Summer Rush

Summer Rush was a four-part television mini-series that aired on Food Network in 2020. The reality TV show, which was a mix of both cooking show and family drama, gave viewers a unique insight into the restaurant business, focusing on the incredibly high stakes of the short summer season in tourist towns.

Set in the beautiful summer “food town” of Lake George, New York, the show centers around the Foy family, who own three independently run restaurants that are in direct competition with each other. The three eateries are Cate's Italian Garden, run by parents Buddy and Cate Foy; Diamond Point Grille, owned by their elder son Jesse; and the newer taco and tequila joint, The Chateau on the Lake by their younger son, Buddy Foy Jr.

The show offers you a ground-up view of the dynamic food service industry, highlighting how an annual influx of summer tourists in a span of just 60 days can make or break the annual revenue of a restaurant. Given the short summer season and intense competition, pacing and strategy are everything, and the Foys know that they have to be on top of things throughout the grueling season to be successful.

Unique to this show is the interplay of family dynamics combined with professional rivalry, as each family member strives to make their restaurant the most successful among all. The Foys are extremely competitive, and no one holds back. From selecting and sourcing their ingredients to creating inviting ambiance and perfecting their signature dishes, they strive to offer their customers the best dining experience possible. The tense competition among the family is interspersed with heartwarming episodes of familial bond and support when the going gets tough.

Summer Rush is also a rich culinary journey, allowing viewers to appreciate an array of delicacies served by the three eateries. From the homemade Italian food at Cate's Italian Garden, the delectable summertime comfort food at Diamond Point Grille, to the intricate gastronomy showcased at The Chateau on the Lake, food lovers will undoubtedly be salivating over the screen.

In Summer Rush, the primary characters are carefully crafted, and their strengths and weaknesses become apparent over the series. As the saga unfolds, Buddy Foy Senior and Cate showcase their resilience as seasoned restaurateurs while their sons demonstrate their entrepreneurial creativity. Jesse, for one, is adventurous and eager to take risks. He is seen experimenting with a new menu throughout the season, despite the inherent risk of changing up offerings in such a short timeframe. Buddy Jr, on the other hand, is strategic and systematic, he is seen managing his restaurant with paramount precision and always planning ahead.

While the Foys are the central focus, Summer Rush also establishes a strong sense of community by introducing viewers to other local business owners, employees, and customers who collectively contribute to Lake George's vibrant summer season. The series further underscores Lake George's beautiful lake-side setting, completing the summertime atmosphere with picturesque shots of sparkling blue waters and sunny peaks.

In essence, Summer Rush provides an unabridged insight into the exciting and high-stakes world of the summer restaurant business, where every meal counts, and a single bad review can tank an entire season. It showcases the Foy family's passionate love for food, their dedication to their restaurants, and their tireless effort to keep their businesses running smoothly, even when faced with intense familial competition.

As a viewer, expect an adrenaline-charged experience which is more than just a cooking show. Summer Rush is a testament to the beauty and drama of the restaurant industry, a love letter to local, family-run businesses. It is a show that makes you value every bite you take at a restaurant, understanding the years of toil and sweat that goes behind each dish, and each dining experience. It's the perfect binge-watch for foodies, family-drama enthusiasts, and those who love to catch a peek behind the scenes of the restaurant business.