The pilot episode starred designer Robin De Groot and chef Brad Long in the Coco's Cafe.

The series was rebooted as Restaurant Takeover on Food Network Canada, and aired for 2 seasons in 2012 and 2013.

It is hosted by chefs Brad Long, Rene Chauvin, Lynn Crawford, Massimo Capra, Corbin Tomaszeski, David Adjey, and Susur Lee along with designers Robin De Groot, Meredith Heron, Cherie Nicole Stinson, Jessica Cotton, Glen Peloso, Brenda Bent, Cheryl Torrenueva, Lisa North, and Jonathan Furlong, who perform renovation makeovers on restaurants desiring transformation.

Although the show's premise is to help struggling restaurants, a number of establishments have failed shortly after their makeover — sometimes before the episode of the show featuring the restaurant had aired, thus not allowing them to reap the benefits of added exposure.

However, it was noted that given the dire condition of some participants' establishments, even a significant change could not salvage the business.