Reality show seeks to help struggling Valley eateries

Reality TV is a scourge to many, but it could it be the savior to a struggling restaurant.

Celebrity Chef Gordon Ramsey’s TV show Kitchen Nightmares is casting in Phoenix, and casting producer Kristin Conlin is searching for a certain type of place.

“We’re really looking for that family-owned, independently-owned restaurant who really needs a kick in the right direction to become more successful,” she said.

Curtin said there are many challenges facing restaurants.

“The staff, to the decor, to they’re not financially making it, to they’re trying to compete with a lot of corporate restaurants that have come into the area or chains,” she said.

The show’s staff usually spends a week with the restaurant, fixing any of the countless issues that can sink a business, but Ramsey’s help doesn’t guarantee profits.

But the fix isn’t that easy. A hotel featured in Ramsey’s other show, Hotel Hell, closed two months ago and couldn’t last until its episode was due to be aired. Still, Curtin says they’re just in it to help.

“We really want to help those people who this business is their life,” she said. “They depend on this business to support their family, their friends, and there really is a lot at stake if this restaurant doesn’t survive.”