Ep 4. Subs and Pubs

In season 19 episode 4 of Restaurant: Impossible titled "Subs and Pubs," host Robert Irvine visits a family-owned restaurant in Waterford, Connecticut. The restaurant, called Cornerside Cafe, is run by husband and wife team John and Cindy, along with their daughter Lindsey. They opened the restaurant after moving from New York City to Connecticut to start a new life. However, after 8 years in business, their restaurant is struggling.

Robert arrives to find a poorly decorated restaurant with outdated furnishings. The menu features American comfort food, but it lacks focus and direction. Robert quickly learns that the owners are suffering from communication issues and mismanagement. The kitchen is chaotic with no direction, while the front of the house is unorganized with no clear leadership.

Robert starts by observing a lunch service and discovers many issues. He quickly realizes that the menu needs to be slimmed down to focus on their specialty dishes, which are their breakfast sandwiches and subs. Robert guides the owners in creating a fresh, new menu with simplified, flavorful dishes. He emphasizes the importance of using fresh ingredients and teaches the kitchen staff how to properly prepare them.

Next, Robert tackles the decor of the restaurant. He transforms the space into a warm and inviting pub, which includes new furnishings and a fresh coat of paint. The new look of the restaurant is more attractive to customers and enhances the dining experience.

But the biggest challenge that Robert faces is the communication barrier between the owners and their daughter, Lindsey. Robert realizes that Lindsey is the key to making the restaurant successful and encourages her to step into a leadership role. He also helps the family with communication exercises to improve their relationships and better their business.

After the renovations and training, the restaurant is ready for its grand reopening. The new menu is a hit, and customers love the new look and feel of the restaurant. The owners of the Cornerside Cafe have a new sense of direction, and they are more organized and efficient. With the new leadership and communication skills, the family is able to work together to run a successful restaurant.

Overall, "Subs and Pubs" is a heartwarming episode of Restaurant: Impossible that showcases the power of communication and teamwork in running a successful restaurant. Robert Irvine's guidance and expertise help the Cornerside Cafe transform into a profitable business.