Catfish Cabin – 24 Hours to Hell and Back Update – Memphis, TN – Open or Closed?

Episode Recap

Catfish Cabin was a Memphis, Tennessee restaurant featured on Season 2 of 24 Hours to Hell and Back. Though the Catfish Cabin 24 Hours to Hell and Back episode aired in January 2019, the actual filming and visit from Gordon Ramsay took place earlier in November 2018. It was Episode 4 of Season 2.

Located in Memphis, Tennessee, Catfish Cabin is owned by Charles and managed by his daughter Rachel.

Rose is the head cook and has been with the restaurant for over fifteen years.

Catfish Cabin opened in 1971 but started declining in 2008 due to the recession.

Geraldine, the manager of fifteen years, will not listen to Rachel, only Charles.

Gordon arrives at Catfish Cabin undercover as a construction worker.

The décor is outdated, and there is a foul smell coming from the kitchen.

Gordon decided to order popular Memphis dishes. Gordon is unimpressed by the greasy hushpuppies, soggy catfish, and his undercooked hamburger. 

Gordon makes it known who he is and tells the customers to stop eating.

He shuts down the restaurant and takes the staff and customers to his Hell on Wheels truck.

He then shows everyone the hidden camera footage from the kitchen. The video showcases the dirt and grime that is under the cooking equipment. There is also cross-contamination caught on camera. There are also vermin and pests and a dead rat. 

Gordon invites the customers back in twenty-four hours for the relaunch. Gordon gathers the staff together without Charles and Rachel.

Rachel is not listened to by manager Geraldine. Geraldine also has no answers for the state of the restaurant.

Gordon’s team begins the renovations on Catfish Cabin.

While that is happening, Gordon inspects the walk-in fridge and sees spoiled beef and catfish.

Rosie, the chef, who is responsible for cleaning, gets defensive.

Charles steps in to defend Rosie, but Gordon stops him. Charles gets frustrated and leaves, so Gordon stops the remodeling.

Charles eventually comes back and listens to Gordon, and the renovations resume. 

Rachel wants complete control of the restaurant, but Charles refuses to let go.

Gordon shows Charles a video of Geraldine taking money from the register.

She swears it was for business purposes only, but there is no record of her taking the money.

As a result, Charles has no choice but to terminate her. 

Rachel asserts her leadership, and she fires Geraldine. Everyone was thrilled that Rachel stepped up and did the right thing by letting Geraldine go.

As part of the renovation, Gordon surprises the kitchen staff with brand new fryers. The whole area looks new and improved. 

With less than an hour from the relaunch, the kitchen staff practices their skills by serving meals to the staff. One piece of chicken they do is pink and raw, but they’ve otherwise made a big improvement.

The customers are impressed with the new modern décor. There is even a boat on the ceiling.

Charles officially hands the reigns over to Rachel during the relaunch. Rachel is nervous, so Gordon gives her a pep talk. 

The night begins well with dishes leaving the kitchen on time. However, chicken is going out raw and being sent back.

Rachel goes to the office to cry, but then she composes herself. Things get back on track, and Gordon says goodbye after receiving a big hug from Rosie.