2020 (2020-03-12)N/A

Season 17 (2020)[]

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleRestaurantLocationOriginal air date
1851"Saving a Pastor's Passion"Loyd Have MercyTitusville, FloridaMay 14, 2020 (2020-05-14)[33]
1862"Fixing a Family in Houston"Habanera and the GueroHouston, TexasMay 21, 2020 (2020-05-21)[33]
1873"Revisited: Helping Our Own"Rosie's CafeEscondido, CaliforniaMay 28, 2020 (2020-05-28)[33]
1884"Back on Track in Glendora"T. Philip's Alehouse and GrillGlendora, CaliforniaJune 4, 2020 (2020-06-04)[33]
1895"The Ginger Monkey is Going Under"Ginger MonkeyChandler, ArizonaJune 11, 2020 (2020-06-11)[33]

It is unknown at this time whether the new episodes in 2021 will be a part of Season 17 as the production codes do not match the other Season 17 episodes.

Restaurant: Impossible: Revisited[]

The companion series Restaurant: Impossible: Revisited premiered in July 2019. Robert returns to restaurants previously featured on Restaurant: Impossible, interviews the owners and checks on their progress.[34]

Season 1 (2019)[]

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleRestaurantLocationOriginal air date
11"Owner Tries To Do It All"Dodge CityHarrisburg, PennsylvaniaJuly 20, 2019 (2019-07-20)
This restaurant was originally featured in Season 2.
22"One-Woman Show"Covered Bridge Farm TableCampton, New HampshireJuly 27, 2019 (2019-07-27)
This restaurant, originally named Country Cow Restaurant and Bar, was originally featured in Season 9.
33"Family Regains Confidence"Gusanoz Mexican RestaurantLebanon, New HampshireAugust 3, 2019 (2019-08-03)
This restaurant was originally featured in Season 4.
44"The Hidden Costs of Business"San Diego, CaliforniaAugust 10, 2019 (2019-08-10)
This restaurant was originally featured in Season 2.
55"Learning Leadership"Off Street CafeCerritos, CaliforniaAugust 17, 2019 (2019-08-17)
This restaurant was originally featured in Season 2.
66"All in the Family"Sapori D'ItaliaFountain Hills, ArizonaAugust 24, 2019 (2019-08-24)
This restaurant was originally featured in Season 5.
77"Revisiting the First Ambush"Tornatore's PizzeriaOrlando, FloridaAugust 31, 2019 (2019-08-31)
This restaurant was originally featured in Season 11.
88"Marriage: Impossible"Joe Willy's Seafood HouseFishkill, New YorkSeptember 7, 2019 (2019-09-07)
This restaurant was originally featured in Season 6.

Season 2 (2020)[]

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleRestaurantLocationOriginal air date
91"No Laughing Matter"Uncle Andy's DinerPortland, MaineJanuary 2, 2020 (2020-01-02)
This restaurant was originally featured in Season 9.
102"An Owner Losing Control"Theresa's RestaurantBradenton, FloridaJanuary 9, 2020 (2020-01-09)
This restaurant was originally featured in Season 12.
113"Ruffled Feathers"Woody's Tupelo SteakhouseTupelo, MississippiJanuary 16, 2020 (2020-01-16)
This restaurant was originally featured in Season 3.
124"Chaos in the Kitchen"Padre Rita GrillSouth Padre Island, TexasJanuary 23, 2020 (2020-01-23)
This restaurant was originally featured in Season 9.
135"Family Recovering"De Rican ChefVirginia Beach, VirginiaJanuary 30, 2020 (2020-01-30)
This restaurant was originally featured in Season 13.
146"Going Down"Gigi's Music CafeSunrise, FloridaFebruary 6, 2020 (2020-02-06)
This restaurant was originally featured in Season 11.
157"Family Matters"So Natural Organic RestaurantHarker Heights, TexasFebruary 13, 2020 (2020-02-13)
This restaurant was originally featured in Season 13.
168"Life Savings"Hillbillies RestaurantMurphys, CaliforniaFebruary 20, 2020 (2020-02-20)
This restaurant was originally featured in Season 7.
179"For the Troops"Smoke Bomb GrilleFort Bragg, North CarolinaFebruary 27, 2020 (2020-02-27)
This restaurant, originally named Green Beret Club, was featured in Season 9.
1810"Out of Date"Paul's Bar and BowlingPaterson, New JerseyMarch 5, 2020 (2020-03-05)
This restaurant was originally featured in Season 9.

Restaurant: Impossible: Back in Business[]

A spin-off series, Restaurant: Impossible: Back in Business premiered on July 30, 2020, revisiting restaurants previously featured in past episodes to assist them in addressing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their operations.[35][36]

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ "Restaurant: Impossible". Food Network. Retrieved May 5, 2019.
  2. ^ "Robert Irvine: Chefs: Food Network". Food Network. Retrieved August 23, 2012.
  3. ^ "Shows A-Z - Restaurant: Impossible on discovery plus | TheFutonCritic.com". thefutoncritic.com. Retrieved January 14, 2021.
  4. ^ Andy Dehnart (March 11, 2021). "Restaurant Impossible back on Food Network after its move to Discovery+ is reversed". Reality Blurred. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  5. ^ "Canton South High School". Cantonlocal.org. Archived from the original on February 8, 2012. Retrieved February 9, 2012.
  6. ^ a b c d e f "Shows A-Z – restaurant: impossible on food". the Futon Critic. Retrieved November 6, 2014.
  7. ^ "Restaurant: Impossible – Episode Guide". zap2it. Retrieved January 3, 2013.
  8. ^ "Restaurant: Impossible Episodes". foodnetwork.com. Food Network. Retrieved November 16, 2014.
  9. ^ Matcalf, Mitch. "Top 25 Monday Cable Originals (& Network Update): 12.15.2014". ShowBuzzDaily. Archived from the original on December 18, 2014. Retrieved March 20, 2015.
  10. ^ Matcalf, Mitch. "Top 25 Wednesday Cable Originals (& Network Update): 1.14.2015". ShowBuzzDaily. Archived from the original on January 19, 2015. Retrieved March 20, 2015.
  11. ^ Matcalf, Mitch. "Top 25 Wednesday Cable Originals (& Network Update): 2.4.2015". ShowBuzzDaily. Archived from the original on February 6, 2015. Retrieved March 20, 2015.
  12. ^ Matcalf, Mitch. "Top 25 Wednesday Cable Originals (& Network Update): 2.11.2015". ShowBuzzDaily. Archived from the original on February 14, 2015. Retrieved March 20, 2015.
  13. ^ a b c d e f g h "Restaurant: Impossible Episodes". foodnetwork.com. Food Network. Retrieved April 27, 2015.
  14. ^ "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 25 Wednesday Cable Originals (& Network Update): 3.18.2015". ShowBuzzDaily. Archived from the original on March 20, 2015. Retrieved April 27, 2015.
  15. ^ "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 25 Wednesday Cable Originals (& Network Update): 3.25.2015". ShowBuzzDaily. Archived from the original on March 28, 2015. Retrieved April 27, 2015.
  16. ^ "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 25 Wednesday Cable Originals (& Network Update): 4.1.2015". ShowBuzzDaily. Archived from the original on April 4, 2015. Retrieved April 27, 2015.
  17. ^ "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 25 Wednesday Cable Originals (& Network Update): 4.8.2015". ShowBuzzDaily. Archived from the original on April 11, 2015. Retrieved April 27, 2015.
  18. ^ "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 100 Wednesday Cable Originals: 4.22.2015". ShowBuzzDaily. Archived from the original on April 24, 2015. Retrieved April 27, 2015.
  19. ^ "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 100 Wednesday Cable Originals (& Network Update): 4.29.2015". Showbuzz Daily. April 30, 2015. Archived from the original on May 3, 2015. Retrieved July 19, 2015.
  20. ^ "The Ambush : Restaurant: Impossible". Food Network. Retrieved August 26, 2015.
  21. ^ "Wednesday Cable Ratings: NBA Playoffs Top Night + 'Catfish', NHL Hockey & More – Ratings". TVbytheNumbers.Zap2it.com. Archived from the original on May 8, 2015. Retrieved July 19, 2015.
  22. ^ "Wednesday Cable Ratings: NBA Playoffs Win Night, NHL Playoffs, 'American Pickers', 'Catfish', 'Little Women LA' & More – Ratings". TVbytheNumbers.Zap2it.com. Archived from the original on May 16, 2015. Retrieved July 19, 2015.
  23. ^ Metcalf, Mitch (October 22, 2015). "UPDATED: SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 100 Thursday Cable Originals & Network Update: 10.22.2015". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on October 24, 2015. Retrieved October 23, 2015.
  24. ^ Metcalf, Mitch (October 29, 2015). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 100 Thursday Cable Originals & Network Update: 10.29.2015". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on October 31, 2015. Retrieved October 30, 2015.
  25. ^ Metcalf, Mitch. "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 100 Thursday Cable Originals & Network Update: 11.05.2015". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on November 7, 2015. Retrieved November 6, 2015.
  26. ^ Metcalf, Mitch. "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 100 Thursday Cable Originals & Network Update: 11.12.2015". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on November 16, 2015. Retrieved November 13, 2015.
  27. ^ Metcalf, Mitch. "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 100 Thursday Cable Originals & Network Update: 11.19.2015". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on November 20, 2015. Retrieved November 20, 2015.
  28. ^ Metcalf, Mitch. "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 100 Thursday Cable Originals & Network Update: 12.03.2015". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on December 5, 2015. Retrieved December 4, 2015.
  29. ^ Metcalf, Mitch. "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 100 Thursday Cable Originals & Network Update: 12.10.2015". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on December 12, 2015. Retrieved December 11, 2015.
  30. ^ Metcalf, Mitch. "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 100 Thursday Cable Originals & Network Update: 12.17.2015". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on December 20, 2015. Retrieved December 18, 2015.
  31. ^ a b c d e f g "Restaurant: Impossible Episodes". foodnetwork.com. Food Network. Retrieved March 10, 2016.
  32. ^ a b c d e f g h "Restaurant: Impossible". TVGuide.com. Retrieved September 14, 2017.
  33. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Shows A-Z - restaurant: impossible on food". The Futon Critic. April 25, 2019.
  34. ^ Andy Dehnart (July 20, 2019). "Robert Irvine on Restaurant: Impossible Revisited, and what's changed on his show". Reality Blurred.
  35. ^ "'Restaurant: Impossible' Host Robert Irvine Cooks Up New Deal With Food Network". Variety. July 17, 2020.
  36. ^ Morillo, Alexis (August 3, 2020). "Robert Irvine Of 'Restaurant Impossible' Is Helping Restaurants Get Back On Their Feet During The Pandemic". Delish. Retrieved November 22, 2020.

External links[]

Retrieved from ""