Ep 7. Pappas Restaurant

In the Restaurant: Impossible season 3 episode 7, Chef Robert Irvine visits Pappas Restaurant in Benicia, California. The establishment opened over 30 years ago but has been struggling in recent years despite the great location and loyal customer base. The owners, brothers Dino and Nick Pappas, are at odds with each other and have allowed mismanagement to affect the restaurant's service, cleanliness, and menu.

Upon arrival, Chef Robert is struck by the filth and dilapidated state of the restaurant, and it quickly becomes clear that the staff is not trained properly. One server even admits to having never eaten at Pappas Restaurant, despite working there for several years. The kitchen is outdated and unsanitary, with old equipment and food stored in unrefrigerated areas.

Chef Robert meets with the brothers and learns about their contentious relationship, with Nick wanting to make changes and modernize the menu and Dino wanting to stick to traditional Greek dishes. Chef Robert has his work cut out for him as he tries to mediate the brothers' disagreements and create a cohesive vision for Pappas Restaurant's future.

With only two days and a $10,000 budget, Chef Robert sets out to revamp the menu, update the decor, and train the staff. He enlists the help of local experts in Greek cuisine to help him create a new, modern menu that stays true to the restaurant's roots. Chef Robert and his team also tackle the cleaning and organization of the kitchen, bringing in new equipment and restructuring the space for better workflow.

The physical changes are impressive, with a complete overhaul of the dining room and a new color scheme creating a fresh, modern atmosphere. However, the most significant transformation is the change in the staff's attitude and the improvement of the service. Chef Robert spends time training the servers in proper technique and hospitality, and the kitchen staff is motivated by the new menu and streamlined process.

On the second day, the brothers are brought in for a tasting of the new menu, and tensions are running high. However, after trying the dishes, they are both impressed and agree that the changes are necessary for the restaurant's success. The grand reopening is a success, with a steady flow of customers eager to try the updated menu and experience the new atmosphere.

Ultimately, Chef Robert's intervention is critical in saving Pappas Restaurant from closure. The episode highlights the importance of communication, cleanliness, and customer service in the success of a restaurant.