Kitchen Nightmares USA - 65 out of the 77 Restaurants Have Closed Down! - Techie + Gamers (2023)

Diving into the tumultuous world of Gordon Ramsay’s ‘Kitchen Nightmares’, we traverse through a culinary rollercoaster, exploring the fates of the restaurants that dared to invite the fiery chef into their kitchens. From thriving success stories to heartbreaking closures, every eatery has a tale to tell. Let’s take a look at which restaurants are still in business!

Click on a season below to jump to the relevant section!

• Season 1 – 100% closed down
• Season 2 – 100% closed down
• Season 3 – 82% closed down
• Season 4 – 83% closed down
• Season 5 – 71% closed down
• Season 6 – 85% closed down
• Season 7 – 67% closed down

Season 1

1. Peters – Closed in December 2008. The Italian restaurant located in Babylon, New York, was not able to sustain its business after the show, with the owners eventually deciding to shut down.
2. Dillons/Purnima – Closed in 2009. Despite a complete overhaul and rebranding by Gordon Ramsay, the restaurant in New York City could not stay afloat. The owner, Martin, even attempted to sue Ramsay for $3 million and prevent the episode from airing, but the case was dismissed.
3. The Mixing Bowl – Closed in January 2009. The Mixing Bowl in Bellmore, New York, faced closure not long after Ramsay’s intervention. The restaurant had even temporarily closed before filming but had reopened for the show.
4. Seascape – Closed in August 2017. The Seascape Inn located in Islip, New York, reverted back to their old menu after the episode was filmed, and unfortunately, this did not help their business. They closed down five months post filming.
5. The Olde Stone Mill – Open. After being sold to new owners in 2009, the restaurant in Tuckahoe, New York, continues to operate. The previous owner, Dean, has since had minor acting roles and hosted a hunting show.
6. Sebastians – Closed in January 2008. The family-owned pizzeria in Toluca Lake, California, closed down after the family decided to move back to Boston. Sebastian, the owner, had a small part in a movie and runs landscaping and financial companies.
7. Finn McCool’s – Closed in March 2012. The family-run Irish pub in Westhampton, New York, was sold in 2009, with the family continuing to work there. However, due to lease issues, they eventually closed.
8. Lelas – Closed shortly after filming. The Pomona, California restaurant was facing high debts that were too large to recover from, leading to its closure.
9. Campania – Closed in January 2011. The Fair Lawn, New Jersey, Italian eatery was sold in September 2010. Tragically, the previous owner, Joe, took his own life just eight days after the sale.
10. The Secret Garden – Closed in March 2010. The restaurant in Moorpark, California, was sold after the show. While the first sale fell through, the owner managed to find another buyer. The restaurant abandoned Ramsay’s changes soon after filming.

Season 2

1. Handlebar – Closed in 2009. Located in Mount Sinai, New York, this restaurant didn’t last long after Ramsay’s visit. Despite a full makeover and menu revamp, the owners reverted back to their old ways shortly after filming, and the restaurant eventually closed.
2. Giuseppi’s – Closed in 2009. The Macomb Township, Michigan, restaurant faced an uphill battle with a struggling economy, and despite the efforts of Ramsay and the show, they were unable to turn their business around.
3. Trobiano’s – Closed in October 2008. This Italian restaurant in Great Neck, New York, closed due to bankruptcy, even before their episode aired. The owners blamed the economy and a drop in customers for their closure.
4. Black Pearl – Closed in 2008. This New York City seafood restaurant, despite a full makeover and a simplified menu, closed down just a few days after their episode aired. The owners claimed that the show was more interested in creating drama for TV than in genuinely helping their restaurant.
5. J Willy’s – Closed in February 2009. Located in South Bend, Indiana, the owners cited the economic downturn as the reason for their closure. They weren’t able to turn the business around despite Ramsay’s help.
6. Hannah & Mason’s – Closed in 2010. This French bistro in Cranbury, New Jersey, held on for a couple of years after their episode aired, but eventually closed down due to a lack of business.
7. Jack’s Waterfront – Closed in 2010. This St. Clair Shores, Michigan, restaurant faced a variety of challenges, including a poor location and an unsatisfying menu, which ultimately led to their closure.
8. Sabatiello’s – Closed in 2008. This Stamford, Connecticut, Italian restaurant closed down not long after their episode aired, due to a combination of poor reviews and a decline in business.
9. Fiesta Sunrise – Closed in 2008. This West Nyack, New York, Mexican restaurant was seized by the state shortly after Ramsay’s visit due to unpaid taxes.
10. Sante La Brea – Closed in 2011. This health food restaurant in Los Angeles, California, struggled to stay afloat after their episode aired, and eventually closed down due to a lack of business.
11. Cafe 36 – Closed in 2009. This La Grange, Illinois, French-American bistro faced an uphill battle from the start, and despite a full makeover and menu revamp from Ramsay, they were unable to turn their business around.

Season 3

1. Hot Potato Cafe – Closed in 2010. This cafe in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was known for its potato-based menu. Despite Ramsay’s efforts to revamp the menu and decor, the business struggled and eventually closed down.
2. Flamangos – Closed in 2010. This Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, restaurant was rebranded as “The Junction” during the show, but the owners reverted back to the original name and menu after filming, which contributed to its closure.
3. Bazzini – Closed in 2010. This Ridgewood, New Jersey, Italian restaurant struggled to keep up with the competition and high costs of operation. Despite Ramsay’s attempts to streamline the menu and improve service, they ultimately had to shut down.
4. Mojito – Closed in 2011. Despite the Cuban restaurant’s promising location in Brooklyn, New York, and Ramsay’s efforts to revamp the menu and improve service, the restaurant eventually closed due to poor management and financial issues.
5. Lido di Manhattan – Still open. This Manhattan Beach, California, Italian restaurant managed to turn things around after Ramsay’s visit. It’s one of the rare success stories of the show, with improved food quality and service leading to increased business.
6. Le Bistro – Still open. This Lighthouse Point, Florida, French restaurant managed to survive after Ramsay’s intervention. The owner’s stubbornness was a key point of contention in the episode, but they ultimately took Ramsay’s advice and are still in operation.
7. Casa Roma – Closed in 2012. Despite Ramsay’s efforts to help this Lancaster, California, Italian restaurant, it closed due to an inability to maintain standards and keep up with the competition.
8. Mama Rita’s – Closed in 2010. This Newbury Park, California, Mexican restaurant faced a multitude of problems, from poor food quality to high food costs, and despite Ramsay’s best efforts, they eventually had to shut their doors.
9. Anna Vincenzo’s – Closed in 2010. Despite Ramsay’s attempts to help this Boca Raton, Florida, Italian restaurant, the owner’s refusal to accept criticism and change led to its downfall.
10. Fleming – Closed in 2010. This Miami, Florida, Danish restaurant had lost its way, and despite Ramsay’s attempts to reignite the owner’s passion and revamp the menu, it eventually closed down.
11. Sushi Ko – Closed in 2009. This Thousand Oaks, California, sushi restaurant faced a lack of customers and internal family conflict. Despite Ramsay’s efforts, they were unable to turn their business around and closed shortly after filming.

Season 4

1. Spanish Pavillion: The restaurant, located in Harrison, New Jersey, is still open. After Gordon’s intervention, Michael decided to step away from the daily operations, and business has improved since the episode was filmed. The reviews have been mostly positive, with particular praise for the paella and sangria.
2. Classic American: Unfortunately, this restaurant closed in August 2013. After the episode aired, they continued offering catering services.
3. PJ’s Steakhouse: This Queens-based restaurant closed a few weeks after filming in May 2010. The takings were low, the debts were high, and the owners decided to return to the construction trade.
4. Grasshopper Also: Located in Carlstadt, New Jersey, the restaurant closed in October 2012. It was sold and reopened under new management, new staff, and with a new makeover. The restaurant has changed hands several times since.
5. Davide: This Italian restaurant located in Boston closed in May 2014 after being sold in January 2014. The owners wanted to start a farming venture and food tours of Boston’s North End.
6. Downcity: Downcity, located in Providence, Rhode Island, closed on December 10th, 2011. They were struggling due to the decline of the local economy. After the restaurant’s closure, Aby became a personal trainer.
7. Cafe Tavolini: This Bridgeport restaurant closed in December 2010, just weeks after filming. The reason given was medical issues, mentioned in an answerphone recording.
8. Kingston Cafe: Kingston Cafe in Pasadena, California, closed as a restaurant in August 2018. However, the space is still being used for events and catering functions.
9. La Frite: La Frite in Sherman Oaks, California, closed in September 2017. The restaurant was sold to a new owner in July 2016 who decided to change the restaurant to an Italian eatery called Modo Mio.
10. The Capri Restaurant: This Italian restaurant in Eagle Rock, California is now closed. The restaurant closed in September 2019 due to health issues experienced by the twins and declining sales.
11. Zeke’s: Zeke’s, located in Metairie, Louisiana, closed in October 2012. The restaurant was sold to new owners, and Daryll and Ellen now own LUCA Eats in New Orleans.
12. Oceana Grill: Still open, the restaurant was sold to new owners who have sued the production company over clips showing the poor state of the kitchen as this does not represent the higher standards under their ownership. The restaurant is located in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Season 5

1. Blackberry’s Catering and Family Restaurant: This soul food restaurant in Plainfield, New Jersey, unfortunately closed its doors in March 2013 due to ongoing financial difficulties. The owner, Shelly Withers, transitioned to a catering business after the closure.
2. Leone’s: Located in Montclair, New Jersey, Leone’s is still open and operational. The restaurant has made improvements in food quality and service since Ramsay’s intervention.
3. Mike & Nellie’s: This steak and seafood restaurant in Oakhurst, New Jersey, closed in January 2012, shortly after their episode aired. The owner, Mike, reportedly passed away in 2011.
4. Luigi’s D’Italia: Luigi’s, an Italian restaurant situated in Anaheim, California, remains open and has received mostly positive reviews following Ramsay’s visit.
5. Burger Kitchen: Unfortunately, this Los Angeles, California restaurant closed in February 2012, just a few months after their episode aired.
6. The Greek at the Harbor: This Greek restaurant in Ventura, California, continues to operate with mixed reviews. While some customers have criticized the changes made after Ramsay’s visit, others have praised the entertainment and food.
7. Michon’s: Michon’s, located in College Park, Georgia, closed its doors in August 2013. The closure was attributed to a variety of factors, including negative reviews and financial difficulties.
8. El Greco: El Greco, an Italian restaurant in Austin, Texas, closed in December 2011 due to mounting debts and internal conflicts. The negative reviews continued after Ramsay’s intervention, criticizing the food and service.
9. Park’s Edge: Park’s Edge, situated in Atlanta, Georgia, closed in early 2014 after their lease expired. Despite some initial positive changes, including a revamped menu, the restaurant was unable to secure a new location.
10. Spin-A-Yarn Steakhouse: Spin-A-Yarn Steakhouse, located in Fremont, California, remains open and continues to receive positive reviews. The restaurant’s decision to reintroduce some popular dishes has been well-received by customers.
11. Charlie’s Italian Bistro: Unfortunately, Charlie’s Italian Bistro in La Verne, California, closed in July 2012. The owner, Genevieve, tragically passed away due to complications related to epilepsy.
12. Café Hon: Café Hon, located in Baltimore, Maryland, is still open and operational. Despite initial controversies surrounding the “Hon” trademark issue, the restaurant has regained the support of the local community with positive reviews and popular dishes like their meatloaf.
13. Chiarella’s Ristorante: Chiarella’s Ristorante in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, closed on June 30, 2015, after their lease expired and they couldn’t afford the increased rent.
14. Zocalo: Zocalo, a Mexican restaurant in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, closed in January 2013. The closure was attributed to accumulating debts, including unpaid taxes. Additionally, the owners, Greg and Mary, divorced, and Greg remarried a waitress named Maria.

Season 6

1. La Galleria 33 – Closed. The restaurant closed suddenly in November 2018 with no announcement of the closure.
2. Barefoot Bobs – Closed. They shut their doors unexpectedly in December 2016 without any announcement. Before the closure, they had reverted to their original menu and brought back the tiki decor.
3. Mama Maria’s – Open. After returning some customer favorites to the menu and tweaking recipes, reviews have been mostly positive, with praise for John, the atmosphere, and service.
4. Ms Jean’s Southern Cuisine – Open. The restaurant moved to a new location and has seen significant improvement in reviews since 2017.
5. Olde Hitching Post – Open. The reviews are mostly positive, with seafood being popular among customers. However, they stopped serving breakfast in 2019, which disappointed many patrons.
6. Levanti’s American Bistro – Closed. The restaurant closed in November 2013 after Tony decided to retire nine months after the episode was aired.
7. Sam’s Mediterranean Kabob Room – Closed. They closed in January 2014 as appearing on the show did not increase customer numbers, and more competition had opened in the area.
8. Nino’s Italian Restaurant – Closed. They closed in August 2016 due to retirement. Carina stated that the remodel was done using cheap furniture that was not fit for purpose.
9. Mill Street Bistro – Closed. After Joe renamed the restaurant to Maple City Tavern, they eventually closed in February 2016. Joe later sued Gordon after the episode for missing items and damage to the restaurant.
10. Yanni’s Greek Restaurant – Open. They returned some of their old dishes to the menu, and reviews are mostly positive, with the moussaka being a hit with customers.
11. Prohibition Grille – Closed. They closed their doors in July 2017. Chef Rocky subsequently opened his own restaurant, which had excellent reviews before its closure.
12. Chappy’s – Closed. Chappy blames the closure on Gordon and has opened and closed several restaurants since appearing on the show.
13. Amy’s Baking Company – Closed. The restaurant closed in September due to landlord troubles and subsequent online drama. Amy planned to open an online cookery school. Amy and Samy have moved to Israel.

Season 7

1. Pantaleone’s – Open. The restaurant saw a 70% improvement in business after the episode aired and added a delivery service in 2017. The reviews are generally positive.
2. The Old Neighborhood Restaurant – Closed. The restaurant shut down on May 1st, 2016 after being sold. The building itself was sold earlier in June 2014.
3. Kati Allo – Closed. This restaurant closed in April 2014, just days after the episode aired. Although the closure was initially meant to be temporary for renovations, they never reopened.
4. Mangia Mangia – Closed. They closed their doors in November 2014. Trevor, a staff member, went to rehab, got clean, and planned to go to culinary school.
5. Zayna Flaming Grill – Open. The restaurant was sold to a new owner in September 2015 and reviews are generally positive.
6. Bella Luna – Closed. They closed 3 and a half months after filming in November 2013 and attributed the closure to a dispute with the landlord.

Sources:

RealityTVRevisited.com