AllMovie

What makes a restaurant an “institution”? Is it something you can manufacture, or even copy? THE MISSING INGREDIENT follows Manhattan restaurateur Charles Devigne as he makes the bold decision to boost his struggling restaurant’s business by putting up the iconic zebra wallpaper made world-famous by the recently closed New York dining institution Gino’s. His choice sparks controversy when Gino’s previous owners, staff and loyal regulars, still hurting over Gino’s closing, catch wind of his intentions.