Restaurant Revisited: An Abundance of Emotions at Abudanza Ristorante

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Robert Irvine on Restaurant: Impossible

Robert Irvine's mission at Abudanza Ristorante in Wilbraham, Mass., moved him as few others have as he learned the story of owners Lou and June's family, including their terminally ill son, LJ. After two days of work to overhaul their business and improve the managerial skills of the staff, Robert and his Restaurant: Impossible crew presented the Maravilha family with a gift of money that would help them avoid foreclosure on their home. Read on below to hear from June and find out how the restaurant and LJ are doing today.

"Lou says business is up about 50 percent," June notes, adding that "everyone loves the decor" and that she's especially fond of the photos on the wall. "LJ loves to see himself up there," she says.

June notes Nick's improved leadership: "As for Nick, he really stepped up by presenting himself better at work, taking charge of the schedule and taking more care to show up on time."

With the help of Robert and the Restaurant: Impossible crew's generous gift, June says, "I was able to order LJ's stair lift now that I know we will not be foreclosed on."

Looking back on the experience, June says, "The best thing Robert left behind was helping to reinforce in me how precious my family is." In terms of LJ's health, she adds, "I believe in my little man to take anything that comes his way."

More from Restaurant Revisited:

Padre Rita Grill (October 6)
Mamma Lucrezia's (September 24)
Green Beret Club (September 17)
Spicy Bar and Grill (September 10)
El Bistro (September 3)
Uncle Andy's Diner (August 27)
Paul's Bar & Bowling (August 6)
The Fork Diner (July 23)
Portu-Greek Cafe (June 11)
Bama Q (May 28)
Cave Inn BBQ (May 21)
Urban Roots (April 9)
Pasión Latin Fusion (March 19)
Tootie's Texas BBQ (March 12)
Estrada's Restaurant (February 5)
Hillbillies Restaurant (January 29)
Spunky Monkey Bar and Grill (January 15)

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