‘Restaurant: Impossible’ to feature Foxfire Grill
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| Robert Irvine [Food Network] |
Chef and restaurateur Robert Irvine, star of the “Restaurant: Impossible” reality show on the Food Network, is taking on the Foxfire Grill in Pinecrest Plaza.
Irvine and his crew will be at the restaurant Sept. 23 and 24 and are seeking volunteers to work on the show.
The premise of “Restaurant: Impossible” calls for Irving and his crew to attempt to “turn the tide of a failing restaurant” in just two days with only $10,000. As the show’s website puts it: “He’ll use a little MacGyver and a lot of muscle to rescue these desperate places from complete collapse.”
Foxfire Grill owner Terri Fox says she is sworn to secrecy and can’t discuss any details about the show or the status of the restaurant, which opened in 2003.
The show is requesting “enthusiastic individuals that would love work with Robert Irvine and his talented renovation team as design and construction volunteers on the show.”
“Volunteers may be any licensed or certified individuals in painting, crafting, constructing, remodeling, cleaning, decorating, etc.,” the announcement states. “They are always looking for skilled contractors, electricians, plumbers, upholsters, and painters to help out and donate their time but they welcome all
skill sets and skill levels.”
skill sets and skill levels.”
There will be three shifts: Sept. 23 noon-7 p.m., Sept. 23 7 p.m.-2 a.m., and Sept. 24 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
While those who volunteer won’t be paid, meals will be provided. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and are requested to wear sneakers or boots and work clothing with no logos.
If you are interested, send an email to [email protected] by Sept. 19 with your preferred time slot, full name, email address, cell number, and skill set or related profession. Put 1605 VA Volunteer in the subject line.
If you would like to make a reservation to dine at Foxfire Grill at its grand reopening, send an email to [email protected] by Sept. 19 and put 1605 VA reservations in the subject line.
The new season of “Restaurant: Impossible” premieres April 20 at 9 p.m.
In each episode, Irvine typically, creates a plan for improving a restaurant’s décor, reduces the size of the menu, improves the food, develops a marketing strategy, and educates the owner and staff – with the goal of returning a failing restaurant to profitability.
Foxfire is hardly "failing," and I like it (and I like the owners) but the idea of performing free manual labor for a for-profit business in exchange for meals, as a "volunteer," is repulsive to me. If you want to volunteer your time and efforts, pick a local non-profit or Habitat for Humanity or something.
I went to eat there years ago. The food was so bland I never went back even though I worked one block away for 6 years.
They should do Dice
I agree, the food isn't great. Ordered Shrimp and Grits and they served microwaved grits. Wrong Wrong Wrong. Its a bar first, restaurant second.
Their beverage program is excellent, and I sure hope Irvine doesn't mess with it. I didn't mind the food, although substituting turkey for pork in the bolognese made me sad (they did try to up the taste and seasoning with some moderate success). That said, the food could be lovely or, it could be meh.
I like the menu selection as well as the service. I've always been happy with my lunches there and I like that it's right around the corner from Green Spring Gardens.
Just a publicity stunt for Foxfire. Not great but not bad enough for this.
Only went twice. Okay food but not worth a third trip even though less than a mile from my home. Made me think there was no trained chef as food tasted like processed food from from a store.
Food is bad…. quality control is not there