Ep 9. On Its Last Leg

In Restaurant Stakeout season 2 episode 9, titled "On Its Last Leg," veteran restaurateur Willie Degel returns to help another struggling restaurant on the brink of closure. The episode begins with Willie receiving a distress call from the owner of La Lanterna, an Italian restaurant located in Eastchester, NY. The owner, Tony, is on the verge of bankruptcy, and he believes that his staff is stealing from him. He asks Willie to help him uncover the truth and save his business.

Willie sets up his cameras and microphones in the restaurant and sends in his team of expert servers to act as undercover agents. They start investigating the staff, observing their behavior and looking for signs of theft or dishonesty. As expected, they discover several instances of theft, but they also uncover deeper problems within the restaurant.

Willie realizes that Tony has been relying on his loyal customers to keep the restaurant afloat without making any significant changes to the menu or decor. The restaurant has become stale, and the customers are slowly losing interest. Willie decides to take matters into his own hands and revamp the restaurant from top to bottom.

He introduces a new, updated menu with fresh ingredients and modern Italian dishes. He also redecorates the restaurant, giving it a contemporary, sophisticated look. In addition, Willie gives the staff a crash course in customer service and hospitality, teaching them how to interact with customers and create a memorable dining experience.

As the night progresses, Willie and his team observe the staff in action, monitoring their behavior and providing feedback. They notice that the staff is more attentive, friendly, and efficient. The customers are happy with the new menu and the improved service, and they leave positive reviews on social media.

At the end of the night, Willie sits down with Tony to discuss his findings and offer some advice. He explains that the theft was just a symptom of larger issues within the restaurant, including a lack of vision, a dated menu, and poor customer service. He reminds Tony that he needs to change with the times, stay ahead of the competition, and focus on providing an outstanding customer experience.

Willie's advice and guidance show Tony the way to revitalize his restaurant, and he sets about implementing all the changes that Willie suggests. The episode ends on a hopeful note, with La Lanterna on the path to recovery and prosperity.

Overall, "On Its Last Leg" is an engaging and informative episode of Restaurant Stakeout that illustrates the challenges faced by restaurant owners and the importance of regularly updating and improving the dining experience. Willie's expert guidance and knowledge prove invaluable as he helps La Lanterna get back on track and avoid closure.