July 10 (2011-07-10) – September 7, 2011 (2011-09-07)
Famous Food is a VH1 reality series that premiered 10 July 2011. It features seven celebrities as they work to open and take ownership in a restaurant in Hollywood owned by Mike Malin (who competed in Big Brother 2 and Big Brother 7: All-Stars, which he won) and Lonnie Moore of The Dolce Group.[1] Due to low ratings, VH1 announced on July 15 that the show will move to Wednesdays 8/7c beginning July 20.[2]DJ Paul was the winner of the partnership but after a twist the judges awarded a second partnership to Danielle Staub. The restaurant created on the show, named "Lemon Basket", was closed after just 5 months.[3]
Format
The contestants will work to launch Famous Food, a Hollywood restaurant, with their skills being tested in challenges. At the season's end, the winner will be given a partnership stake in the business.[4]
In 2011, various cast members were seen filming for an upcoming reality series.[5] On April 21, 2011, the series was confirmed by VH1. On the same day, cast member Heidi Montag talked about the series on On Air with Ryan Seacrest, saying it "is about several celebrities coming together and building a restaurant, and working in it, and kind of figuring out the in’s and outs of the restaurant business, and how to be successful in it."[6]
The show's first two episodes, which aired on July 10 & 17 averaged 0.43 million viewers and a 0.2 rating in adults 18–49, making it the lowest rated VH1 show of the season. Resulting in not returning for a second season.[8][7]
