Robert Irvine Reacts to ‘Restaurant: Impossible’ Returning Without Him

A new Restaurant: Impossible show is heading to Food Network this summer, but Robert Irvine isn’t involved.

Irvine famously hosted all 22 seasons of Restaurant: Impossible, which ran on Food Network from 2011 to 2023. The series followed Irvine as he helped bring new life to failing restaurants across America.

Last month, Food Network announced that a spinoff, titled Restaurant Impossible: Last Call, will premiere this summer and feature new hosts, chef Aarón Sánchez and restaurateur Jen Agg. Irvine, who is not involved with the project, took to X on Monday, June 8, to break his silence on the new series.

“Folks and friends I have to tell you I do miss the @restaurantimpossible show and my amazing team but @FoodNetwork has chosen a different route from the show that I built and made into a worldwide brand,” he wrote. “I wish them luck and it’s life folks .. there is no anger seriously I’m busy helping so many folks … live [sic] you all.”

One fan replied to the post, writing, “We loved the show and all you do. But sometimes things happen. I choose to be thankful for all the amazing episodes instead of being mad.” In response, Irvine wrote, “Totally mark never mad have great opportunities and nothing lasts for ever.”

Another person posted, “One of the many great things about you chef is that you never cared if the cameras were there or not, you were going to do what you do no matter what. It’s just a shame people won’t get to see it as much as they used to. Hopefully you’ll be in Philly again soon.” Irvine replied, “Dead right Dan .. be there again soon.”

Another X user suggested, “Do like Alton Brown. Bring it to YouTube with a new name. He even uses old props!” Someone else shared, “Robert, it’s the best and only perspective to have. Most of us have experienced something similar, just without the name recognition or international attention. One gets old and bitter to do it any other way. Besides, it worked out well for the folks you’re now helping.”

Similar to the original show’s format, Restaurant Impossible: Last Call will follow Sánchez and Agg as they “lead the charge to rescue struggling restaurants across North America,” per the show’s official description. “Their goal is not to formulate quick fixes; they will dig into real problems, adapt to a new and challenging restaurant industry, and find creative, unexpected solutions tailored to each business.”

Per the description, Agg will focus on “design and front-of-house issues” while Sánchez will “work on the culinary side.” Each episode will showcase the “varying challenges today’s restaurateurs face.”

The synopsis continues, “Emotions will run high, and the stakes are critical as Aarón and Jen strategize each location’s rescue plan, all while navigating the greater changes happening in an industry being forced to evolve.”

Restaurant Impossible: Last Call, Series Premiere, Thursday, July 23, 8/7c, Food Network