After receiving shocking news about his brother Mike's suicide, young culinary prodigy Carmen Berzatto returns to Chicago from his job as head chef at one of the world's finest gourmet restaurants to take over his brother's failing sandwich shop. Struggling to connect with the diverse staff and pay off large debts, the main character hires Sydney, a promising chef fresh out of culinary school, as his sous-chef in hopes of turning around the kitchen, improving service, and attracting new customers.
