Status: OPEN (Non-Profit Camp)
The Double H Ranch episode of Restaurant Impossible was unlike any other. Instead of saving a failing restaurant, Robert Irvine helped transform the kitchen at a year-round camp serving children with life-threatening illnesses. It remains one of the show’s most emotionally powerful missions.
A Camp for Sick Children
Double H Ranch in Lake Luzerne, New York was founded in 1992 by Charles R. Wood and legendary actor Paul Newman on the premise of “health and happiness.” The year-round camp is dedicated to serving children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.
Some of the children are in recovery. Some are terminal. All of them deserve joy, normalcy, and excellent food during their time at camp.
The Episode (Season 10, Episode 2)
Title: “Holiday: Impossible 3: Double H Ranch”
Air Date: December 8, 2014
Location: Lake Luzerne, New York
In the largest Restaurant Impossible challenge to date, Robert Irvine and his team traveled to Lake Luzerne for an extra-special holiday mission. This wasn’t about profit margins or saving a business – it was about serving children who face challenges most of us can’t imagine.
The Challenge
Camp dining is different from restaurant dining. You’re feeding large groups on strict schedules, with children who may have medical dietary restrictions. The kitchen needed to be efficient, the food needed to be nutritious and appealing to kids, and everything needed to work at scale.
Robert Irvine brought his military background and culinary expertise to bear on making the camp’s food service the best it could possibly be.
Why This Episode Matters
Restaurant Impossible typically measures success by whether a business stays open and makes money. Double H Ranch measures success differently:
- Smiles on children’s faces
- Families getting a break from hospital visits
- Kids with serious illnesses getting to be kids
- Memories made during difficult times
By that measure, Robert Irvine’s work at Double H Ranch continues to pay dividends every single day.
Still Serving Children
Double H Ranch continues to operate, welcoming children with serious illnesses and their families. The camp remains committed to Paul Newman’s vision of providing “health and happiness” to kids who need it most.
The kitchen improvements Robert Irvine made continue to serve thousands of meals to campers and families each year.
About Double H Ranch
Location: Lake Luzerne, New York
Founded: 1992 by Charles R. Wood and Paul Newman
Mission: Serving children with life-threatening illnesses
Status: Active year-round camp
The Double H Ranch episode reminds us that Restaurant Impossible isn’t always about saving businesses – sometimes it’s about serving the people who need help the most.
Last verified: January 2026
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