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| Photo - Food Network |
It sounds pretty much like House Hunters, which airs on HGTV, however it is with restaurant spaces rather than houses. Also, while the show is claiming to help people find the perfect space for a restaurant, that may not be the case. More on that after the press release.
Press release for the show:
"Food Network to Premiere New Series BUY THIS RESTAURANT, 2/5
Aspiring restaurant owners take the first steps toward achieving their dreams in new Food Network series Buy This Restaurant premiering Wednesday, February 5th at 9pm ET/PT. With the help of commercial real estate expert Keith Simpson, each hopeful restaurateur searches to find the ideal space to launch their new business. In each episode, Keith shows each novice three different properties that could work for their restaurant concept and helps them visualize how the space can work for their business. From a turn-key operation complete with supplies but little room for creativity to a vacant, dilapidated space that needs renovation but has tons of potential, Keith helps the newbies secure the foundation to run the restaurant of their dreams.
"Owning a restaurant is the new American dream and we wanted to Capture the exciting, yet crucial first steps of launching that dream into reality," said Bob Tuschman, General Manager and Senior Vice President, Food Network.
In one episode, Keith helps Texas native, Joanie, find the best space to launch her new juice business. Currently operating out of a mobile trailer, Joanie is looking for a brick and mortar that will not be a huge financial risk. Keith pushes her outside her comfort zone by showing her a variety of spaces in Austin including a bar and restaurant on popular 6th street, a former music store and an abandoned Thai restaurant. Each property is more different than the next but with Keith's skilled eye he is able to map out the transformation so Joanie can envision her future and make the final decision that will determine the success of her business. In another episode, Keith heads to Minneapolis to guide Kelly and her sister Lisa as they search for the perfect space to launch their café. Keith shows these first-time buyers a charming café in a lakeside community, a busy downtown coffee shop and a rundown bakery in the suburbs. Kelly and Lisa are overwhelmed as they make one of the biggest decisions of their career.
Keith Simpson is a commercial real estate expert specializing in restaurant businesses and properties. He began his career in the UK as a chef in 1973 graduating from a London college for Hotel and Catering. His career led him to graciously cater for the British Royal Family which developed his taste not only for fine wine but also his desire to share food with others. Keith purchased his first restaurant in California in 1996 and in 2006 - at the height of the economy - he sold it for over three times what he paid. This initial deal piqued his interest in real estate and Keith became a full-time restaurant broker. Over the course of his career, Keith has owned three restaurants and one catering company in addition to his many successful property deals. His deals run the gamut from small family-owned pizza joints to fine dining establishments. Keith resides in Sacramento, California.
Buy This Restaurant is produced by Magnetic Productions.
FOOD NETWORK (www.foodnetwork.com) is a unique lifestyle network, website and magazine that connects viewers to the power and joy of food. The network strives to be viewers' best friend in food and is committed to leading by teaching, inspiring, empowering and entertaining through its talent and expertise. Food Network is distributed to more than 100 million U.S. households and averages more than 9.9 million unique web users monthly. Since launching in 2009, Food Network Magazine's rate base has grown more than 10 times and is now the second largest monthly magazine on the newsstand, with over 11.6 million readers. Headquartered in New York, Food Network has a growing international presence with programming in more than 150 countries, including 24 hour networks in Great Britain, India, Asia and Africa. Scripps Networks Interactive (NYSE: SNI), which also owns and operates Cooking Channel (www.cookingchanneltv.com), DIY Network (www.diynetwork.com), Great American Country (www.gactv.com), HGTV (www.hgtv.com), and Travel Channel (www.travelchannel.com), is the manager and general partner."
Back to the reality show not actually being a reality show. A casting call for the show in Hawaii stated,
"Have you recently: - Purchased or leased a restaurant or a building that you are going to transform into a restaurant in the state of Hawaii? -OR- are you about to purchase a restaurant, or are you currently in escrow in Hawaii?....If you are a new restaurant owner or about to close a sale or lease on a restaurant space in Hawaii and are interested in participating, please submit your information ASAP. Please apply as soon as possible! Filming begins in January 2014!"
Another casting said,
"WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:
Buyers who have recently purchased or are about to close on a new restaurant business or space and have not remodeled.
Property must be currently in escrow or on the verge of buying or leasing.
NOTE: This IS NOT a makeover show. Please do not apply if you have a restaurant that is up and running and you’re looking to renovate."
So, a restaurant needed to be already purchased or leased, currently in escrow, or about to be closed on for someone to get on the show. That pretty much means, the restaurant was already picked by the owners appearing on the show, and that the show probably did not help find restaurant locations for people to choose from.
Buy This Restaurant most likely had no impact on anyone's purchasing decision and may just film other spaces that were considered in the restaurant buying process. House Hunters has been exposed as doing the same thing. While the show may not be 'reality,' it will probably be great publicity for a new restaurant and the exposure will help out the restaurant owners.
So it's essentially House Hunters for would-be restaurateurs.
ReplyDeleteUgh. So tired of these restaurant shows: saving them, robbing them, staffing them, buying them. How 'bout actually cooking something once in a while, Food Network?
ReplyDeleteI was going to say that that is how House Hunters is done. I get why they do it (escrow takes foeever), and honestly in this instance I don't mind. You can still judge the buyers for the choice they made, which is where the fun in these shows lie.
ReplyDeleteso HAPPY to see it really isn't "only" me and the other percentage TURNING this crap OFF. This network apparently has lost much MORE than Paula Deen! THEY LITERALLY HAVE NOT one person that makes cooking fun, interesting or even remotely "reasonable..." it's all about politics or cocktails... the two, simply do NOT mix well! No more of the network for me either!! SICK of STUPID....
ReplyDeleteUgh ! I'm getting tired of all these scripted/fake reality shows. I know all reality shows are faked.So I was not surprised when I read Mystery Diners was a total fake that used actors to pose as idiot waiters and bartenders. All the shows were set ups by the restaurant owners and the Mystery staff to get more publicity for their restaurants.Now were are getting the same formula for people "wanting" to own a restaurant. I won't be tuning in.
ReplyDeleteI think they're both quite talented in their own right. Anne and Bobby both bring different things to the table: Anne has more traditional, rustic, Italian type cooking whereas Bobby has more heat, spice, and intense flavors. Each draw on differentnflavor profiles, so it is really what you like more. That is for their culinary expertise. For other things, I stopped following Ms. Burrell when I could never get a response from her on Twitter about one of her own recipes. She would respond to skews of chicks but never a male unless to tell him off. Sadly enough another FN chef and friend of hers finally answered. So I would say she isn't the most loyal to her canvass for sure. Bobby packs too much heat for me generally seeing how 98% of his recipes have a similar calling -- Serrano Chiles, Anaheim Chile's, jalapenos, cilantro, etc. All starts to set you on fire so I never got into trying anything to become inquisitive enough.
ReplyDeleteOh I know that. Basically as far as staged shows go, this kind of staging annoys me less than say the hidden camera shows with bad writing and worst acting.
ReplyDeleteAnne looks like a fat moose who has an attitude, and more than likely she only answers women's questions because that is where she is fishing.
ReplyDeleteAnd now 4 days later, they announce ANOTHER NEW Competition show! So much for listening to the audience. They're not.
ReplyDeleteIs it my imagination, or are the teams getting smaller with each progressive season?
ReplyDeleteThere is one girl that has commented several times and I am wondering how much time one person has to be so negative... I will admit the show needs some work but overall I like the group. Katie is not my favorite. I just can't get over how many terrible comments one person can make.
ReplyDeleteThe Kitchen: cooking gone ADD! Individually, the hosts are great (except for Katie Lee - where did that voice come from?) . Take the noisey talk-over down a notch or two. Maybe your viewers will give it another shot.
ReplyDeleteIf you watched the Feb 1 episode, it seemed to me like someone at the network told them to all stop yelling and talking over each other. It was slightly less chaotic. Although Jeff is still acting like a junior high aged attention hog. And Katie? Flat, monotone, nothing there at all.
ReplyDeleteAnother FAKE. These fake shows are ruining television. I loose interest in a show when I find out how fake they are such as HGTV Househunters. How to find out?? Google the show with the word fake after it.
ReplyDeleteIf you don't have an accent when you talk don't over emphasize a term in a Mexican accent! So dang annoying!!!
ReplyDeleteFake radar is working overtime with these shows.
ReplyDeleteSorry, I just had to laugh at the notion of television being ruined. That's like complaining about somebody splashing water on you in the pool because you don't want to get wet.
ReplyDeleteI love Worst Cooks. But Anne somehow has even worse hair now (tall mohawk with pink in it??) She was already hard to watch with her voice....Okaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayaaa.
ReplyDeleteits more like the concept with the bars' Bar Hunters' examining 3 potential properties and choosing one, the nice thing you could see at the end what they chose and how it looked as the new bar.
ReplyDeletechange the channel
ReplyDeleteturn off the TV
leave the room
And published by the same ones who, with Rachael v. Guy Season 2, did Coolio's Ghetto Gourmet?
ReplyDeleteSo is it safe to assume +The Black Bobby Flay is likely gone in episode 1?
ReplyDeleteCan't stand Anne's "drill sergeant" attitude on any of these FN reality shows. It is beyond repulsive for me to watch since chefs are obligated to be respectful towards each other in a work environment otherwise complaints about the activity would have been reported to the owner.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Brian also about Cupcake Wars. Basically, the formula is filling + topping (+ occasional failure) = cupcake dying to be sent to the red carpet event at blah blah convention. There is nothing really to be excited about over this show.
Dear food network. I have the perfect idea for a food show. Contact me
ReplyDeleteI happen to find all of them fun to watch and love shows that have that "hanging out" atmosphere. Love to watch them cook, talk, and have cocktails together. Lighten up people!
ReplyDeleteBut often, they've already bought the houses when they first sign up to be on the show, and the other choices aren't really even in the mix.
ReplyDeleteAs an avid Chew viewer, of course I can't help but see that the Food Network seems to want to follow in their success...I enjoy Jeff, Sunny and Iron Chef Zakarian very much..that Katie seems misplaced, as well as the other girl...they need to not talk over one another first and foremost, but even the Chew crew took a bit to get it to run as smoothly as it does...we all can use helpful kitchen hints, I'm always telling my husband about tips I learned on the Chew each day...and with any luck, soon I'll be sharing the tips I see on the Kitchen with him or because it's on on the weekend, he'll get to watch!!! You could recruit a whole new bunch of folks that work during the week..so maybe with a few changes, they will iron out the kinks (which to me is mainly Katie, sorry). Let's give this new show a chance..it's young and needs some time..if they could just learn to stop all speaking at once too, that might help...good luck Kitchen crew...
ReplyDeleteAs has probably been said, I would love to see this network go back to actually giving information and instruction -- as opposed to 'entertaining' with game shows and ridiculous things like Cutthroat Kitchen. Alton Brown is too intelligent to be doing this kind of trash. Likewise GZ. The Kitchen is also an example of how stupid they think the American public is -- I think I have more experience with food and cooking in my little finger than Katie has. She is SO DUMB -- and not the least bit entertaining nor informative.
ReplyDeleteAt least the rest of the chefs have shows and some culinary background. Katie Lee doesn't belong, has nothing to contribute, has no TV personality and a terrible voice. Without her, I would watch the show on a more regular basis.
ReplyDeleteWhy not Tyler? He is delicious....I mean, his recipes are.
ReplyDeleteI love watching bobby flay, if I sucked at cooking I would want him as my "coach"
ReplyDeleteCome on. Katie Lee would still be living in nowhere W. VA if she hadn't camped out next to Joel's dressing room. Daphne Oz is a graduate of Princeton and she has completed a course in nutritional food in NYC. She has also written two cookbooks, one while she was still a student in Princeton.
ReplyDeleteKathie Lee is smarter and more personable.
ReplyDeleteI love the The Kitchen. It's fabulous. The 5 chefs are so different. Each with a unique point of view. Jeff is a major goofball. Sunny is very down home. GZ is very buttoned up. Which is a nice contract. The other two are just okay for me. I love the end, It's 5 o'clock Somewhere with the Into It or Not Into It list from each host. I look forward to the show on the weekend.
ReplyDeleteI love the show The kitchen, and find that everyone is great ! Except for Katie Lee whats up with that she seems out of place? What is her deal? Did they need another pretty face? They should reavaluant the show and keep everyone but Katie Lee
ReplyDeleteLove ya Anne, Don't stop, no matter what the haters say. This show We actually liked, that and WCIA. We love. Wish you and Mario would team up (against) each other. As cooks? or Coaches!
ReplyDeleteHim being your Mentor. Maybe have your our show like Julia & Pepin.
I find myself trying to find some redeeming qualities in this show but it just doesn't work. Obviously they are trying to duplicate The Chew which has a great ensemble but this show is so lame. I am shocked it was renewed for a second season!!
ReplyDeleteI find this show difficult to watch because they all talk over each other. That's not only rude, but it makes it difficult to follow the point of a conversation. FN could you please come up with a new idea rather than ripping off everyone else's shows?
ReplyDeleteKatie Lee's voice is unbearable. I mute the sound every time she starts to speak. The only two people worth watching are Geoffrey and Jeff. I have no idea what Katie is doing on the show.
ReplyDeleteI do not know whose voice grates on you more, Katie or Marcela. Horrible to listen
ReplyDeleteto them. No chemistry with this team at all.
Cannot stand Katie Lee. That voice is the pwrst thing I have ever heard and Marcela is
ReplyDeleterunning a real close second. Neither has any talent. Saw nothing that would make me watch again. Bad copy of The Chew.
Katie and Marcela are completely pompous and condescending. Their cooking tips are just self-reassuring it seems, and their combined attitudes take away from what could be a fun and informative cooking show.
ReplyDeleteWow... this is a really, really sad show. I like GeoffreyZ as he has authentic talent and Marcela seems legit. I was prepared to be able to dismiss Katie as Daphne Oz-lite, but she's not horrible. However, Jeff Mauro and Sunny Anderson must be stopped. SA is loud and irritating as hell. JM just looks awkward and needy. I can't really believe the FN execs greenlighted this mess. Can you imagine? "Let's copy The Chew, only we'll do it with way less credible and talented people, we'll have far lower production values, we'll tell the hosts to yell over one another the entire episode, and we'll spend WAAAAAY too long on each segment. Sound good? Break!" It's just sad.
ReplyDeleteDon't be a hater. I like the show and for the most part ALL the hosts. Katie is the weak link but everyone deserves a shot.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear I'm not the only one who thinks Katie is a loser. Jeff is much better on his own show and Jeffrey Z doesn't need side-kicks. Sunny is lame and Marcella is a good cook but lacks personality. Not even close to the Chew...there's great chemistry but Carla Hall needs to chill.
ReplyDeleteYet! Garbage shows like Cutthroat Kitchen, Kitchen Casino and that horrible annoying Guy Ferry and all his garbage shows continue.
ReplyDeleteKatie Lee is trying to steal the show, but her ignorance out weighs any brains that she has. She a very nasty person and should be dumped from this show. Her voice is too pitchy and she has 0 class given the way she treats the other cast members.
ReplyDeleteI hear the wicked witch of the west whenever Katie Lee speaks. Her vocal frequency causes me an involuntary reaction to hit the mute or off button.
ReplyDeleteWell I,for one, LOVE this show and I adore Katie Lee. Some of the hosts may not be classically trained chef but they have a TV show...several, in fact. Where's yours?
ReplyDeleteDid anyone noticed e on today's episode how Katie sliced into the egg stuffed tomato & then passed it to Sunny? Why didn't she allow Sunny to deal with her own food. Sunny did not look happy. Katie doesn't work well with the others. Too much ego.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed that show! They should have cancelled Diners Drive ins and Dives! I hate that damn show and its on constantly!
ReplyDeleteWhat is up with your hair Sunny ??? Your voice and cute laugh is your signature so why don't you tame your hair !! It would make you look slimmer!!!!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy watching the kitchen I think it's a fun show to watch.
ReplyDeleteWorse program on FN is The Kitchen
ReplyDeleteCan't take sunny has to eat everything they make its lime she ready to grab everything can do without her
ReplyDelete