Restaurant Startup

Food

Food

As the son of celebrity chef Lidia Bastianich, being a restaurateur is in Joe Bastianich's blood. He has opened a number of restaurants. Now he's using his expertise -- and cash -- to back new eateries. Joe and Texas-based chef Tim Love invest their money in concepts they believe have potential to succeed. In each episode two teams get a chance to pitch ideas to Joe and Tim, who choose which has the better concept. The selected one gets a tryout with three assets: keys to an L.A. establishment, 36 hours, and $7,500. The team uses them to test their dream in a pop-up restaurant, to devise a branding campaign, and to write a business plan -- under the scrutiny of a culinary consultant. Results of the 36-hour shot determine whether the entrepreneurs will get the backing.