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Cape May, NJ – Two local Cape May restaurateurs do battle on national TV Wednesday night. The prize? A potential cash infusion from a prestigious backer for a new restaurant in Cape May.

Yianni and Peter Karapanagiotis face competition from a Minneapolis restaurant, The Copper Hen.

The showdown happens on CNBC’s Restaurant StartUp, airing 10PM Wednesday.



The Karapanagiotis brothers are the force behind three Cape May restaurants: George’s Place and YP’s, both on Beach Avenue and Pano, on the Washington Street Mall.

The new business they’re pitching Wednesday night to the potential TV backers is Shamone, a restaurant featuring bites and wine.

Yianni says Shamone will open in the Washington Street Mall space now occupied by Pano. Instead of a standard menu, restaurant goers will be served 15 small courses du jour, chosen by the chef.

If restaurant investors Joe Bastianich and Elizabeth Blau like the concept, the Cape May team will have 36 hours to launch their dream restaurant and try to win financial backing for their new venture.

Bastianich is a partner with none other than celebrity chef Mario Batali. The two have collaborated on New York restaurants Babbo and Eataly.

Will he be partnering with the Karapanagiotis brothers as well??

Yianni says they’ve signed a confidentiality agreement and can’t reveal the outcome.

You’ll find out at 10PM Wednesday night on CNBC.