Restaurant Revisited: Pappas

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Pappas Restaurant

Robert’s latest mission brought him to Pappas, a family-owned Greek restaurant in Benicia, Calif. Feuding brothers, a drab interior and lackluster food were leading this business toward extinction. We checked in with the owners to see how things are going a few months after their Restaurant: Impossible makeover.

Pappas Restaurant has seen an increase in sales of more than 50 percent versus the same time last year. The added revenue is helping Michael, aka Pappa, pay off his tax debts: “I see a great future ahead,” he says.

Pappas is seeing an increase in new customers and some old customers from the early days are finding their way back to the restaurant. They love the blue and white decor and are curious to try the new and improved Greek-inspired menu.

The head chef, T, is no longer working at Pappas but her old competitor, Patrick, has seamlessly moved into the role. Patrick has some great ideas and has become a strong leader to the kitchen staff.

Andreas is working harder and longer, cooking in the mornings and taking over general duties during most of the evening shift. Nicholas is still working in the front of the house and trying to find the right position for himself at Pappas. “Now I'm able to hear, firsthand, what the customers have to say about our food and service,” he says.

Brothers Nick and Andreas are still trying to work on mending their relationship. “I learned that family can really pull together when they need to,” says their dad, Michael. “We’re working together more and trying not to sweat the small stuff.”

More from Restaurant Revisited:

Mama Lee's (May 2)
Pelican Grill (April 25)
Valley View (March 14)

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