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.

The chefs pack their knives as they head to Greenville, S.C., where they are welcomed by renowned restaurateur Carl Sobocinski. He opens the door to one of his notable restaurants, Soby's, where the chefs will stage the ultimate dinner party for a room full of esteemed local restaurateurs and chefs. For the Quickfire Challenge, they will host a pre-dinner cocktail reception, followed immediately by the start of their Elimination Challenge, where they must serve an eight-course meal. Kristen, Tom and Gail will be joined at the judges' table by Carl Sobocinski and "Top Chef" season 22 finalist Shuai Wang.