In the premiere, the promising chefs are invited to Geoffrey's home base in beautiful seaside Florida as they take on their first test - create a simple, one-bite dish that best showcases who they are and what their restaurant concept is. Geoffrey needs to know each chef, not just on a skill level but also on a personal level, to be certain that the person he chooses is the right fit for him and his hospitality group. With the help of his wife and business partner Margaret Zakarian and hospitality consultant and renowned executive chef Eric Haugen as judges, the chef whose dish is not up to par is sent home. Next, the chefs return to the kitchen to prove they are capable of cooking the basics, as defined by Geoffrey. Another chef is eliminated while the chefs that can impress the judges with their dishes are one step closer to working with Geoffrey to become tomorrow's restaurant mogul.

The remaining five chefs have to cook three dishes from their own menu as chosen by potential investor Geoffrey Zakarian. He's looking for a menu that's cohesive, representative of the chef's style and tastes like a winner. Using all the leftovers, the chefs then must make a special dish that would be served in their dream restaurant. Creativity is key to owning a restaurant, and the least creative aspiring restaurateur is sent home.