The Handlebar restaurant in Mt. Sinai, New York, was once the talk of the town, but when celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay stepped in to save it in 2008, it had already fallen into disrepair. Despite the couple, Billy and Carolyn LeRoy’s efforts, they failed to renovate the restaurant to keep up with the times. Ramsay’s “Kitchen Nightmares” show only provided a temporary boost, and the restaurant’s fate was sealed.
The Clash and the Turnaround
Ramsay’s arrival at Handlebar was met with immediate conflict. He criticized the owners for the poor kitchen conditions and the quality of the food. Slow service also contributed to customers’ frustrations, causing them to seek alternatives. What Handlebar needed was a complete overhaul. Ramsay believed transforming it into one of Long Island’s only Gastro Pubs would be the key to its future success.
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Despite initial protests from Billy, the relaunch proved to be a success, attracting notable guests such as Dee Snyder from Twisted Sister. The restaurant seemed to be thriving once again. So, what went wrong?
Handlebar’s Demise
Just a year after Ramsay’s intervention, Handlebar appeared to be booming. Customers filled the establishment, and Billy Leroy seemed pleased with the changes. However, this newfound success didn’t last. In 2009, Handlebar closed its doors for good. Since then, the location has seen several other restaurants come and go, including the recent Bench Warmer’s Tavern.
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The exact reason behind Handlebar’s closure remains unknown, but it’s possible that Billy decided to cut his losses and sell the establishment, an idea he toyed with during the show’s taping. Public opinion of the restaurant was mixed, with one Yelp reviewer expressing sadness over its decline, stating, “I was sad to see it went downhill and sadder to see that it closed. It had been around for a long time.”
As for Billy Leroy, he passed away in 2015 but is remembered fondly by both TV fans and locals as a good-hearted man. One person remarked, “He was a good guy. His restaurant was top tier after Gordon Ramsay helped his restaurant rise to the top.”
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Source: https://t-tees.com
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