Looks like Bobby Flay has signed on to be a judge on NBC’s America’s Next Great Restaurant, the show produced by Magical Elves (of Top Chef notoriety) that was formerly known as United Plates of America. A casting call we’ve received names Flay as well as Chipotle founder Steve Ells, who is lending his stores to tryouts. (The New York auditions, however, will take place this Friday and Saturday at the NBC Experience Store in 30 Rockefeller Plaza, from 10 a.m. till 2 p.m.— aspiring Ray Krocs can preregister at NBC.com). “At the open casting calls,” reads the release, “would-be restaurateurs will vie for the opportunity to see their idea turned into reality with a new restaurant chain to open in three cities across America. Contestants will be put through a series of challenges where celebrity chef and restaurateur Bobby Flay and a select panel of some of the most important names in both the dining and business worlds will ultimately select a winner, and invest their own money to help launch the winning concept.”
