In this Restaurant Recovery episode, Todd Graves visits Domilise's Po-Boy and Bar in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Domilise's Po-Boy and Bar is owned by Kenny and Joanne Domilise.
There is no place in the world like New Orleans.
With Mardi Gras, Bourbon Street and jazz music playing on every corner.
The one thing that makes this city so special is how it responds when faced with adversity.
In 2005, it was a hurricane named Katrina.
In 2020, it is COVID-19.
The people of this city are resilient.
Kenny and Joanne are the third generation owners of Domilise’s.
Domilise’s is the place for po-boys in New Orleans.
For over 100 years, the Domilise family has been serving up great food with great hospitality.
Since the pandemic, social distancing requirements and capacity restrictions on their small dining room have crushed their business.
Todd is here to help them get through the pandemic.
Domilise’s is a traditional po-boy restaurant.
The roast beef and gravy is a firm favorite.
Domilise’s has been around for three generations.
Kenny’s mom sadly passed away on June 13th 2013.
Kenny says that it was tough and they were planning for a big year.
Tourism has always been a significant part of their revenue.
It’s very important to Ken that he carries on his mother’s legacy.
Todd was born in New Orleans and he visits the city often.
When he is in town, he goes to visit Domilise’s for a po-boy.
Now, he needs to sit with Kenny and Joanne to see how he can help them survive COVID-19.
Joanne says that she was looking forward to his visit.
She says that they thank Todd from the bottom of their hearts for coming to help them.
She says it’s hard what they are going through.
Todd says he must have something to eat.
The recipes for Domilise’s come from the family.
Todd says he respects Ken and Joanne because they take pride in the quality of their food.
Their high standards come from Ken’s mother Dot.
Revenue has been down significantly since the start of the pandemic.
They are staying afloat due to using their savings to prop up the restaurant.
Todd says he is just not going to allow the pandemic to shut down another legendary family owned restaurant in New Orleans.
If they were to close, the city would lose an important piece of history.
Joanne and Kenny show Todd their take-out system.
If it is raining, there is a definite decline in business.
That is one thing they’ve never had before.
Their house is attached to the restaurant.
Most of the house is used for storage.
Joanne hands over the keys to the restaurant to Todd.
Todd says he knows what he has to do to help Domilise’s make it through COVID-19.
He will make the take-out process more comfortable for customers.
It will also be more efficient for the staff.
Todd will create a safe space for indoor dining and expand their customer base.
Todd brought in AJ Kumaran, his second in command to help out.
Their strategy for revamping the house portion of Domilise’s is to revamp the rooms used for storage,
His plan is to transform them into individual dining rooms.
They take apart part of the wall to see what is behind the wall.
They believe that they have found asbestos behind the wall.
This delay is really hurting their schedule.
Todd has no other option but to get it tested for the safety of the workmen.
While they wait for results, they can only work outside of the restaurant.
The results for the asbestos test is negative.
Todd says that no asbestos means they can get back to work.
They lost around a half a day whilst they waiting for the results.
The team have finished with their renovations.
Todd shows Kenny and Joanne their new restaurant.
Joanne says that it looks like a totally different building.
Todd gave them 24 new seats in the space.
Todd gives them a food truck.
It is delivered by the New Orleans’ wide receiver Michael Thomas.
Todd is putting $10,000 towards the food truck and Michael matches the donation.
Todd says it is time to reopen the restaurant.
Todd says he is just happy to be a part of Domilise’s 100-year-history.
This gives him so much pride.
Todd has given Joanne and Ken an opportunity to get back to where they were.
Joanne thinks that the customers will tremendously enjoy what they can offer them now.
What Happened Next at Domilise's Po-Boy and Bar?
Domilise's Po-Boy and Bar is open.
Reviews are mostly positive.
The roast beef po boy and oyster po boy are both highly regarded by customers.
Click for more Restaurant Recovery episodes
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