Ep 1. Quarantine Check-in

In the seventeenth season of Restaurant: Impossible, Chef Robert Irvine returns to take on another tough challenge of rescuing struggling restaurants. In the first episode, titled "Quarantine Check-in," the show goes beyond the usual format of visiting a restaurant and focusing on its renovation and transformation. Due to the current pandemic situation, the focus has shifted to the impact of COVID-19 on the restaurant industry, especially the small businesses that have been hit hard by the lockdowns and restrictions.

The episode begins with a video message from Chef Robert Irvine, who is self-isolating in his home due to the pandemic. He acknowledges the difficulties faced by the restaurant industry and pledges to help as many restaurants as he can, using technology and online resources. He invites several restaurant owners to join him for a virtual "quarantine check-in" to discuss the challenges they are facing and how he can help them.

The first restaurant owner he speaks with is John, who runs a steakhouse in Alabama. John is worried about the future of his business, as he has had to lay off his staff due to the lockdowns, and is struggling to pay his bills and rent. Chef Robert offers John his expertise and advice on how to adapt his menu and operations to cater to the changing needs of customers during the pandemic.

The next restaurant owner is Melissa, who runs a Mexican restaurant in Texas. Melissa is also struggling to keep her business afloat, as she has had to close down her dine-in services and switch to takeout and delivery. She shares her concerns about the increased competition from other restaurants offering similar services, and how to make her food stand out. Chef Robert suggests creative solutions to enhance the visual appeal and taste of her dishes, and how to market her restaurant online to attract more customers.

Throughout the episode, Chef Robert speaks with several other restaurant owners from around the country, each with their unique challenges and struggles. He offers personalized advice and guidance based on their specific circumstances, and shares his own experiences of running successful restaurants. The show emphasizes the importance of community support and resilience during tough times, and the role of chefs and restaurateurs in bringing people together.

Overall, the first episode of Restaurant: Impossible's seventeenth season is a timely and relevant exploration of the pandemic's effect on the restaurant industry. Chef Robert brings his expertise and insightful advice to help struggling restaurant owners cope with the changing landscape and emerge stronger than before. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in the food industry and the challenges of entrepreneurship.