(keep reading to learn what happened)
Season: 3 | View All Season 3 Episodes
Original Episode Air Date: February 25, 2020
SoBo (South Boulevard) Address: 10840 Maumelle Blvd North Little Rock, AR 72113
Episode Recap
SoBo Restaurant, also known as South Boulevard, was a Little Rock, Arkansas restaurant featured on Season 3 of Gordon Ramsay’s 24 Hours to Hell and Back.
Though the SoBo restaurant 24 Hours to Hell and Back episode aired in February 2020, the actual filming and visit from Gordon Ramsay took place earlier in 2019.
It was Season 3 Episode 9 of 24 Hours to Hell and Back.
South Boulevard, otherwise known as SoBo restaurant, is located in Little Rock, Arkansas.
The restaurant is located on a bustling main road, which should set it up for success with lots of potential customers.
Jermaine opened the restaurant one year before honoring his Korean mom’s culture.
South Boulevard serves Korean and American food.
However, the restaurant is $200,000 in debt, which is why it’s in desperate need of help from Gordon Ramsay and 24 Hours to Hell and Back.
Jermaine and his family have no restaurant experience.
To get around that, he thought if he hired the staff, everything would run itself.
Jermaine’s girlfriend Whitney has quit her job to assist SoBo restaurant, causing strained relationships.
Gordon arrives undercover as an audio crew member. The kitchen is chaotic and unorganized.
Everything is cooked atop a dirty, grimy grill.
Gordon removes his disguise and has the staff and customers meet him in the Hell on Wheels truck.
He shows them the footage from the kitchen. The kitchen is filthy, and there is rotten produce. Everyone can also see how chaotic the kitchen is.
A member of Gordon’s team brings out a tub of rancid salmon and asparagus.
The staff is highly embarrassed. Jermaine is defeated and admits to Gordon that he has no idea what he is doing.
The kitchen hasn’t been cleaned in eight months. Even though the fridge isn’t working, it is still storing slimy chicken fingers and sour pulled pork.
The staff admits that no one is paid on time, and when they are, the checks often bounce.
Gordon takes Jermaine and the chef to the Hell on Wheels bus to show them the new menu.
Gordon also shows Jermaine footage of his mother, who supports him financially.
She funds the restaurant and pays for Jermaine’s child support. She could retire if it wasn’t for Jermaine and the restaurant.
Gordon tells Jermaine’s parents to stop funding the restaurant.
Gordon surprises the staff with three new chefs as well as brand new kitchen equipment.
Jermaine can’t remember the specials, and he struggles to describe what they are even after being continually told.
Gordon has to coach him because he is too nervous to talk to guests.
The customers love the new décor, and although there are a few hiccups, the relaunch night is an overall success.
Although things went well, Gordon advises Jermaine it still might be in his best interests to sell the restaurant.
So did Jermaine take Gordon up on his advice? And what happened to the South Boulevard restaurant after 24 Hours to Hell and Back? Keep reading to find out!
SoBo (South Boulevard) Update - What Happened Next?
Three months after the episode was filmed, Jermaine reported that business was up.
The kitchen staff embraced the new changes and loved the new menu.
Jermaine and Whitney are doing well, and he has become more hands-on in the restraint.
However, the good times would not last forever…
Is SoBo (South Boulevard) still open?
The restaurant closed for good in February 2020, which means it was actually closed before the 24 Hours to Hell and Back episode aired on TV (though well after the visit from Gordon Ramsay and the Hell on Wheels truck).
For a time, the old SoBo restaurant Little Rock location was occupied by a new restaurant called The Hangout Grill & Bar.
However, as of 2022, The Hangout Grill & Bar is also marked as closed.
When I know which business takes over the location next, I will update this post.
Why did SoBo close?
They tried to keep it open until the episode aired, but the landlord had to lock the doors due to being behind in rent.
He stated that their rent was often late if it was paid at all.
To add more difficulties, Southern Boulevard lost its liquor license due to unpaid bills prior to being shut down.
Put those money issues together with the loss of the liquor license and it’s easy to see why Gordon Ramsay couldn’t save this restaurant.
I think Gordon knew himself that it wouldn’t be successful, which is why he told Jermaine to sell the restaurant.
More Information
https://www.yelp.com/biz/south-boulevard-north-little-rockWhat did you think about the episode? I'd love it if you shared your thoughts on the episode in the comments below!
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And don't forget to check out the full 24 Hours to Hell and Back open and closed list.
Last updated: 2022-04-13 04:51
I just watched the episode prior to reading this. I knew they were doomed and that guy was in way over his head
Indeed, this owner had no clue and honestly no business running a restaurant with his parents’ money. This was painful to see because the potential of the other staff and location/concept was there.
I ate there 11/19 and the food was excellent. I even posted my plate on FB because it was so healthy and so beautiful. There were only three entrees on the menu, but each were perfectly prepared. I am so sorry it closed.
Thanks for sharing your experience!
The Hangout Grill & Bar is now listed as permanently closed too
Thanks for letting me know! I will edit the SoBo update. I wonder what business will enter next – that spot doesn’t seem to be very lucky.
It’s a barbecue restaurant called Count Porkula’s now. They have a 4.4 star rating on Google.
Really sad Jermaine had to close up bc the tutelage from GR would have been worth much & his investments into it.
Germaine needed this experience to be stronger, but heck, what an experience!
Looks like the location is now Count Porkula BBQ.
It is amazing
Did Gordon Ramsay suggest to Germaine of selling the restaurant?NO you got that information WRONG that came after the fact Gordon wanted Germaine to take responsibility of the business, but Germaine trying to be cute and played around the fact of the business,like he didn’t care.Then that’s when Gordon told him if he isn’t going to step up and take charge, he will put the business and the building on the market and sell.
GR said to get the revenue up and sell. They didn’t take the advice. It was a doomed business.
He did tell them to sell… pay attention.
George Moy you are not too bright are you? You must be related to the owner of Soba. Clueless
GR told him to “grow up or sell the place”.