HELL'S KITCHEN is heating up and the pressure is on, as sixteen new contestants step into the restaurant for the first time. Immediately after the contestants' arrival, they are sent to the kitchen to prepare their signature dishes. During the presentation of the dishes, Gordon finds himself pleasantly surprised with what he sees until one contestant goes too far and instantly puts Gordon in a foul mood. During dinner service a fight breaks out in the kitchen before the doors even open! Emotions are running high because the contestants know that at the end of the journey Chef Ramsay will pick one lucky chef who will win the grand prize, a "Head Chef" position at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, the East Coast's leading resort destination.

Chef Ramsey has the remaining 14 chefs make a visit to the meat locker to learn about every cut of beef, then gives them a challenge by declaring the kitchen a steak house for the night.