Ep 2. Finca and Wholesome Junkies

In the second episode of Million Pound Menu season 1, we are introduced to two new exciting restaurant concepts, Finca and Wholesome Junkies. In this episode, we follow the journey of these two teams as they pitch their restaurant ideas to a panel of potential investors and customers.

Finca is a Spanish-inspired small plates restaurant that focuses on serving traditional tapas dishes with a modern twist. The team behind Finca is led by husband and wife duo Shauna and Joe Frew. Shauna is a trained Spanish chef who has worked in a variety of high-end restaurants around the world, while Joe has a background in marketing and business management.

Their pitch to the investors is strong, with Shauna confidently discussing the unique combination of traditional Spanish flavors with modern culinary techniques that sets Finca apart from other Spanish restaurants in the UK. Joe explains how they plan to differentiate themselves by using locally sourced, sustainable ingredients, and emphasizes their commitment to creating a welcoming and convivial atmosphere in their restaurant.

Wholesome Junkies, on the other hand, is a vegan street food concept run by husband and wife team Kiel and Lauren Shaw. Their mission is to create delicious plant-based food that appeals to everyone, not just vegans. Lauren, who has a degree in nutrition, highlights the health benefits of their food, which is made entirely from scratch using nutritious, whole-food ingredients.

Their pitch is equally convincing, with Kiel explaining how they have already built up a loyal customer base through their pop-up stalls at local markets and events. Lauren adds that their food is not only delicious but also highly nutritious, making it perfect for health-conscious customers who are looking for delicious, satisfying alternatives to unhealthy fast food.

Throughout the episode, we watch as the teams face a series of challenges designed to test their culinary skills, business acumen, and ability to work under pressure. They are forced to improvise and adapt when unexpected issues arise, but both teams manage to impress the investors with their creative, innovative approach to food and hospitality.

In the end, only one team is victorious and awarded the opportunity to open a permanent restaurant with the backing of the investors. But even for the team that doesn't win, the experience of appearing on Million Pound Menu provides valuable exposure and publicity that could help them succeed in the competitive world of the restaurant industry.

Overall, the second episode of Million Pound Menu season 1 is a must-watch for anyone who loves food and is interested in the behind-the-scenes process of starting a restaurant from scratch. With its engaging cast of characters, thrilling challenges, and mouth-watering dishes, this episode is sure to leave viewers hungry for more.