Ep 20. Revisited: For the Troops

In the season 16 finale of Restaurant: Impossible, host Robert Irvine returns to one his most memorable missions from the past. In "Revisited: For the Troops," Irvine revisits the restaurant he helped fix up six years ago in Fayetteville, North Carolina, a town known for its high population of military personnel.

When Robert first arrived at the restaurant, it was a mess. Outdated decor and equipment, poor management, and sub-par food quality all contributed to its failure. But what really drew Robert to this mission was the fact that the restaurant was dedicated to serving the military community. With Fort Bragg, one of the largest military bases in the country, just a few miles away, the restaurant had a unique opportunity to give back to those who serve our country.

With his team of designers and contractors, Robert set out to revamp the entire restaurant, from the dining room to the kitchen. He taught the staff how to properly manage inventory and create tasty, affordable dishes that appealed to both locals and military personnel. The transformation was a huge success, and the restaurant saw a surge in business.

Now, six years later, Robert returns to find out how the restaurant has fared since he left. He reunites with the owners and staff, and checks in on the changes he made to the restaurant. With the COVID-19 pandemic causing major disruptions in the restaurant industry, Robert is eager to see how the business has adapted in these difficult times.

But what's most important to Robert is how the restaurant is continuing to serve the military community. He meets with some of the soldiers stationed at Fort Bragg to see if the restaurant is still a place they can go to feel welcome and at home. He also visits with the owner, who has made it a point to hire veterans and military spouses, providing them with job opportunities and a supportive work environment.

Throughout the episode, Robert reflects on how this mission touched his heart in a way that few others have. He talks about how passionate he is about serving the military community and how grateful he is for their sacrifice. He also shares some of his own experiences as a veteran, and how his time in the military shaped his approach to life and work.

"Revisited: For the Troops" is a moving tribute to the men and women who serve our country, and a reminder of the important role that restaurants can play in supporting local communities. It's a heartwarming end to a season full of challenges and transformations, and a testament to the resilience and spirit of the people of Fayetteville.