The Mixing Bowl

Before Gordon's Arrival
PEOPLE

Billy Galletti, Owner/Chef

Lisa Galletti, Billy's wife/Owner

Mike, Manager

Lynn, Waitress/Billy's sister

Kim, Waitress

The Mixing Bowl has been around for 10 years, but with increased competition, they are struggling. Billy's wife is over it. The manager Mike is charismatic with customers, but the staff find him hard to work with. Billy and Lisa's marriage is suffering.

First Impressions
Gordon walks in and thinks the place looks dreadful. Mike greets him first. Gordon comments on how empty the place is. Gordon asks Mike to describe the type of restaurant it is, and pokes some fun at Mike's weight. Gordon says he can tell the place is on its last legs.

Food Ordered
Maryland Crab Cakes, Zucchini Pancake, Seared North Atlantic Salmon

Impressions of the Food
Maryland Crab Cakes-In a rarity, Gordon declares the crab cakes are good

Zucchini Pancakes-"Stodgy, like gloop"

Salmon-Gordon says it's bland, and yet there is too much garlic

First Dinner Service
Lisa and Mike are both worried about the lack of tables. Mike starts offering large discounts left and right, sometimes up to half off. Billy says he's aware of it, but he barely interferes with anything pertaining to the front of house. Mike shows Gordon all his promotional signs. Mike brags about them, before Gordon blasts them, citing their lack of success.

Reflections
Gordon says that though Billy is the owner, he is at heart nothing more than a simple cook, Mike is obsessed with his signs, and he knows Lisa is over the restaurant.

Remainder of the Visit
Gordon sits down with Billy and Lisa. Gordon suggests they close the restaurant(to see what they would say). Lisa doesn't want to continue, but doesn't want to hurt Billy. Billy says he would still like to turn things around. The next morning, Gordon brings in a wood chipper to destroy Mike's signs. Gordon gathers the staff to examine the surrounding area, and determine how The Mixing Bowl can stand out. Gordon says of all those restaurants, none specializes in healthy food. Gordon works with Billy in the kitchen. Billy gets inspired by working with Gordon. They both make a dish, but Gordon declares Billy's dish is also good. That night, the dinner service is much busier since people know Gordon is there. The kitchen is doing well, but Mike's managerial style continues to rub Gordon the wrong way. It turns out Mike takes a good chunk of the waitresses' tips. Mike says his charisma gets them the tips, so he deserves a lot of the tip money. Billy steps up and tells Mike he needs to be better, and Gordon is happy to see him finally sound like a boss.

Restaurant & Menu Remodel
Gordon's design team dramatically renovates the restaurant. Everyone is excited about the new decor, and everyone agrees it needed it. Gordon redesigns the menu, keeping with the new healthy theme, introducing items with smaller portions and lighter sauces.

Final Service
Before the last service, Gordon takes Lisa to see the local arena football team, the New York Dragons at their practice facility, recruiting them to come for dinner. Mike starts to feel the pressure for the relaunch, the restaurant is fully booked. In fact, it is overbooked. Mike starts blaming Kim, even though he handles the bookings. The waitresses work hard, but Mike only seems interested in taking care of the customers he knows personally. Then the Dragons players arrive. Mike however forgot to write down the Dragons reservation. Lisa chides him for it, as does Gordon. Mike claims he never knew they were coming, and starts lashing out at people. Gordon sends Mike outside, and Billy knows he's been yelling at Lisa. Gordon tells Billy that Mike is a big problem, and he needs a new manager. Billy says he'll think about it, but retains Mike for the time being. Eventually, the Dragons get seated, and Mike does better at the end of the service. Mike continued to improve as a manager, and Billy is getting great feedback in the kitchen. Billy even goes to practice with the Dragons. As Gordon leaves, he tells Billy he's talented and is a good chef, and just needs to make the leap to owner.

After Gordon's Departure
The Mixing Bowl closed in 2009. Billy now owns a food wholesaler called Jr. Alta Foods. He and Lisa are still married and have two children.

Production Notes
TBA

Trivia
TBA