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"The team works overnight to remodel the restaurant."
This page is under construction.
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People[]
- Marc Cara Donna, Owner/Chef
- Lisa Cara Donna, Owner/Marc's Wife
- Chris, Sous chef
- Samantha, Server
- Jessica, Server
- Robby Bell, Lisa's brother/bartender
Before Gordon's Arrival/First Impressions[]
Marc and Lisa opened Barefoot Bob's and got off to a good start.....because they opened in the summer. Unfortunately, the town of Hull, Massachusetts outside Boston is a beach town, and very seasonal. Their business soon dropped off as winter came. In an attempt to save money, Marc let the chef go and took over the kitchen himself, trusting Lisa with the front of house. However, Lisa turned out to be lazy and inadequate in that role. The staff notices the disparity between how hard Marc works and how hard Lisa doesn't work. It's also been taxing on Marc and Lisa's marriage.
Gordon arrives and talks to Marc and Lisa separately. Marc details how hard he works, but Lisa says she's also hands-on. Marc says he still loves Lisa, but doesn't know if she still loves him. Samantha and Jessica, the two waitresses are looking forward to Gordon tearing Lisa apart.
First Meal[]
Food Ordered[]
- Bob's Big Buoy platter
- New England Clam Chowder
- Bob's Lobster Roll
Impressions of the Food[]
- Bob's Big Buoy platter: A mess, soggy, and unseasoned
- New England Clam Chowder: Floury, bland, no clams
- Bob's Lobster Roll: Huge portion and filled with expensive seafood
First Dinner Service[]
Gordon talks to the staff. He first mentions the lobster portion, which Lisa laughs off. When he brings up the chowder, Chris admits he made it, but says there's nothing wrong with it. He and Gordon jaw back and forth. Since it is summer time, there is a crowd. Gordon first sees Robby, Lisa's brother who works for them as the bartender. He then sees a hired psychic, who in her cards sees a divorce card. Marc and Chris get food out quickly however. Sadly, a lot of the food gets sent back. Gordon takes the chance to inspect the fridge as he usually does. He finds the fridge isn't even kept at a cool enough temperature, and things aren't properly stored, such as already cooked wings next to raw pork. Marc to his credit doesn't claim to clean regularly. Gordon says there's so much waste, and Marc and Lisa don't even know what their food costs, labor costs or even their breakeven point is, which especially reflects badly on Lisa who claims she does the books. Marc is thoroughly embarrassed and shuts his own restaurant down before Gordon does, and starts to clean.
Reflections/Rest of Visit[]
Gordon finds the kitchen is a mess and sees that everybody is overworked. Gordon talks to Marc and Lisa, and tells her she doesn't act like an equal partner. Marc and Lisa reaffirm their love for each other. Gordon brings in an accountant to help them figure out their financial plan. Gordon then teaches Marc and Chris a new recipe for clam chowder. Gordon also puts together a plan to make the business less seasonal, and they go out to surrounding towns to do some marketing.
Restaurant & Menu Remodel[]
Gordon gives them a new menu and they promote the restaurant, giving people the new clam chowder in order to convince them to go to the restaurant. Gordon and his team also worked overnight to remodel the current design. Lisa and Marc love the new look. Gordon also gifts them a new POS system. The new menu is pared down, with less items and smaller portions.
Final Service[]
As the final service begins, one staff member decides to voice his displeasure, Robby. Robby thinks they'll lose their customer base, and they've lost their identity. and turned into a "hoity-toity yacht club". He concludes the new concept has no chance and walks off, telling them to "find yourself a new barman". Gordon arrives, and Robby is still there. Gordon asks him if he's ready and he diplomatically says "hope this works". Gordon asks him about his skepticism. Robby says the concept is all wrong for the area. Gordon is incredulous and warns him that if the place fails, he'll have no job, Lisa will get divorced and it'll be on him to pick up the pieces. They agree for Robby to commit to them, but Gordon refuses a handshake from Robby, causing Robby to give Gordon the middle finger.
Gordon tells Marc about Robby's attitude. Marc decides to talk to his brother-in-law. Marc reminds him that what they were doing didn't work, and they need to do it Gordon's way. Robby is still not happy, but accepts it. The customers love the new food, but slowly the kitchen gets overwhelmed. To combat this, Lisa decides to stop taking orders to let the kitchen catch up. This ends up working, and Marc recovers. Marc is happy that Lisa came in handy for once, and the service is an overall success. Gordon and Robby make up. Gordon praises Marc's leadership, and implores Lisa to keep helping him.
After Gordon's Departure[]
The accountant put together a new plan. Eventually, they reverted to their old menu and decor, and the restaurant closed in 2016, four years after the episode filmed. However, Marc and Lisa are still married as of September 2022.
Production Notes[]
TBA
Trivia[]
TBA
References[]