The owners of Lake Arrowhead Sports Grill in Blue Jay, Cal., receive a surprise visit from Robert, which was arranged by their son, who's concerned that after five years the business is failing, along with his parents' marriage and his mom's health.

Chef Robert Irvine is headed to New Kensington, Pa. to ambush Stacey, the owner of Stella's Dine-Inn Restaurant. Stacey's daughter reached out after witnessing constant, out-of-control fighting between her mother, who is desperate to keep the restaurant going in her late husband's memory, and her brother, Dom, who serves as the main cook. Robert must work hard to help this family from being torn apart while also facing design struggles with the very large restaurant space.

The owner of a bar and grill in Crestwood, Ill., which hasn't turned a profit in the eight months it has been open, is also in danger of losing her husband due to the strain her failing business has put on her marriage. When Robert arrives unannounced, he has to deal with a furious bar manager, big-time financial problems and an unexpected theft.

Chef Robert Irvine is called to the Cape Horn Family Restaurant in Red Lion, Pa. after receiving a plea for help from the owner Joni's husband, Barry. Joni is having trouble paying the bills and has lost control of her staff, but after Robert installs hidden cameras he realizes it's Joni herself who needs work. As Robert navigates a rollercoaster of emotions with Joni, he aims to help her face her fears and repair her self-confidence in order to change her staff and, more importantly, herself.

In the Season 12 premiere, Robert leads a surprise makeover ambush of Theresa's Restaurant in Bradenton, Fla. Once there, he realizes the owner is her own worst enemy by being a micromanager. Also: He faces a kitchen staff mutiny and some design challenges.

Chef Robert Irvine heads to Ellendale's Restaurant in Nashville after former employees reach out for help. The restaurant has become rundown, and owner Julie's management style has left the staff frustrated and unmotivated. The employees see the potential in this historic Nashville staple, but Julie isn't the type to ask for help and is worried about how being on TV will affect her restaurant's reputation. Time is ticking away, so Robert begins to worry: will she let him stay and help, or will she make him go?

For his next mission, Chef Robert Irvine heads to La Casa Bianca in Whitehouse Station, N.J. to give the owner, Paul, the surprise of a lifetime. Paul's daughter, Megan, reached out to Robert for help after noticing the restaurant floundering and her father losing his passion for the business. It's up to Robert to help reignite Paul's fire and get him back in the game!