Ep 4. Small Plate, Big Money

In Restaurant Startup season 1 episode 4, titled "Small Plate, Big Money," two aspiring restaurant entrepreneurs present their concepts to investors Joe Bastianich and Tim Love in hopes of securing funding for their small plate restaurants.

First up is chef Josh Capon, who wants to bring his New York City favorite Lure Fishbar to the Las Vegas strip. His seafood-centric concept offers elegant dishes like tuna tartare, lobster ravioli, and sushi rolls, all with a high-end price tag. Capon impresses the investors with his experience and culinary skills, but they have concerns about the cost of seafood and the competition in the Vegas market.

Next, husband-and-wife team Ed and Lisa Karpinski present their concept for The Little Snail, a French-inspired tapas bar in Hollywood, California. The Karpinskis have a background in catering and event planning, but neither has experience running a restaurant. Their menu features small plates like escargot, croquettes, and ratatouille, all at affordable prices. The investors are intrigued by the concept but question whether the Karpinskis have the knowledge and drive to make the restaurant successful.

After the presentations, the investors send their secret diners to evaluate the food and service at each restaurant. Lure Fishbar receives praise for its upscale atmosphere and fresh seafood, but the diners note high prices and poor service. The Little Snail receives mixed reviews for its food, with some dishes impressing the diners and others falling flat. However, the diners note the friendly and attentive service from the Karpinskis.

In the end, the investors decide to fund both restaurants, with a catch. They challenge Capon to lower his prices and improve his service, while they offer the Karpinskis a mentorship program to help them develop their skills and improve their restaurant. The episode ends with both restaurants receiving a cash infusion and guidance from Joe and Tim, with the hopes of succeeding in the competitive restaurant industry.