Ep 2. Culture Clash

In season 9, episode 2 of Restaurant: Impossible, titled "Culture Clash," host Robert Irvine visits a struggling Polish restaurant in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The restaurant, named Mike's Restaurant and Lounge, was opened in the 1970s by the current owner's father, Mike, who immigrated to the United States from Poland. The restaurant was once successful but has fallen on hard times due to the owner's lack of culinary expertise and difficulty in hiring and retaining staff.

Upon arrival, Robert immediately notices the dated decor and overwhelming clutter in the restaurant. He meets with the owner, Rafal, who is resistant to change and skeptical of Robert's ability to improve his restaurant. Rafal has struggled to maintain the restaurant after taking it over from his father, who passed away a few years earlier. Rafal's wife, Magda, also works in the restaurant but is frustrated with the lack of success and the strain it has put on their family.

Robert begins by observing the kitchen and discovers several issues with the menu. Many of the dishes are outdated and unappetizing, and the kitchen lacks organization and proper equipment. Robert also notes that the chefs are not trained in traditional Polish cooking, which is a major draw for the restaurant's clientele.

Throughout the episode, Robert works with Rafal and Magda to revamp the menu and retrain the staff. He brings in a consultant who specializes in traditional Polish cuisine to help create authentic dishes that will attract customers. Robert also teaches the kitchen staff new preparation techniques and brings in new equipment to improve efficiency.

In addition to the kitchen, Robert tackles the clutter and disorganization in the dining room. He works with the staff to declutter and clean the space, as well as update the decor to a more modern, inviting style. Robert also introduces new processes for front-of-house staff to improve customer service and streamline operations.

As the episode progresses, Robert faces several challenges, including staff members who are resistant to change and Rafal's reluctance to let go of his father's outdated menu items. However, with persistence and coaching, he is able to motivate the team and bring them together to make the necessary changes.

In the end, Robert and his team complete the restaurant makeover and re-open Mike's Restaurant and Lounge to a crowd of excited customers. The new menu and decor are a hit, and the kitchen is running smoothly and serving up delicious traditional Polish dishes. Rafal and Magda are overjoyed with the changes and are hopeful for the future of their family restaurant.

Overall, "Culture Clash" is a typical episode of Restaurant: Impossible, with Robert Irvine using his expertise and leadership to transform a struggling restaurant into a success. The episode highlights the importance of adapting to changing customer preferences, maintaining a clean and organized kitchen and dining room, and working together as a team to achieve success.