El Cantito Cafe: A Story of Resilience and Revival ( Kitchen Nightmares)

Owner: Julio and Debbie, a brother and sister team.

Address: El Cantito Cafe in Yonkers, New York.

Starts : they opened the restaurant in 2020.

Current Status: Open

El Cantito Cafe is a small, family-run restaurant located in Yonkers, New York. The cafe is owned by Julio and Debbie, a brother and sister duo who poured their hearts, souls, and life savings into creating a place where they could share their grandmother's Puerto Rican recipes with the world. 

Julio, the Executive Chef, and Debbie, who manages the front of the house, embarked on this journey together in 2020, hoping to bring a taste of Puerto Rico to their local community.

When Did El Cantito Start?

The story of El Cantito Cafe began in 2020. The space for the restaurant became available, and Julio and Debbie saw an opportunity to bring their dream to life. 

Despite the challenges that lay ahead, they opened their doors, fueled by a deep love for their grandmother's cooking and a desire to share it with others. 

Debbie used her life savings to fund the opening of the restaurant, a decision that showcased her unwavering belief in their vision.

Were They Running the Restaurant by Themselves?

Yes, Julio and Debbie were running the restaurant almost entirely by themselves. Julio took on the role of the chef, cooking every dish and even washing the dishes due to a lack of staff. 

Debbie managed the front of the house, welcoming guests and ensuring that everything ran smoothly. 

The restaurant became a true family affair when Debbie's daughter, Stephanie, joined as a waitress. 

However, the workload was immense, and the pressure began to take a toll on both Julio and Debbie.

Was Everything Going Smoothly Before Gordon Came?

Like many small businesses, El Cantito Cafe faced numerous challenges. Shortly after opening, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, forcing them to close their doors temporarily. 

The restaurant had been doing well before the pandemic, often full during service, but the lockdowns and restrictions hit them hard. 

They spent all their money just to stay afloat, and when they reopened, the foot traffic had dramatically declined. 

The business was struggling, and it became increasingly difficult to keep up with the demands of running the restaurant. 

Julio was stressed, and his passion for cooking began to wane. Debbie, too, was frustrated, and the situation became increasingly dire.

What Was Wrong Found by Gordon Ramsay?

Gordon visited there to make things better. However, he quickly discovered a number of issues that were holding the restaurant back. Food was the main problem in his perception. 

Despite the rich culinary heritage of Puerto Rico, the dishes at El Cantito Cafe were bland, greasy, and unappealing. 

The empanadas were sitting in puddles of grease, the shrimp ceviche was off-tasting and watery, and the snapper was overcooked and dry. 

To make matters worse, one customer even got sick after eating undercooked chicken.

Beyond the food, Gordon found that the kitchen was in disrepair. Much of the equipment was broken, and the air conditioning system was not working, making the kitchen unbearably hot. The organization in the kitchen was poor, with Julio moving units closer together, which made it difficult for the chefs to move around. There was also a serious hygiene issue, with moldy lemons and improperly stored meat in the walk-in cooler. It was clear that the restaurant was in desperate need of a major overhaul.

What is the Present Condition of the Restaurant?

After Gordon's visit, El Cantito Cafe underwent significant changes. Gordon and his team worked overnight to revamp the restaurant. 

They repainted the dining room, making it bright and inviting, and installed a new air conditioning system. 

The kitchen was reorganized and equipped with new appliances, and a new salad bar was added. 

The menu was updated, with the original recipes being modernized and written down for the first time. 

The changes brought new energy to the restaurant, and Julio's passion for cooking was reignited. 

Debbie decided to quit her second job to focus entirely on the restaurant, a testament to her renewed belief in its potential.

Are They Still Open?

Yes, El Cantito Cafe is still open. In the months following Gordon's visit, the restaurant saw a resurgence in business. 

Customers returned, and the reviews became mostly positive, with many praising the food. 

Although there were a few complaints about portion sizes and prices, the overall feedback was encouraging. 

The restaurant even began offering catering services, further expanding their reach. The revival of El Cantito Cafe is a testament to the hard work and dedication of Julio, Debbie, and their team.

What Business Lessons Should We Learn from Them?

The story of El Cantito Cafe teaches us several valuable business lessons. First and foremost, it highlights the importance of passion in any business. 

Julio and Debbie started the restaurant out of a love for their grandmother's recipes, but over time, the challenges they faced caused them to lose some of that passion. 

When Gordon helped them rekindle their love for cooking and hospitality, the business began to thrive once again.

Another important lesson is the need for adaptability. The pandemic forced many businesses to close, but those that adapted to the new reality were able to survive.

Julio and Debbie did everything they could to keep El Cantito Cafe open, even when it meant working with minimal staff and resources. 

Their willingness to change and improve, especially after Gordon's visit, was crucial to their success.

Finally, the importance of proper management and organization cannot be overstated. 

The issues in the kitchen, from broken equipment to poor hygiene, were dragging the business down. 

By addressing these problems and creating a more efficient and safe work environment, Julio and Debbie were able to turn things around.

Final Thoughts

El Cantito Cafe's journey is one of resilience, determination, and the power of family. Despite facing numerous challenges, including a global pandemic, financial struggles, and a declining business, Julio and Debbie never gave up on their dream. 

With a little help from Gordon Ramsay, they were able to breathe new life into their restaurant and continue sharing their grandmother's recipes with the world. 

Their story is an inspiration to anyone who has ever faced adversity in business or in life, r

eminding us that with hard work, passion, and a willingness to adapt, success is always within reach.