DeFUNIAK SPRINGS — There will be some big company in town next week as the team from the Food Network’s “Restaurant: Impossible” comes in to renovate a local favorite.
Mom & Dad’s Italian Restaurant at 2184 U.S. Highway 90 already is booked up for its reveal day Thursday when the hard work and thousands of dollars put into the restaurant is unveiled.
The show brings chef Robert Irvine to eateries struggling to stay open. He has two days and $10,000 to make the restaurant “awesome,” as Irvine says in his show opener.
“Restaurant: Impossible” advertised on Craig’s List asking for “dining extras” for Mom & Dad's reveal night. Associate Producer John Williams said Thursday that the restaurant is booked up for the 7 p.m. dinner.
The visitors will be featured on the Mom & Dad’s episode, which will air in four to six months during the show’s sixth season, Williams said.
Carolyn Cuneo has owned the restaurant for 24 years. She could not comment on the renovations as part of her agreement with the Food Network.
The series features Irvine talking with restaurant owners to hear their back stories and get a feel for where the businesses are at. Then he oversees the changes needed to help attract customers and make money.
Irvine, a former British Royal Navy member, usually speaks aggressively to restaurant owners, chefs and employees. He teaches them how to improve their cooking and better serve their customers.
“We come in and rejuvenate the menu and redecorate the restaurant,” Williams said. “It differs from show to show. It’s always a surprise.”
Contact Daily News Staff Writer Angel McCurdy at 850-315-4432 or amccurdy@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @AngelMnwfdn.