Ep 5. From the Streets

From the Streets is the fifth episode of the second season of Restaurant Startup. The show follows two investors, Joe Bastianich and Tim Love, as they search for the next big culinary concept. In this particular episode, they are on the lookout for street food vendors who have the potential to turn their creations into full-fledged restaurants.

The episode opens with Joe and Tim scouting the streets of New York City, searching for vendors whose food stands out from the rest. They come across several interesting candidates, including a sandwich vendor who incorporates global flavors into traditional American sandwiches, a dessert vendor who uses unique ingredients like lavender and basil in her sweet treats, and a pasta maker who uses unconventional ingredients like kale to create healthy, flavorful dishes.

After a thorough selection process, Joe and Tim choose two vendors to invest in: a Filipino food truck called Ube Kitchen and a Mediterranean-inspired salad concept called Just Salad.

Ube Kitchen is run by a husband and wife team who are passionate about introducing Filipino cuisine to a wider audience. Their menu features traditional Filipino dishes like adobo and pancit, as well as more modern dishes like ube waffles and bubble tea. Joe and Tim are impressed with the couple's cooking skills and their ability to explain the flavors and origins of their dishes.

Just Salad, on the other hand, is a more established concept with several locations already in operation. However, the founders are looking for investment to help them innovate and expand their menu. They specialize in customizable salads made from locally-sourced ingredients, and their menu also includes bowls, wraps, and smoothies. Joe and Tim like the fact that the company has a proven track record and a strong brand identity.

Next, the two teams have to pitch their concepts to a panel of potential investors. Ube Kitchen impresses the panel with their unique flavors and personal story, but some investors are skeptical about the market potential for Filipino cuisine. Just Salad receives praise for their commitment to sustainability and healthy eating, but some investors feel that the market for salad concepts is already oversaturated.

After a tense deliberation, Joe and Tim decide to invest in both concepts. They believe that Ube Kitchen has the potential to introduce Filipino cuisine to a wider audience, and that Just Salad has the ability to disrupt the fast-casual dining market with their focus on sustainability and health.

Finally, the two teams are given the opportunity to test their concepts in a live market setting, with the help of a team of experts in branding, marketing, and restaurant design. Ube Kitchen sets up shop in a busy food hall, where their bright purple food truck and colorful dishes draw crowds. Just Salad opens a pop-up store in a trendy part of the city, where their customizable salads and smoothies appeal to health-conscious diners.

Both concepts have their share of challenges in the live market, but ultimately they both impress Joe and Tim with their ability to handle the pressure and deliver delicious food. Joe and Tim decide to invest $200,000 in Ube Kitchen and $1 million in Just Salad, with the aim of helping both concepts grow and expand.

Overall, From the Streets is an exciting episode that showcases the diversity and creativity of street food. It also demonstrates the potential for small-scale concepts to grow into successful restaurant franchises with the right investment and support.