Talk about a tough job interview. Geoffrey Zakarian is giving eight hopeful entrepreneurs the chance to prove themselves in a series of real-world challenges for what would be the opportunity of a lifetime: a $250,000 contract with his company to open their own restaurant. Big Restaurant Bet kicks off on April 5 at 10|9c with GZ at the helm as he and his closest business partners at Zakarian Hospitality Group work to find the next star in their portfolio.

It’s no secret that GZ has high standards. Whether in his top-notch personal style or in the food he serves on the plate, he’s known for delivering absolute perfection. So if these chef-competitors want to impress him and his team, they must go above and beyond not only in their cooking, but also in their business savvy. It’s up to them to prove they’re worthy of Geoffrey’s massive investment, because after all, the winner of this six-week showdown becomes a team member within Zakarian Hospitality Group.

Mark your calendars for the premiere of Big Restaurant Bet on Tuesday, April 5 at 10|9c.