Restaurant Revisited: Mama Lee’s by Sara Levine in Shows, May 2nd, 2012
When Robert Irvine and his Restaurant: Impossible team visited Mama Lee’s soul food restaurant in San Antonio, it had never turned a profit and was just weeks away from closing down. A few months after Robert’s major revamp — he even called in reinforcements from HGTV’s Kitchen Cousins — we caught up with Ken, the owner, to see how business is going.
Four months later, Mama Lee’s is closer to turning a profit. Sales are up 15 percent and Ken is seeing many new customers in addition to his old regulars. With the increase in sales, he is slowly catching up on overdue bills.
Ken still feels reinvigorated as a leader. “We’re holding staff meetings every other Sunday,” he told us, in order to address service issues and discuss customer feedback. “I’m re-energized.”
The restaurant is now a source of pride for Ken and his crew. They are cleaning the new kitchen daily, and the vents are cleaned once a week. Weekly visits from the exterminator have eliminated the roach problem. “The guys are taking pride in the restaurant, and that is reflected in our actions.”
The new decor is a big hit with customers, who talk most about the frying-pan flowers on the walls. Ken’s favorite part is the new bar. He has applied for a liquor license, which he expects will help boost sales even higher.
More from Restaurant Revisited:
Valley View (March 14)
Pelican Grill (April 25)
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More posts from Sara Levine.
I just loved this episode! I really hope for nothing but success for Ken and his restaurant. He seems like a good guy and Robert gave him a kick-a$$ new restaurant! Good luck, Ken and family!
I want that recipe that Robert done with the Chicken, I believe he stuffed it with peaches, greens and onions I want this recipe.
Here is the link to the recipe for the chicken stuffed with greens and peaches. I have made this several times. I have used different greens including mustard, collard, and kale. I prefer using fresh peaches but have used canned in the winter. Always turns out delicious and is so easy to make!!!!!
Enjoy! http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/robert-irvine/…
I agree…"logging in" keeps people away, that is the point I guess
Ken thank you for serving our country hope your business does great
I absolutely love the show. My wife and I have been regurlar patron's of one of the restaraunt's Del's italian restaraunt in Pittsburgh ever since Chef Robert did a show there. Every dish we have had there has been OUTSTANDING! I recommend Del's to anyone with taste buds. The service was warm, kind and friendly. Chef Robert you have really have been a tremendous catalyst to reawaken the culinary soul and spirit of the owners. GREAT JOB!
This was one of my fav's. Chef Robert and the Crashers" did a FAB job for one of our Veterans.
Kudos to Chef and Team (including the wonderful folks at the restaurant supply) and Thank you for your service Ken. Hoping that your restaurant continues to bring joy!
RI Rocks!!
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