'Restaurant: Impossible' episode featuring Downers Grove business to air Wednesday

DOWNERS GROVE – A Downers Grove grocery store and bistro will be in the spotlight Wednesday evening when it is featured on an episode of the Food Network television show "Restaurant: Impossible."

The program, which gives host Robert Irvine a $10,000 budget and two days to fix a failing business, will air at 9 p.m.

Shaun Black, one of the owners of Lemon Tree Grocer and Zest Bistro, said he applied for the show in December and filming began Feb. 9.

"I was watching Food Network and I think a clip came on about it," Black said. "I'd never seen the show before, thought it was pretty fun."

Black couldn't give any spoilers away about what happens, but according to a synopsis on the Food Network's website, this is the first time in the show's history it has taken on a grocery store and restaurant in the same episode.

According to the synopsis, "the debts and the stakes are climbing sky high" at Lemon Tree and Zest, when "Restaurant: Impossible" executes a renovation to reorganize the grocery section and make the bistro warm and welcoming.

Black admitted Lemon Tree has had some problems and was not embarrassed to ask for help. The whole experience, he said, renewed Black's and co-owner Tim Canning's faith in themselves.

"It was a very emotional experience from beginning to end. There was quite a few lows and certainly a few highs," Black said, adding that the highs definitely outweighed the lows.

Black hopes residents realize Lemon Tree's ownership is serious about the community, and see how important this process was for the business.

The changes have already been made to the market and bistro. Black said the work volunteers put into the renovation was "remarkable."

"It looks a lot different. It looks great," he said.

Black said Irvine came into the filming with a lot of energy and was fun to work with.

"Robert is an awesome individual," Black said. "He doesn't mince his words. He tells you what's on his mind."

Black said the cast and crew were all terrific and that it wasn't just about making a television show.

"You can tell they really get a great satisfaction from helping business owners that need their assistance," he said.

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Where to watch

The Lemon Tree Grocer will host a live viewing of the episode Wednesday at the bistro, 5101 Mochel Drive. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. and the episode starts at 9. Admission is free, and snacks will be provided. Staff will be available for a question and answer session after the episode.

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What about reruns?

Can't watch the episode when it airs? The program will be rebroadcast at midnight Thursday and again at 1 p.m. April 25.