Restaurant Startup

Everything is at stake for these two teams. Both are ambitious restaurateurs operating a local hotspot who want to spin their twist on the traditional steakhouse into restaurant gold.

Joe Bastianich and Tim Love will hear from two accomplished chefs who want to be the star that draws the crowds into their restaurant. First up is The Chef and I, who provide an interactive culinary experience at their restaurant in Nashville, TN. Next is Subdus, headed up by Frank Brunacci, a Michelin star chef looking to open an extremely high end restaurant in the heart of Chicago.

The owner of Smoke BBQ lost everything, including his restaurant and dog, in a messy divorce battle. The chef behind Chas Germain is buried under debt trying to open his restaurant in downtown Los Angeles -both need an investment to emerge from the ashes and bring their dreams to fruition.

These two teams who already own full-service restaurants in Texas. From Dallas, two intrepid women want to build on their success of their "gourmet tavern cuisine" and open a fast-casual slider joint. Next is Peli Peli, an upscale South African restaurant in the heart of Houston who are looking to introduce the rich flavors of South Africa to a wider audience.

The two teams are determined to turn their seasonal businesses into the talk of the town. First up is Shamone from Cape May NJ. They already own three restaurants on the Jersey Shore and are looking to expand with a small plate tasting menu set in a party atmosphere. Next is The Copper Hen from Minneapolis, MN, who own and operate a popular farm-to-table restaurant in the bustling downtown area.

First up is Rolz who hail from Jacksonville, FL. They have re-invented the traditional eggroll into something that will delight and astound junk food aficionados. Next up is I Got Balls from Brooklyn, NY. They want to open a small restaurant near the Staten Island ferries where commuters and residents can enjoy their new spin on the their family rice ball recipe.

This week, two chefs who have spent their careers working under the thumb of various restaurateurs. First up is Old New York who want to breathe new life into a burgeoning Harlem neighborhood with their contemporary American cuisine. Next is Bocadillo, who want take the Old World culinary traditions from their Spanish heritage and spin them into Portland's next new hot spot.

This week, two beloved hometown favorites vie for an investment. First up is Gloria Jean's who operate a popular local restaurant in Kingston, TN and are looking to expand into a second location in the bustling city of Knoxville. Next up is Taste, who want to parlay the success of their Lebanese café and open an upscale restaurant featuring Mediterranean cuisine in the heart of Oklahoma City.

This week on Restaurant Start-Up, investors Joe Bastianich and Tim Love hear from two teams from Miami, FL who are known equally for their food and their fiery personalities. First up is gastropod, owned by a chef and his wife who are as different as night and day. Next is S&R run by a female chef whose fiery personality is as well known as her food truck in Miami.