Kitchen Nightmares Where Are They Now? Where Is The Cast Of Kitchen Nightmares?

Kitchen Nightmares Cast

“Kitchen Nightmares,” a US-based reality show, follows the format of the British show “Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares.” Chef Gordon Ramsay travels to various restaurants across the country with the goal of turning around their struggling business within a week. As a result of the hard work and dedication shown by Gordon and his team in the featured restaurants between 2007 and 2014, fans of the show have been curious about the current status of these eateries. This article provides an update on the current status of the restaurants featured in the show, listed in the order in which they appeared, starting from season 1 episode 1 to season 7 episode 10.

Kitchen Nightmares Where Are They Now?

Peter’s Italian Restaurant: Closed 

Peter’s Italian Restaurant, located in Babylon, New York, was a family-owned eatery specializing in Italian cuisine. The owner, Tina Pellegrino, was struggling with how to handle her brother Peter Pasta Pellegrino. As the first restaurant featured on the show, it gave viewers a taste of what was to come. Unfortunately, Peter’s Italian Restaurant was forced to close in December 2008, just over a year after appearing on the show. The neighboring restaurant took over the space previously occupied by the Italian eatery.

Dillon’s Restaurant: Closed 

Dillon’s Restaurant, located in Manhattan, New York, was infamous for its numerous managers and indecision regarding its food type. Gordon Ramsay renamed it to “Purnima,” which is Hindi for full moon, and brought in Indian chef Vikas Khanna to connect the restaurant to its Indian roots. However, the former general manager, Martin Hyde, sued Gordon. Despite this, the restaurant managed to stay open for nearly two years. In December 2009, it ultimately shut down due to a decline in quality and an increase in prices. The building now houses Dillon’s Comedy Club at 245 West 54th Street.

The Mixing Bowl: Closed 

The Mixing Bowl, a restaurant in Bellmore, New York, was owned by a couple, Billy and Lisa Galletti. One of the main problems faced by the restaurant was the behavior of its manager, Mike. Despite efforts by the “Kitchen Nightmares” team and the staff to improve the business, the restaurant was closed in January 2009. A Greek restaurant called Greek Delight took over the space but has since closed as well. Currently, Billy is the owner of Jr. Alta Foods Inc., a food logistics company.

The Seascape Inn: Closed 

The Seascape Inn was once a popular restaurant in Long Island, New York, but by the time Gordon arrived, it was struggling. Owners Irene and her son Peter were trying to keep the restaurant open and maintain Peter’s father’s legacy. Unfortunately, the business was closed in August 2007, shortly after filming for the show and before the episode featuring the restaurant aired. It was rumored to be reopening as The Coast, but this never happened. Currently, the location is now home to J&R’s Islip Steak House.

The Olde Stone Mill: Open 

The Olde Stone Mill was a steakhouse that was transformed from an old mill by Dean Marrazzo. Despite its appealing decor, the restaurant’s food was unsatisfactory. However, after Gordon’s help, the business improved and gained new customers. In 2009, Dean sold the mill to the DiNapoli family, and it is now known as DiNapoli’s Stone Mill, serving Italian cuisine.

Sebastian’s: Closed 

The California restaurant named after its owner Sebastian Di Modica, known for its unusual pizza menu, had its menu altered by Gordon. However, Sebastian went back to his original menu after Gordon left. In 2008, Sebastian and his wife Nicole moved to Boston, and the pizza place was replaced by Robano’s, an Italian restaurant that utilized the facilities and decor improved by Gordon. In 2014, Robano’s closed, and The Red Door took its place, which is currently open and has mostly positive reviews.

Finn McCool’s: Closed  

The Westhampton, New York restaurant run by Buddy Mazzio, an Irish eatery, was established just a day after Buddy retired. Gordon visited the restaurant during the second season of “Kitchen Nightmares.” Despite an increase in sales, Buddy stepped back from the business after suffering a heart attack. In 2009, the restaurant was sold to Michael Mancuso, but it still remained open. Unfortunately, it was reported that the restaurant was closed in March 2012 due to a lease issue and was boarded up in June of the same year.

Lela’s: Closed 

The fine dining restaurant, Lela’s in Pomona, California, was in need of help from Gordon Ramsay after owner Lela Guillen struggled with issues soon after opening. Despite the improved service after the relaunch, the restaurant ultimately closed due to overwhelming debt and is now home to the popular Mediterranean restaurant, Aladdin Jr Restaurant & Cafe.

Campania: Closed 

In Fair Lawn, New Jersey, Campania was on the verge of closing its doors under the ownership of Joseph Cerniglia. After Gordon’s intervention, the restaurant saw a successful relaunch, but just a few days after selling the business to Campania Holding Corp in 2010, Joseph was found dead in the Hudson River. The restaurant eventually closed in 2011 and was replaced by Sage Restaurant the following year  

The Secret Garden: Closed  

Michel Bardavid’s French restaurant, The Secret Garden, struggled financially due to its debt and its menu wasn’t well received by customers. Gordon Ramsay offered to help, but the restaurant was later sold to Danny Margolis who transformed it into M on High Restaurant. Despite the sale, the business eventually closed.

Handlebar: Closed 

Carolyn and Billy LeRoy, with no prior experience in the food industry, purchased a restaurant, but their lack of experience resulted in poor performance. They invited Gordon Ramsay to help save their business, but after the chef’s visit, the restaurant was sold and became Skybox Restaurant and Sports Bar, which also closed shortly after. Currently, the location is known as Benchwarmer’s Tavern and Grill and is a popular eatery.

Giuseppi’s Trattoria: Closed 

Giuseppi’s Trattoria, owned by successful restaurateurs Joe and Kathy Giuseppi and their son Sam, struggled to stay afloat. Despite Gordon’s efforts to save the business, the restaurant closed a little over a year after his visit. The owners cited the economy and lack of a liquor license as the reasons for its closure in July 2009.

Trobiano’s: Closed  

Within three years of its opening, Trobiano’s Italian restaurant was struggling to survive and its owners, Anthony Trobiano, Joe, and Pat, sought help from Gordon Ramsay. However, the restaurant was seized by the authorities for failing to pay taxes in October 2008, just a month after it was featured on TV.

Black Pearl: Closed 

Black Pearl, a seafood restaurant in New York City owned by three conflicting owners, sought help from Gordon Ramsay. However, the restaurant closed its doors just a few days after its appearance on television on September 25, 2008. Gordon revisited the location in the last episode of season 3, but found it had been replaced by The Hog Pit, which also closed in October 2020. One of the owners, David, wrote a negative response about the closure of Black Pearl, criticizing Gordon.

J Willy’s: Closed 

J Willy’s, a barbecue restaurant owned by a couple and their friend, reached out to Gordon for help to save their struggling business. Despite the changes made by the British chef, the restaurant eventually shut down in 2009 due to financial issues and loss of customers. The building that once housed J Willy’s was later demolished in 2015.

Hannah & Mason’s: Closed 

Hannah & Mason’s, a French-style bistro that only opened three nights a week, was owned by Brian Kelly. However, the business closed in 2010, with the owner blaming a lack of customers and the economy, as well as changes recommended by Gordon that turned away loyal customers.

Jack’s Waterfront: Closed 

The lakeside restaurant in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, was owned by three bodybuilders who sought Gordon’s help to turn around their failing business. Despite Gordon’s efforts, the restaurant closed down in December 2010 and briefly re-opened as Dockside Jack’s in March 2011 before closing again. The property was later bought back by the previous owners and became Brownies on the Lake, which is still in operation.

Sabatiello’s: Closed 

Sammy Settembre’s Sabatiello’s, an Italian restaurant, sought Gordon’s help to save the business. Unfortunately, the restaurant closed in October 2008, with Sammy claiming inadequate compensation for days the eatery had to stay closed. The restaurant attempted to stay afloat using Gordon’s name as a promotional tactic, but it was not successful.

Fiesta Sunrise: Closed 

Fiesta Sunrise, a Mexican restaurant owned by three individuals, was their second attempt at running a successful business. The restaurant closed twice, once in 2007 for not paying taxes and finally in September 2008 before its television appearance.

Santé La Brea: Closed 

Santé La Brea, a family-owned vegetarian and vegan restaurant in the heart of Hollywood, was revised by Gordon in season 3. Despite initial success, the restaurant closed its doors in 2011 and posted on Facebook about its intention to sell. The property is now home to Wirtshaus German Restaurant & Beer Garden.

Cafe 36: Closed 

The cafe was owned by Terry and Carol Gilmer, who sought outside help for their struggling business. The cafe underwent several changes during and after the filming of Kitchen Nightmares, but it eventually closed in April 2009, blaming the economy and the changes as the reasons.

Hot Potato Cafe: Closed 

Gordon visited Hot Potato Cafe in Fishtown, Philadelphia, owned by three women, to help the struggling business. Thanks to Gordon’s promotion, the restaurant saw success but closed in August 2010 due to an expired lease. The property is now the venue of Lloyd Whiskey Bar.

Flamangos: Closed

Adele and Bill Csepi, who had run successful eateries before, took a break from the food business before opening a fine dining restaurant named Flamingos with their daughter Cheryl. However, they returned to their old model just a week after Gordon’s departure and the restaurant was thriving when Gordon revisited in season 4. The restaurant closed in April 2011 when the couple decided to retire again. The premise is now occupied by The Rail at Readington.

Bazzini: Closed 

Bazzini, owned by Paul and Leslie Bazzini, had issues when Paul transitioned from Executive Chef to owner. The restaurant closed in June 2010, something Gordon was unaware of when he tried to revisit in season 4. The owners claimed the process was not helpful and there were deliberate attempts to create tension.

Mojito: Closed

Mojito, owned by a separated couple, struggled with constant fights between the owners and brought in Gordon for a solution. Gordon’s overhaul reduced the menu size and financial strain, and during his revisit in season 4, Gordon was happy to see the restaurant doing well. However, Mojito closed in March 2016 after almost 13 years of operation.

Lido di Manhattan: Open

Lisa Hemmat’s first venture was Lido di Manhattan, located in Manhattan Beach, California. Despite having a dedicated clientele and skilled staff, the restaurant struggled to thrive. With Gordon Ramsay’s support, Lisa and her team were able to make significant improvements and when the famous British chef revisited the restaurant, he was pleased with the progress. Today, Lido di Manhattan can still be found at 1550 Rosecrans Avenue in Manhattan Beach.

Le Bistro:

Casa Roma:

Closed Casa Roma, the oldest restaurant in Lancaster, California, sought help from Gordon Ramsay to save its nearly 50-year-old business. After the chef’s visit, the restaurant became more efficient, made staff changes, including hiring Q from Sebastian’s as head chef, but eventually went back to its old menu. The restaurant changed its name multiple times, eventually becoming The AV Roadhouse Restaurant Bar & Grill, and CR Roadhouse, before finally closing in July 2017.

Mama Rita’s:

Closed Mama Rita’s, a Mexican restaurant in Newbury Park, California, owned by Laura Papenfus, needed help to turn around its struggling business. Despite Gordon’s advice, the restaurant eventually shut down in December 2010, but its catering business remained operational.

Anna Vincenzo’s:

Closed Anna Vincenzo’s, a restaurant in Boca Raton, Florida, owned by CeCe Vincenzo, closed down after Gordon’s visit. CeCe had returned to her old ways, and the restaurant closed sometime in April 2010. It was replaced by Nino’s of Boca II, which also closed permanently.

Fleming:

Closed Fleming, a Miami, Florida-based restaurant owned by Andy Hall and his wife Suzanne, closed 5 months after its appearance on the show. Despite following Gordon’s advice, the restaurant eventually brought back its old elements and closed in October 2010.

Sushi-Ko:

Closed Sushi-Ko, owned by married couple Akira and Lisa Hatae, with help from their children, closed in August 2009. Despite Gordon’s efforts and the Hatae family’s efforts, Lisa believed the relaunch was too late. The property became home to Nate ‘n Al Delicatessen, which also closed, and was later replaced by an Umami Burger outlet, which has also closed.

Spanish Pavilion:

Classic American: No Longer Operational

Owned by former waitresses Colleen and Naomi, Classic American struggled with several challenges that threatened its survival. After Gordon’s intervention, the restaurant saw a surge in popularity and customer base. Despite the recognition as the recipient of Long Island’s Best Burger Award from Good Times magazine, Classic American closed its doors in August 2013. The owners announced the closure through their website and continued offering catering services. 

PJ’s Steakhouse: No Longer Operational

Joe and Madalyn, with a background in construction, opened PJ’s Steakhouse in memory of Joe’s brother. The couple’s inexperience led to the downfall of the business, and they sought Gordon’s help. Following his visit, the restaurant was renamed PJ’s Grill and underwent several changes. However, PJ’s Grill closed just weeks after the airing of ‘Kitchen Nightmares.’ Joe and Madalyn returned to construction and today, the former location of PJ’s Grill, at 7311 Yellowstone Boulevard in Queens, New York, is occupied by Manor Oktoberfest, a German restaurant.

Grasshopper Also: No Longer Operational

The Irish pub, Grasshopper Also, located in Carlstadt, New Jersey, experienced a decline in business with co-owner Mitch receiving the majority of the blame. Following Gordon’s help, the pub saw a resurgence in popularity, although some customers preferred the old menu. Grasshopper Also was sold in October 2012, underwent a complete overhaul, and was renamed Eastside Ale House. Unfortunately, Eastside Ale House also closed sometime in 2016 and was replaced by Primetime Sports Lounge & Restaurant, which met the same fate within a year. Currently, Segovia Meson operates in the former location of Grasshopper Also at 645 Washington Avenue. 

Davide: No Longer Operational

Davide, a successful restaurant located in Boston, Massachusetts, faced a decline in business due to family legal issues. Thanks to Gordon’s help, brothers Frank and Anthony were able to overcome their differences and help the restaurant thrive. When Gordon revisited the restaurant, he was pleased to see its success. However, Davide was sold and closed in May 2014 as the owners decided to pursue a farming business.

Down City: No Longer Operational

Gordon visited Down City in Providence, Rhode Island to help owners Abby Cabral and Rico Conforti revive their business. Thanks to his assistance, the restaurant saw an increase in customers, though some missed the old menu. Unfortunately, Down City closed on December 10, 2011, due to the struggling economy.

Cafe Tavolini: No Longer Operational

Owned by married couple Keith Restivo and Lisa Restivo, Cafe Tavolini was located in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Following the filming of ‘Kitchen Nightmares,’ the couple separated, and the restaurant closed in December 2010. Despite Keith’s hopes to reopen the establishment, increasing taxes and unpaid taxes put a halt to those plans.

Kingston Cafe: No Longer Operational

Gordon visited Kingston Cafe in Pasadena, California to provide assistance. When he returned for a follow-up visit, he was greeted by a new staff. The restaurant closed in November 2012 but re-opened the following November with changes such as a dance floor and an expanded bar. However, Kingston Cafe eventually closed for good in August 2018, with the owners continuing to offer catering and event services.

La Frite: Closed 

La Frite, a former French restaurant in Sherman Oaks, California, was bought by George Zaoui in 2016, who kept its name. However, the establishment was renamed Modo Mio in September 2017 and has since closed.

The Capri Restaurant: Closed

The Capri Restaurant, a pizza place owned by twins Jim and Jeff Thiel, won awards and was appreciated by Gordon Ramsay. However, it was closed in September 2019 due to health issues and declining sales.

Zeke’s: Closed 

Zeke’s, a restaurant bought by Ellen Cortello after the previous owner’s death, was closed and sold by her in 2012 and replaced by Porter & Luke’s Restaurant.

Oceana Grill: Open 

Oceana Grill, a seafood restaurant in New Orleans, Louisiana, was previously owned by brothers Moe and Rami but changed hands and was attempting to improve its reputation before its episode aired on the show. The restaurant is still open.

Blackberry’s: Closed

Blackberry’s Catering and Family Restaurant, a soul food restaurant in Plainfield, New Jersey started by Shelley Winters, closed in March 2013 due to a lack of growth despite Gordon’s suggestions.

Leone’s: Open

Leone’s, a family business in Montclair, New Jersey, saw changes after Gordon’s visit and is still open and operating.

Mike & Nellie’s: Closed

Mike & Nellie’s, a family-owned restaurant in Oakhurst, New Jersey, gained popularity after Gordon’s visit but ultimately closed on January 21, 2012.

Luigi’s D’Italia: Open

Luigi’s D’Italia, a former beloved restaurant in Fullerton, California, turned profitable again after Gordon’s help and a change in management. The restaurant has since moved to a new location in September 2017.

Burger Kitchen:

The California-based restaurant was featured on “Kitchen Nightmares” and experienced family drama, tension between owners and staff, and changes in ownership and staff. Despite these efforts, the restaurant closed in 2012.

The Greek at the Harbor:

This Greek restaurant in Ventura, California had a decline in business before appearing on “Kitchen Nightmares,” but with Gordon Ramsay’s help, it became successful once again and is now known as The Greek Mediterranean Steak and Seafood Restaurant or The Greek Ventura.

Michon’s:

A smokehouse and restaurant in College Park, Atlanta, Georgia, Michon’s was owned by a married couple who hoped to pass it on to their daughter. However, when the daughter took over as manager, the restaurant went into debt and closed in 2013. The daughter also accused the show of misrepresenting events at the establishment.

El Greco:

This Greek restaurant, owned by a mother-son duo, was once popular but saw a decline in business before Gordon’s visit. Despite Gordon’s help, the debt was too much for the owners to recover from, and the restaurant closed in 2011.

Park’s Edge:

This restaurant had a complicated menu and overworked staff, and while Gordon’s suggestions helped improve the business, it failed a health inspection and closed in early 2014. Plans to relaunch never came to fruition.

Spin-A-Yarn Steakhouse:

This steakhouse in Fremont, California was struggling due to a lack of business and owner disputes before Gordon’s visit. Gordon’s help improved the business and the restaurant is still open today at 45915 Warm Springs Boulevard.

Charlie’s Italian Bistro:

The former waitress, Tatiana Leiva, took over this Italian bistro in 2008 and with Gordon’s suggestions, turned the business around. However, the restaurant still closed in July 2012.

Café Hon:

This once-popular restaurant in Baltimore, Maryland faced public backlash when the owner trademarked the name “Hon” and threatened legal action against its use by others. Gordon urged the owner to give up the rights, and the restaurant remained open until April 2022.

Chiarella’s Ristorante:

This restaurant in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was opened by Tommy and Dina Delphino as a successor to a previous restaurant owned by Dina’s parents. After Gordon’s help, the business improved but still had to close in 2015 due to a rental increase the owners could not afford. The property is now occupied by Rival Bros Coffee. 

Zocalo: Now Closed

Zocalo was a Mexican restaurant run by a husband and wife team who previously worked at the restaurant. Despite Gordon’s assistance, the restaurant struggled and eventually closed during the 2012-2013 holiday season.

La Galleria 33: No Longer Operating

Rita and Lisa, sisters, opened La Galleria 33 to follow in their father’s footsteps who owned a successful restaurant. However, the Italian restaurant didn’t attract the expected number of customers. With Gordon’s help, the business turned around and received praise. Unfortunately, the restaurant closed in November 2018.

Mama Maria’s: Currently Open

Mama Maria’s, located in Brooklyn, New York, is a sister establishment of Sal’s Pizzeria run by John. Despite running two businesses, John was able to revive Mama Maria’s with Gordon’s help and it can now be found at 307 Court Street.

Ms. Jean’s Southern Cuisine: Still Operating

Ms. Jean started her soul food restaurant in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, with encouragement from her church peers. However, her poor attitude towards customers and staff caused the business to struggle. After Gordon’s visit, Jean changed her ways and the restaurant moved to 807 Wallace Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Barefoot Bob’s: No Longer in Business

Barefoot Bob’s, an ocean view restaurant in Hull, Massachusetts run by a married couple, did well during summers but struggled in the winter. After Gordon’s help, the restaurant improved temporarily but eventually closed in December 2016 without explanation. The property was later replaced by HK Too, which has also closed.

Olde Hitching Post Restaurant and Tavern: Still Open

Tom Kessaris bought Olde Hitching Post Restaurant and Tavern for his daughter Andrea, but still ran the business himself. After Gordon’s intervention, Tom handed over the business to Andrea and it is now located at 48 Spring Street, Hanson, Massachusetts. 

Levanti’s Italian Restaurant: No Longer Operating

Levanti’s Italian Restaurant in Beaver, Pennsylvania, was declining before Gordon’s visit. Gordon converted the restaurant into a bistro and renamed it Levanti’s American Bistro. Nine months after the episode featuring the restaurant aired, Levanti’s closed in November 2013 after 15 years of operation.

Sam’s Mediterranean Kabob Room: No Longer in Business

Sam Najarr became owner of the Mediterranean restaurant in 1997 after previously working there in the 80s. The restaurant was struggling when Gordon came to help. Despite some reported changes in staff after Gordon’s visit, the restaurant ultimately closed in January 2014. Sam claimed that the show did not have the desired impact. 

Nino’s Italian Restaurant: No Longer Operating

Nino’s Italian Restaurant, a family business, struggled with unequal distribution of work among siblings. Gordon’s help allowed the family to see their shortcomings, but the restaurant still closed in August 2016 after the passing of Vincenzo Cristiano in 2014. The family members decided to close the business and spend more time with each other, and the building was sold for nearly two million dollars.

Mill Street Bistro: No Longer in Business

Mill Street Bistro in Norwalk, Ohio, was opened by Joe Nagy after losing his previous job. Despite Gordon’s help, Joe struggled to run the business. In 2013, Joe rebranded the business as Maple City Tavern and sued Gordon’s production company for missing items and damages, which was settled out of court. Joe sold the restaurant in February 2016 for $140,000.

Knightmares Kitchen Overview 

The show “Kitchen Nightmares” was produced by ITV Studios America and Optomen in collaboration with A. Smith & Co. Productions, with Arthur Smith, Kent Weed, and Patricia Llewellyn serving as executive producers. In the UK, it is broadcast on Channel 4 under the name “Kitchen Nightmares USA” or “Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA” to differentiate it from the original UK version. The UK airing features a different soundtrack and mix, as well as a different narrator, and is uncensored after the watershed. Both the US and British versions of the show can often be seen on BBC America through reruns.

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