Plot Synopsis

ME OR THE MENU is a one-hour reality series that follows four couples trying to beat the odds of ending up in divorce court, while also navigating the unique challenges of the cutthroat restaurant industry. The series shines a spotlight on some of the reasons that approximately 60 percent of restaurants fail and nearly 50 percent of marriages end in divorce, and while some of the featured couples have just opened the doors of their new restaurants, others are diving-in headfirst hoping to make it to opening day. Despite being at different stages of their journeys, each couple feels the pressure to make their business and their relationship a success, but balancing a stressful restaurant start-up and the needs of a significant other may prove to be the ultimate test. These couples know that if they want to keep their restaurant dreams alive it won't be easy, but they hope it will be worth it. The couples are:

Kathleen Murray and Nate Albert (Lombard, IL): Kathleen is the owner of Saucy Kat Food Truck and has a lofty goal of turning her food truck into a restaurant. She needs the help and support of her younger fiance Nate, often causing her to treat him like an employee rather than a partner. Everything hinges on their success serving lunch at a big food truck event, but Nate's mistakes cause them to lose hundreds of dollars and his attitude drives a huge wedge in their relationship. Nate's lack of motivation causes Kathleen to have doubts about his commitment to her, and he must earn back Kathleen's trust by proving he is just as committed of a business partner as he is a romantic partner.

Randi Lee and Jeanette Zinno (Brooklyn, NY): Working long hours puts pressure on Randi, an industry veteran and first-time restaurant owner, and his fiancee, Jeanette. They have put their wedding plans on the back burner until Randi can pay back his restaurant investors. Jeanette has invested thousands of dollars into the business and has put her own career on hold to help. She fills in as the hostess, washes dishes, and does whatever is needed at the restaurant so Randi doesn't have to pay another full-time staff member. Now, Jeanette is finally ready to step back from the restaurant, but Randi questions whether he can really run the restaurant without her.

James Martin and Jessica Neal (Chicago, IL): James is a rising culinary star, and his wife Jessica, argue about finances both at home and at the restaurant. James isn't taking home a paycheck and Jessica feels the pressure to be the sole breadwinner working two jobs. But despite being overworked, Jessica refuses to relinquish control of her responsibilities at the restaurant to pay extra money for help. Will the financial strain be too much on their relationship?

Nicole Baldwin and Alan Yuhanna (Houston, TX): Nicole, a self-taught cook with big dreams of opening a vegan restaurant, needs the help and support of her boyfriend, Alan. Neither one of them have any experience in the restaurant industry, so they are starting from scratch to learn the ropes. The pair clash over power dynamics as they must come up with a menu and find a location they can afford. It all comes to a head when Nicole loses her cool when they host a pop-up to test their concept with customers and investors.

After three episodes, Food Network moved ME OR THE MENU from 10pm on Thursdays to Noon on Thursdays. On Thursday, August 4, 2022 at Noon ET/PT, Food Network premiered "Soft Openings, Hard Feelings," the season finale of ME OR THE MENU. It's the night of the soft open for Lola's Ristorante, and Kathleen is behind schedule with preparations. Colin throws a temper tantrum, and Nate tries to calm everyone's nerves. At Leland, Jeanette and Randi are throwing a party for the newly completed Whispers. Alan takes command of the Greenios pop-up in a last-ditch effort to impress the investor, but the damage to their reputation is already done. At Bocadillo Market, James and Jessica host an influencer dinner to boost their social media presence and gain more followers.