Ep 17. My Big Fat Greek Gyro

The Profit season 2 episode 17, titled "My Big Fat Greek Gyro," follows entrepreneur Marcus Lemonis as he sets his sights on a struggling Greek restaurant in Salt Lake City, Utah. The episode opens with Lemonis receiving a call from the owner of the restaurant, who explains that she is in desperate need of help to save her business. Lemonis decides to visit the restaurant himself to see what he can do to turn things around.

Upon arriving at the restaurant, Lemonis quickly realizes that the owner, Fotini Karimalis, has a lot of passion for her business but lacks the business savvy to make it successful. The restaurant, My Big Fat Greek Gyro, is located in a busy shopping center, but there are several competitors in the area who are taking away their customers. In addition, the restaurant's menu is confusing and needs to be streamlined to focus on its strengths.

Lemonis quickly gets to work, observing the restaurant's operations and identifying areas for improvement. He decides to bring in a consultant to help improve the restaurant's branding and marketing, as well as a chef to revamp the menu and improve the quality of the food. Lemonis also helps the owner with her inventory management, teaching her how to track her expenses and profit margins more effectively.

As Lemonis works to turn the restaurant around, he faces several challenges along the way. The owner has trouble letting go of some of her old ways of doing things and resists some of his suggestions. In addition, some of the staff members are resistant to change and have a hard time adapting to the new menu and business practices.

Despite these challenges, Lemonis remains focused on his goal of helping the restaurant succeed. He works closely with the owner, coaching her on how to manage her finances and personnel more effectively. He also helps to train the staff members on the new menu and business practices, and encourages them to take ownership of their roles in the business.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to scenes of the restaurant's kitchen in action, as the chef works to whip up new and exciting dishes that will attract customers. The restaurant's decor and branding are also improved, with a new logo and signage that better reflect the restaurant's Greek heritage.

As the episode draws to a close, Lemonis returns to the restaurant to see how things are progressing. He is pleased to see that the restaurant is bustling with activity, with many satisfied customers enjoying the new menu and atmosphere. The owner has also made significant progress in her management skills, and the staff members are more motivated and engaged than ever before.

In the end, "My Big Fat Greek Gyro" is a success story, with Lemonis helping to turn a struggling restaurant into a thriving business. The episode serves as a reminder that with hard work, dedication, and the right support, any business can overcome its challenges and achieve success.