Russell Norman, star of the London restaurant scene, is soon to be seen sharing his rule book with six first-time restaurateurs in The Restaurant Man (previously announced under the working title The Restaurateur). The first episode runs at 8pm, 29 January on BBC2.
In the Restaurant Man, star of the London restaurant scene, Russell Norman, believes that first-time restaurateurs fail because they either don’t know or choose to ignore the rules of the restaurant business.
In the 6×60-minute series for BBC Two made by Twenty Twenty TV, Russell will share his rulebook with six first timers over the critical months that will seal the fate of their business: those leading up to launch and the period directly after opening. But will these passionate wannabes be willing or able to follow Russell’s guidance and beat the 50/50 odds of failure?
And why should they listen to him anyway? Perhaps because his experience includes roles as operations director for one of the most successful restaurant groups in the world, helping launch Scott’s, J Sheekey Oyster Bar and The Club at The Ivy. And when the recession took hold, Russell started his own restaurant with a friend, has since opened six more, and is working on more openings. He is credited with changing the face of casual London dining.
The BBC describes the series as ‘equal parts food adventure, business venture, dreams and jeopardy’.
We shall see whether following Russell’s restaurant rules will help the six risk-takers avoid the common mistakes and turn their foodie passion into solid businesses…