Sam’s Mediterranean Kabob Room’s Kitchen Nightmares update – After Gordon Ramsay’s visit. Still Open Or Closed in 2025?
Sam’s Mediterranean Kabob Room faced a dramatic Kitchen Nightmares makeover, but did it survive? Here’s what happened next to the restaurant and its owners.
Sam’s Mediterranean Kabob Room, a family-run restaurant in Monrovia, California, was featured in Season 6 of Kitchen Nightmares. Owner Sam Najjar struggled to keep the business afloat, leading to a dramatic intervention by Gordon Ramsay.
But did the makeover work? What Happened to Sam’s Mediterranean Kabob Room After Kitchen Nightmares? Here’s the full story of what happened before, during, and after Kitchen Nightmares.
Before Kitchen Nightmares: A Family in Crisis
Sam Najjar started his restaurant career as a busboy in 1982 and later purchased Sam’s Mediterranean Kabob Room in 1997. Initially, the business thrived, but over time, it declined.
With mounting debts of $70,000, Sam had to let go of his staff and rely entirely on his wife and seven children to keep the restaurant running.
While this cost-cutting decision seemed practical, it led to exhaustion and resentment among his family members. The lack of teamwork, frequent arguments, and a poor work-life balance turned the restaurant into a chaotic and toxic work environment.
Customers also noticed the decline in food quality, service, and hygiene. Negative reviews piled up, and foot traffic dwindled. Desperate for a turnaround, Sam turned to Kitchen Nightmares for help.
Kitchen Nightmares Intervention: What Went Wrong?
When Gordon Ramsay arrived, he immediately noticed the dysfunctional atmosphere. Family conflicts played out in front of customers, and Sam’s leadership style only worsened the situation.
Ramsay discovered several key problems:
- Poor Food Quality: The dishes lacked freshness, with frozen and canned ingredients replacing authentic Mediterranean flavors.
- Unhygienic Kitchen: Ramsay found moldy food and spoiled produce, signaling serious cleanliness issues.
- Lack of Professionalism: Sam was overly controlling, dismissing his children’s concerns, leading to a lack of motivation among them.
To fix the restaurant, Ramsay took several crucial steps:
- Kitchen Deep Clean: He ordered a thorough cleaning and removed all expired ingredients.
- Menu Revamp: He introduced a fresh, authentic Mediterranean menu to attract more customers.
- Family Mediation: Ramsay facilitated an honest discussion, allowing the family members to express their frustrations and rebuild trust.
- Interior Makeover: He redesigned the restaurant, giving it a modern and welcoming look.
The grand relaunch initially saw positive results. Customers loved the new dishes, and the family worked together more harmoniously. But would these changes last?
After Kitchen Nightmares: Did the Changes Stick?
Following the episode, Sam’s Mediterranean Kabob Room experienced a short-term boost in business. Customers came in to try the new menu, and online reviews improved slightly. However, the momentum didn’t last long.
Within months, the restaurant started struggling again. Sam reportedly failed to maintain the changes introduced by Ramsay. Some of the key issues included:
- Increased Competition: Newer restaurants in the area drew customers away.
- Lack of Long-Term Adaptation: Sam reverted to old habits, ignoring critical improvements.
- Family Fatigue: The internal conflicts resurfaced as the pressure to keep the business running continued.
By January 2014, less than a year after Kitchen Nightmares aired, Sam’s Mediterranean Kabob Room shut its doors for good.
Where Are They Now? Updates on Sam and His Family
After the closure, Sam and his family moved on to different careers:
- Leina Najjar (Sam’s Daughter): She now works as an Operations Manager at Amazon and has advanced to a leadership role.
- Jamal Najjar (Sam’s Son): He joined the U.S. Navy and relocated to Virginia.
- Sam Najjar: There are no public records of him opening another restaurant after Kitchen Nightmares.
Why Did Sam’s Mediterranean Kabob Room Fail?
Despite Ramsay’s best efforts, Sam’s Mediterranean Kabob Room followed the unfortunate fate of many Kitchen Nightmares restaurants. Here’s why:
- Failure to Adapt: Sam did not fully embrace the changes necessary for long-term success.
- Reliance on Family Labor: Running a restaurant with unpaid family members led to burnout and resentment.
- Customer Experience Issues: The initial problems with service and food quality left a lasting negative impression.
- Market Challenges: Increased local competition made it difficult to regain a loyal customer base.
Lessons for Other Restaurant Owners
Sam’s Mediterranean Kabob Room serves as a cautionary tale for struggling restaurant owners. Here are some key takeaways:
- Commit to Change: Quick fixes don’t work. Sustainable improvements require long-term effort.
- Invest in Quality: Fresh ingredients and excellent customer service can make or break a restaurant.
- Listen to Your Team: A happy and motivated staff is essential for smooth operations.
- Adapt to Competition: Stay updated on industry trends and adjust your strategies accordingly.
Final Thoughts: Did Kitchen Nightmares Help or Hurt?
While Kitchen Nightmares temporarily revived Sam’s Mediterranean Kabob Room, it ultimately couldn’t save it from closure. The restaurant’s downfall was not due to Ramsay’s changes but rather the inability to maintain them.
For restaurant owners watching Kitchen Nightmares, the real lesson isn’t just about fixing what’s broken—it’s about sustaining those fixes for long-term success.
Would Sam’s Mediterranean Kabob Room have survived if it had fully embraced Ramsay’s changes? We’ll never know. But one thing is certain: Kitchen Nightmares offered a chance at redemption.
Unfortunately, it was an opportunity Sam didn’t fully seize.
TL;DR
Sam’s Mediterranean Kabob Room got a Kitchen Nightmares makeover but struggled to maintain changes and closed in 2014. The owner, Sam Najjar, moved on, while his children pursued different careers.
