Ep 2. Gyros and Goodies

In the second episode of Restaurant Divided, called Gyros and Goodies, two Greek-American brothers, Taso and Nick, own Gyro Palace, a struggling restaurant in Florida. The brothers are passionate about their food and their family heritage, but they can't seem to bring in the customers they need to keep the restaurant afloat. Taso and Nick are both headstrong and have different ideas about what the restaurant needs to succeed.

Enter veteran chef Rocco DiSpirito and restaurant consultant Karine Bakhoum. They arrive at Gyro Palace to assess the situation, and they quickly uncover some of the restaurant's biggest problems. The decor is outdated and unappealing, the menu is confusing and too extensive, and the staff lacks proper training.

Rocco and Karine decide to split the restaurant in half and turn it into two separate businesses: Gyro Palace, a casual, fast-casual spot that serves gyro sandwiches and salads, and The Athenian Room, a finer dining establishment with a focus on traditional Greek cuisine. Taso and Nick are shocked by the suggestion, but they ultimately agree to the plan.

The brothers are tasked with running their own halves of the restaurant, and the competition is on. Rocco and Karine give the brothers 48 hours to renovate their respective spaces and create new menus. They also bring in an expert bartender to teach the staff how to make impressive cocktails.

As Taso and Nick get to work, they both encounter hurdles. Taso struggles to let go of some of the menu items he's attached to, while Nick is frustrated with the amount of work he has to do to renovate his portion of the restaurant. Meanwhile, the staff is resistant to the changes, and the brothers worry that they won't be able to pull off such a big transformation in just two days.

At the end of the 48 hours, Rocco and Karine return to evaluate the changes. Gyro Palace has been transformed into a sleek, modern eatery with a simplified menu focused on the restaurant's signature dishes. The Athenian Room now features elegant decor and a menu showcasing classic Greek cuisine. The cocktails are expertly crafted, and the staff is more confident and knowledgeable.

The brothers anxiously await the judges' verdict. Rocco and Karine are impressed with the changes made to both sides of the restaurant, but they ultimately declare The Athenian Room the winner. Nick is thrilled with the victory, but Taso takes it in stride, happy that the restaurant is finally seeing success.

In the end, Gyros and Goodies is a heartwarming episode about two brothers' love for their Greek heritage and the food that brings people together. Rocco and Karine's expertise helps them turn their struggling restaurant around, proving that with a little hard work and creativity, any restaurant can thrive.