Shanty on 19th Update – 24 Hours to Hell and Back – Still Open in 2022?

Episode Recap

Shanty on 19th was an Allentown, Pennsylvania restaurant featured on Season 2 of Gordon Ramsay’s 24 Hours to Hell and Back.

Though the Shanty on 19th 24 Hours to Hell and Back episode aired in January 2019, the actual filming and visit from Gordon Ramsay took place all the way back in October 2018. It was Season 2 Episode 2.

Located in Allentown, PA, Shanty on 19th opened all the way back in 1968, which makes it one of the oldest restaurants to appear on 24 Hours to Hell and Back.

Joe owns the bar with his wife, Melanie. Joe always wanted to own a restaurant of his own, so he was happy to get a chance with Shanty on 19th.

For many years Shanty on the 19th was a trendy restaurant, but things have started to go down hill.

The original concept of the restaurant was high-end dining, but now it is bar culture.

The owners are close to two million dollars in debt, and their marriage is on the rocks. They desperately need help from Gordon Ramsay and his crew.

Gordon comes into the restaurant disguised as a hockey fan. T

he menu is extensive, and Gordon orders a sampling from the menu.

The executive chef, Kennedy, and Joe, the owner, are heard arguing in the kitchen. There are regularly staffing issues, which makes it hard for Kennedy to do her job.

The blackened scallops that Gordon orders come out burnt, and they wait nearly an hour for the rest of their food. 

Gordon waits for his food; he realizes the interior is worn out and doesn’t look like a fine dining establishment.

When the food is finally served, it is served half-frozen.

Gordon reveals himself and stops the dining service.

He brings everyone to the Hell on Wheels truck to watch the hidden footage. 

There is footage of Joe’s father spitting in the food (disgusting!) and multiple staff members who taste the food with their fingers.

The kitchen is filthy, and Joe is always drinking on the job.

The staff says Joe tries hard but puts a lot of restrictions on them. Joe is distraught by the footage, and rightfully so. 

Sous chef Tommy says Joe doesn’t give the kitchen any control, although he is a good guy.

Chef Kennedy gets upset and begins using foul language.

Joe’s father is very disruptive, and eventually, Gordon gets Joe to fire him.

Joe is the main problem because he won’t listen to his wife. 

Gordon looks into the kitchen and sees equipment that typically catches fire and grease and grime build up all around the stove.

Gordon makes the staff clean the kitchen while walking with Joe’s wife, Melanie.

Melanie says she has thought of leaving Joe but still loves him.

Gordon shows the new menu to Chef Kennedy, who is grateful that the menu is smaller. 

Mary and Gordon’s staff train Chef Kennedy on a new dish. Joe and Gordon go outside for a talk.

Gordon suggests making Joe’s wife the general manager. It will help take the pressure off of him.

Joe apologizes to his wife, and they begin preparing for the relaunch. 

The staff is highly impressed by the new food and are excited to get a chance to serve it on relaunch night.

The last meal the team makes before relaunch is messed up, and Gordon has them try and make it again. 

The kitchen has new appliances, which should help the kitchen staff work more efficiently and get orders out on time.

During the relaunch, Kennedy takes control of the kitchen with great food coming out.

Joe goes back to his old ways but is quickly reminded by Gordon to stop and things generally seem to be looking up for Shanty on 19th in Allentown.