Ep 12. Mad Cactus

In season 2 episode 12 of Restaurant: Impossible, Chef Robert Irvine takes on the challenge of rescuing Mad Cactus, a Mexican restaurant located in Strongsville, Ohio. The restaurant was opened in 2016 by two sisters, Maria and Yvonne, who are struggling to keep the business afloat. The sisters have no restaurant experience, and it shows in the lack of organization and poor quality of food at Mad Cactus. The restaurant has received numerous negative reviews online, with customers criticizing the service, cleanliness, and food.

Chef Robert arrives at Mad Cactus to find a chaotic and disorganized kitchen with a menu that is too long and confusing. He meets with Maria and Yvonne to assess the situation and learns that the sisters are both juggling multiple jobs to keep the restaurant open. Chef Robert is dismayed to find out that the sisters have no idea how much money they are losing each month, and that they are not keeping track of inventory or food costs.

To start the renovation process, Chef Robert brings in a designer to revamp the restaurant's décor. The team works quickly to give the space a new look, removing the clutter and redecorating with bright colors and Mexican-themed artwork. The kitchen is also given a makeover, with new equipment and organization tools to make it more functional.

Next, Chef Robert tackles the menu, working with the sisters to simplify it and focus on fresh, authentic Mexican dishes. He teaches them how to make a variety of salsas and guacamole from scratch, and shows them the importance of using fresh ingredients. He also introduces new dishes like ceviche and street tacos to the menu, which are simpler to prepare and more popular with customers than the previous menu items.

Throughout the renovation process, Chef Robert pushes the sisters to work harder and hold themselves accountable for the success of the restaurant. He emphasizes the importance of cleanliness, organization, and customer service, and encourages them to take pride in their work.

In the final reveal, the renovated Mad Cactus leaves the sisters in tears of joy. The restaurant has a new look, a simplified menu, and a more organized kitchen. The dishes are now made with fresh ingredients and are receiving high praise from customers. The sisters are now more confident in their ability to run the restaurant successfully, and are dedicated to continuing to improve their business.

Restaurant: Impossible season 2 episode 12 is a heartwarming episode that highlights the challenges of owning a restaurant and the importance of hard work, organization, and dedication to success. Chef Robert Irvine's guidance and expertise help the sisters of Mad Cactus turn their struggling business around and get back on track to success.