In this Restaurant Impossible episode, Robert Irvine visits Leah’s Korner Kafe in Coleman, Michigan.
Leah’s Korner Kafe is owned by Leah and Chris.
She bought it from the previous owners after working there for a while.
While working at the restaurant, she met Chris, who was a customer.
He later became her husband and a part-owner.
The restaurant has been struggling, which is also affecting their marriage.
Leah is resistant to Chris's suggestions as she had been running the restaurant for many years before his involvement.
The restaurant is losing a lot of money and they are desperate for help.
When Robert arrives, he instantly notices that the space is old, with stained carpets, walls, and ceiling.
There are knickknacks, mismatched furnishings and damage to the furnishings.
He calls in the owners and they share their story.
Leah has been working there for 20 years and has owned it for 10 years.
They have basic knowledge of the numbers but have no idea about the bestselling item on the menu.
When asked to start service, Leah becomes emotional and cries in Chris's arms.
As the orders start pouring in, Leah overwhelms the kitchen.
When Robert points it out, she walks out of the restaurant to cry.
She repeatedly steps out for minutes at a time, leaving her staff without guidance.
At one point, Robert follows her to reassure her.
He orders from the menu after sending the customers away.
Robert gives his feedback to the couple directly and doesn't find anything redeeming.
He assesses their statements and realizes they are in a precarious situation.
To illustrate this, he lines up ten dishes and asks them to arrange them based on which sells the most.
It turns out to be a trick as all ten items are the least sold on the menu.
Robert questions why they are still on the menu but they have no response.
The design team of Tom and Lynn are brought in to see the space and they are unimpressed.
Robert gives them a guideline to bring the beautiful scenery from outside into the restaurant.
The community and volunteers quickly work to empty out the space.
Robert takes the couple through an exercise to address Leah's low self-esteem.
She writes down all the things she is good at and Chris helps her out as well.
They discuss why she chose the qualities on the list, which helps reaffirm her self-worth.
Robert has her take a picture of the list with Chris beside it as a constant reminder.
He assigns her homework to think of all the positives and define her role in the business.
Chris also has his own assignment.
Robert checks in with his team, who have a plan to make the space more rustic, resembling the outdoors.
The next day, Chris is the first to deliver on his assignment, defining his role in helping with the business.
Leah also defines her role and looks forward to working together with him as a team.
They read emotional letters to each other and Leah is noticeably more confident and happier than the previous day.
Inside the restaurant, a mural and a white picket fence have already been put up on one wall.
They are also working on a barn door wall.
A weight-bearing beam in the middle of the room is being transformed into a vintage telephone pole.
Robert meets with the couple to train them on controlling costs by managing ingredients.
He demonstrates three new dishes for their menu: drunken chops, roasted red beet reuben, and a pig mac.
Robert checks in with his team again and expresses concern that the painting may not dry in time.
By late evening, the renovations are complete, and the community gathers for the reopening.
The couple is taken in to see the transformed space, which now looks like a proper restaurant.
It is open, bright and beautiful.
The ambiance reflects the countryside and the couple is moved to tears by the new look of the interior.
They open the doors to the community, who are astounded by the stunning transformation.
The community loves what they have done.
On relaunch, both Leah and Chris are working tirelessly to keep the guests happy.
They manage the staff and listen to each other.
Customers have nothing but praise for the delicious food being served.
What Happened Next at Leah's Korner Kafe?
After the show, sales have increased by 50%.
The couple now works together as a team.
Chris is taking a more active role in tracking food and labor costs.
Leah leads the restaurant with confidence.
She still occasionally sheds tears at work.
Leah's Korner Kafe is open.
Reviews are positive with praise for the food and service.
Leah's Korner Kafe is Restaurant Impossible season 22 episode 11 and aired on 9th March 2023.
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Previous episode - Sunnyside Cafe
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