Ep 12. The Dutiful Son

The episode titled "The Dutiful Son" is the 12th episode in the 19th season of Restaurant: Impossible. In this episode, Chef Robert Irvine is called upon to help a family-run Chinese restaurant in Nebraska that is struggling to stay afloat. The restaurant is called The Noodle Bar and is owned and operated by a father-son duo.

The father, Wen, has been working in the restaurant industry for over 30 years and has always dreamed of passing down his restaurant to his son, Hubert. However, things have not been going as planned. The restaurant is losing money, and Hubert is slowly losing interest in the business. He feels overwhelmed by the constant pressure from his father to keep the restaurant afloat, and as a result, he has started neglecting his duties as a manager.

Chef Robert walks into a restaurant that is in dire need of help. The decor is outdated, and the menu is confusing and unappetizing. The kitchen is poorly organized, and the staff is unmotivated. Robert starts by assessing the menu, and he quickly realizes that the dishes are not authentic and lack flavor.

Robert meets with the family and discovers that there is a lot of tension between them. Wen is very strict with Hubert and expects him to take on more responsibilities, but Hubert feels like he is being micromanaged. Robert intervenes and tries to mend the relationship between the father and son. He reminds them that they are a team and that they need to work together if they want to save the restaurant.

Robert starts by revamping the menu and introducing authentic Chinese dishes that are bursting with flavor. He also introduces a new decor that is modern and welcoming. He reorganizes the kitchen and streamlines the cooking process. He also motivates the staff and teaches them new skills that will help them in the long run.

The highlight of the episode is when Robert brings in a successful chef and entrepreneur to speak to Hubert about the importance of taking charge of his own destiny. The chef tells Hubert that he cannot rely on his father to run the restaurant forever and that he needs to step up and take control of the business. Hubert listens and realizes that he needs to put in more effort if he wants to succeed.

In the end, the family is thrilled with the changes that Robert has made. The restaurant is busier than ever, and the staff is motivated and enthusiastic. Wen and Hubert have mended their relationship, and they are working together as a team. Robert leaves the family with some words of wisdom, reminding them that running a restaurant is not easy, but with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.