Finn McCool's

Before Gordon's Arrival
PEOPLE

Buddy-Owner

Jason-Bartender/Buddy's son

Brian-Chef/Buddy's son

Melissa-Waitress/Jason's wife

Carol, Waitress

Francis-Sous chef

Buddy is a retired detective. Soon after he retired, he opened Finn McCool's. His sons work for him. Jason is the bartender, and Brian is the chef. Brian is very arrogant about his skills as a chef. Buddy thinks Brian takes a lot of shortcuts. Buddy hopes Gordon can humble Brian. Melissa, Buddy's daughter-in-law and Jason's wife says Buddy is in major debt.

First Impressions
Gordon arrives in a Porsche Cayenne, and describes the restaurant as looking like a funeral parlor and "grim". Gordon greets the staff. They all identify Brian as being arrogant and Brian vociferously defends himself.

Food Ordered
Finn's Spring roll, Salmon, Shepherd's pie

Impressions of the Food
Finn's Spring Roll-Gordon doesn't describe why he doesn't like it, but questions why they're popular

Salmon-Gordon doesn't like the balsamic vinaigrette and says the salmon doesn't taste like salmon and is "horrible"

Shepherd's pie-Gordon says it is greasy and disgusting, and runs to the bathroom and throws up

First Dinner Service
Gordon berates Brian about his food and says "every day, you have to give it your best shot". Gordon has invited some local firefighters for dinner. Gordon decides the kitchen needs to be cleaned. He, Brian, Buddy and Jason work to clean the kitchen. The firefighters Gordon has invited arrive. Gordon notices that even the vegetables are frozen, and the clams are not fresh either despite being on Long Island. The firemen don't like the food and Gordon has them tell Brian to his face the various reasons why. Then the sous chef Francis, while tossing an order of wings, accidentally drops one, and attempts to put it back in the fryer. Gordon sees it and calls him out on it. Francis claims that the fryer will clean and "sterilize" anything that falls on the floor. Gordon tells an incredulous Buddy about this.

Reflections
Gordon talks to Buddy in his office. Buddy says he is in serious debt and he can't even pay himself, and since his sons work for him, they depend on him too.

Remainder of the Visit
Gordon decides to train Brian and teaches him his own recipe for Shepherd's pie. Everyone loves Gordon's and Brian is embarrassed. Buddy goes into the kitchen and warns Brian not to go into the dining room. Brian tells Buddy to get out of the kitchen. When Buddy doesn't, Brian leaves. Buddy tries to run the kitchen himself and struggles mightily. The experience helps Buddy realize that Brian has a tough job as the chef. The next day, Brian returns and Gordon also says he understands the difficulty he faces.

Restaurant & Menu Remodel
Gordon has his design team redesign the restaurant, and he also gives them a new sign. The staff loves the changes, to the point of being emotional. Gordon designs a new menu and makes it lighter.

Final Service
The restaurant is full, including the same firemen from earlier. A local food critic also is present. Initially they struggle with the crowd, and they experience long waits for food. When food finally stats coming out however, the people like it. However, the food critic still can't get seated, and Jason scrambles to appease her. The fire chief even leaves. Gordon motivates Brian to not give up. Brian rallies and the restaurant recovers. The customers love the food, and everyone leaves happy. The family embraces and celebrates the successful dinner service. Gordon says goodbye to each staff member personally, and reflects that this rescue was one he enjoyed doing, as he genuinely enjoyed the family.

After Gordon's Departure
Finn McCool's continued to succeed, and Buddy was able to start paying himself. Buddy later sold the restaurant.

Production Notes
TBA

Trivia
TBA