1 00:00:02,264 --> 00:00:04,597 Tonight on Kitchen Nightmares, 2 00:00:04,597 --> 00:00:06,297 Chef Ramsay heads across the bayou to Zeke's, 3 00:00:06,297 --> 00:00:09,397 a famous neighborhood joint, where the current owners 4 00:00:09,397 --> 00:00:12,164 have alienated the community. that's just terrible. 5 00:00:12,164 --> 00:00:14,831 Everybody here is just kinda waitin' 6 00:00:14,831 --> 00:00:16,764 - for the place to belly up. - this husband and wife team 7 00:00:16,764 --> 00:00:19,064 seem to be only focused on the bottom line. 8 00:00:19,064 --> 00:00:21,964 Your passion's about portion control, measurements. 9 00:00:21,964 --> 00:00:24,064 You don't give a about food. 10 00:00:24,064 --> 00:00:27,464 They have neglected the menu... What the hell is that? 11 00:00:27,464 --> 00:00:29,297 And their loyal staff. 12 00:00:29,297 --> 00:00:30,000 We are talked down to like we're dirt. 13 00:00:30,000 --> 00:00:31,964 We are talked down to like we're dirt. 14 00:00:31,964 --> 00:00:34,231 If you don't want to be here, don't be here. 15 00:00:34,231 --> 00:00:36,831 Tonight, Chef Ramsay faces 16 00:00:36,831 --> 00:00:39,497 the most deluded owners he's ever met. 17 00:00:39,497 --> 00:00:41,164 Restaurants don't run like this. I disagree. 18 00:00:41,164 --> 00:00:42,931 I disagree with that also. 19 00:00:42,931 --> 00:00:45,397 He confronts them with the cold, hard truth. 20 00:00:45,397 --> 00:00:48,031 So how the is that special in your tiny mind? 21 00:00:48,031 --> 00:00:49,731 When you start dealing with all this crap, 22 00:00:49,731 --> 00:00:51,697 and your name's on that lease, 23 00:00:51,697 --> 00:00:53,764 then you tell me what you want to do. 24 00:00:53,764 --> 00:00:55,731 But will they change their ways? 25 00:00:55,731 --> 00:00:58,097 - It's us against y'all. - That is up. 26 00:00:58,097 --> 00:01:00,000 Or will their stubbornness shut down Zeke's once and for all? 27 00:01:00,000 --> 00:01:00,331 Or will their stubbornness shut down Zeke's once and for all? 28 00:01:00,331 --> 00:01:02,031 You are not a restaurateur. 29 00:01:02,031 --> 00:01:04,897 That's tonight on Kitchen Nightmares. 30 00:01:26,397 --> 00:01:28,464 Located on the Mississippi River 31 00:01:28,464 --> 00:01:30,000 not far from the Gulf of Mexico, 32 00:01:30,000 --> 00:01:30,931 not far from the Gulf of Mexico, 33 00:01:30,931 --> 00:01:33,197 is the New Orleans suburb of Metairie, 34 00:01:33,197 --> 00:01:36,297 a tight-knit community that is home to Zeke's, 35 00:01:36,297 --> 00:01:39,031 a neighborhood restaurant opened in 2002 36 00:01:39,031 --> 00:01:40,897 by a charismatic entrepreneur 37 00:01:40,897 --> 00:01:44,131 named Zeke Unangst. 38 00:01:44,131 --> 00:01:46,497 Zeke was 6'4", big and goofy, but you know what? 39 00:01:46,497 --> 00:01:48,497 The man knew how to have a good time, 40 00:01:48,497 --> 00:01:50,731 and he knew how to run a pretty good restaurant. 41 00:01:50,731 --> 00:01:52,697 Everyone came to Zeke's when it first opened 42 00:01:52,697 --> 00:01:54,997 because there was just a good vibe in this place. 43 00:01:54,997 --> 00:01:57,031 Good people, food was always good. 44 00:01:57,031 --> 00:02:00,000 We used to do 750 people in here on a Friday night. 45 00:02:00,000 --> 00:02:00,164 We used to do 750 people in here on a Friday night. 46 00:02:00,164 --> 00:02:02,164 But in 2005, 47 00:02:02,164 --> 00:02:04,630 Zeke tragically died during hurricane Katrina, 48 00:02:04,630 --> 00:02:06,330 and the ownership and the direction 49 00:02:06,330 --> 00:02:08,564 of the restaurant was up in the air. 50 00:02:08,564 --> 00:02:10,564 After Katrina, 51 00:02:10,564 --> 00:02:14,264 This place was in limbo until the Cortellos bought it 52 00:02:14,264 --> 00:02:16,097 and they pretty much took on the place. hi, guys. 53 00:02:16,097 --> 00:02:17,797 How are y'all tonight? Welcome to Zeke's. 54 00:02:17,797 --> 00:02:19,997 When we bought Zeke's, we chose to keep the name, 55 00:02:19,997 --> 00:02:22,497 because Zeke's did a very good business. 56 00:02:22,497 --> 00:02:24,997 And that just made business sense to us. All right, guys, first guests. 57 00:02:24,997 --> 00:02:26,464 When Darryl first took over, 58 00:02:26,464 --> 00:02:29,464 pretty much changed everything. He cut staff. 59 00:02:29,464 --> 00:02:30,000 He cut product. He went to, uh, a lesser quality. 60 00:02:30,000 --> 00:02:32,497 He cut product. He went to, uh, a lesser quality. 61 00:02:32,497 --> 00:02:33,997 Wouldn't feed that to your dog. 62 00:02:33,997 --> 00:02:36,530 And then on top of that, he raised the prices. 63 00:02:39,164 --> 00:02:41,930 I feel as though I'm completely handcuffed in the kitchen. 64 00:02:41,930 --> 00:02:44,430 Dude, I'd love to do, like, uh, steamed clams. 65 00:02:44,430 --> 00:02:46,330 That's not us. I don't think that's us. 66 00:02:46,330 --> 00:02:47,697 You know what I'm saying? 67 00:02:47,697 --> 00:02:49,164 Always trying to beg him or plead him, 68 00:02:49,164 --> 00:02:51,897 can we try that? can we do this? and Darryl doesn't allow it. 69 00:02:51,897 --> 00:02:54,164 I'm trying to make chicken salad out of chicken. 70 00:02:54,164 --> 00:02:56,530 I ask myself all the time, why do I even stay here? 71 00:02:56,530 --> 00:02:59,797 Unh-unh, no sitting on the job. 72 00:02:59,797 --> 00:03:00,000 Servers here are all talked down to 73 00:03:00,000 --> 00:03:02,264 Servers here are all talked down to 74 00:03:02,264 --> 00:03:03,597 or disrespected. 75 00:03:03,597 --> 00:03:05,397 People just don't feel appreciated. 76 00:03:05,397 --> 00:03:07,964 Darryl cut my pay in the last six months. 77 00:03:07,964 --> 00:03:10,130 I can't afford raises right now. 78 00:03:10,130 --> 00:03:13,864 And he's made me work more hours since he cut my pay. 79 00:03:13,864 --> 00:03:16,230 Darryl, we got three orders of green tomatoes left. 80 00:03:16,230 --> 00:03:18,530 Cuttin' 'em a little thick, too, I can tell you that. 81 00:03:18,530 --> 00:03:20,297 I'm not looking to squeak by. 82 00:03:20,297 --> 00:03:22,530 I'm looking for financial rewards in this business. 83 00:03:25,830 --> 00:03:27,830 That kind of offended a lot of Zeke's regulars, 84 00:03:27,830 --> 00:03:30,000 and business just steadily declined. 85 00:03:30,000 --> 00:03:30,930 and business just steadily declined. 86 00:03:30,930 --> 00:03:32,630 Meatball's plain and bland. 87 00:03:32,630 --> 00:03:35,230 Unless he's got a pot of gold stashed somewhere, 88 00:03:35,230 --> 00:03:38,897 there's no way this restaurant will last, you know, a month. 89 00:03:38,897 --> 00:03:41,830 All right. Payroll was today. 90 00:03:41,830 --> 00:03:45,430 How'd we do? That's not a good question. 91 00:03:45,430 --> 00:03:46,997 Financially, we are not doing great. 92 00:03:46,997 --> 00:03:49,230 We gotta catch up somewhere. It's not happenin'. 93 00:03:49,230 --> 00:03:50,697 We're not gonna make it 94 00:03:50,697 --> 00:03:52,397 If we don't have Chef Ramsay come in 95 00:03:52,397 --> 00:03:54,564 and tell us what he thinks we can do differently 96 00:03:54,564 --> 00:03:56,297 to change this, because obviously, 97 00:03:56,297 --> 00:03:58,497 what we're doing-- it's not really working. 98 00:03:58,497 --> 00:04:00,000 Physically, emotionally, it's been hard. 99 00:04:00,000 --> 00:04:01,664 Physically, emotionally, it's been hard. 100 00:04:01,664 --> 00:04:05,164 I have put everything I can possibly put into Zeke's, 101 00:04:05,164 --> 00:04:07,130 but seats aren't full, so something's going on, 102 00:04:07,130 --> 00:04:10,097 and we've been killing ourselves trying to find out. 103 00:04:14,264 --> 00:04:17,130 Before heading to Zeke's, 104 00:04:17,130 --> 00:04:19,097 Gordon has arranged to meet some Metairie locals... Morning. 105 00:04:19,097 --> 00:04:20,964 To gain some insight into the restaurant 106 00:04:20,964 --> 00:04:22,830 and the neighborhood. 107 00:04:22,830 --> 00:04:25,097 How we doin' this morning? Very well indeed, thank you. 108 00:04:25,097 --> 00:04:26,964 - Morning! - Morning. 109 00:04:26,964 --> 00:04:29,197 How are we? 110 00:04:29,197 --> 00:04:30,000 Now tell me about the area--Metairie. 111 00:04:30,000 --> 00:04:31,664 Now tell me about the area--Metairie. 112 00:04:31,664 --> 00:04:33,430 What does it, uh, what does it stand for? 113 00:04:33,430 --> 00:04:35,797 It's a town on the east bay. Uh-huh. 114 00:04:35,797 --> 00:04:37,930 They got a lot of people. They got some good restaurants 115 00:04:37,930 --> 00:04:39,597 out there. and have you heard of a restaurant called Zeke's? 116 00:04:39,597 --> 00:04:41,964 I used to go there quite a bit. I haven't been there in a while, 117 00:04:41,964 --> 00:04:44,230 but before Katrina, we used to go there quite a bit. 118 00:04:49,197 --> 00:04:51,230 What was the difference in food? 119 00:04:51,230 --> 00:04:53,630 Got pricey and average. Oh, really? 120 00:04:53,630 --> 00:04:55,597 Yeah. 121 00:04:58,530 --> 00:05:00,000 They lost the magic, the feel of the restaurant. Right. 122 00:05:00,000 --> 00:05:01,297 They lost the magic, the feel of the restaurant. Right. 123 00:05:01,297 --> 00:05:03,364 It just changed. Yeah. 124 00:05:03,364 --> 00:05:04,964 Thank you, thank you. 125 00:05:04,964 --> 00:05:08,397 After hearing unfavorable reviews, 126 00:05:08,397 --> 00:05:12,064 Chef Ramsay heads over to Zeke's to continue his investigation, 127 00:05:12,064 --> 00:05:15,064 and there is nothing more telling than lunch. 128 00:05:15,064 --> 00:05:18,197 Hello. Why, hello, Chef Ramsay. Welcome to Zeke's. 129 00:05:18,197 --> 00:05:20,330 How are you? I'm very happy to be here. I'm Ellen Cortello. Nice to meet you. 130 00:05:20,330 --> 00:05:23,064 Definitely. Come right this way. 131 00:05:23,064 --> 00:05:26,697 All right, guys, I think we got a special guest. 132 00:05:26,697 --> 00:05:28,164 Heard that. Heard that. 133 00:05:28,164 --> 00:05:30,000 Help me get up to speed. You are the owner? Yeah. 134 00:05:30,000 --> 00:05:31,664 Help me get up to speed. You are the owner? Yeah. 135 00:05:31,664 --> 00:05:35,297 You run the business with Zeke? My husband--no, my husband is Darryl. 136 00:05:35,297 --> 00:05:37,130 Darryl. And where is he? He is in the kitchen. 137 00:05:37,130 --> 00:05:39,064 So who's Zeke? 138 00:05:39,064 --> 00:05:42,364 Zeke was the original man who opened the restaurant, um, 139 00:05:42,364 --> 00:05:44,497 passed away right after Katrina. Terrible. 140 00:05:44,497 --> 00:05:47,330 And we purchased it from his estate, 141 00:05:47,330 --> 00:05:50,564 so we've had it for almost five years. okay, what did you change after you bought it? 142 00:05:50,564 --> 00:05:52,497 The menu items are similar. 143 00:05:52,497 --> 00:05:55,464 Okay. Um, we've definitely taken some off and changed some recipes. 144 00:05:55,464 --> 00:05:57,430 And the chef is the same? 145 00:05:57,430 --> 00:05:59,130 Emil is the kitchen manager. Emil? 146 00:05:59,130 --> 00:06:00,000 Yes. Whose decision is it with the new dishes? 147 00:06:00,000 --> 00:06:01,230 Yes. Whose decision is it with the new dishes? 148 00:06:01,230 --> 00:06:03,030 My husband Darryl. 149 00:06:03,030 --> 00:06:05,497 He's got a couple of his recipes on the menu. 150 00:06:05,497 --> 00:06:07,897 And where did he train as a chef? He's never trained as a chef. 151 00:06:11,030 --> 00:06:12,830 If you're not a chef, why would you put dishes on the menu? 152 00:06:12,830 --> 00:06:14,697 Being in the business, I guess, um-- 153 00:06:14,697 --> 00:06:16,830 does the chef agree with those dishes, 154 00:06:16,830 --> 00:06:18,830 or is it just because he's the owner, 155 00:06:18,830 --> 00:06:21,697 that's why he gets them on? I guess talk to him about it. 156 00:06:21,697 --> 00:06:24,130 Okay, let me have a look at the menu. Okay. 157 00:06:24,130 --> 00:06:25,597 Thank you. Uh-huh, you're welcome. 158 00:06:25,597 --> 00:06:27,197 Wow. 159 00:06:27,197 --> 00:06:28,630 - Hello. - Hi, how are you today? 160 00:06:28,630 --> 00:06:30,000 Very well, thank you. How are you? I'm well, thank you. 161 00:06:30,000 --> 00:06:30,330 Very well, thank you. How are you? I'm well, thank you. 162 00:06:30,330 --> 00:06:32,330 I'm so happy to be in Louisiana. My first time. Good. 163 00:06:32,330 --> 00:06:33,897 Thank you, and your first name is? Candace. 164 00:06:33,897 --> 00:06:35,864 Candace. 165 00:06:35,864 --> 00:06:39,564 I saw on the menu the oyster-- Oysters Cortello. 166 00:06:39,564 --> 00:06:42,297 It's an invented dish for our restaurant. 167 00:06:42,297 --> 00:06:44,397 The Cortellos is Darryl and Ellen, 168 00:06:44,397 --> 00:06:47,830 so they made-- they made it up. So the owners have named an oyster after them? 169 00:06:47,830 --> 00:06:50,530 Yes, they have. They bought the restaurant, now you want your name on the menu. 170 00:06:50,530 --> 00:06:53,397 Yes. Sounds like someone's struggling for power. 171 00:06:53,397 --> 00:06:55,397 I've gotta try one. Okay. 172 00:06:55,397 --> 00:06:58,197 Yeah, and I must have some boiled shrimp. Boiled shrimp. 173 00:06:58,197 --> 00:07:00,000 And what special do you have, my darling? We have a chicken fried steak today. 174 00:07:00,000 --> 00:07:00,664 And what special do you have, my darling? We have a chicken fried steak today. 175 00:07:00,664 --> 00:07:03,864 Let's go for it. We do have, also, traditional bread pudding. 176 00:07:03,864 --> 00:07:06,330 Let's go for that, and I think we're done. Okay. 177 00:07:06,330 --> 00:07:08,697 Thank you. 178 00:07:08,697 --> 00:07:10,764 Look what I got. All right, here we go. 179 00:07:10,764 --> 00:07:13,364 When Darryl got here, he kind of implemented his own menu. 180 00:07:13,364 --> 00:07:17,464 It really gets frustrating, because Darryl really has 181 00:07:17,464 --> 00:07:19,697 no idea culinary-wise what he's doing. 182 00:07:19,697 --> 00:07:23,130 Candace, you're ready. I'm gonna take out the boiled shrimp to him. 183 00:07:23,130 --> 00:07:25,764 Chef Ramsay is going to love this food. 184 00:07:25,764 --> 00:07:28,264 It's simple food. It's basic food. It's feel-good food, 185 00:07:28,264 --> 00:07:30,000 but it's done very well and fresh. Okay. 186 00:07:30,000 --> 00:07:30,064 but it's done very well and fresh. Okay. 187 00:07:30,064 --> 00:07:32,530 Boiled shrimp. Thanks, darling. 188 00:07:32,530 --> 00:07:34,997 My first Louisiana shrimp. 189 00:07:34,997 --> 00:07:37,130 Yeah, they're really soft. 190 00:07:37,130 --> 00:07:40,664 They should peel easily and sort of pop out of the shell, 191 00:07:40,664 --> 00:07:42,964 but I'm struggling to peel them. 192 00:07:45,497 --> 00:07:47,864 Hmm. I mean, that was nasty. 193 00:07:47,864 --> 00:07:50,497 What I'm struggling for here is the lack of freshness. 194 00:07:50,497 --> 00:07:52,030 They feel and taste slightly mushy, 195 00:07:52,030 --> 00:07:54,830 which is a big disappointment. 196 00:07:54,830 --> 00:07:56,730 Candace, were the shrimps fresh? They're fresh frozen. 197 00:07:56,730 --> 00:07:59,664 Fresh frozen. 198 00:07:59,664 --> 00:08:00,000 But you can buy fresh shrimp within a mile from here. Yes, yes, yes. 199 00:08:00,000 --> 00:08:02,730 But you can buy fresh shrimp within a mile from here. Yes, yes, yes. 200 00:08:02,730 --> 00:08:05,630 The frozen shrimp taste like. 201 00:08:05,630 --> 00:08:07,330 Oh, sorry. Crap. 202 00:08:07,330 --> 00:08:09,864 He wanted to know why we would get frozen shrimp 203 00:08:09,864 --> 00:08:12,364 when you can go to, like, the market 204 00:08:12,364 --> 00:08:14,464 and get 'em fresh every day. Okay. 205 00:08:14,464 --> 00:08:16,797 It's not uncommon 206 00:08:16,797 --> 00:08:19,964 to have frozen shrimp because some things are okay frozen. How we look on the oysters? 207 00:08:19,964 --> 00:08:21,964 Comin' right now. All right. 208 00:08:21,964 --> 00:08:23,697 Wow, 209 00:08:23,697 --> 00:08:26,330 that back wall is hideous. what a mess. 210 00:08:26,330 --> 00:08:28,330 Do you have two seconds, 211 00:08:28,330 --> 00:08:30,000 please? Yes. 212 00:08:30,000 --> 00:08:30,130 please? Yes. 213 00:08:30,130 --> 00:08:32,564 What's with the, uh, the swamp decor? 214 00:08:32,564 --> 00:08:35,397 Whose idea was that? Um, mine and my husband's. 215 00:08:35,397 --> 00:08:38,464 Too eat in a swamp? 216 00:08:38,464 --> 00:08:41,397 For--for children or for adults? For both. 217 00:08:41,397 --> 00:08:43,997 For both. For both. 218 00:08:43,997 --> 00:08:45,797 Oysters Cortello. 219 00:08:51,664 --> 00:08:54,130 All right, here we go. Okay, thank you. 220 00:08:54,130 --> 00:08:56,197 All right. What the hell is that? 221 00:08:56,197 --> 00:08:59,430 These are the oysters Cortello. Oysters Cortello. 222 00:08:59,430 --> 00:09:00,000 So I suppose you go like that... 223 00:09:00,000 --> 00:09:01,397 So I suppose you go like that... 224 00:09:04,897 --> 00:09:06,764 Wow, they're dreadful. 225 00:09:06,764 --> 00:09:09,764 Oysters named after the owner. 226 00:09:09,764 --> 00:09:11,697 I certainly wouldn't put my name on that. 227 00:09:11,697 --> 00:09:14,330 I wouldn't even put my enemy's name on that. 228 00:09:14,330 --> 00:09:16,797 Take it for you? Mm-hmm. 229 00:09:16,797 --> 00:09:18,897 Okay. Thank you. That's depressing, isn't it? 230 00:09:20,430 --> 00:09:22,530 They're just... 231 00:09:22,530 --> 00:09:25,230 Oysters Cortello--I don't know what to say about that. 232 00:09:25,230 --> 00:09:27,464 I eat them myself. I think they're delicious. 233 00:09:27,464 --> 00:09:30,000 Absolutely delicious. 234 00:09:30,000 --> 00:09:30,830 Absolutely delicious. 235 00:09:30,830 --> 00:09:33,997 Oysters Cortello just ain't workin'. 236 00:09:33,997 --> 00:09:37,497 This is killin' me, not to know what he's saying. 237 00:09:37,497 --> 00:09:40,064 This is the fried chicken steak, right? Correct. 238 00:09:40,064 --> 00:09:42,730 Thank you. You're welcome. 239 00:09:46,730 --> 00:09:50,530 Blander than anything. No seasoning, no care. 240 00:09:50,530 --> 00:09:52,664 Look at that. Ugh. 241 00:09:52,664 --> 00:09:55,164 Candace, what the hell is that? 242 00:09:55,164 --> 00:09:57,297 Looks like he's just had a giraffe's tongue 243 00:09:57,297 --> 00:09:59,164 cut out and deep fat fried. 244 00:09:59,164 --> 00:10:00,000 People complain that the quality of the food here is horrible. 245 00:10:00,000 --> 00:10:03,064 People complain that the quality of the food here is horrible. 246 00:10:03,064 --> 00:10:04,530 Unbelievable. 247 00:10:04,530 --> 00:10:08,064 Darryl's not listening to the feedback that he gets, 248 00:10:08,064 --> 00:10:10,364 and he's gonna do what he wants to do. 249 00:10:10,364 --> 00:10:12,997 Darryl. Yep. 250 00:10:12,997 --> 00:10:15,297 He said that it looks like somebody cut out 251 00:10:15,297 --> 00:10:18,230 - a giraffe's tongue, battered and fried it. - I'm not gonna agree with that. 252 00:10:18,230 --> 00:10:20,030 It didn't look that way to me. 253 00:10:20,030 --> 00:10:22,897 I mean, that's what normally goes out. 254 00:10:22,897 --> 00:10:25,264 It's a good product. 255 00:10:25,264 --> 00:10:27,364 Said it looked like we cut out a giraffe's tongue. 256 00:10:27,364 --> 00:10:30,000 Well, well, well. Thanks, love. 257 00:10:30,000 --> 00:10:30,464 Well, well, well. Thanks, love. 258 00:10:33,664 --> 00:10:35,397 Doesn't look fantastic... 259 00:10:37,364 --> 00:10:39,897 But it tastes delicious. Who made that? 260 00:10:39,897 --> 00:10:41,897 Emil makes it. Mmm, mmm, mmm. 261 00:10:41,897 --> 00:10:43,797 I'm just so happy 262 00:10:43,797 --> 00:10:45,697 That Chef Ramsay likes the bread pudding. 263 00:10:45,697 --> 00:10:48,430 It feels great to end on a good note. Loved the bread pudding. 264 00:10:48,430 --> 00:10:50,130 He liked the bread pudding? 265 00:10:50,130 --> 00:10:52,864 There we go. Loved it. 266 00:10:52,864 --> 00:10:55,564 I took full responsibility for the bread pudding. 267 00:10:55,564 --> 00:10:58,297 That is all me. Darryl doesn't really have influence on that. 268 00:10:58,297 --> 00:11:00,000 Thank God. Thank God he likes something I did. 269 00:11:00,000 --> 00:11:00,997 Thank God. Thank God he likes something I did. 270 00:11:00,997 --> 00:11:03,164 I'll take that any day. 271 00:11:03,164 --> 00:11:05,064 Hello. Hello, chef. 272 00:11:05,064 --> 00:11:07,130 And this is? Darryl Cortello. 273 00:11:07,130 --> 00:11:09,130 The owner? Yes, Chef. 274 00:11:09,130 --> 00:11:10,730 Introduce me to your, uh, brigade. 275 00:11:10,730 --> 00:11:12,497 Chef Emil Morcos. Emil. 276 00:11:12,497 --> 00:11:13,764 Good to see you, buddy. Jason carpenter. 277 00:11:13,764 --> 00:11:15,264 Jason, good to see you. 278 00:11:15,264 --> 00:11:17,330 There's a lot of things that--that need changing, 279 00:11:17,330 --> 00:11:19,164 and, you know, Darryl is--is one of them. 280 00:11:19,164 --> 00:11:21,230 Can I talk about lunch? Yes. 281 00:11:21,230 --> 00:11:23,830 My God, what a disaster. 282 00:11:23,830 --> 00:11:27,230 The food is below standard. 283 00:11:27,230 --> 00:11:29,097 Why wouldn't you buy fresh shrimp? 284 00:11:29,097 --> 00:11:30,000 I simply don't have the time to go to the market. 285 00:11:30,000 --> 00:11:31,264 I simply don't have the time to go to the market. 286 00:11:31,264 --> 00:11:34,797 Excuse me? Where are we? 287 00:11:34,797 --> 00:11:37,697 We're in New Orleans. Come on. Come on, big boy. 288 00:11:37,697 --> 00:11:39,897 Chicken fried steak-- disaster. 289 00:11:39,897 --> 00:11:42,830 What cuts of meat was that? 290 00:11:42,830 --> 00:11:44,897 Not a very good cut. No. 291 00:11:44,897 --> 00:11:47,597 Are you proud to serve that food? No, sir. 292 00:11:47,597 --> 00:11:50,564 Was that the same quality of steak we were using years ago? 293 00:11:50,564 --> 00:11:52,230 No, sir. 294 00:11:52,230 --> 00:11:54,230 Then why have you changed the standards? 295 00:11:54,230 --> 00:11:57,764 Um, it's-- it's up to Darryl. 296 00:11:57,764 --> 00:12:00,000 It that a cutting corner method to save money, or-- No, no, no. Chef... 297 00:12:00,000 --> 00:12:00,830 It that a cutting corner method to save money, or-- No, no, no. Chef... 298 00:12:00,830 --> 00:12:04,097 Yeah. But we had diners eating all-- all lunch, full dining room, 299 00:12:04,097 --> 00:12:06,164 and nothing sent back. do you honestly think 300 00:12:06,164 --> 00:12:08,564 just because they don't send it back 301 00:12:08,564 --> 00:12:10,930 that your food is amazing? 302 00:12:10,930 --> 00:12:13,897 That's good enough for you to continue? 303 00:12:13,897 --> 00:12:16,597 Now, you can't be that stupid. 304 00:12:16,597 --> 00:12:18,197 Point taken. 305 00:12:18,197 --> 00:12:20,664 If you want to be that stupid, you've got no chance. 306 00:12:23,397 --> 00:12:26,064 I don't buy the fact that it's bad quality food. 307 00:12:26,064 --> 00:12:28,697 - That's. - Hard to believe 308 00:12:28,697 --> 00:12:30,000 this was once a great place. 309 00:12:30,000 --> 00:12:30,230 this was once a great place. 310 00:12:30,230 --> 00:12:31,830 Coming up, 311 00:12:31,830 --> 00:12:34,330 while Darryl and Ellen continue to be defensive... 312 00:12:34,330 --> 00:12:37,030 We don't feel like it puts out an awful product. 313 00:12:37,030 --> 00:12:39,430 You don't give a about food. 314 00:12:39,430 --> 00:12:41,564 the staff goes on the offensive. 315 00:12:41,564 --> 00:12:44,464 You talk to us like dirt. 316 00:12:44,464 --> 00:12:46,397 Then at dinner service, 317 00:12:46,397 --> 00:12:49,164 Chef Ramsay makes a shocking discovery. Oh... 318 00:12:49,164 --> 00:12:51,097 How the is that special in your tiny mind? 319 00:12:51,097 --> 00:12:54,430 I don't have a tiny mind. I'm telling you, you have a tiny mind. 320 00:12:54,430 --> 00:12:56,797 And makes an announcement that could mean 321 00:12:56,797 --> 00:12:58,463 the beginning of the end for Zeke's. 322 00:12:58,463 --> 00:13:00,000 How would you feel if I told you all that... 323 00:13:00,000 --> 00:13:01,897 How would you feel if I told you all that... 324 00:13:09,924 --> 00:13:12,390 After receiving some harsh words from Chef Ramsay... 325 00:13:12,390 --> 00:13:15,790 The food is below standard. 326 00:13:15,790 --> 00:13:17,790 Darryl has some words of his own. 327 00:13:17,790 --> 00:13:19,957 You know, chef says everything is. 328 00:13:19,957 --> 00:13:22,557 It's embarrassing, there's nothing good about the menu, 329 00:13:22,557 --> 00:13:24,057 you know, I don't buy that. 330 00:13:24,057 --> 00:13:25,757 I will never believe the food is. 331 00:13:25,757 --> 00:13:27,524 You're not gonna--I've been eating this food all my life. 332 00:13:27,524 --> 00:13:30,190 Chef Ramsay doesn't know New Orleans food. That's it. 333 00:13:30,190 --> 00:13:32,657 I mean, cut all the food down you want. You can't break me. 334 00:13:35,524 --> 00:13:36,552 It's an hour before dinner service, 335 00:13:36,552 --> 00:13:38,124 It's an hour before dinner service, 336 00:13:38,124 --> 00:13:40,924 and Chef Ramsay hopes a private meeting with the two chefs, 337 00:13:40,924 --> 00:13:42,590 Emil and Jason, 338 00:13:42,590 --> 00:13:45,657 can shed some light on the restaurant's main issues. 339 00:13:45,657 --> 00:13:49,024 Okay, so I don't get it. 340 00:13:49,024 --> 00:13:52,424 Some of the things I encountered there today were just awful. 341 00:13:52,424 --> 00:13:56,090 That can't be your wish, to cook with frozen ingredients. 342 00:13:56,090 --> 00:13:58,490 We talk about it every day... Yep. 343 00:13:58,490 --> 00:14:01,757 And it just gets swept under the table. I tell him, the second he starts cutting cost 344 00:14:01,757 --> 00:14:03,657 and getting a cheaper product... yeah, yeah. 345 00:14:03,657 --> 00:14:05,790 You know it's gonna taste like. 346 00:14:05,790 --> 00:14:06,552 And trying to explain that to him, you know-- is like talking to this wall right here. 347 00:14:06,552 --> 00:14:08,924 And trying to explain that to him, you know-- is like talking to this wall right here. 348 00:14:08,924 --> 00:14:11,624 And how long's it been goin' on like that? Since right around the time he took over. 349 00:14:11,624 --> 00:14:13,590 The only thing Darryl and Ellen see is money, 350 00:14:13,590 --> 00:14:15,390 and that's what scares me. 351 00:14:15,390 --> 00:14:18,524 Their whole purpose is money, money, money, money, money. 352 00:14:18,524 --> 00:14:20,357 Feel like my hands are so tied 353 00:14:20,357 --> 00:14:21,990 as far as ordering goes, everything goes, 354 00:14:21,990 --> 00:14:24,557 the only other option was to leave, me and him both go. 355 00:14:24,557 --> 00:14:27,057 Yes. You know, what do you do, just walk out the place? 356 00:14:27,057 --> 00:14:29,290 I mean, we got a lot of personal memories in this place, 357 00:14:29,290 --> 00:14:31,390 just to walk out of it. granted, I-I get that, 358 00:14:31,390 --> 00:14:33,290 but it doesn't stop you from having your voice. 359 00:14:33,290 --> 00:14:35,557 Everybody here is just kind of waiting for the place 360 00:14:35,557 --> 00:14:36,552 to belly up and go find a new job somewheres else. 361 00:14:36,552 --> 00:14:37,424 to belly up and go find a new job somewheres else. 362 00:14:37,424 --> 00:14:41,190 I'm here to help put this frickin' place back on the map. 363 00:14:41,190 --> 00:14:42,824 Yes, sir. You're absolutely right. 364 00:14:42,824 --> 00:14:44,590 We have only two options-- Chef Ramsay or God, 365 00:14:44,590 --> 00:14:46,657 and I don't think the second coming's happening anytime soon. 366 00:14:46,657 --> 00:14:49,757 - Thanks for the catch-up. - Thank you. 367 00:14:53,490 --> 00:14:57,057 After gaining some insight 368 00:14:57,057 --> 00:14:59,724 from Jason and Emil... Hey, I need shrimp portions. 369 00:14:59,724 --> 00:15:03,257 Chef Ramsay is eager to see how this restaurant functions 370 00:15:03,257 --> 00:15:05,057 - in a dinner service. - uh, how does this work? 371 00:15:05,057 --> 00:15:06,552 Uh, Emil. 372 00:15:06,552 --> 00:15:07,490 Uh, Emil. 373 00:15:07,490 --> 00:15:09,790 When were these done? 374 00:15:09,790 --> 00:15:11,990 Um, last night. 375 00:15:11,990 --> 00:15:14,924 Why are they bagged? 376 00:15:14,924 --> 00:15:17,024 Really? 377 00:15:20,990 --> 00:15:24,357 What's the idea of putting everything in bags? 378 00:15:24,357 --> 00:15:26,690 Portion size. Portion size. 379 00:15:26,690 --> 00:15:28,824 I like to have everything in quantitative perspective. 380 00:15:28,824 --> 00:15:30,757 If I give too much, you get a happy customer here. 381 00:15:30,757 --> 00:15:32,857 You don't get a good customer. They're happy because 382 00:15:32,857 --> 00:15:35,124 they're getting three times what they should be getting. 383 00:15:35,124 --> 00:15:36,552 I'm getting nothing. I don't make money on that. 384 00:15:36,552 --> 00:15:37,990 I'm getting nothing. I don't make money on that. 385 00:15:42,990 --> 00:15:45,657 Hi, welcome to Zeke's. How many do you have in the party? Four. 386 00:15:45,657 --> 00:15:47,824 It's Chef Ramsay's first time in Louisiana... 387 00:15:47,824 --> 00:15:49,790 Come right this way, please. And not surprisingly, 388 00:15:49,790 --> 00:15:51,424 Zeke's is completely booked. 389 00:15:51,424 --> 00:15:54,190 And tonight our special is lasagna. 390 00:15:55,757 --> 00:15:58,390 I got a seafood platter, no oyster, sub shrimp. 391 00:15:58,390 --> 00:16:01,324 I'm at the expo station. I like to see all the food go out. 392 00:16:01,324 --> 00:16:03,657 Side of new potatoes, Darryl. 393 00:16:03,657 --> 00:16:06,552 I, uh, make sure every dish goes out like I want it to go out. 394 00:16:06,552 --> 00:16:06,990 I, uh, make sure every dish goes out like I want it to go out. 395 00:16:06,990 --> 00:16:10,690 Can I run anything? No. 396 00:16:10,690 --> 00:16:13,224 Shrimp platter! 397 00:16:13,224 --> 00:16:15,990 Can any of that go? I'm waiting on dishes to complete their order. 398 00:16:15,990 --> 00:16:19,390 It doesn't concern you that food's just dying in the window? 399 00:16:19,390 --> 00:16:22,757 Well, we're pushing as hard as we can. Bloody hell. 400 00:16:22,757 --> 00:16:24,590 Expediting's one thing, 401 00:16:24,590 --> 00:16:26,857 standing here and saying nothing is another. 402 00:16:26,857 --> 00:16:29,157 Wow, wow. 403 00:16:29,157 --> 00:16:31,524 It's an hour into dinner service, 404 00:16:31,524 --> 00:16:33,724 and the first wave of food is finally making its way 405 00:16:33,724 --> 00:16:36,552 out to the customers. sorry about the wait. they are backed up. 406 00:16:36,552 --> 00:16:36,824 out to the customers. sorry about the wait. they are backed up. 407 00:16:39,924 --> 00:16:42,124 Let me get, uh, your server. My apologies. 408 00:16:42,124 --> 00:16:44,424 And the food isn't the only thing 409 00:16:44,424 --> 00:16:47,124 - that's getting a chilly reception. - May I ask something? 410 00:16:47,124 --> 00:16:49,090 Would you mind not standing there like that? 411 00:16:49,090 --> 00:16:51,190 It's so dour. I think you can be more proactive. 412 00:16:51,190 --> 00:16:53,657 I don't want to hover, you know. But you can make yourself busy. 413 00:16:53,657 --> 00:16:56,124 Okay, I got it. 414 00:16:56,124 --> 00:16:58,090 I'm ready. Good. 415 00:16:58,090 --> 00:16:59,457 Thank you. 416 00:16:59,457 --> 00:17:02,790 All right, look what I got. 417 00:17:02,790 --> 00:17:04,857 What's that one? Lasagna. 418 00:17:04,857 --> 00:17:06,552 Lasagna. When was the lasagna made? Last Thursday. 419 00:17:06,552 --> 00:17:06,857 Lasagna. When was the lasagna made? Last Thursday. 420 00:17:06,857 --> 00:17:09,524 Last Thursday. And today is Thursday, right? 421 00:17:09,524 --> 00:17:12,190 Correct. 422 00:17:12,190 --> 00:17:14,057 Serving them stuff from a week ago. 423 00:17:14,057 --> 00:17:17,624 Help me to understand that, uh, that stupidity. 424 00:17:17,624 --> 00:17:19,557 Made the pan, we didn't sell it all, 425 00:17:19,557 --> 00:17:22,090 it's wrapped up in portions, and, uh, frozen. 426 00:17:22,090 --> 00:17:24,357 Not that that's a bad thing. 427 00:17:24,357 --> 00:17:26,890 Lasagna--it's all done fresh cooked, and, uh, 428 00:17:26,890 --> 00:17:28,624 we'll wrap the portions up separately, 429 00:17:28,624 --> 00:17:30,924 we'll put 'em in the freezer. it works. 430 00:17:30,924 --> 00:17:33,624 It is the best lasagna you're going to get. It's the special, right? 431 00:17:33,624 --> 00:17:36,552 - Yes, it is. - Okay, so how the is that special in your tiny mind, 432 00:17:36,552 --> 00:17:36,990 - Yes, it is. - Okay, so how the is that special in your tiny mind, 433 00:17:36,990 --> 00:17:39,190 when it's cooked a week ago? 434 00:17:39,190 --> 00:17:41,190 I don't have a tiny mind. 435 00:17:41,190 --> 00:17:43,090 I'm telling you, you have a tiny mind. 436 00:17:43,090 --> 00:17:45,457 It can't be that special if you're gonna stand here 437 00:17:45,457 --> 00:17:47,624 and tell me that it's special-- this--the product is good. 438 00:17:47,624 --> 00:17:50,024 Darryl runs this kitchen 439 00:17:50,024 --> 00:17:53,324 With 90% bravado, and, you know, the other 10%, he just wings it. 440 00:17:53,324 --> 00:17:56,324 - This is a good product. - This is good food. 441 00:17:56,324 --> 00:17:58,257 My God. it's getting worse. 442 00:18:00,257 --> 00:18:03,457 Yeah, he's a tough nut, your, uh, expediter. 443 00:18:03,457 --> 00:18:05,224 So we have a special today-- 444 00:18:05,224 --> 00:18:06,552 when do you think that lasagna was made? Today. 445 00:18:06,552 --> 00:18:07,124 when do you think that lasagna was made? Today. 446 00:18:07,124 --> 00:18:09,424 Homemade lasagna? Right. 447 00:18:09,424 --> 00:18:11,524 Last Thursday. How can it be that special 448 00:18:11,524 --> 00:18:13,324 when it's from a week ago? well, you know, it's frozen, 449 00:18:13,324 --> 00:18:15,657 so it's not, like, sitting there getting mildew on it, 450 00:18:15,657 --> 00:18:18,057 and our customers absolutely love the lasagna. You're missing the point. 451 00:18:18,057 --> 00:18:20,857 I don't think that's our biggest issue is lasagna. 452 00:18:20,857 --> 00:18:22,757 I mean, that's absolutely incorrect. 453 00:18:22,757 --> 00:18:25,324 What do you think they would feel like 454 00:18:25,324 --> 00:18:28,490 if you told them today's special was cooked a week ago, frozen. I don't know, 455 00:18:28,490 --> 00:18:31,724 I mean, uh, I'm sure they would probably be surprised 456 00:18:31,724 --> 00:18:34,724 that it was so good and that it was made last week and frozen. 457 00:18:34,724 --> 00:18:36,552 Shall I ask them all? 458 00:18:36,552 --> 00:18:37,157 Shall I ask them all? 459 00:18:37,157 --> 00:18:40,357 Would you like me to walk with you? I'm not gonna walk, I'm gonna stand up and shout. 460 00:18:40,357 --> 00:18:43,357 Oh, really? Yeah. 461 00:18:51,457 --> 00:18:53,424 When you come out to a restaurant, 462 00:18:53,424 --> 00:18:55,490 and you read today's specials, 463 00:18:55,490 --> 00:18:57,257 for instance, a beautiful homemade lasagna, 464 00:18:57,257 --> 00:19:00,490 would you expect that lasagna to be made today? 465 00:19:00,490 --> 00:19:02,390 Yes! All right, ladies and gentlemen, 466 00:19:02,390 --> 00:19:04,290 how many of you have ordered lasagna? 467 00:19:06,390 --> 00:19:06,552 How would you feel if I told you all 468 00:19:06,552 --> 00:19:09,257 How would you feel if I told you all 469 00:19:09,257 --> 00:19:12,624 that today's lasagna that's being served 470 00:19:12,624 --> 00:19:15,057 was made a week ago? 471 00:19:17,957 --> 00:19:20,357 This is humiliating. 472 00:19:29,951 --> 00:19:31,851 After making a shocking discovery 473 00:19:31,851 --> 00:19:33,751 about today's special... When was the lasagna made? 474 00:19:33,751 --> 00:19:36,018 Last Thursday. Chef Ramsay made an announcement... 475 00:19:38,085 --> 00:19:41,351 Today's lasagna that's being served was made a week ago. 476 00:19:41,351 --> 00:19:44,818 That is not sitting well with customers. 477 00:19:44,818 --> 00:19:47,885 My apologies to those that have ordered the lasagna. 478 00:19:47,885 --> 00:19:50,385 Have a look at the potential other specials. 479 00:19:50,385 --> 00:19:53,018 Bon appétit. Thank you. 480 00:19:53,018 --> 00:19:55,685 - Thank you. - This is humiliating. 481 00:19:55,685 --> 00:19:55,698 It's absolutely better, of course, when it's fresh 482 00:19:55,698 --> 00:19:57,685 It's absolutely better, of course, when it's fresh 483 00:19:57,685 --> 00:20:01,418 and served right out of the pan, but it's not horrible. 484 00:20:01,418 --> 00:20:03,485 I've just told the customers 485 00:20:03,485 --> 00:20:06,251 that today's lasagna was reheated from a week ago. 486 00:20:06,251 --> 00:20:08,385 The feedback was shock, horror. 487 00:20:08,385 --> 00:20:11,385 86 the lasagna? Yes, sir. 488 00:20:11,385 --> 00:20:13,251 With Chef Ramsay's announcement 489 00:20:13,251 --> 00:20:15,985 fresh in their minds... Get the check? Okay. 490 00:20:15,985 --> 00:20:18,151 Customers have seemed to have lost their appetite. 491 00:20:18,151 --> 00:20:20,018 me. 492 00:20:20,018 --> 00:20:23,151 Did y'all eat already? Yeah, I had the lasagna. 493 00:20:26,418 --> 00:20:30,051 After witnessing a dinner service full of problems... 494 00:20:30,051 --> 00:20:32,251 Do you have two seconds, please? Yes, absolutely. 495 00:20:32,251 --> 00:20:35,251 Chef Ramsay is anxious to have a chat with the owners. 496 00:20:35,251 --> 00:20:37,685 Oh, dear. 497 00:20:37,685 --> 00:20:40,551 Did you hear the customers tonight 498 00:20:40,551 --> 00:20:42,585 when I told them the lasagna was a week old? 499 00:20:42,585 --> 00:20:46,085 Did you hear? Here's what happens-- cook the lasagna, 500 00:20:46,085 --> 00:20:48,151 and it doesn't sell. do you throw it away? 501 00:20:48,151 --> 00:20:50,818 No, we don't throw it away. We wrap it. 502 00:20:50,818 --> 00:20:52,818 I'm here to help, but I'll tell you what, 503 00:20:52,818 --> 00:20:54,751 I can't help you when you're standing there 504 00:20:54,751 --> 00:20:55,698 and trying to come up with excuses to why the customers 505 00:20:55,698 --> 00:20:57,251 and trying to come up with excuses to why the customers 506 00:20:57,251 --> 00:21:00,385 paid good money for frozen that cooked a week ago, 507 00:21:00,385 --> 00:21:03,618 and you call it a special. we don't feel like it puts out an awful product. 508 00:21:03,618 --> 00:21:06,851 You don't give a about food. 509 00:21:06,851 --> 00:21:09,851 That's not true. Your passion's about portion control, 510 00:21:09,851 --> 00:21:13,518 measurements, frozen foods reheated in a microwave. 511 00:21:13,518 --> 00:21:15,651 Restaurants don't run like this. 512 00:21:15,651 --> 00:21:18,318 I disagree. I disagree with that also, definitely. 513 00:21:19,651 --> 00:21:22,918 Trust me, you are not a restaurateur. 514 00:21:26,318 --> 00:21:28,351 You the owner? You paying rent here? 515 00:21:28,351 --> 00:21:30,185 When you start dealing with all this crap, 516 00:21:30,185 --> 00:21:32,184 and your name's on that lease, 517 00:21:32,184 --> 00:21:34,451 then you tell me what you want to do. 518 00:21:42,284 --> 00:21:44,518 After being stonewalled by owners in denial... 519 00:21:44,518 --> 00:21:46,651 Morning. Good morning, Chef. 520 00:21:46,651 --> 00:21:49,784 Chef Ramsay has called a staff meeting... Two minutes, please. 521 00:21:49,784 --> 00:21:51,684 Hoping to bring all of the restaurant's issues 522 00:21:51,684 --> 00:21:54,118 into the open. okay, 523 00:21:54,118 --> 00:21:55,698 I want you 524 00:21:55,698 --> 00:21:56,718 I want you 525 00:21:56,718 --> 00:21:58,784 to tell me the frustrations, 526 00:21:58,784 --> 00:22:01,284 the anger, 527 00:22:01,284 --> 00:22:04,051 and the things that really upset you the most. 528 00:22:04,051 --> 00:22:05,984 Emil. Uh... 529 00:22:05,984 --> 00:22:07,884 I-I just feel as though 530 00:22:07,884 --> 00:22:09,884 I'm getting pounded with a mallet 531 00:22:09,884 --> 00:22:12,051 constantly when I walk into this place. 532 00:22:12,051 --> 00:22:15,284 I went from working 40 hours 533 00:22:15,284 --> 00:22:17,018 to working about 50, 534 00:22:17,018 --> 00:22:20,051 for $400 a week. that pisses me off. 535 00:22:21,884 --> 00:22:24,818 I feel that we don't get any respect. 536 00:22:24,818 --> 00:22:25,698 I'm here all the time. 537 00:22:25,698 --> 00:22:27,084 I'm here all the time. 538 00:22:27,084 --> 00:22:30,184 I don't get to eat lunch. I should have a meal. 539 00:22:30,184 --> 00:22:32,384 I should have a shift meal. This is messed up. 540 00:22:32,384 --> 00:22:34,884 We are talked down to 541 00:22:34,884 --> 00:22:38,018 like we're dirt, and it's not right. 542 00:22:38,018 --> 00:22:41,318 Listen, um, 543 00:22:41,318 --> 00:22:43,318 I really appreciate the openness and the honesty. 544 00:22:43,318 --> 00:22:45,051 I knew it was bad, 545 00:22:45,051 --> 00:22:48,318 but I didn't quite understand it had hit that level of hurt. 546 00:22:48,318 --> 00:22:51,551 I think it's just--it's just sad that we're all sitting here 547 00:22:51,551 --> 00:22:55,318 and that we actually even have to be at this point. I think we all-- 548 00:22:55,318 --> 00:22:55,698 the whole group of us here are pretty much struggling. 549 00:22:55,698 --> 00:22:57,784 the whole group of us here are pretty much struggling. 550 00:22:57,784 --> 00:23:01,384 No one's getting that message across. 551 00:23:01,384 --> 00:23:04,184 I need to get through to them. 552 00:23:04,184 --> 00:23:06,718 Darryl and Ellen are about to arrive. 553 00:23:06,718 --> 00:23:09,051 I want you to tell them. 554 00:23:12,984 --> 00:23:15,918 Everybody was saying what they wanted to say 555 00:23:15,918 --> 00:23:18,584 and getting it off their chest, but it's kind of different 556 00:23:18,584 --> 00:23:20,784 from telling Chef Ramsay versus telling Darryl. 557 00:23:20,784 --> 00:23:23,184 Don't be nervous. I don't want you to be afraid. 558 00:23:23,184 --> 00:23:25,684 I've got your back. 559 00:23:25,684 --> 00:23:25,698 Okay? 560 00:23:25,698 --> 00:23:28,551 Okay? 561 00:23:28,551 --> 00:23:30,984 And here they are. Good morning. Good morning. 562 00:23:30,984 --> 00:23:33,184 Morning. 563 00:23:33,184 --> 00:23:36,584 I've been here having a staff meeting, um, 564 00:23:36,584 --> 00:23:38,618 we've gone through some issues this morning, 565 00:23:38,618 --> 00:23:41,518 that's been bothering them, 566 00:23:41,518 --> 00:23:43,551 but rather than 567 00:23:43,551 --> 00:23:46,184 me trying to tell you how they feel, 568 00:23:46,184 --> 00:23:49,218 I think they should speak. 569 00:23:49,218 --> 00:23:51,218 Certainly. 570 00:23:51,218 --> 00:23:53,118 Who's gonna go first? 571 00:23:55,651 --> 00:23:55,698 I'll go first. 572 00:23:55,698 --> 00:23:57,784 I'll go first. 573 00:23:57,784 --> 00:23:59,084 I don't feel as though we, uh, 574 00:23:59,084 --> 00:24:01,451 gain much respect around here. 575 00:24:01,451 --> 00:24:03,484 And I don't think that you, 576 00:24:03,484 --> 00:24:05,418 as an owner, have our back. 577 00:24:07,051 --> 00:24:10,218 Candace, Ashley, is that how you feel? 578 00:24:13,218 --> 00:24:16,284 You really do talk to us like dirt sometimes. 579 00:24:16,284 --> 00:24:18,818 My intent is not to talk down to somebody. 580 00:24:18,818 --> 00:24:22,318 But that's how it comes out. 581 00:24:22,318 --> 00:24:25,018 Jason, talk to Darryl, 582 00:24:25,018 --> 00:24:25,698 please. 583 00:24:25,698 --> 00:24:26,951 please. 584 00:24:26,951 --> 00:24:28,684 My biggest problem that I have is just 585 00:24:28,684 --> 00:24:32,184 I don't think you have a clue as to how this place runs. 586 00:24:32,184 --> 00:24:34,384 Me? 587 00:24:34,384 --> 00:24:37,051 Yeah. Wow. 588 00:24:37,051 --> 00:24:38,751 I think that you're so stuck on the numbers, 589 00:24:38,751 --> 00:24:41,318 the actual essence of having a restaurant 590 00:24:41,318 --> 00:24:44,218 and serving good food and giving customer service 591 00:24:44,218 --> 00:24:46,651 and happy employees-- that that's gone. 592 00:24:46,651 --> 00:24:49,184 I-I don't understand. 593 00:24:49,184 --> 00:24:52,151 We hear it every single night and every single day 594 00:24:52,151 --> 00:24:54,351 from our customers, what needs to be changed 595 00:24:54,351 --> 00:24:55,698 and why they don't come back. 596 00:24:55,698 --> 00:24:56,484 and why they don't come back. 597 00:24:56,484 --> 00:24:59,318 We let you know these things, and you don't give a. 598 00:24:59,318 --> 00:25:03,018 Nothing's done. You don't care. 599 00:25:03,018 --> 00:25:05,518 Wow. 600 00:25:05,518 --> 00:25:09,384 Pay--pay's just ridiculous here. 601 00:25:09,384 --> 00:25:11,384 I really don't want to break down, 602 00:25:11,384 --> 00:25:14,418 'cause I-I've been here a long time. 603 00:25:14,418 --> 00:25:16,384 Mm-hmm. 604 00:25:16,384 --> 00:25:19,418 And I'm not getting paid Jack. 605 00:25:19,418 --> 00:25:22,418 For somebody to be here that long... 606 00:25:28,551 --> 00:25:31,651 I've been here since 2006, 607 00:25:31,651 --> 00:25:35,184 Why haven't I never got a pay raise? 608 00:25:35,184 --> 00:25:37,751 Okay, let me say something real quick, 609 00:25:37,751 --> 00:25:39,518 since we're all telling the truth-- 610 00:25:39,518 --> 00:25:41,451 first of all, Darryl and I have taken 611 00:25:41,451 --> 00:25:43,384 thousands and thousands of dollars 612 00:25:43,384 --> 00:25:46,051 out of our personal account to pay your paychecks. 613 00:25:46,051 --> 00:25:47,984 So why not just close the place down? 614 00:25:47,984 --> 00:25:49,951 We're not giving up. We don't want to give up. 615 00:25:49,951 --> 00:25:52,918 If you want to give up, that's fine, this isn't your business. 616 00:25:52,918 --> 00:25:55,698 We don't want to leave each other, 617 00:25:55,698 --> 00:25:55,918 We don't want to leave each other, 618 00:25:55,918 --> 00:25:58,284 because we all love each other. we don't want to leave. 619 00:25:58,284 --> 00:26:01,718 Not at all, but I need to make money to support my family. 620 00:26:01,718 --> 00:26:03,784 You know what? So do we. 621 00:26:03,784 --> 00:26:07,184 Y'all are acting like it's us against y'all, and it's not. 622 00:26:11,384 --> 00:26:13,318 This is a business. We have costs and expenses. 623 00:26:13,318 --> 00:26:14,884 I asked you to take that pay cut. 624 00:26:14,884 --> 00:26:18,351 It's either that, or labor costs get so high, I'm out. 625 00:26:18,351 --> 00:26:20,784 But you can go on five vacations in the summer. 626 00:26:20,784 --> 00:26:23,384 And you're struggling for money. Right. 627 00:26:23,384 --> 00:26:25,698 That is up. 628 00:26:25,698 --> 00:26:26,384 That is up. 629 00:26:26,384 --> 00:26:28,951 Period. 630 00:26:28,951 --> 00:26:31,784 If you don't want to be here, don't be here. 631 00:26:41,154 --> 00:26:43,387 After Chef Ramsay arranged 632 00:26:43,387 --> 00:26:45,521 for the staff to air their grievances... 633 00:26:45,521 --> 00:26:48,154 I don't think you have a clue as to how this place runs. 634 00:26:48,154 --> 00:26:50,621 The defiant owners are not having any of it. 635 00:26:50,621 --> 00:26:52,754 If you don't want to be here, don't be here. 636 00:26:55,420 --> 00:26:57,320 If I were piling up money back there, 637 00:26:57,320 --> 00:26:59,387 then I could see you being pissed off. 638 00:26:59,387 --> 00:27:01,320 But we're not piling up money back there. 639 00:27:01,320 --> 00:27:04,287 I can't show appreciation in dollars at this point. 640 00:27:04,287 --> 00:27:06,087 They maybe have this picture of me 641 00:27:06,087 --> 00:27:07,796 with this pile of money going, "Ha ha ha, 642 00:27:07,796 --> 00:27:08,554 with this pile of money going, "Ha ha ha, 643 00:27:08,554 --> 00:27:10,387 nobody's gonna get it." We don't have the money. 644 00:27:10,387 --> 00:27:12,720 I'm accepting the truth from you guys, 645 00:27:12,720 --> 00:27:15,687 accept it from me, please. 646 00:27:15,687 --> 00:27:18,020 Things aren't going well, I understand that, 647 00:27:18,020 --> 00:27:20,987 but in terms of morale, there's an air of discontent. 648 00:27:20,987 --> 00:27:23,887 They feel abused. And I'm not saying the staff are perfect, 649 00:27:23,887 --> 00:27:26,787 but you're the owners, and you set an example. 650 00:27:26,787 --> 00:27:29,487 We have to fix what's broken within. 651 00:27:29,487 --> 00:27:31,220 And-- So how about starting over again 652 00:27:31,220 --> 00:27:33,654 and turning the page 653 00:27:33,654 --> 00:27:36,854 and the beginning of a new chapter? 654 00:27:36,854 --> 00:27:37,796 I understand those frustrations. 655 00:27:37,796 --> 00:27:39,520 I understand those frustrations. 656 00:27:39,520 --> 00:27:42,420 You are wonderful people, so I want you all here, 657 00:27:42,420 --> 00:27:46,120 and you will have my respect, I guarantee that from me. 658 00:27:46,120 --> 00:27:49,754 And there's a lot of love for you guys from Ellen and I, 659 00:27:49,754 --> 00:27:51,520 and I truly mean that. Good. We did make some progress. 660 00:27:51,520 --> 00:27:54,454 The air is clearer. 661 00:27:54,454 --> 00:27:56,887 Okay, it's a new day here at Zeke's. 662 00:27:56,887 --> 00:27:59,720 I've got some ideas that I need to, uh, put into place 663 00:27:59,720 --> 00:28:03,087 to really start putting this place back on the map. 664 00:28:03,087 --> 00:28:05,654 - Thank you. - Honestly, I don't think that Darryl and Ellen 665 00:28:05,654 --> 00:28:07,354 heard what-- what we were saying. 666 00:28:07,354 --> 00:28:07,796 He was just saying what was right 667 00:28:07,796 --> 00:28:08,787 He was just saying what was right 668 00:28:08,787 --> 00:28:10,420 just to get Chef Ramsay off of his back. 669 00:28:10,420 --> 00:28:12,387 We'll see what happens. 670 00:28:15,120 --> 00:28:18,587 After attempting to open Darryl and Ellen's eyes 671 00:28:18,587 --> 00:28:22,020 to the staff morale problems, Chef Ramsay has devised a plan 672 00:28:22,020 --> 00:28:24,187 to test the chefs and showcase their abilities. 673 00:28:24,187 --> 00:28:27,220 Okay, it's been so obvious 674 00:28:27,220 --> 00:28:28,754 That you've been handcuffed by Darryl. 675 00:28:28,754 --> 00:28:30,587 And here's what we need to do-- 676 00:28:30,587 --> 00:28:33,220 show Darryl how creative, 677 00:28:33,220 --> 00:28:36,120 how inspirational, how exciting you can be 678 00:28:36,120 --> 00:28:37,796 with seafood. there's a grocery store 679 00:28:37,796 --> 00:28:38,687 with seafood. there's a grocery store 680 00:28:38,687 --> 00:28:40,687 literally 2 miles away from here, okay. 681 00:28:40,687 --> 00:28:42,987 Have a look at the ingredients, get inspired, 682 00:28:42,987 --> 00:28:45,587 come back, get creative. I want to see that on a plate. 683 00:28:45,587 --> 00:28:47,187 Yeah? Thank you, Chef. 684 00:28:47,187 --> 00:28:48,654 - Good. - Right now I'm pretty jacked up. 685 00:28:48,654 --> 00:28:50,687 Gordon Ramsay said himself, said, 686 00:28:50,687 --> 00:28:52,287 "Jason, time for you to be inspired. 687 00:28:52,287 --> 00:28:55,554 Go let it happen. Let's see what you got." 688 00:28:55,554 --> 00:28:58,154 All right, let's see what they got fresh. 689 00:28:58,154 --> 00:29:00,054 How may I help you? Redfish fresh? 690 00:29:00,054 --> 00:29:02,254 Just put it out hour and a half ago. That's what we're looking for. 691 00:29:02,254 --> 00:29:04,954 It's extremely liberating to have this freedom 692 00:29:04,954 --> 00:29:07,796 - to showcase and do what we want to do, cook good food. - Very nice to meet you. 693 00:29:07,796 --> 00:29:08,154 - to showcase and do what we want to do, cook good food. - Very nice to meet you. 694 00:29:08,154 --> 00:29:12,020 Thanks, guys. I am, uh, looking for red onions with asparagus. 695 00:29:12,020 --> 00:29:15,387 Red pepper. This'll be the last thing I'll get, then we're ready to ride. 696 00:29:15,387 --> 00:29:18,120 There it is. There it is. Showcase the skills. 697 00:29:21,954 --> 00:29:24,387 So happy? Very happy. 698 00:29:24,387 --> 00:29:27,254 Think of something creative and really let it go, yeah? Yes, sir. 699 00:29:27,254 --> 00:29:29,187 Okay, off you go, guys, yeah? 700 00:29:29,187 --> 00:29:32,454 I'm gonna do the chicken fried steak at the same time, okay. 701 00:29:32,454 --> 00:29:33,787 Own it, yeah? Yes, Chef. 702 00:29:33,787 --> 00:29:36,420 You gonna put a little lime juice in there? 703 00:29:36,420 --> 00:29:37,796 Yes, more lime juice. I'm not done yet with it. Okay, good. 704 00:29:37,796 --> 00:29:39,454 Yes, more lime juice. I'm not done yet with it. Okay, good. 705 00:29:39,454 --> 00:29:41,720 Lovely idea, the bacon and-- cheddar grits. 706 00:29:41,720 --> 00:29:44,020 Cheddar, nice. 707 00:29:44,020 --> 00:29:46,954 So in terms of the inspiration, 708 00:29:46,954 --> 00:29:50,187 tell me what it is. tried to keep it Southern with the grits, 709 00:29:50,187 --> 00:29:52,254 fresh with the salmon, and classic with the capers 710 00:29:52,254 --> 00:29:53,887 with the onions with the tomatoes. good. 711 00:29:53,887 --> 00:29:55,954 Keeping with the New Orleans theme, redfish 712 00:29:55,954 --> 00:29:58,320 and then grilled vegetables, fresh rice, 713 00:29:58,320 --> 00:30:00,920 fresh ingredients. just a fun dish. Pretty good job. The difference 714 00:30:00,920 --> 00:30:02,920 in night and day, let me tell you that. beautiful. 715 00:30:02,920 --> 00:30:05,587 Now you say nothing. You didn't cook them. 716 00:30:05,587 --> 00:30:07,720 I cooked them. Do you understand? Yes. 717 00:30:07,720 --> 00:30:07,796 Okay, let's go. 718 00:30:07,796 --> 00:30:11,454 Okay, let's go. 719 00:30:11,454 --> 00:30:14,720 Come over, guys, please. 720 00:30:14,720 --> 00:30:16,354 Wow, look at that. 721 00:30:16,354 --> 00:30:20,720 You think of Louisiana, first thing you think of is freshness, 722 00:30:20,720 --> 00:30:22,454 but when I walked into your restaurant, 723 00:30:22,454 --> 00:30:25,954 what I didn't expect was frozen seafood. 724 00:30:25,954 --> 00:30:28,387 So I got my team to get some ingredients for me. 725 00:30:28,387 --> 00:30:30,787 I'd like you both just to have a little taste. 726 00:30:30,787 --> 00:30:33,287 Taste the freshness. A beautiful char-grilled salmon 727 00:30:33,287 --> 00:30:36,554 done with grits. creamy, tasty, 728 00:30:36,554 --> 00:30:37,796 it's absolutely phenomenal. then I got ahold of some redfish, 729 00:30:37,796 --> 00:30:39,620 it's absolutely phenomenal. then I got ahold of some redfish, 730 00:30:39,620 --> 00:30:41,620 marinated zucchini with some rice 731 00:30:41,620 --> 00:30:43,787 and a really nice mango salsa. 732 00:30:43,787 --> 00:30:45,987 Mmm. Oh, my gosh, this redfish is delicious. 733 00:30:45,987 --> 00:30:48,654 It's phenomenal. It's absolutely phenomenal. 734 00:30:48,654 --> 00:30:50,520 Phenomenal? Absolutely. 735 00:30:50,520 --> 00:30:52,920 Watching them eat my dish and not knowing that it was mine 736 00:30:52,920 --> 00:30:55,120 and to say that, you know, it looked like-- 737 00:30:55,120 --> 00:30:57,920 - it was from their heart. - I'd like you to have a little taste 738 00:30:57,920 --> 00:30:59,487 of that chicken fried steak. 739 00:30:59,487 --> 00:31:01,720 I just lightly pounded it and then fried it twice, 740 00:31:01,720 --> 00:31:03,987 so it should just melt in your mouth. 741 00:31:03,987 --> 00:31:05,953 It does melt, literally. Yeah? 742 00:31:05,953 --> 00:31:07,087 Literally melted, Chef. 743 00:31:07,087 --> 00:31:07,796 I couldn't believe how good it was. 744 00:31:07,796 --> 00:31:08,887 I couldn't believe how good it was. 745 00:31:08,887 --> 00:31:10,520 The presentation was beautiful, 746 00:31:10,520 --> 00:31:13,153 and it was fresh ingredients, and they tasted wonderful. 747 00:31:13,153 --> 00:31:15,520 They're all absolutely phenomenal. You can taste the difference? 748 00:31:15,520 --> 00:31:17,620 Absolutely. Now there's something you need to know 749 00:31:17,620 --> 00:31:20,953 about the seafood dishes. 750 00:31:20,953 --> 00:31:24,086 I didn't cook them. 751 00:31:24,086 --> 00:31:27,186 The two chefs put those dishes together... 752 00:31:27,186 --> 00:31:29,086 Wow. The seafood dishes-- 753 00:31:29,086 --> 00:31:32,420 are your boys. 754 00:31:32,420 --> 00:31:34,720 Delicious. Absolutely-- Wow. 755 00:31:34,720 --> 00:31:37,520 They really are. They're phenomenal. It really opened my eyes 756 00:31:37,520 --> 00:31:37,796 to what I-I-I wasn't letting them do, honestly. 757 00:31:37,796 --> 00:31:39,553 to what I-I-I wasn't letting them do, honestly. 758 00:31:39,553 --> 00:31:42,786 Food is art, and I was not letting them create their art. 759 00:31:42,786 --> 00:31:44,653 These aren't just delicious, 760 00:31:44,653 --> 00:31:47,553 they're beautiful, and they come from inside of you. I know that. 761 00:31:47,553 --> 00:31:49,686 - You did a fantastic job. - It feels really good that Darryl and Ellen 762 00:31:49,686 --> 00:31:52,620 recognize my potential, and I think that my abilities 763 00:31:52,620 --> 00:31:56,020 have been shown, and hopefully, this is the first step forward. this is the new Zeke's. 764 00:31:56,020 --> 00:31:57,986 I can see that's what we're looking for. 765 00:31:57,986 --> 00:32:00,420 All I could really think to myself was, 766 00:32:00,420 --> 00:32:02,420 about time you see it. Really good job. Well done. 767 00:32:02,420 --> 00:32:04,920 - It's incredible. - Coming up... 768 00:32:04,920 --> 00:32:07,796 Oh, my gosh! It's the biggest restaurant redesign 769 00:32:07,796 --> 00:32:08,386 Oh, my gosh! It's the biggest restaurant redesign 770 00:32:08,386 --> 00:32:10,653 in the history of Kitchen Nightmares. 771 00:32:10,653 --> 00:32:13,686 This has surpassed anything I could possibly imagine. 772 00:32:13,686 --> 00:32:15,620 But it all could be for nothing 773 00:32:15,620 --> 00:32:17,520 if Darryl can't stick with Chef Ramsay's new plan. 774 00:32:17,520 --> 00:32:19,786 How we lookin'? Three chops and alligator? 775 00:32:19,786 --> 00:32:23,320 Slow down for one minute, let us catch up. Everybody, stop! Just stop! 776 00:32:29,339 --> 00:32:30,973 After finally having 777 00:32:30,973 --> 00:32:32,873 at least a small breakthrough with the owners, 778 00:32:32,873 --> 00:32:36,073 Chef Ramsay decides to have his team work through the night 779 00:32:36,073 --> 00:32:39,073 on the biggest restaurant makeover they have ever done. 780 00:32:39,073 --> 00:32:41,106 Right, good morning. Morning, Chef. 781 00:32:41,106 --> 00:32:43,606 Excited? Are you ready to see the new Zeke's? Yes. 782 00:32:43,606 --> 00:32:46,272 Let's go. Welcome to the new Zeke's. Here we go. 783 00:32:46,272 --> 00:32:47,872 Oh, wow. Come in, please. 784 00:32:47,872 --> 00:32:51,172 Oh, my God. Oh, my God. 785 00:32:51,172 --> 00:32:53,805 Are you kidding me? In, in, in! 786 00:32:53,805 --> 00:32:56,505 Oh, nice. Oh, my gosh. 787 00:32:56,505 --> 00:32:56,945 Oh, that's nice. Look at that. Oh, my God. 788 00:32:56,945 --> 00:32:59,472 Oh, that's nice. Look at that. Oh, my God. 789 00:32:59,472 --> 00:33:01,172 Let's start with the walls. 790 00:33:01,172 --> 00:33:03,372 Gone is the swamp. 791 00:33:03,372 --> 00:33:06,105 Look at all the-- all the old doors. 792 00:33:06,105 --> 00:33:08,405 Reclaimed doors, they've got that nostalgia, 793 00:33:08,405 --> 00:33:11,872 and it's got that comfort feel, right? feels like home. 794 00:33:11,872 --> 00:33:13,605 Look at this! 795 00:33:13,605 --> 00:33:17,339 You've got the most amazing chairs--brand-new chairs. 796 00:33:17,339 --> 00:33:19,872 It just feels authentic. 797 00:33:19,872 --> 00:33:21,605 Let me say this, please-- please. 798 00:33:21,605 --> 00:33:23,539 You have found our identity. Wonderful. 799 00:33:23,539 --> 00:33:25,272 Wonderful. This is us. 800 00:33:25,272 --> 00:33:26,945 I'm astonished, I mean, truly. 801 00:33:26,945 --> 00:33:27,472 I'm astonished, I mean, truly. 802 00:33:27,472 --> 00:33:29,872 I didn't really have any expectations, 803 00:33:29,872 --> 00:33:33,739 But this has surpassed anything I could possibly imagine. 804 00:33:33,739 --> 00:33:35,839 There is one more thing I'd like to show you. 805 00:33:35,839 --> 00:33:38,905 You're gonna start peeing your pants. 806 00:33:38,905 --> 00:33:41,205 Oh, man, that's it. Look at that. 807 00:33:41,205 --> 00:33:44,839 There we are-- our boil house. 808 00:33:44,839 --> 00:33:47,472 Oh, my gosh! 809 00:33:47,472 --> 00:33:50,272 From shucking your oysters to cooking your shrimp, 810 00:33:50,272 --> 00:33:52,739 this is gonna be a substantial part of the menu, 811 00:33:52,739 --> 00:33:55,772 and, Emil, it's gonna take so much pressure 812 00:33:55,772 --> 00:33:56,945 off you and Jason. this should just run on its own, 813 00:33:56,945 --> 00:33:58,605 off you and Jason. this should just run on its own, 814 00:33:58,605 --> 00:34:00,205 and it should almost double the turnover. 815 00:34:00,205 --> 00:34:02,305 Did I see you smile again? 816 00:34:02,305 --> 00:34:04,339 That's the second time in 24 hours, huh? 817 00:34:04,339 --> 00:34:06,172 They're gonna arrest you for being too happy. 818 00:34:06,172 --> 00:34:08,205 Chef Ramsay has given this staff, this place, 819 00:34:08,205 --> 00:34:10,039 my family, our friends, our customers, 820 00:34:10,039 --> 00:34:12,772 a new beginning. it's unbelievable. 821 00:34:12,772 --> 00:34:15,305 Honestly, when people would ask me where I worked, 822 00:34:15,305 --> 00:34:17,472 I would never say Zeke's, I'd just say I'm a cook. mm-hmm. 823 00:34:17,472 --> 00:34:19,405 Now I-I-I'm proud to say that I work here. 824 00:34:19,405 --> 00:34:22,439 A new beginning and a new identity for Zeke's. 825 00:34:22,439 --> 00:34:25,172 Along with making the décor more inviting, 826 00:34:25,172 --> 00:34:26,945 Chef Ramsay has replaced Zeke's outdated stale menu 827 00:34:26,945 --> 00:34:28,305 Chef Ramsay has replaced Zeke's outdated stale menu 828 00:34:28,305 --> 00:34:30,772 with a modern update 829 00:34:30,772 --> 00:34:32,772 of classic New Orleans cuisine. 830 00:34:32,772 --> 00:34:34,805 - Oh, my gosh. - My goodness, me. 831 00:34:34,805 --> 00:34:38,105 This is gonna put Zeke's 832 00:34:38,105 --> 00:34:40,339 back on the map. 833 00:34:40,339 --> 00:34:42,405 Be careful, it's fresh. 834 00:34:42,405 --> 00:34:44,505 Every dish is absolutely beautiful. 835 00:34:44,505 --> 00:34:46,605 Okay, let's start off, top of the table-- 836 00:34:46,605 --> 00:34:48,705 Zeke's house boil, yes-- 837 00:34:48,705 --> 00:34:51,039 bucket o' shrimps, yes, bucket o' blue crabs. 838 00:34:51,039 --> 00:34:54,272 A great, sharing, festive, 839 00:34:54,272 --> 00:34:56,739 localized bucket. push them, okay? 840 00:34:56,739 --> 00:34:56,945 Back on the menu, the entrées-- 841 00:34:56,945 --> 00:34:58,272 Back on the menu, the entrées-- 842 00:34:58,272 --> 00:35:00,439 pecan encrusted catfish 843 00:35:00,439 --> 00:35:03,005 served with a classic tartar sauce and a herb salad. 844 00:35:03,005 --> 00:35:05,172 Country fried steak-- big hit. 845 00:35:05,172 --> 00:35:06,672 Say no more. Sausage gravy. 846 00:35:06,672 --> 00:35:08,805 Delicious. Slightly heated, that gravy. 847 00:35:08,805 --> 00:35:10,705 It's got a nice little burn in the back of your throat. 848 00:35:10,705 --> 00:35:13,605 Blackened alligator, wonderful Creole sauce, 849 00:35:13,605 --> 00:35:15,772 absolutely delicious. 850 00:35:15,772 --> 00:35:18,539 This has now become, not the old Zeke's, 851 00:35:18,539 --> 00:35:20,605 your Zeke's. thank you. 852 00:35:20,605 --> 00:35:22,339 You've got your identity. 853 00:35:22,339 --> 00:35:24,272 Now make it yours. 854 00:35:24,272 --> 00:35:26,472 Absolutely incredible. Beautiful. Come here. 855 00:35:26,472 --> 00:35:26,945 Yes. Oh, thank you. Come here. 856 00:35:26,945 --> 00:35:28,172 Yes. Oh, thank you. Come here. 857 00:35:28,172 --> 00:35:30,239 The way chef created the menu and the dishes, 858 00:35:30,239 --> 00:35:32,839 uh, they don't have a menu like that around here. 859 00:35:32,839 --> 00:35:34,639 Dig in, enjoy. 860 00:35:34,639 --> 00:35:37,705 So not only do we have something great to put on the table, 861 00:35:37,705 --> 00:35:40,572 but it's not anywhere around. 862 00:35:40,572 --> 00:35:43,372 Nobody else has it. Oh, my God, it tastes so good. 863 00:35:43,372 --> 00:35:45,405 The menu is phenomenal. I'm proud to have it 864 00:35:45,405 --> 00:35:47,472 and excited and can't wait for everybody else 865 00:35:47,472 --> 00:35:49,305 to come in and try it. it's delicious. 866 00:35:49,305 --> 00:35:51,239 I feel right now we have the most diverse 867 00:35:51,239 --> 00:35:53,205 Louisiana Southern menu, 868 00:35:53,205 --> 00:35:55,705 I mean, we very well may have the best menu. 869 00:35:55,705 --> 00:35:56,945 Rich in flavor, rich in texture. Wow. 870 00:35:56,945 --> 00:35:58,339 Rich in flavor, rich in texture. Wow. 871 00:36:01,572 --> 00:36:03,405 Hi, guys, welcome to Zeke's. 872 00:36:03,405 --> 00:36:05,539 The community of Metairie had a love affair 873 00:36:05,539 --> 00:36:08,139 with this restaurant that went sour... 874 00:36:08,139 --> 00:36:10,005 Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy. Shrimps are amazing. 875 00:36:10,005 --> 00:36:12,672 Chef Ramsay's revamp and tonight's relaunch 876 00:36:12,672 --> 00:36:15,639 will be a strong indicator if it's possible 877 00:36:15,639 --> 00:36:17,572 for this love affair to resume. 878 00:36:21,305 --> 00:36:23,405 And with so many changes in place, 879 00:36:23,405 --> 00:36:25,272 and so many people in the dining room, 880 00:36:25,272 --> 00:36:26,945 Chef Ramsay is hoping the boil house 881 00:36:26,945 --> 00:36:27,272 Chef Ramsay is hoping the boil house 882 00:36:27,272 --> 00:36:29,905 will take some of the pressure off the kitchen. 883 00:36:29,905 --> 00:36:32,439 Any, uh, any orders over there in the boil house? No. 884 00:36:32,439 --> 00:36:33,905 Nothing in the boil house, already, 885 00:36:33,905 --> 00:36:35,872 so get hold of the waitresses, call them in, and say, 886 00:36:35,872 --> 00:36:38,272 "Right, start pushing them." We've gotta use that place. 887 00:36:38,272 --> 00:36:40,105 Gotta get used to that. Let's go. 888 00:36:40,105 --> 00:36:41,672 Rachel, sell boil food. I'm trying. 889 00:36:41,672 --> 00:36:43,705 Sell one, okay. Sell one to a big table, please? 890 00:36:43,705 --> 00:36:45,772 Tonight we have a, um, special, 891 00:36:45,772 --> 00:36:47,772 it's boiled lobster for two. 892 00:36:47,772 --> 00:36:50,305 And I don't know if you saw it on the menu, 893 00:36:50,305 --> 00:36:54,372 but we sell it by the bucket. two comin' right up. 894 00:36:54,372 --> 00:36:56,272 Two buckets of lobster for table five. 895 00:36:56,272 --> 00:36:56,945 Can I get two buckets of lobster, please? 896 00:36:56,945 --> 00:36:58,739 Can I get two buckets of lobster, please? 897 00:36:58,739 --> 00:37:00,805 Put a little bit of butter on there, 898 00:37:00,805 --> 00:37:03,405 give it a nice little glaze, okay. Good. 899 00:37:03,405 --> 00:37:05,739 That's it. Two lobsters, let's go. Look what I have for y'all. 900 00:37:05,739 --> 00:37:08,639 Y'all enjoy. It looks good. 901 00:37:08,639 --> 00:37:10,839 - Wow. - With the boil house now being utilized... 902 00:37:10,839 --> 00:37:13,572 It's good. And satisfying customers... 903 00:37:13,572 --> 00:37:16,105 It's really good. It's clearly allowed some breathing room 904 00:37:16,105 --> 00:37:19,339 for the kitchen. 8 minutes on baked crab, that's 33. 905 00:37:19,339 --> 00:37:22,239 However, it's now up to Darryl to manage the time wisely. 906 00:37:22,239 --> 00:37:24,172 I worked hard today. Let's make it happen. 907 00:37:24,172 --> 00:37:25,872 You've gotta focus on that window. 908 00:37:25,872 --> 00:37:26,945 Communicate with these guys. 909 00:37:26,945 --> 00:37:27,539 Communicate with these guys. 910 00:37:27,539 --> 00:37:29,472 One table leaving, one table working, 911 00:37:29,472 --> 00:37:31,505 so we don't get bogged down, yes? Yes, Chef. 912 00:37:31,505 --> 00:37:35,039 I need an alligator. I need a strip. 913 00:37:35,039 --> 00:37:37,205 Give me three minutes on that. Let's go! 914 00:37:37,205 --> 00:37:39,939 We need to put food up there and cook it as fast as we can. 915 00:37:39,939 --> 00:37:42,805 Green tomatoes, char-grilled oysters, I need it fast. Let's work one at a time. 916 00:37:42,805 --> 00:37:45,639 It's not a race. How we lookin'-- three chops and an alligator? 917 00:37:45,639 --> 00:37:48,205 Hold on one second, Darryl. Smothered chop, how we lookin'? 918 00:37:48,205 --> 00:37:50,472 Darryl, slow down for one minute, let us catch up. 919 00:37:50,472 --> 00:37:53,739 - Hell. - With Darryl calling multiple tickets 920 00:37:53,739 --> 00:37:56,805 at the same time... grits, mash, sweet potatoes! 921 00:37:56,805 --> 00:37:56,945 And more focused on speed than anything else... 922 00:37:56,945 --> 00:37:59,539 And more focused on speed than anything else... 923 00:37:59,539 --> 00:38:01,172 What ticket is it for? 924 00:38:01,172 --> 00:38:03,439 The kitchen is now completely confused. 925 00:38:03,439 --> 00:38:05,705 How's my pecan catfish? 926 00:38:05,705 --> 00:38:07,905 Where's my New York strip? It's gotta go. 927 00:38:07,905 --> 00:38:09,972 Just put 'em in the window, 928 00:38:09,972 --> 00:38:12,872 and we'll figure out how to plate 'em. Yes, whatever you've got. 929 00:38:12,872 --> 00:38:16,139 - Make sure it's done, huh? - I was being told that I need this, this, and this right now, 930 00:38:16,139 --> 00:38:18,439 and I just try and move as fast as I can and get the food out. 931 00:38:22,639 --> 00:38:24,405 No garnish? No. 932 00:38:24,405 --> 00:38:26,172 Goes in the window like that. 933 00:38:26,172 --> 00:38:26,945 Darryl has managed 934 00:38:26,945 --> 00:38:27,905 Darryl has managed 935 00:38:27,905 --> 00:38:30,105 to get the cooks producing the food 936 00:38:30,105 --> 00:38:32,039 at a much quicker pace... Thank you. 937 00:38:34,605 --> 00:38:36,539 But the dishes are not at the level 938 00:38:36,539 --> 00:38:38,672 that they should be. 939 00:38:38,672 --> 00:38:40,572 Sorry, is that-- is that cooked? Eh. 940 00:38:40,572 --> 00:38:43,739 It's not, is it? Excuse me. Can I get you another one, sir? Sure. 941 00:38:43,739 --> 00:38:45,206 Yeah. 942 00:38:45,206 --> 00:38:47,872 Guys, the fish is raw. 943 00:38:47,872 --> 00:38:50,272 Not tonight. Just--just stop. Oh, man. 944 00:38:50,272 --> 00:38:52,472 24 is out! Everybody stop! 945 00:38:52,472 --> 00:38:54,372 What a joke. 946 00:39:03,520 --> 00:39:05,520 It's relaunch night at Zeke's... 947 00:39:05,520 --> 00:39:07,920 Smothered chop, how we lookin'? Darryl, slow down for one minute, 948 00:39:07,920 --> 00:39:11,120 let us catch up, huh? And with Darryl pushing the cooks, 949 00:39:11,120 --> 00:39:13,520 food is leaving the kitchen quickly... Can I get you another one, sir? 950 00:39:13,520 --> 00:39:16,754 Sure. Unfortunately, it's also coming back quickly. 951 00:39:16,754 --> 00:39:20,087 Guys, the fish is raw. 952 00:39:20,087 --> 00:39:22,020 Not tonight. Just stop. Oh, man. 953 00:39:22,020 --> 00:39:23,887 Everybody stop! 954 00:39:23,887 --> 00:39:26,754 Emil, Jason, come around. 955 00:39:26,754 --> 00:39:28,787 I'd rather be three, four minutes later 956 00:39:28,787 --> 00:39:30,038 than rush food out there and the coming back. 957 00:39:30,038 --> 00:39:31,420 than rush food out there and the coming back. 958 00:39:31,420 --> 00:39:33,854 - Not tonight. - An expediter should definitely 959 00:39:33,854 --> 00:39:35,587 set the tone for the rest of the kitchen. 960 00:39:35,587 --> 00:39:37,354 I think Darryl lost control of that. 961 00:39:37,354 --> 00:39:39,354 Uh, it's just a big catastrophe. 962 00:39:39,354 --> 00:39:42,587 What we've got to do is focus on one table at a time. 963 00:39:42,587 --> 00:39:44,820 We've got to communicate. Darryl, talk to me. 964 00:39:44,820 --> 00:39:46,920 Don't get swamped. Where you at? 965 00:39:46,920 --> 00:39:50,220 Darryl, what table you on? Darryl, take responsibility. 966 00:39:50,220 --> 00:39:53,320 I had to stop, 967 00:39:53,320 --> 00:39:55,120 refocus, let's get these tickets out one at a time. 968 00:39:55,120 --> 00:39:57,387 I need to do a better job of communicating, very simply. 969 00:39:57,387 --> 00:39:59,720 All right, guys, let's focus. Where you at now, Darryl? 970 00:39:59,720 --> 00:40:00,038 Pecan catfish and blackened alligator. 971 00:40:00,038 --> 00:40:01,787 Pecan catfish and blackened alligator. 972 00:40:01,787 --> 00:40:04,287 In his hand, Darryl. Table one, let's go. 973 00:40:04,287 --> 00:40:07,587 Move to the next ticket. I got 33, blackened alligator, pecan catfish. 974 00:40:07,587 --> 00:40:10,487 Comin' right now, Darryl. Let's go! 975 00:40:10,487 --> 00:40:12,754 Following Chef Ramsay's advice 976 00:40:12,754 --> 00:40:14,820 Of focusing on one table at a time... What table you on? 977 00:40:14,820 --> 00:40:17,320 All right, table ten. Mac and cheese, grits is up. 978 00:40:17,320 --> 00:40:20,987 Darryl and the chefs are now in sync. Please, let's get this to, uh, 31. 979 00:40:20,987 --> 00:40:23,220 Blackened alligator. Awesome. 980 00:40:23,220 --> 00:40:26,287 - Shrimp and grits. - Perfectly cooked dishes are leaving the kitchen... 981 00:40:26,287 --> 00:40:29,820 That's very good. And are being enjoyed by thrilled customers. 982 00:40:29,820 --> 00:40:30,038 That's delicious. Fox News are here. 983 00:40:30,038 --> 00:40:32,487 That's delicious. Fox News are here. 984 00:40:32,487 --> 00:40:34,354 Now that this restaurant is on its way 985 00:40:34,354 --> 00:40:36,154 To a successful relaunch... Hi. 986 00:40:36,154 --> 00:40:38,187 Chef Ramsay is ready to spread the word. 987 00:40:38,187 --> 00:40:40,354 What happened with the restaurant before? 988 00:40:40,354 --> 00:40:42,554 Why did you come here? This place was legendary, 989 00:40:42,554 --> 00:40:44,520 um, it lost its way. it's now back on the map, 990 00:40:44,520 --> 00:40:47,320 and two new owners that are gonna start their own 991 00:40:47,320 --> 00:40:50,154 beginning of a new chapter. what is the feedback you're already getting for tonight? 992 00:40:50,154 --> 00:40:51,787 That the food is fantastic. 993 00:40:51,787 --> 00:40:53,587 I mean, the menu-- it's fabulous. 994 00:40:53,587 --> 00:40:55,554 Highly recommend that you come in and try it. 995 00:40:55,554 --> 00:40:57,354 Let's finish, let's finish. 996 00:40:57,354 --> 00:40:58,887 Somebody get this to 14, please. I will. 997 00:40:58,887 --> 00:41:00,038 No more tickets comin' in. Let's get this stuff outta here. 998 00:41:00,038 --> 00:41:02,020 No more tickets comin' in. Let's get this stuff outta here. 999 00:41:02,020 --> 00:41:04,987 Delicious. 1000 00:41:04,987 --> 00:41:07,054 - That's a wrap, Jack. - The end of the night, 1001 00:41:07,054 --> 00:41:08,720 the way it ended, made you feel good. 1002 00:41:08,720 --> 00:41:10,820 I think Darryl showed more personality tonight 1003 00:41:10,820 --> 00:41:12,754 than he showed in the last few years. 1004 00:41:12,754 --> 00:41:14,787 We still have some improvements to make, 1005 00:41:14,787 --> 00:41:17,420 but you can see it's on the right track. nice job. 1006 00:41:17,420 --> 00:41:20,254 Good night, ladies. Thank you. Thank you so much. 1007 00:41:20,254 --> 00:41:22,820 Okay, 1008 00:41:22,820 --> 00:41:24,754 tonight was about establishing a new Zeke's. 1009 00:41:24,754 --> 00:41:26,854 And you achieved it. 1010 00:41:26,854 --> 00:41:28,620 Yes, yes. 1011 00:41:28,620 --> 00:41:30,038 It's my first time in New Orleans. 1012 00:41:30,038 --> 00:41:31,020 It's my first time in New Orleans. 1013 00:41:31,020 --> 00:41:33,920 me, did you give me a challenge. 1014 00:41:33,920 --> 00:41:36,254 Okay? 1015 00:41:36,254 --> 00:41:38,187 If Chef Ramsay told me a week ago 1016 00:41:38,187 --> 00:41:40,220 that all these changes were gonna happen... 1017 00:41:40,220 --> 00:41:43,254 Right on, my darling. I don't think I would have really believed it. 1018 00:41:43,254 --> 00:41:45,154 May I just have a quick word with you two? 1019 00:41:45,154 --> 00:41:46,887 Amazing. 1020 00:41:46,887 --> 00:41:49,920 Look at this place. The potential's huge. 1021 00:41:49,920 --> 00:41:52,754 I know. Fantastic. 1022 00:41:52,754 --> 00:41:54,820 It's now your Zeke's. Run with it. 1023 00:41:54,820 --> 00:41:57,254 And, Darryl, you do care. 1024 00:41:57,254 --> 00:41:59,620 And you do have a heart-- a big heart. 1025 00:41:59,620 --> 00:42:00,038 Show it to your staff. Indeed, I will. 1026 00:42:00,038 --> 00:42:02,754 Show it to your staff. Indeed, I will. 1027 00:42:02,754 --> 00:42:05,387 Don't--don't hide that. I'm ready to do--do things the right way, 1028 00:42:05,387 --> 00:42:08,687 ready to get moving. It's a new--it's a new life. 1029 00:42:08,687 --> 00:42:09,987 It's new energy. Good job. 1030 00:42:09,987 --> 00:42:11,787 Thank you, thank you, thank you. 1031 00:42:11,787 --> 00:42:15,187 Good night. Good night, good night, good night. Thanks, Chef. 1032 00:42:15,187 --> 00:42:17,787 Whew. 1033 00:42:17,787 --> 00:42:20,254 We had a lot of issues here when I first arrived. 1034 00:42:20,254 --> 00:42:22,187 The staff were at war with the owners, 1035 00:42:22,187 --> 00:42:24,187 the food was miserable, and the restaurant 1036 00:42:24,187 --> 00:42:26,287 was seriously struggling for an identity. 1037 00:42:26,287 --> 00:42:28,720 But what I witnessed was a phenomenal comeback, 1038 00:42:28,720 --> 00:42:30,038 and how fitting is that? that it took place here, 1039 00:42:30,038 --> 00:42:31,687 and how fitting is that? that it took place here, 1040 00:42:31,687 --> 00:42:34,654 in the most resilient city across America-- 1041 00:42:34,654 --> 00:42:37,754 New Orleans. 1042 00:42:37,754 --> 00:42:40,654 Week-old lasagna, not so special. 1043 00:42:42,887 --> 00:42:45,653 In the weeks that followed, 1044 00:42:45,653 --> 00:42:48,053 a glowing report on the local news... As a family, as a restaurant, it's back on the map. 1045 00:42:48,053 --> 00:42:51,387 Brought a surge of customers to the restaurant. 1046 00:42:51,387 --> 00:42:54,453 Hi, how are y'all? Darryl and Ellen are doing their best 1047 00:42:54,453 --> 00:42:57,387 to raise staff morale. you all did an excellent job. 1048 00:42:57,387 --> 00:42:59,587 I can't do this without you guys. 1049 00:42:59,587 --> 00:43:00,038 And a reaching out to the community... 1050 00:43:00,038 --> 00:43:01,487 And a reaching out to the community... 1051 00:43:01,487 --> 00:43:03,553 We really thank you all for coming. That means a lot to us. 1052 00:43:03,553 --> 00:43:06,553 Thanks. Put Zeke's back on the map.