Mrs White's Golden Rule Cafe - Gordon Ramsay's Secret Service

In this episode of Gordon Ramsay’s Secret Service, Gordon visits Mrs White’s Golden Rule Cafe in Phoenix, Arizona.

Mrs White’s Golden Rule Cafe is owned by 101 year old Elizabeth White and her son Larry White.

The restaurant is 60 years old and is now in serious trouble.

At night, Gordon gets into the restaurant with a screwdriver left by the ice machine outside, as there is no key available.

He enters the restaurant with ease and uses a black light.

The place lights up everywhere due to the filth.

In the freezer, he sees frozen swai, which is sometimes used as a substitute for catfish.

This is a poor substitute and can be deceiving to customers if not declared.

There are several things left on the side thawing out and the stovetop is dirty with grease.

The fire extinguishers are expired, which is a safety issue.

There is a poster of praise for Mrs White but it is very old and dated.

Gordon washes his hands and leaves.

The next morning, Mrs. White arrives with a walker and goes into the kitchen.

She is 101 years old and is still present at the restaurant.

She is still the owner and tastes everything that is made in the kitchen.

Her son is Larry, he is 75 and he also comes in with a walker.

Larry is a co-owner and has been working there since he was 13.

The assistant manager Regina believes Larry is the problem as he does not allow changes or repairs to be made.

Her granddaughter Kianna is the Manager but she lacks the authority to make many decisions.

Gordon witnesses Larry being very close-minded and disruptive to his staff.

Gordon is told that there are frozen catfish fillets defrosting in Larry’s car.

Mrs White leaves but Larry is still planted on his chair.

He is sat cleaning his nails as customers come in.

Her great grandson Jay also works in the restaurant, making it a family affair.

Rock Harper from Hell’s Kitchen is the secret diner and Gordon sets him up with a camera and microphone.

He enters and is given a menu, from which he orders.

Larry falls asleep at his spot and Rock is left waiting a long time for his meal.

The food arrives and it is mostly tasteless.

The chicken tastes like mop water and he has to spit it out.

Gordon sees that the stove cannot be operated properly.

They use a pair of pliers to turn it off and on.

Gordon has seen enough and he goes in and asks the customers to leave,

He calls the staff together to talk about the rrestaurant.

They are all shocked and Gordon lays into Larry.

He tells them about all that he has found out in the restaurant.

Larry is defensive and Kianna is in tears as she is frustrated.

Everyone says Larry is a control freak but he denies it.

When Gordon leaves, Larry is remorseful that he forgot the catfish.

After a while, Gordon goes to sit with Larry and orders all the staff and cameras out.

Larry reveals that he and Mrs White are broke.

They are losing $2000 a week and he is too ashamed to tell his mother and daughter.

Larry admits Kianna is capable of carrying on their legacy.

Gordon tells him that at 75, he should let go and pass it on before it is too late to save the restaurant.

All the staff are given the task of using social media to bring in more customers.

They currently have a poor social media page with barely any posts.

Jay is put in charge of their social media as they will be having a food truck pop-up event.

While they are occupied with that, Gordon’s team will be upgrading the restaurant to the 21st century.

On the morning of the pop-up event, Gordon goes to visit with Mrs. White, who is excited to see him.

She tells him the history of the restaurant and that she believes Kianna should take over.

Gordon also tells her about the pop-up and shows her the new truck.

He makes sliders with her recipes while she observes.

Social media posts have been put up and Gordon has reposted to his many followers.

More people show up to the event, leading to long queues.

Kianna uses the opportunity to show off her leadership skills, and Larry sees how capable she is.

Gordon’s team is done with the work and Mrs. White and the family are let in first to see the changes.

The front room is redecorated to look more vibrant, with matching chairs and a more cohesive decoration.

In the kitchen, they have new, corrently working equipment and new tools ready to use.

They also have a new fire extinguisher.

There are photos all over the restaurant featuring all of the whole family.

Outside the restaurant is a mural of Mrs White, it is also an Instagram wall for photos.

Gordon reveals to the family that his insider was Kianna.

The family is appreciative of her intervention and bringing Gordon to the restaurant.

On relaunch, the customers are let in and it is a rush as they take pictures as they come in.

Kianna is in charge in the kitchen.

The food is made to a great standard, and the customers love it all.

Gordon goes to meet with Kianna to give her some tips.

She is happy she finally has the company credit card so she can shop for the restaurant and manage inventory.

Kianna is given a round of applause from the customers.

What Happened Next at Mrs White's Golden Rule Cafe?

Mrs White's Golden Rule Cafe is open.

They are now getting supplies delivered.

A number of staff were fired and new staff were hired.

Larry took back the company card.

The restaurant was busier in the weeks following filming.

Reviews are mostly positive.

There is praise for the food, service and decor.

As with other restaurants there are many fake negative reviews based on the episode.

Kianna revealed she was not happy it was a Gordon Ramsay show but came around during filming.

Mrs White's grandson Larry White Jr has numerous successful restaurant chain Lolo’s Chicken and Waffles.

Mrs White's Golden Rule Cafe aired on 4th June 2025.

The episode was filmed in February 2025 and is Gordon Ramsay's Secret Service season 1 episode 3.

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