Restaurant Revisited: Barolo by Sara Levine in Shows, May 16th, 2012
In Aptos, Calif., Robert and the Restaurant: Impossible team faced the daunting task of turning things around at Ristorante Barolo. Owners Giovanni Guerisoli and Cristina Locke struggled with the changing economy as well as family health problems, and could barely keep their 10-year-old business afloat. We checked in with the couple to see how things were going after Restaurant: Impossible.
Three months later, sales at Ristorante Barolo have increased by 37%. “The new decor and also all the publicity because of the show have brought new customers,” says Cristina. “People watch and really like Restaurant: Impossible.”
With Atilio in charge of the kitchen and Giovanni running the front of house, Cristina is finally able to spend more time with her children. “Atilio is doing a great job,” she says. Despite her best efforts to reduce stress, Cristina recently suffered a stroke and is still recovering. Because of the stroke, she was unable to finish cleaning out her office. When she recovers, she plans to ask Jessica to help her finish the task.
Giovanni’s health has remained a challenge for him, but he continues to run the front of the restaurant. “Giovanni is doing the best he can while still dealing with his health issues.” He never sold his collectibles at auction and continues to buy more.
“Doing the show was an amazing gift,” Cristina says. “I will be forever grateful for what Robert and the whole crew did for the restaurant and for my family.”
More from Restaurant Revisited:
Pappas (May 9)
Mama Lee’s (May 2)
Pelican Grill (April 25)
Valley View (March 14)
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More posts from Sara Levine.
Without the help of RI, this family may not have had a chance to come together and the chance to help their business. This family learned about themselves and were willing to step up and work hard. When someone is ill regardless of the illness and still trying to make a living, giving support would really go a long way.
May this family have happiness and success.
Was just in Aptos this last weekend and the hotel and restaurant is vacant & up for sale.
Sad, but not unexpected. Running a business is not for people with health issues.
Sad. I just looked at online customer reviews and noticed that they never did improve.
Just finished watching this episode, and it has left me thinking…did anyone on staff at either the restaurant or the show think it was OK to leave the US flag pinned on the office door as a window covering? I understand that the window on the door needed to be covered so the owner would be surprised at the makeover, but nothing else would have worked?
I too just finished watching the episode, I watch religiously! I am proud they left it hanging, most producers would have taken it down for fear of offending someone in this case I feel the family hung it themselves since it was so faded and looked worn. It was a show of uninhibited patriotism. I would have been offended more if it had been the Italian flag hanging there and the American flag waded up on the desk in a heap. Much appreciation to the show and the family got their patriotism and respect.
~A Proud American Soldier
I do believe he yells and goes on more then he should, but some people just don't get it ? so therefore sometimes yelling is needed to get through stubborn heads..but the whole point of his show is he's there to help those many of people who are at the last resort..so for that, i think Robert is great" but who really pays the 10,000 to fix these places up? does anyone really know? my name is Cindy "
APTOS
Barolo exits Bayview Hotel, Booka opening soon
Little more than a year after its celebrated remodel, Ristorante Barolo in Aptos has closed. The historic Bayview Hotel already has a replacement in the wings for the ground-floor space: Booka Restaurant & Bar, a high-end eatery expected to open by month's end.
Tel Aviv natives Eti and Atar Levi, who are married and live in Aptos, are partners in the new restaurant along with Sean Marom, also of Aptos. They've hired a pair of Israeli chefs to create a menu inspired by local meats and produce, Eti said, and brought on two bartenders who will tend a new dedicated barroom. The kitchen is being overhauled, too, and a local landscape designer is breaking ground this week on an outdoor seating area.
"There's not much left to do on the interior," Eti Levi said.
Ristorante Barolo underwent a nationally televised remodel in early 2012 on the Food Network's "Restaurant: Impossible." Owners Giovanni Guerisoli and Cristina Locke, who have seven children, bought the building in 2003 and later fell victim to health troubles and a bad economy.
Barolo's last day was May 1. Guerisoli and Locke will continue operating the hotel side of the building.
A soft opening for Booka is planned for next week, starting with lunch and dinner service. For updates, check next week's edition of Quick Bites or search Facebook for Booka Restaurant &
Organic is overpriced BS