Food Network’s ‘Restaurant: Impossible’ revisited Bradenton cafe. Here’s how to watch

Food Network’s long-running reality series “Restaurant: Impossible” brings celebrity chef Robert Irvine to struggling eateries for a 48-hour makeover.

In 2015, the show paid a surprise visit to Theresa’s Restaurant in downtown Bradenton, where the chef found a lot to improve — starting with the decor.

In fact, Theresa’s and its owner, Jodi Boucher, left a lasting impression on Irvine, who has helped dozens of restaurants around the U.S. in the show’s 16 seasons.

In a new episode of “Restaurant: Impossible: Revisited” that aired last week, Irvine recalls his first trip to Bradenton as one of the defining moments in the show’s history.

“All the years that I’ve been doing ‘Restaurant: Impossible,’ I have to say, Theresa’s Restaurant, and the owner Jodi, were one of, if not the most memorable,” Irvine said.

There were good and bad reasons for that.

“Why? Jodi was, well ... intense,” Irvine says with a chuckle. “The minute I walked in the door she wanted to take control of me and everything that I wanted to do.”

In his original visit, Irvine called for a total redesign of the restaurant’s decor and layout. He also made suggestions for improving a few of the cafe’s staple Southern dishes, including the chicken salad and grits.

The biggest focus, however, became Boucher’s unwillingness to give up some control in operating the business. Boucher’s micromanagement of every aspect of the restaurant was causing frustration with employees, including her son Sean, according to the show. The business was also facing a financial crunch.

After a few clashes, some tears and a heart-to-heart between the chef and Boucher, there seemed to be a breakthrough.

“When Robert left I did work on micromanaging, and it helped,” Boucher said.

Irvine also forced Boucher and her son Sean into a venting session to work out their differences.

In the “Revisited” episode, which was filmed last September, Irvine returned to Bradenton for a checkup on Theresa’s.

This time, Boucher knew he was coming — but that wasn’t necessarily comforting.

“With Robert you never know what to expect,” Boucher said before his arrival. “He might like it, he might not like it.”

Thankfully, Irvine was largely happy with what he found, and his trademark restaurant-wrecking sledgehammer did not make an appearance.

The chef complimented decor additions to the dining room and noted that things seemed to be running smoother.

He chatted with Boucher, younger son Sean and oldest son Patrick, who now manages the restaurant one day a week, about how much things had improved, from Boucher’s management style to the restaurant’s finances.

Theresa’s didn’t escape the without any criticism, however.

After sampling some current menu items like a Monte Cristo, a “Thanksgiving soup,” and a wrap, Irvine said, “The food is good. But we can make it better.”

Irvine stepped into the kitchen and demonstrated some quick recipe changes to spice up the menu offerings.

Most importantly, though, Irvine saw the change in Boucher’s attitude and mindset seem to have stuck.

“Jodi is probably one of the people that I’ve been the most proud of,” Irvine commented in the show. “There was something that cracked in her, it was like a switch on and off. She decided to understand what leadership means.”

Irvine said he’ll be happy if the restaurant keeps making incremental improvements, teasing that he might be back in another four years to check up on it again.

In one important regard, Theresa’s is doing exceptionally well. About 70% the restaurants featured on “Restaurant: Impossible” over the years have failed to turn things around and were eventually sold or closed, according to blog Food Network Gossip.

Today, online reviews of Theresa’s Restaurant continue to trend towards positive, with 4.3 out of 5 stars on Google and 4 out of 5 stars on Yelp.

And while some reviewers do praise the food, many also comment about Jodi herself.

“The owner, (Jodi), is one of the most dedicated and hardest working people I know,” said Yelp reviewer Tricia C.

“Getting the chance to chat with the charming and witty owner was the highlight of our afternoon out,” said Stacy R.

Another Yelp user, Tom M., called Boucher great, “with a flair for good conversation.”

“I highly recommend this casual little place, and we will definitely be back,” the review concludes.

Th episode, titled “An Owner Losing Control,” aired on The Food Network on Jan. 9. It lasts a little over 50 minutes and includes some scenic shots of Bradenton Riverwalk.

Visit watch.foodnetwork.com/tv-shows/restaurant-impossible to see it. A cable provider login is required. The episode can also be purchased through Amazon Prime Video.

Theresa’s Restaurant, at 608 14th St. W., Bradenton, is open 8 a.m.-2 p.m. seven days a week. Visit theresasmenu.com for more info.

This story was originally published January 16, 2020 at 8:34 AM with the headline "Food Network’s ‘Restaurant: Impossible’ revisited Bradenton cafe. Here’s how to watch."