NBC Launches United Plates of America, Hands Out Restaurant Chain

NBC is calling on Top Chef production company Magical Elves to start up yet another cooking competition series, this one not so run-of-the-mill, boasting the same bullet-sweating competitions as well as a pungent flavor of capitalism. The winner of this contest will be awarded not one eatery of his or her own variety, but an entire restaurant chain.

United Plates of America is the show’s working title, what looks like a blend of ABC’s entrepreneurial Shark Tank and any other frenzied culinary combat franchise out there. A pool of contestants will be pitted against each through various challenges, where they’ll strive to prove their moxie and skill before a panel of well-to-do investors, according to MediaWeek.com. The panel will look for strong restaurant concepts, appetizing menus and the right valor to manage a restaurant staff, or perhaps even several, seeing the victor will receive four separate restaurants located in various U.S. cities. These will be unveiled on the night of the season finale.

“We love the food and business reality space and wanted to do a show that was really big,” NBC senior VP alternative Paul Telegdy said in a statement. “At the end of this show, you will be able to go eat in the restaurants. This is the biggest prize ever put up in reality television.”

NBC will announce later on the series premiere and list of panelists, who will be investing in the restaurant chain of the winner.

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