Has Pretty Girls Cook Endured Since Gordon Ramsay's Secret Service? Here's the 2025 Update

A Journey of Revival and Resilience

Gordon Ramsay's Secret Service, a popular television series that showcases the chef's efforts to help struggling restaurants, recently featured Pretty Girls Cook, a soul food restaurant in Philadelphia. The episode, which aired on July 30, 2025, highlighted the challenges that had pushed the once-busy establishment close to closure. Founded in October 2017 by Chef Dominique Ryan, who learned to cook from her grandmother, the restaurant initially thrived but faced significant difficulties after the COVID-19 pandemic. At one point, it was burdened with a $170,000 debt and declining food quality.

The situation became dire enough for line cook Mina to reach out to Gordon Ramsay for assistance. In response, Ramsay and his team implemented several key changes, encouraging Dominique to take a more active leadership role. With new equipment and renewed motivation, the staff worked tirelessly to restore the restaurant to its former glory.

A New Chapter for Pretty Girls Cook

According to their latest Instagram update from June 2025, Pretty Girls Cook has now reopened four days a week, operating from Thursday to Sunday. This change is part of a summer plan aimed at providing customers with the best possible experience. The post stated, “We’re switching things up for the season! Pretty Girls Cook will be closed Monday - Wednesday so we can bring you the best vibes and flavors for the rest of the week.”

The updated schedule includes specific hours for each day. On Thursdays and Fridays, the restaurant is open from 3 pm to 9 pm. Saturdays feature brunch service from 10 am to 2 pm, followed by dinner from 4 pm to 10 pm. Sundays are dedicated to brunch only, running from 10 am to 3 pm. The eatery offers dine-in, takeout, delivery, and reservation options to meet the diverse needs of its customers.

Overcoming Challenges with Support

During the episode of Gordon Ramsay's Secret Service, the chef and his team stepped in to assist Pretty Girls Cook, a woman-run restaurant that had once been a local favorite. At the time of filming, the business was facing both financial and operational challenges. Ramsay addressed several critical issues, including health hazards and poor communication among the team.

Chef Dominique admitted during the episode that the restaurant’s decline had taken a toll on her passion for cooking. When asked what losing Pretty Girls Cook would mean to her, she said, “It took away my love for being creative.” In response, Ramsay asked the staff to step outside so he could speak to Dominique privately. He encouraged her to take charge and lead the team effectively.

The Secret Service team made significant improvements to the restaurant, helping to restore structure and efficiency. The kitchen staff was guided to work more cohesively, with clear roles assigned to each member. By the end of the episode, customers began returning, and the team received positive feedback. Ramsay praised their hard work and dedication.

Continued Growth and Recognition

Since their appearance on Gordon Ramsay's Secret Service, Pretty Girls Cook has seen a resurgence in popularity. Reviews across platforms like TripAdvisor and Google reflect strong ratings, with 4.3 stars on both sites. Yelp also gives the restaurant a 3.8-star rating, indicating consistent customer satisfaction.

In addition to improved online reviews, the restaurant has participated in several notable events in recent years. They served at the Chicago Excel Academy in 2023, catered for Alicia Keys’ concert at the Met, and partnered with GQ Magazine and Hennessy at a World Trade Center event in March 2024. In July 2025, they created a custom menu for a Black Camp event and hosted a Social Wednesday gathering with a live DJ.

Despite operating fewer days a week, the team remains focused on maintaining high-quality service and engaging in community events as part of their ongoing growth strategy. Their journey serves as an inspiring example of resilience, determination, and the power of support from the right people.