Restaurant Rivals: Irvine vs. Taffer Episode Rating Graph

Robert Irvine and Jon Taffer face off in the first of three epic battles to see who’s best. The opening round begins in Whittier, California, where Turnbull’s Tavern and Steve’s BBQ not only share a wall but a world of culinary problems, turning to Robert and Jon for help. Turnbull’s food is flavorless, and its owner is oblivious. Steve’s is a barbecue restaurant in name only and in serious need of a menu upgrade and visual makeover. Jon and Robert have their work cut out for them as they try to coach these two struggling locations to victory.

Robert Irvine and Jon Taffer continue their high-stakes battle as they head to East Los Angeles, where two family-owned restaurants located across the street from each other have a decade-long rivalry. Owners at both Sage Restaurant and Spin Lounge blindly believe their food and drinks are best but suffer from more issues than they realize. Jon and Robert dive into each business and uncover lack of leadership, substandard ingredients, and rundown decor that are holding both locations back from succeeding.

Robert Irvine and Jon Taffer are heading into the title bout for best restaurant rescuer in the business. The final showdown takes place in the San Fernando Valley where rival restaurants, Blaqhaus and Mardi Gras Tuesday, are both staking claim of being the best Southern restaurant in town. Jon and Robert have their work cut out for them as they are confronted with over-the-top décor, untrained staff, flavorless food, and a crisis of control where one owner is too hands-on and another who isn’t involved enough.