The Restaurant

The Restaurant is a reality television miniseries that broadcast on NBC in 2003, with a second season broadcasting in 2004. The first season revolved around the construction and launch of Rocco's on 22nd, a New York City restaurant over the span of just five weeks. The second season, filmed six months after the restaurant's opening, showed an ongoing power conflict between celebrity chef (and part owner) Rocco DiSpirito and financier Jeffrey Chodorow, stemming from the restaurant's lack of profitability despite its popularity.

Related Topics:
Reality television - Miniseries - NBC - 2003 - 2004 - New York City - Restaurant - Chef - Rocco DiSpirito

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On July 27, 2004, New York Supreme Court Judge Ira Gammerman issued an injunction barring Rocco DiSpirito from Rocco's on 22nd street and gave Jeffrey Chodorow permission to sell or reopen the restaurant under a new theme. Chodorow and DiSpirito are ordered to return to court on August 31 to determine if there was an agreement between the parties and if DiSpirito violated the agreement. DiSpirito has filed a $6 million countersuit charging accounting irregularities. DiSpirito claims 50% ownership and $175,000 in unpaid salary. Chodorow initially invested $4 million in the restaurant and claims to have lost an additional $700,000.

Related Topics:
New York Supreme Court - Injunction

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The restaurant closed its doors on 15 September 2004.

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The restaurant is expected to re-open under a new name and a new format (Brazilian steakhouse) with Chef Claude Troisgros. Troisgros, from Roanne, France, is renowned for his namesake restaurant in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.

Related Topics:
Roanne, France - Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

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