Restaurant Revisited: Betting the House at Zoog's Caveman Cookin

Find out how Zoog's Caveman Cookin is doing since undergoing a Restaurant: Impossible transformation.

Related To:

Robert Irvine on Restaurant: Impossible

Photo by: COYNE

COYNE

It's no secret that Robert Irvine has visited his share of far-gone restaurants in the nearly 10 seasons of Restaurant: Impossible, but on tonight's new episode, he was quick to admit that Zoog’s Caveman Cookin may surely be among the worst he's ever encountered. From the too-dark interior and the filthy kitchen that Robert was forced to shut down to owner Zoog's lack of commitment to the business, Robert and his team faced two days of daunting challenges before they could reopen the Port Hadlock, Wash., restaurant to a packed house. Read on below to hear from Zoog and find out how he and his restaurant are faring today.

Business has increased nearly 20 percent since Robert left, Zoog explains, though he adds that his personal health went downhill. "I'm sorry to say that about four weeks after [the Restaurant: Impossible experience], I had a heart attack," he says, before adding, "I am taking my medicine now and am feeling better."

In thinking about his step-daughter, Zoog admits, "Holly has stepped up and is pretty much running the place while I get better. She has my full support, and I make sure that her instructions are followed." He adds that since the transformation, "everyone else here has really stepped up," and the team continues to ensure that the space is clean.

Zoog is in charge of running the smoker now, and he notes, "I have not been drinking when I work, and now that I am not in the kitchen at night, [I] am taking a more active role out front."

More from Restaurant Revisited:

Mystic Treats (January 28)
Knife and Fork Gastropub (December 15)
Double H Ranch (December 8)
Mama E's Wings & Waffles (November 24)
Papa C's Eastside Cafe (November 3)
Mama Lucrezia's (September 24)
Green Beret Club (September 17)
Spicy Bar and Grill (September 10)
El Bistro (September 3)
Uncle Andy's Diner (August 27)
Paul's Bar & Bowling (August 6)
The Fork Diner (July 23)
Portu-Greek Cafe (June 11)
Bama Q (May 28)
Cave Inn BBQ (May 21)
Urban Roots (April 9)
Pasión Latin Fusion (March 19)
Tootie's Texas BBQ (March 12)

Next Up

Restaurant Revisited: Paliani’s Restaurant

We checked in with the owner of Paliani's to see how the restaurant is doing after their Restaurant Impossible renovation with Food Network's Robert Irvine.

Restaurant Revisited: Windseeker Restaurant

Find out how Windseeker Restaurant is doing after their Restaurant: Impossible renovation with Food Network's Robert Irvine.

Restaurant Revisited: Pollard's

We checked in with owners Tarrance and Torria Pollard to see how business is going after their Restaurant: Impossible intervention.

Restaurant Revisited: Pappas

Robert’s latest mission brought him to Pappas, a family-owned Greek restaurant in Benicia, Calif. Feuding brothers, a drab interior and lackluster food were leading this business toward extinction.

Restaurant Revisited: Gusanoz

A few months after their Restaurant: Impossible makeover, the owners filled us in on how the new-and-improved Gusanoz is doing.

Restaurant Revisited: Cocoamoda

Find out how Cocoamoda is doing after its transformation on Restaurant: Impossible.

Restaurant Revisited: Michele’s

We checked in with the owner of Michele's to see how the restaurant is doing after their Restaurant Impossible renovation with Food Network's Robert Irvine.

Restaurant Revisited: Barolo

In Aptos, Calif., Robert and the Restaurant: Impossible team faced the daunting task of turning things around at Ristorante Barolo.

Restaurant Revisited: Zandi's

A few months after their emotional Restaurant: Impossible makeover, we checked in with Evette and Yvonne to see how business is going.

Restaurant Revisited: Stella's

We checked in with the Savoies a few months later to see how business is going.