Status: OPEN (Expanded to 3 Locations)
De Rican Chef in Virginia Beach is one of Restaurant Impossible’s greatest success stories. After Robert Irvine’s 2016 intervention, owner Raquel Rivera didn’t just save her restaurant – she built an empire. The Puerto Rican spot now operates three Hampton Roads locations with a 4.1-star Yelp rating.
A Mother’s Dream
Raquel Rivera owned De Rican Chef and ran it with her son Reuben. The restaurant served authentic Puerto Rican cuisine in Virginia Beach, but by 2016, they were barely making a profit. The financial stress was destroying not just the business, but their personal relationships.
Something had to change.
The Episode (Season 13, Episode 2)
Air Date: March 16, 2016
Location: Virginia Beach, VA
Robert Irvine found a mother and son struggling to keep their dream alive. The restaurant had potential – the Puerto Rican food was authentic – but operational issues and strained relationships were holding them back.
Robert worked on both the business and the family dynamics, helping Raquel and Reuben find a sustainable way to work together.
The Revisit
Robert Irvine revisited De Rican Chef in 2020 – and what he found was remarkable. The restaurant hadn’t just survived; it had thrived. They had opened a second location and completely updated their menu.
This wasn’t a restaurant hanging on by a thread. This was a success story.
Expansion Empire
By late 2024, De Rican Chef had grown even further:
- Holland Road, Virginia Beach – Original location still thriving
- Oceanfront, Virginia Beach – Second location (closed June 2025 due to lease non-renewal)
- Ocean View, Norfolk – Third location opened December 2024
Raquel Rivera went from nearly losing one restaurant to becoming a regional restaurateur.
Outstanding Reviews
The numbers tell the story:
- 4.1 out of 5 stars on Yelp
- 500+ reviews with mostly positive feedback
- Three Hampton Roads locations
- Consistent praise for authentic Puerto Rican food
Visit Information
Holland Road Location: 3208 Holland Rd, Virginia Beach, VA
Ocean View Location: Norfolk, VA (opened December 2024)
Cuisine: Puerto Rican, Latin American
View De Rican Chef on Google Maps →
De Rican Chef proves that Restaurant Impossible can be a launchpad, not just a rescue. Raquel Rivera turned Robert Irvine’s intervention into the foundation of a restaurant empire.
Last verified: January 2026
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