Ep 6. Late-night Munchies

Restaurant Startup is a reality show that debuted on CNBC in 2014. The show features restaurateurs and culinary experts who seek to invest in new and innovative restaurant concepts. In each episode, aspiring restaurant owners pitch their ideas to a panel of investors, who then choose which concept to financially back and help grow. The show has just wrapped up its third season, and the sixth episode of the season is called "Late-night Munchies".

In this episode, the investors are looking for a restaurant that caters to the late-night crowd. They are interested in a concept that goes beyond just the traditional fast-food chains and offers unique and tasty options for people who are looking for a bite to eat after hours. The two entrepreneurs who are vying for investment are both hoping to capitalize on the burgeoning late-night dining trend.

The first entrepreneur is Michael, who has a background in finance and has always dreamed of opening a restaurant. His concept is called "Grub Runners", and it's a mobile food truck that specializes in comfort food that people can order and have delivered to them in the late hours of the night. Michael believes that there is a huge demand for this service, particularly among college students and other young adults who are looking for a quick, satisfying meal after a night out on the town.

The second entrepreneur is Alex, a chef who has worked in some of the best restaurants in the country. His concept is called "Midnight Oil", and it's a brick-and-mortar restaurant that serves small plates and tapas-style dishes until the early hours of the morning. Alex believes that he can fill a gap in the market for people who don't want to eat fast food but still want something that's both tasty and convenient.

The investors are divided over which concept to back. Michael's food truck is a lower-risk investment, as it requires less capital to get started and has the potential to generate quick profits. However, Alex's restaurant has the potential to become a destination spot for foodies and could establish a long-term reputation for being a great place to eat.

In order to help the investors make their decision, both entrepreneurs are asked to prepare a sample menu for the investors to taste. Michael brings in some classic comfort foods like sliders and mac and cheese, while Alex serves up more sophisticated dishes like duck confit and shrimp ceviche.

After trying both menus and hearing from Michael and Alex about their plans for the future, the investors make their decision and choose which entrepreneur to back. The episode ends with the investors giving their feedback to the entrepreneurs and offering advice on how to grow their businesses.

Overall, "Late-night Munchies" is an entertaining and informative episode that showcases the challenges and opportunities facing aspiring restaurant owners. It's an interesting look at the ever-changing dining landscape and the entrepreneurs who are trying to stay ahead of the curve.