Restaurant Impossible: How Many Restaurants Are Still Open?

Restaurant Impossible, a popular reality TV show that aired on the Food Network from 2011 to 2017, aimed to help struggling restaurants turn their businesses around. The show’s host, Robert Irvine, a renowned chef and restaurateur, would visit these restaurants, identify the problems, and implement changes to improve their chances of success. But have you ever wondered how many of these restaurants are still open after their appearance on the show? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Restaurant Impossible and explore the success rate of the restaurants that were featured on the show.

The Concept of Restaurant Impossible

Restaurant Impossible was a reality TV show that premiered in 2011 on the Food Network. The show’s concept was simple: Robert Irvine, a seasoned chef and restaurateur, would visit struggling restaurants, identify the problems, and implement changes to improve their chances of success. The show’s producers would select restaurants that were on the verge of closing down, and Robert would have a limited budget of $10,000 and just two days to turn the restaurant around.

The Restaurant Impossible Formula

Robert Irvine’s approach to turning around struggling restaurants was based on a simple formula:

  • Identify the problems: Robert would spend the first day observing the restaurant’s operations, talking to the staff and owners, and identifying the problems that were causing the restaurant to struggle.
  • Develop a plan: Based on his observations, Robert would develop a plan to address the problems and improve the restaurant’s chances of success.
  • Implement changes: Robert would implement the changes, which could include renovating the dining area, updating the menu, and retraining the staff.
  • Launch the new restaurant: On the second day, Robert would launch the new restaurant, and the owners and staff would have to work together to make the changes a success.

The Success Rate of Restaurant Impossible

So, how many restaurants are still open after their appearance on Restaurant Impossible? According to various reports, the success rate of the restaurants that were featured on the show is around 50%. This means that out of the 141 restaurants that were featured on the show, around 70 are still open.

Why Some Restaurants Failed

Despite Robert Irvine’s best efforts, some restaurants failed to succeed after their appearance on the show. There are several reasons why this happened:

  • Lack of commitment: Some restaurant owners and staff were not committed to making the changes that Robert had implemented.
  • Poor management: Some restaurants had poor management, which made it difficult for them to succeed.
  • Financial problems: Some restaurants had financial problems that were too deep-seated to be solved by the changes that Robert had implemented.

Examples of Failed Restaurants

Here are a few examples of restaurants that failed after their appearance on Restaurant Impossible:

    • Campania, a restaurant in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, which closed down just a few months after its appearance on the show.
    • Del’s Restaurant, a restaurant in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which closed down due to financial problems.

Success Stories

Despite the failures, there are many success stories from Restaurant Impossible. Here are a few examples:

Examples of Successful Restaurants

    • Levanti’s Italian Restaurant, a restaurant in Beaver, Pennsylvania, which was featured on the show in 2012. The restaurant is still open and has received positive reviews from customers.
    • The Main Dish, a restaurant in Meridianville, Alabama, which was featured on the show in 2013. The restaurant is still open and has become a popular spot for locals and visitors.

What Made These Restaurants Successful?

So, what made these restaurants successful? Here are a few factors that contributed to their success:

  • Commitment to change: The owners and staff of these restaurants were committed to making the changes that Robert had implemented.
  • Good management: These restaurants had good management, which helped them to succeed.
  • Financial stability: These restaurants had financial stability, which helped them to weather any storms.

Conclusion

Restaurant Impossible was a popular reality TV show that aimed to help struggling restaurants turn their businesses around. While not all of the restaurants that were featured on the show were successful, around 50% of them are still open. The success of these restaurants can be attributed to their commitment to change, good management, and financial stability. If you’re a restaurant owner who is struggling to make your business a success, take a page from the Restaurant Impossible playbook and make the changes that are necessary to succeed.

Restaurant NameLocationStatus
CampaniaFair Lawn, New JerseyClosed
Del’s RestaurantPittsburgh, PennsylvaniaClosed
Levanti’s Italian RestaurantBeaver, PennsylvaniaOpen
The Main DishMeridianville, AlabamaOpen

Note: The table above is a small sample of the restaurants that were featured on Restaurant Impossible. The status of the restaurants may have changed since the show was filmed.

What is Restaurant Impossible?

Restaurant Impossible is a reality TV show that airs on the Food Network. The show features chef Robert Irvine, who visits struggling restaurants and helps the owners and staff to turn their businesses around. Chef Irvine assesses the restaurant’s problems, which can range from poor food quality to inadequate service, and then works with the team to implement changes and improvements.

The show’s format typically involves a two-day renovation, during which Chef Irvine and his team work to transform the restaurant’s menu, decor, and overall atmosphere. The goal is to create a more appealing and successful business that will attract and retain customers. Restaurant Impossible has been on the air since 2011 and has featured numerous restaurants across the United States.

How many restaurants have been featured on Restaurant Impossible?

Over the years, Restaurant Impossible has featured a total of 141 restaurants across 16 seasons. The show has visited restaurants in various states, from California to New York, and has helped a wide range of establishments, from family-owned diners to upscale eateries.

While not all of the restaurants featured on the show have achieved long-term success, many have reported significant improvements in their businesses after appearing on the program. Chef Irvine’s expertise and guidance have helped numerous restaurants to increase their customer base, improve their reputation, and ultimately, stay in business.

How many restaurants are still open after appearing on Restaurant Impossible?

According to various reports and updates, around 60% of the restaurants featured on Restaurant Impossible are still open. This means that approximately 85 restaurants have managed to stay in business after appearing on the show.

While this success rate is impressive, it’s worth noting that the restaurant industry is highly competitive, and many factors can contribute to a restaurant’s success or failure. Chef Irvine’s interventions can provide a significant boost, but ultimately, the restaurant’s long-term success depends on the owners’ and staff’s ability to maintain the changes and improvements implemented during the show.

What is the most common reason for restaurants to fail after appearing on Restaurant Impossible?

One of the most common reasons for restaurants to fail after appearing on Restaurant Impossible is the inability to maintain the changes and improvements implemented during the show. This can be due to various factors, such as a lack of commitment from the owners or staff, inadequate training, or insufficient resources to sustain the new menu, decor, or service standards.

Additionally, some restaurants may struggle to adapt to the increased attention and scrutiny that comes with appearing on a reality TV show. The pressure to maintain a perfect image and reputation can be overwhelming, leading to mistakes and setbacks that can ultimately contribute to the restaurant’s demise.

Can I find updates on the restaurants featured on Restaurant Impossible?

Yes, there are several ways to find updates on the restaurants featured on Restaurant Impossible. The Food Network website often provides updates on the restaurants, including their current status and any notable achievements or challenges they have faced since appearing on the show.

Additionally, many of the restaurants featured on Restaurant Impossible have social media accounts, where they share updates, promotions, and behind-the-scenes insights into their businesses. Fans of the show can also join online forums and discussion groups to share information and discuss their favorite restaurants.

Is Restaurant Impossible still airing new episodes?

Yes, Restaurant Impossible is still an ongoing series, and new episodes are being produced and aired on the Food Network. The show has been renewed for multiple seasons, and Chef Irvine continues to visit struggling restaurants and help them to turn their businesses around.

The show’s format has evolved over the years, with new challenges and twists being introduced to keep the program fresh and engaging. Fans of the show can look forward to new episodes, which will feature Chef Irvine’s signature blend of tough love, culinary expertise, and business acumen.

Can I nominate a restaurant to appear on Restaurant Impossible?

Yes, the Food Network accepts nominations for restaurants to appear on Restaurant Impossible. If you know of a struggling restaurant that could benefit from Chef Irvine’s expertise, you can submit a nomination through the Food Network website.

The nomination process typically involves providing information about the restaurant, including its location, type of cuisine, and the challenges it is facing. The Food Network team will review the nomination and contact the restaurant if they are selected to appear on the show.

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