Restaurant Express

Watch Restaurant Express

  • 2013
  • 1 Season
  • 7.3  (39)

Restaurant Express was a reality television show that premiered in 2013 on Food Network. The show was hosted by Robert Irvine and was produced by Relativity Television. The show consisted of eight episodes and followed nine contestants as they competed to win their own restaurant franchise.

Each episode began with a challenge called the "Pop-Up Challenge." The contestants were given a limited amount of time to prepare a dish based on a specific theme, such as "comfort food" or "fusion cuisine." Their dishes were then judged by Robert Irvine and a guest celebrity chef, such as Guy Fieri or Michael Chiarello. The winner of the Pop-Up Challenge was granted an advantage for the main challenge later in the episode.

The main challenge of each episode was to design and operate a pop-up restaurant. The contestants were divided into two teams and given a location in the city where the show was filmed. They had to create a concept for their restaurant, design the menu, purchase the ingredients, and prepare the meals. They were also responsible for managing the front of house and back of house operations, as well as marketing the restaurant to the public.

Throughout the main challenge, Robert Irvine provided guidance and advice to the contestants, but ultimately left them to run the restaurant on their own. At the end of each episode, the contestants were judged on the quality of their food, their service, their marketing, and their overall concept. One contestant was eliminated from the competition each week.

The final episode of Restaurant Express featured the remaining two contestants competing in a head-to-head challenge. They were each given a space in Beverly Hills, California to open a pop-up restaurant for a week. The contestant who made the most profit at the end of the week was declared the winner and awarded their own restaurant franchise.

Although the show was primarily focused on the competition aspect, it also touched on the struggles and stresses of working in the restaurant industry. The contestants faced challenges such as sourcing quality ingredients on a tight budget, dealing with difficult customers, and managing a team of cooks and servers.

Furthermore, the show also highlighted the importance of marketing and branding in the restaurant industry. Many contestants struggled with promoting their concept and bringing in customers, and Robert Irvine emphasized the importance of creating a strong brand and identifying a target audience.

Overall, Restaurant Express was an engaging and exciting show for foodies and aspiring restaurateurs alike. The combination of cooking challenges and restaurant management tasks made for a unique and intense competition, and Robert Irvine's expertise and guidance provided valuable insights into the restaurant industry.

Restaurant Express is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (7 episodes). The series first aired on November 3, 2013.

Restaurant Express
Filter by Source

Do you have Hulu?
What are you waiting for?
Nice! Browse Hulu with Yidio.
Ad Info - This show may not be available on Hulu
Seasons
Vegas or Bust
7. Vegas or Bust
December 15, 2013
In the final challenge, the two chefs will each be given $5000 to create a restaurant fit for the M Resort in Las Vegas. The chef with the best concept will win Restaurant Express.
The Truck Stops Here!
6. The Truck Stops Here!
December 8, 2013
The three remaining chefs are each given a food truck and are tested on their success at three iconic locations.
Going, Going, Gone!
5. Going, Going, Gone!
December 1, 2013
Robert Irvine challenges the contestants to open a supper club with their biggest budget yet - $1K.
Battle by the Beach
4. Battle by the Beach
November 24, 2013
Robert Irvine challenges the contestants to open concession stands in New Beach.
Express: Impossible
3. Express: Impossible
November 17, 2013
The contestants face a group challenge inspired by "Restaurant: Impossible" when they arrive in Los Angeles and are given 24 hours and $5000 to revitalize two struggling eateries.
Tantrum in Temecula
2. Tantrum in Temecula
November 10, 2013
The Restaurant Express bus arrives in Temecula, Calif., a small, upscale town with endless restaurant options. The contestants must propose to Robert and the mayor a new restaurant that has potential success in the town.
Vegas Meltdown
1. Vegas Meltdown
November 3, 2013
Nine chefs are aspiring to have their own restaurant on the Las Vegas Strip.
Description
Where to Watch Restaurant Express
Restaurant Express is available for streaming on the Food Network website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Restaurant Express on demand at Discovery+, Amazon Prime, Amazon, Food Network, Google Play and Apple TV.
  • Premiere Date
    November 3, 2013
  • IMDB Rating
    7.3  (39)