NBC has ordered a culinary competition series tentatively titled "United Plates of America," in which the grand-prize winner will be given the chance to launch a chain of four restaurants, according to The Hollywood Reporter.  

In the show, from "Top Chef" producers Magical Elves, contestants will demonstrate their strengths in such areas as restaurant concept, menu and marketability and management before a panel of wealthy investors from the cooking and business worlds.

The winner gets a restaurant chain that opens in four U.S. locations the night of the season finale.

–Tom Gilbert