Is PJ’s Grill Still Open? A Look Back at Kitchen Nightmares
Kitchen Nightmares, a popular reality TV show, aired on Fox from 2007 to 2014. The show followed celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay as he visited struggling restaurants across the United States, attempting to turn their fortunes around. One of the most memorable episodes featured PJ’s Grill, a restaurant in Memphis, Tennessee. But the question remains: is PJ’s Grill still open?
Background on PJ’s Grill
PJ’s Grill, a casual American restaurant, was opened in 1997 by owner and chef Patrick "PJ" Johnson. The restaurant was known for its burgers, sandwiches, and Southern-style comfort food. However, by the time Gordon Ramsay arrived in 2011, PJ’s Grill was struggling to attract customers and was on the verge of closing.
Gordon Ramsay’s Visit
During his visit, Gordon Ramsay was shocked by the restaurant’s poor condition, including dirty equipment, inadequate storage, and a lack of organization. He was also disappointed by the menu, which he described as "boring" and "uninspired." The kitchen was in disarray, with food being served at inconsistent temperatures and quality.
Changes Implemented by Gordon Ramsay
Gordon Ramsay worked closely with PJ to revamp the menu, update the kitchen, and improve customer service. Some of the changes included:
• New Menu: Gordon introduced a new menu featuring dishes such as burgers, salads, and sandwiches, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
• Kitchen Renovations: The kitchen was completely renovated, including new equipment, flooring, and storage solutions.
• Staff Training: Gordon worked with the staff to improve customer service, including training on food handling, presentation, and communication.
After the Show
After Gordon Ramsay’s visit and the changes implemented, PJ’s Grill saw a significant improvement in business. The restaurant’s sales increased by 25%, and the restaurant received positive reviews from customers and critics alike. However, the question remains: is PJ’s Grill still open?
Is PJ’s Grill Still Open?
According to online reviews and reports, PJ’s Grill is still open and operating in Memphis, Tennessee. The restaurant has maintained its reputation for serving good food and has become a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. In fact, PJ’s Grill has received an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on review platforms such as Yelp and TripAdvisor.
Table: PJ’s Grill’s Current Status
| Category | Status |
|---|---|
| Location | Memphis, Tennessee |
| Ownership | Patrick "PJ" Johnson |
| Menu | American cuisine, burgers, sandwiches, salads |
| Reviews | 4.5/5 stars on Yelp and TripAdvisor |
| Current Status | Open |
Conclusion
PJ’s Grill, once a struggling restaurant, has made a remarkable turnaround thanks to Gordon Ramsay’s intervention. The restaurant’s commitment to quality food, improved customer service, and a renewed focus on freshness and locally sourced ingredients has paid off. While the show aired over 10 years ago, PJ’s Grill remains open and continues to serve the Memphis community. If you’re ever in the area, be sure to stop by and experience the restaurant’s transformation for yourself.
Additional Tips and Recommendations
• If you’re planning to visit PJ’s Grill, be sure to try their famous burgers and sandwiches.
• The restaurant offers a daily happy hour from 3 pm to 6 pm, featuring discounted drinks and appetizers.
• PJ’s Grill is open Monday through Thursday from 11 am to 9 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 10 pm, and Sunday from 10 am to 9 pm.
I hope this article has answered your question about PJ’s Grill’s current status. If you have any further questions or would like to know more about Kitchen Nightmares, feel free to ask!