Ep 2. When the Cat's Away
- TVG
- September 5, 2012
- 42 min
In the second episode of Restaurant Stakeout's second season, titled "When the Cat's Away," host Willie Degel is called in to save an Italian restaurant in Staten Island, New York. The restaurant is run by a father-son team, but the father is out of town, leaving the son in charge. However, the son is not taking responsibility, and the restaurant has fallen into disarray.
Degel installs hidden cameras throughout the restaurant to observe staff and customers, and discovers a number of issues. The kitchen is a mess, with food piled up and no one in charge. The waitstaff is inexperienced and disorganized, leading to long wait times and customers leaving without ordering. Meanwhile, the son is uninterested in running the restaurant; instead, he spends his time drinking and socializing with friends.
Degel confronts the son, pointing out the many problems with the restaurant. The son agrees to make changes, but when Degel returns to check on the restaurant, he finds that little has improved. Frustrated, Degel brings in a team of experts to help the father and son get the restaurant back on track. They labor to retrain the staff, revamp the menu, and deep-clean the kitchen.
Over the course of the episode, viewers get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run a successful restaurant. Through the eyes of Degel and his team, we see the importance of communication, organization, and attention to detail—values that are essential for anyone hoping to make it in the food service industry. With their guidance, the father and son team learn to work together and restore their restaurant to its former glory.
In the end, "When the Cat's Away" serves as a valuable lesson for anyone who owns or manages a restaurant. By emphasizing the importance of leadership, customer service, and teamwork, it shows that even the most troubled establishments can turn things around with the right approach. Whether you're a seasoned restauranteur or a newcomer to the industry, this episode is sure to inspire and educate.
