Gordon Ramsay’s Secret Service: Why did Pretty Girls Cook face collapse? Details explored

In episode 9 of Gordon Ramsay’s Secret Service, which aired on July 30, 2025, Gordon Ramsay visits Pretty Girls Cook, a woman-led soul food restaurant located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Once a local favorite, the restaurant now struggles under severe financial and operational stress.

Founded by Dominique Ryan in October 2017, the restaurant thrived until 2019, but the challenges brought on by the pandemic and internal dysfunction have pushed it toward the edge of collapse. At the time of Ramsay’s visit, Dominique admitted to being buried in nearly $170,000 of debt and losing her passion for cooking, which had once been the driving force of her business.

Gordon Ramsay’s Secret Service episode 9, titled “Pretty Girls Cook,” revealed that the restaurant was failing due to a combination of poor food safety standards, lack of leadership, and staff conflict. The situation worsened as customers witnessed arguments in the open kitchen, food was served in unsanitary conditions, and the owner, Dominique, became increasingly absent from daily operations.

Gordon Ramsay’s Secret Service: Why Gordon Ramsay shut down Pretty Girls Cook

Gordon Ramsay’s Secret Service begins the inspection process with Ramsay entering Pretty Girls Cook at night. Inside, he immediately detects a foul odor and finds spoiled chicken soaked in blood, open and unsafe mussels, and old lamb chops in storage.

Ramsay also points out the one-armed chairs in the dining area, highlighting customer discomfort. On the morning of service, he watches the restaurant from a surveillance van. Cameras installed under the false pretense of a show called Restaurant Refresh allow him to monitor staff behavior.

During the episode, Ramsay observes a kitchen floor littered with fries and identifies potential pest problems after seeing dead mice in the alley. Ramsay notices that Dominique is absent during the shift, prompting him to conclude she has become uninvolved and unmotivated.

Ramsay identifies three main problems: poor food standards, fractured team dynamics, and a complete lack of leadership. To evaluate food quality, Ramsay sends in undercover diners: Hell’s Kitchen season 21 winner Alex Belew and season 3 winner Rock Harper.

Both find issues, with Alex criticizing the use of plastic cutlery and the mac and cheese’s lack of flavor and consistency. Harper struggles with seating comfort.

Ramsay then instructs them not to eat the lamb chops, already aware of their spoilage. When he realizes the dead mussels are being served, Ramsay shuts down the restaurant on the spot and tells the customers to leave.

In a confrontation with staff, Ramsay reveals that he has been monitoring them. He presents the spoiled chicken and calls out unsafe practices. Ronnie admits that serving dead mussels could result in food poisoning.

Ramsay also addresses the visible staff conflicts, articularly between Mina and Ronnie. Dominique later confesses that running the restaurant has crushed her enthusiasm for cooking. Ramsay reminds her that it is not a charity and that she must reclaim control to save her business.

Despite this, when Ramsay returns to observe again, he finds the team still arguing. Frustrated, he reenters and tells them they have completely lost their way. The next day, Ramsay takes them to a yoga session to reset team morale.

This moment allows Dominique to reflect and reset, while Ramsay privately tells the staff that they need to reconnect and work as a single team. The chefs acknowledge Dominique’s kindness and recognize her efforts, but Ramsay pushes them to support her by improving communication.

What else happened in Gordon Ramsay’s Secret Service episode

Later in the episode, Gordon Ramsay’s Secret Service renovates the restaurant with new kitchen equipment, fresh produce, and a refreshed menu. Ramsay personally cooks with Dominique to help reignite her passion.

The insider’s identity is then revealed: Mina. Though emotional, she says being the insider felt like a betrayal. Dominique thanks her instead, recognizing the opportunity it brought.

On relaunch night in Gordon Ramsay’s Secret Service, Rock and Alex return as guests, and the service runs smoothly. When the grill fails, Ramsay teaches Dominique how to finish dishes on the stove. The episode ends with Ramsay offering encouragement before leaving.

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Fans can stream Gordon Ramsay’s Secret Service on Hulu.

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