A Look Back at Robert Irvine's Restaurant: Impossible Missions with a Cause

From a White House request to storm-ravaged community transformations, relive some of Robert's most-special renovations.

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Photo By: Anders Krusberg ©2012, Television Food Network, G.P.

Photo By: Anders Krusberg ©2012, Television Food Network, G.P.

Photo By: Anders Krusberg ©2012, Television Food Network, G.P.

Photo By: Anders Krusberg ©2012, Television Food Network, G.P.

Photo By: Anders Krusberg ©2012, Television Food Network, G.P.

Photo By: Production Company ©2012, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Photo By: Production Company ©2012, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Photo By: Production Company ©2012, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Photo By: Production Company ©2012, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Photo By: Production Company ©2012, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Photo By: Emile Wamsteker ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Photo By: Emile Wamsteker ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Photo By: Emile Wamsteker ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Photo By: Emile Wamsteker ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Photo By: Emile Wamsteker ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Photo By: Anders Krusberg ©2012, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

A Washington Welcome

When the first lady called, Robert answered. Michelle Obama asked Robert and the Restaurant: Impossible team to not only transform Horton's Kids, a local community center that provides after-school meals for children, but also to plant a vegetable garden for the group to maintain.

Tight Squeeze

Brenda Chamberlain, the executive director of Horton's Kids, noted space constraints in the building, so it was important for Robert to overhaul the interior so it could better meet the needs of the children it welcomes and feeds on a daily basis.

A Fresh Focus

Thanks to farmer Lee Jones, Robert presented the children with a community garden where they could plant their own produce and reap the benefits of the harvest.

Cooking for Kids

Per the first lady's request, before Robert could complete his mission, he showed the children at Horton's Kids how deliciously satisfying healthy eats can be. He incorporated fresh tomatoes and vegetables into a known kid-friendly favorite: pizza.

Complete Renovation

With the help of Tom, his construction manager, and his designer, Cheryl, Robert updated the dining room at Horton's Kids with bright colors and kid-friendly aesthetics, and the kitchen received functional equipment and increased space.

A Force of Nature

When a tornado tore through Joplin, Mo., several years ago, it left a trail of destruction in the area and damaged the Boys & Girls Club of Southwest Missouri. Just in time for the holiday season, Robert revamped the local club and honored the community with a seasonal bash.

Working Together

It's a good thing Robert had his Dinner: Impossible team and friend Chef Michael Chiarello by his side during the mission: In preparing to host the holiday party, they had to shop for and cook enough food to feed 1,000 people.

Generous Leadership

Executive director of the Boys & Girls Club in Joplin Rhonda Gorham explained to Robert that after the storm, the club acted as a retreat for families. It was Robert's mission to provide her and her staff with an efficient space to fully serve the children.

A Made-Over Kitchen

With the help of Robert's go-to recipes, Rhonda and the cook at the club, Candace Moreland, learned how to prepare lighter recipes for the children who visit.

Spirit of the Season 

In keeping with the holiday, Robert welcomed the children to their colorful, multipurpose club with presents of gym equipment and games.  

A Seaside Rescue

After Hurricane Sandy decimated the Jersey shore, Robert worked his magic in Ship Bottom, Long Island Beach, N.J., in a two-part mission to transform the once-flooded LBI Pancake House and the firehouse of the Ship Bottom Volunteer Fire Company, which gave tirelessly during the storm and recovery efforts.

A New Opportunity

Owners of LBI Pancake House Bill and Carole Waldron told Robert of their eatery's long-standing position in the community and how, prior to the storm, they'd invested their savings into making it a profitable business for their future. It was up to Robert to overhaul their restaurant and give Bill and Carole a second chance at success.

Starting Over

At Ship Bottom Volunteer Fire Company, Robert simply tossed the house's worn-out furniture and began anew with fresh, comfortable decor for the team there that served during the worst of the storm.

Second Chances

After two days of work, Robert and his Restaurant: Impossible team welcomed Bill, Carole and the Ship Bottom community back to a transformed LBI Pancake House. The crew refreshed the interior with nautical decor and even paid tribute to the storm's effect on the area by preserving handwritten notes from local residents.

Giving Back

With the help of his Dinner: Impossible team and Chef Michael, Robert managed to throw a party for the fire company after introducing the group to their renovated space, complete with lounge areas and an updated kitchen.

Want More Restaurant: Impossible?

Check out Food Network's Restaurant: Impossible headquarters for more behind-the-scenes photos, plus updates on Robert's past missions and clips from the show.