Restaurant Revisited: Pappas by Sara Levine in Shows, May 9th, 2012
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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More posts from Sara Levine.
I went to papas last night, it was alright. I ordered the stuffed chicken on polenta. The polenta was out of this world unfortunelty it ward to I joy since the gravy that was poured over my food tasted like liquid salt!
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Very nice post.
really great stuff.
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Thanks for your insight for the great posting.
I just heard today that Pappas will be closing it's doors! I hope not!
This is the first time I saw Tom do the design and the building. Tom has always been an awesome builder, but I think this design is the best I've ever seen on this show!
I thought his design was beautiful, too. I hope that Pappa's is still open. I was sorry to red that Chef "T" was gone, but glad to hear that one of the competitors stayed on. Stability in the kitchen is vital. Hope they make it <3
I said the same thing best design I've seen on the show so far.
I agree 100%
Pappa's in Benicia, CA is closing up for good on March 24, 2013.
Seriously?
How do you know this?