Ep 5. Meglio's

In the fifth episode of Restaurant: Impossible season 1, chef Robert Irvine travels to Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania to help Meglio's, an Italian restaurant struggling to stay afloat. The restaurant, which has been open for over 30 years, is owned by Mike Meglio and his son Michael, but the father-son duo is facing major financial and staffing issues that are causing them to contemplate closing their doors for good.

When Robert arrives at the restaurant, he finds a dated and cluttered dining room, a disorganized kitchen, and a menu that lacks focus and creativity. To make matters worse, the restaurant is short-staffed, with Michael and Mike working long hours to keep the business afloat. Robert quickly realizes that Meglio's needs a complete overhaul if it has any chance of surviving.

First, Robert tackles the restaurant's menu, which he describes as lacking in direction and culinary finesse. He works with Michael to create a new, streamlined menu that highlights Meglio's Italian specialties, such as homemade pasta, pizza, and veal dishes. Robert also offers guidance on how to improve the restaurant's food quality by demonstrating cooking techniques and recommending fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Next, Robert sets his sights on Meglio's kitchen, which he describes as chaotic and inefficient. He introduces new systems for food preparation, cooking, and service, including a new order tracking system to help the staff stay organized and on task. He also reorganizes the kitchen space, implementing better storage and workflow systems, and introduces new equipment to help make cooking faster and more consistent.

Finally, Robert turns his attention to the dining room, where he creates a new, modern ambiance that is more inviting and comfortable for customers. He helps the restaurant declutter and repaint, and introduces new fixtures, lighting, and decor to update the space. He also trains the restaurant's staff on customer service and hospitality, teaching them how to engage with customers and provide a memorable dining experience.

Throughout the episode, Robert encounters resistance from the Meglio family and staff, who are hesitant to embrace change. However, he persists, using his charm, humor, and culinary expertise to win them over and show them the value of his recommendations. By the end of the episode, Meglio's has been transformed into a vibrant, successful Italian restaurant that is poised for long-term success.

Overall, episode 5 of Restaurant: Impossible season 1 is a heartwarming story of a family business that is saved by the hard work and expertise of Chef Robert Irvine. Through his guidance and mentorship, the Meglio family is able to overcome significant obstacles to create a restaurant that is beloved by its customers and is a source of pride for its owners.