October 2, 2005 (2005-10-02)– January 2008 (2008-01)
Restaurant Makeover is a television series on HGTV Canada that currently airs as reruns on the Food Network Canada and HGTV Canada, as well as the Fine Living channel and Food Network in the United States, DTour and in over 16 other countries worldwide. The pilot episode starred designer Robin De Groot and chef Brad Long in the Coco's Cafe. Most of the restaurants involved in the series were located in the Greater Toronto Area. The series was rebooted as Restaurant Takeover on Food Network Canada and aired for 2 seasons in 2012 and 2013.
The premise of the show is to challenge two restaurant professionals, one designer and one chef, to overhaul a struggling restaurant with a very limited budget and time. Originally the show would match funds provided by the restaurant owners up to $20,000; however, that decreased to just $15,000 as the show moved into its later seasons.
Criticism
Although the show's premise is to help struggling restaurants, a number of establishments have failed shortly after their makeover — sometimes before the episode of the show featuring the restaurant had aired, thus not allowing them to reap the benefits of added exposure. Some critics held the opinion that participating in Restaurant Makeover was a "kiss of death" for failing restaurants. However, it was noted that given the dire condition of some participants' establishments, even a significant change could not salvage the business.[1][2][3][4][5]
This restaurant was purchased and made over again by Lynn Crawford and Cherie Stinson.[13]
Golden Flame Restaurant
N/A
Richmond Hill, ON
Massimo Capra
Meredith Heron
No
Now The Meat Zone.
Hamar Weyne
N/A
Toronto, ON
Corbin Tomaszeski
Tracy Kundell
Yes
Hollingers
N/A
Toronto, ON
Lynn Crawford
Cherie Stinson
No
Hollywood Panini
N/A
Richmond Hill, ON
Massimo Capra
Glen Peloso
No
Now Greek Xpress.
Il Papagallo
N/A
Oakville, ON
Corbin Tomaszeski
Tracy Kundell
No
Now Corks Restaurant.
Jonathan's
N/A
Woodbridge, ON
David Adjey
Glen Peloso
Yes
Kensington's
N/A
Toronto, ON
Brad Long
Glen Peloso
Yes
La Cabana
N/A
N/A
David Adjey
Glen Peloso
No
Massimo's
N/A
Toronto, ON
Massimo Capra
Brenda Bent
No
Was temporarily closed due to fire. New locations on Queen West and also College were renamed Vinny Massimo's,[14][15] but were closed around winter 2014.
The Olive Branch
Mighty Mike's
Toronto, ON
Lynn Crawford
Jonathan Furlong
Yes
Rifca's Mediterranean Kitchen
Pita Stop
Richmond Hill, ON
Brad Long
Glen Peloso
No
Now Woody Wood Burgers.
Roma Ristorante
N/A
Toronto, ON
David Adjey
Cheryl Torrenueva
No
Under new ownership.
Flame Bar & Grill
Seashell Seafood
N/A
David Adjey
Cheryl Torrenueva
No
Now Pho 88.
The Central
N/A
N/A
Corbin Tomaszeski
Brenda Bent
Yes
The Richmond Rogue
N/A
Toronto, ON
Lynn Crawford
Meredith Heron
No
Waterfall Martini Lounge
N/A
N/A
David Adjey
Jonathan Furlong
No
Season 5
Restaurant Name
Original Name
Location
Chef
Designer
Still Open?
Notes
A Catered Affair's Cafe
N/A
Milton, ON
Lynn Crawford
Cherie Stinson
Yes
Now Grill Daddy.
Cocina Lucero
Arre Burrito
Toronto, ON
Lynn Crawford
Cherie Stinson
No
Bacchus Roti
N/A
Toronto, ON
Brad Long
Meredith Heron
Yes
Bon Vivant
N/A
Toronto, ON
Massimo Capra
Glen Peloso
No
Closed in 2013.
Church Street Diner
N/A
Toronto, ON
Lynn Crawford
Glen Peloso
No
For reasons which have never been publicly clarified, the restaurant remained closed for over a year after the renovation before finally reopening in 2010.[16] They have since closed the restaurant according to their Facebook page.
New ownership and called 'Bathurst St. Deli' which was later renamed 'Bathurst St. Bistro', which was later sold and is currently 'Capital Pizzeria and Grill'.
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