Classic American, a small eatery in West Babylon, New York, was once a promising restaurant struggling to keep its doors open. When Chef Gordon Ramsay stepped in during Season 4, Episode 2 of Kitchen Nightmares, he aimed to save the business from collapse. But despite Ramsay’s efforts, Classic American ultimately closed its doors in August 2013.
Here’s what went wrong, what changed after Kitchen Nightmares, and what happened to the owners and staff.
The Classic American Story: Struggling from the Start
Owned by Colleen and Naomi, two former waitresses who bought the restaurant in 2000, Classic American was meant to be a cozy American-style diner. But behind the scenes, things weren’t running smoothly. Colleen’s son Kevin was the head chef, while her boyfriend Dominick managed inventory. The restaurant had a small team, including waiters Ashleigh and John.
Before Ramsay arrived, Classic American was drowning in debt, nearly $1 million. The owners lacked business expertise, food quality was poor, and customers were turning away.
What Went Wrong Before Kitchen Nightmares?
Before Ramsay’s intervention, Classic American faced several major problems:
- Poor Food Quality – The dishes were pre-made, frozen, and microwaved. Ramsay found the mac and cheese bland, the fried calamari chewy, and the signature Bomb Burger overcooked.
- Disorganized Management – Orders were handwritten due to a malfunctioning system, leading to chaos in the kitchen. The restaurant frequently ran out of basic supplies like plates and utensils.
- Tense Work Environment – Colleen was frustrated with her waitstaff, Naomi struggled with leadership, and Dominick was unable to properly manage inventory.
These issues nearly pushed the restaurant to its breaking point before Ramsay stepped in.
What Changed After Kitchen Nightmares?
With his signature no-nonsense approach, Chef Ramsay introduced several changes:
- A New Modernized Menu – Ramsay scrapped the old menu and introduced fresh, homemade dishes, including sliders.
- Restaurant Makeover – The interior was completely redesigned to create a more inviting atmosphere.
- Improved Operations – A functional point-of-sale system was installed to streamline orders and inventory management.
During the relaunch night, service was initially shaky, waitresses disappeared just as customers arrived. However, once food started coming out, customers loved the new menu.
Did the Changes Work?
For a while, Classic American saw improvement. They even earned a 3.5-star rating on Yelp, showing that customers appreciated the changes. But despite these gains, the restaurant shut down in 2013.
Why Did Classic American Close?
The exact reason for the closure remains unclear, but several factors could have played a role:
- Financial Struggles – Even with Ramsay’s help, the restaurant still had massive debt.
- Management Issues – Running a restaurant requires strong leadership, and Classic American may have continued to struggle with organization.
- Inconsistent Execution – Some restaurants featured on Kitchen Nightmares revert to old habits after Ramsay leaves, possibly affecting customer retention.
By August 2013, Classic American shut down for good. There is no information on whether it was sold or rebranded, and no new restaurant has taken its place under the same name.
What Happened to the Owners and Staff?
After the closure, Colleen and Naomi disappeared from the public eye. There are no reports on whether they opened another restaurant or pursued new careers. Similarly, information about chef Kevin, manager Dominick, and the waitstaff (Ashleigh and John) is scarce.
Final Thoughts: Lessons from Classic American
Classic American’s downfall highlights a common theme in Kitchen Nightmares: a restaurant can’t survive without strong management and financial planning. Even with Ramsay’s guidance, the underlying issues were too severe to keep it afloat.
While Classic American may be gone, its episode remains a fan-favorite, serving as a cautionary tale for struggling restaurant owners everywhere.
FAQs
Is Classic American still open?
No, Classic American closed in August 2013.
Where was Classic American located?
The restaurant was at 691 Rt 109, West Babylon, NY 11704.
Did Classic American improve after Kitchen Nightmares?
Yes, for a while. They earned a 3.5-star Yelp rating, but ultimately closed.
What happened to Classic American’s owners?
There are no updates on Colleen and Naomi after the restaurant closed.
