Robert Irvine may be known for rescuing America’s most dire eateries from the brink of failure on Restaurant: Impossible, but this fall he’s on a new mission: to find the most promising budding entrepreneur among a crop of restaurant hopefuls.

On his all-new series, Restaurant Express, Robert will challenge nine finalists to survive a culinary road trip across the West by proving not only their fearless culinary chops, but their business-savvy mindset, as well, if they want to keep their seat on the Restaurant Express bus. Week after week, it’s up to the contestants to demonstrate their staying power and impress Robert — a notoriously no-nonsense chef and experienced entrepreneur — by excelling in the host’s demanding challenges, both in the kitchen and out.

At the end of the journey, only one contestant will still be on the bus, and that person will have earned the title of executive chef and a leadership position on the team at the flagship restaurant The M Resort, Spa and Casino in Las Vegas.

What kinds of obstacles will the finalists face? Oppressive desert heat to be sure, plus early-round eliminations, limited budgets and discerning taste-testing critics, which means that, for these contestants, there’s no easy way to secure a bunk on the bus.

Tune in to the premiere of Restaurant Express on Sunday, Nov. 3 at 9pm/8c.

restaurant_express_660x330_2