Restaurant Revisited: Fork in the Road at The Fork Diner
Even from Robert Irvine's first steps inside The Fork Diner in Calhoun, Ga., it was clear that this mission was going to be like none other. Although Robert usually meets with owners before trying an eatery's food, this time he sat down and immediately ordered from the menu, only talking to partners Gray Bridges and Michael and Diana Forster afterward. Michael revealed that The Fork Diner was losing nearly $12,000 every month, and soon Robert posed an important question to Gray, who's been the lead funder of the restaurant: Would she continue working at the restaurant or walk away and turn over the business to the husband-and-wife team of Michael and Diana? Gray ultimately revealed that she'd be leaving once filming ended, explaining, "There's things more important than money and more important than my passion for that restaurant." Nevertheless, Robert and his Restaurant: Impossible team continued with their overhaul of The Fork's disappointing menu and lackluster decor, and they reopened the restaurant to a packed house. Read on below to hear from Diana a few weeks after her business relaunched to learn about Gray's involvement since taping and how the restaurant is faring today.
"Gray has finally decided to leave and turn things over to us after months of seesawing," Diana notes. There have been a few other changes in staff, she notes, including a few servers who are no longer working at The Fork. "I did not know how bad they were till they were gone and I got customer feedback. When I was around they were pretty good."
In terms of the menu at the restaurant, Diana explains that it's now a mix of Robert's list of offerings plus some of their original dishes. "People are happier with the additions," she says, adding, "Shrimp and grits [are the] absolute favorite. Burger and pot roast come next."
