There's no Quickfire Challenge this week as the chefs take on a Carolina classic: whole-hog barbecue. Splitting into teams of two, they gear up for a head-to-head battle showcasing five key cuts of the hog. Before their Elimination Challenge begins, they venture to Charlotte and Lexington to experience Carolina BBQ at its source. Then it's an all-night cook where the heat is on as they'll not only need to impress the judges, but also "Top Chef" alum and Pitmaster Michelle Wallace and a group of local pitmasters from across the state.

It's Restaurant Wars and this season the perennial favorite returns with a twist! The chefs split into two teams of four and are tasked with developing restaurant concepts. Each team must present a three-course progressive menu, offering two options for every course. To add to the pressure, they must serve 100 guests while also fielding to-go orders in the middle of it all. Kristen, Tom and Gail are joined at the judges' table by restaurateur Michael Mina and Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation. Before it all begins, the cheftestants receive news that reshapes their dynamics.