Once the doors open, they'll be judged by their customers, a panel of experts, and me, Scott Conant, chef and restaurateur.

Each team's menu must include at least one Appetizer, Entrée and Dessert, but there is no maximum limit for any course as long as it fits within their budget.

Each team also gets painters to color the walls, one sous chef to help assist the cooking, and waiters to seat people at tables and deliver food.

Note: For episodes starting on September 15, 2010, the teams received $5,000 instead of $4,000 and Geoffrey Zakarian was designated as the head judge.

The judges change each episode (except for Scott Conant), though they are from a selection of 9 restaurateurs and critics:[4]