Ep 5. Mangia Mangia Pt. 1

In Kitchen Nightmares season 7 episode 5, titled Mangia Mangia Pt. 1, celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay takes on a family-owned Italian restaurant in Woodland Park, Colorado. Mangia Mangia is struggling to keep its doors open and has a debt of over $1 million. The owners, husband and wife Luigi and Karen, are struggling to keep their marriage afloat as well as their business.

Upon arrival, Ramsay is taken aback by the restaurant's decor, which he calls "an assault on the senses." The walls are covered in fake vines and grapes, the tablecloths are plastic, and there are fake Italian statues and pictures everywhere. Ramsay takes a seat and orders a few dishes, which he criticizes heavily. He points out that the spaghetti is overcooked and the sauce tastes like it's from a can. The meatballs are spongy and underseasoned, and the seafood is severely overcooked.

Next, Ramsay meets with Luigi and Karen to discuss the state of the restaurant and their marriage. He asks them about their debt, which they are reluctant to discuss. However, Ramsay digs deeper and finds out that Luigi has taken out multiple mortgages on their home to keep the restaurant open. Karen reveals that they are constantly arguing about the restaurant, and Ramsay points out that their bickering is affecting their employees and customers.

Ramsay also speaks with the restaurant's employees, who are all unhappy with the state of the restaurant. The kitchen is extremely disorganized and dirty, and the waitstaff complains of long ticket times and angry customers. Ramsay observes the kitchen during lunch service and is horrified by what he sees. The cooks are bickering, the food is coming out slowly and sloppily, and the fridge is full of expired food.

At the end of the episode, Ramsay sits down with Luigi and Karen to discuss his findings. He tells them that the restaurant is in desperate need of a makeover, both in terms of decor and menu. Ramsay suggests that they close the restaurant for a few days to deep clean and renovate it. He also advises them to get out of debt by cutting out unnecessary expenses and raising their prices. Luigi and Karen are hesitant at first, but Ramsay convinces them that it's the only way to save their business and their marriage.

Overall, Kitchen Nightmares season 7 episode 5 is a tense and dramatic episode that highlights the struggles of a small business owner. Ramsay's tough love approach and expert advice help to guide Luigi and Karen towards making the necessary changes to save their restaurant. Viewers will be on the edge of their seats as they watch the renovation process unfold in the next episode.