Restaurant Rivals: Irvine vs. Taffer gives fans what they have wanted

Robert Irvine and Jon Taffer have transformed failing restaurants and bars into successful businesses. In the new Restaurant Rivals: Irvine vs Taffer, set to debut on discovery+, the food television show seems to respond directly to what fans have requested.

According to a discovery+ programming announcement, the two industry powerhouses join forces to give restaurants the tools, knowledge and support to put on them on the path to success. While the end result will be uplifting, there will be no shortage of tough love through the process.

Both Restaurant Impossible and Bar Rescue have been hugely successful food television programs. Each program had their own approach to turning around the failing businesses. Although the shock factor the poor restaurant management skills might have a few people turning their eyes away from the screen, these stories were less about the shock factor. It is about the transformation.

Previously, Robert Irvine has shared that Restaurant Impossible was about the impact of the community. As everyone had learned to appreciate, many local restaurants are more than just a place to grab a bite. They are the gathering place, sometimes the heart of the community. When that business struggles, so does the group as a whole.

Jon Taffer has a different approach to his rescue endeavors. Blending smart business acumen and tough love, he makes restaurant owners take responsibility and lead. While the bar might be an engaging space, it isn’t playtime for the owners.

By brining Irvine and Taffer together in Restaurant Rivals: Irvine vs Taffer, the three episode event will not just offer fireworks but it will showcase how to create a successful restaurant business in the current environment. A coat of paint and a redesigned floor plan might be helpful, but the drive and determination of everyone involved is the only path to success.

As Irvine shared, this food television show is more than just entertainment for the fans. While that concept will drive people to watch, the heart of the show is that they “love helping people in this industry who are struggling.” While there is a battle between the rivals, the assistance to those struggling that is real story of the show.

While Irvine or Taffer will win this battle, it begs the question. Could another season be in the cards? Based on the success of Buddy vs Duff, it seems likely that this discovery+ program could be a huge hit.

The new discovery+ Restaurant Rivals: Irvine vs Taffer will debut Thursday, March 3. All episodes will be available to stream on that day.