Kitchen Nightmares Episode 5.07 Olde Hitching Post Restaurant & Tavern

Chef Ramsay heads to the historic Olde Hitching Post in Hanson, Massachusetts. In 2005 restaurateur Tom Kessaris bought this town fixture to pass on to his oldest daughter, Andrea, but although Andrea was initially excited to fulfill her dream of having her own eatery, her father has never relinquished control to her. He says that she doesn't know what it takes to run the place. Janice, the manager, acknowledges that he won't allow his daughter to take charge. The owner is also tough on the staff, who feel that he doesn't make the best decisions.

When Chef Ramsay arrives, he has an early morning briefing with Tom. He quickly learns that the father is still overseeing operations at the eatery. The proprietor tells Gordon that he buys quality food and serves generous portions at reasonable prices, but he says that his daughter is not a hard worker.

At the restaurant, Chef Ramsay sits with Andrea to get her point of view. He soon discovers that she has a very different opinion than her father. She makes it clear that she's ready and willing to run the restaurant but her dad is holding her back.

After witnessing a spirited argument between Tom and Andrea, Chef Ramsay samples a few entrees. He is disappointed to discover that the food is frozen and bland.

He gathers the staff in the kitchen and chastises them about their dishes. The chefs admit that they are not pleased with the quality of what they are preparing.

That night at service, Chef Ramsay challenges Tom to go into the dining room and admit to his patrons that he's using frozen food. He refuses to do it, claiming that the task is too humiliating and balking at the notion that his practices are wrong.

Chef Ramsay takes matters into his own hands and insists that customers should be told which menu items are not made fresh. Not surprisingly, the patrons are dissatisfied with their orders.

An argument between Gordon and Tom erupts when they go head-to-head over whether frozen scallops smell and taste the same as fresh product. Chef Ramsay will not be swayed, and Andrea takes his side in the debate. She concedes that she can't be proud of her restaurant under the current circumstances.

The next day, Gordon visits the local radio station and listens to callers' complaints about The Olde Hitching Post. Back at the restaurant, he gathers the staff to pass on the feedback. Chef Ramsay makes it clear that Tom's system is the root of the problem, and the owner finally promises to change.

To reinforce his point, Chef Ramsay presents two fresh meatloaf options prepared by a couple of locals. The staff is shocked to learn that customers cooked the delicious dishes.Hoping to give the restaurant an exciting new identity, Chef Ramsay's team performs a quick renovation. Tom and Andrea are thrilled that the cranberry-colored décor has been replaced by a more contemporary bluish-grey palate.

Chef Ramsay also presents a revamped menu, which includes homemade clam chowder, a New England lobster roll and bacon-wrapped meatloaf. Most importantly, everything is fresh.

At the relaunch that night, Andrea steps up and takes control. Her proud father watches and offers his support, while she manages to keep everything on track. When service is complete, a teary-eyed Tom officially hands the restaurant over to his daughter.

After Chef Ramsay leaves, Tom keeps his promise and lets Andrea run The Olde Hitching Post. The eatery is on its way to being a successful restaurant, and father and daughter are fulfilling their dreams.