Undercover Boss is back. HOW Y'ALL DOING? THIS IS 10 times harder than the board room.
Oh. This is a disaster. I would never have found out if I wasn't undercover.
The most devastating economic crisis for a generation has been tough on American business and even tougher on America's workforce. My wife, my kids, and I were all homeless. How many pies man you think you down?
50, just because of the pandemic. So, there's never been a more important [music] time to go undercover. Coming through.
This season Wow. THE TOUGHEST CHALLENGES I got to get out of here. I'm about to throw up in my mouth.
>> the biggest shocks >> [music] >> I need to rethink everything that we're doing. We question whether you were fit for this brand. and the most dramatic, life-changing rewards Are you serious?
This doesn't happen to people like me. in Undercover Boss history. I need to break cover right now and shut [music] this down.
Tonight >> [music] >> Felt like the dogs were going to eat me. The CEO of one of America's biggest pizza franchise companies Welcome to Round Table. How you doing today?
goes undercover. Nice to meet JJ. After joining the business to change its fortunes Most people got laid off.
he's feeling the heat in the kitchen People are home when food is being made. and facing a hot slice of reality. Got toss that one it messed up.
You weren't fast enough. There's so much going on right now. He'll learn hard lessons.
>> This location [music] is very old. >> Sometimes I feel forgotten by corporate. >> It seems like we don't matter anymore.
before making some life-changing decisions. That's the greatest thing you could ever do for me, man. All this next Oh my god.
on Undercover Boss. >> [music] >> My name is Paul Damico and I'm the president and CEO of Round Table Pizza. Round Table Pizza is a family pizza restaurant.
We have been serving pizza for 62 [music] years and we're known as pizza royalty. 7 years ago, I was on Undercover Boss while I was the president of Moe's Southwest [music] Grill. Welcome to Moe's.
Welcome to Moe's. Being on Undercover Boss made me a better boss. You really get to see the details of your business that you normally [music] wouldn't see otherwise.
I learned a lot at the restaurants. And I've made a lot of changes to take the company in the right direction. And now it's time to do it all again with Round Table Pizza.
Joining Round Table Pizza [music] was very appealing to me because having Italian roots and being half Italian, I've got a passion for quality Italian food. It spoke to all of my culinary senses. And this brand has been around for many, many years and [music] over three generations have enjoyed it.
Round Table Pizza was first opened in [music] Menlo Park, California in 1959 by Bill Larson and his family. And the Round Table name is based on the redwood round tables that were from the restaurants at the time. Over the next [music] six decades, the company grew to become a West Coast favorite with 420 restaurants, 8,000 [music] employees, and an annual revenue of over $400 [music] million.
In 2020, food franchise expert Paul Damico >> [music] >> was brought in to spearhead a new era of expansion. >> [music] >> The plan for Round Table Pizza is really to step up our growth. >> Morning, everybody.
We have so much work to do with the brand so we can begin to grow out of the West Coast and and towards the East Coast. We also need to attract the younger generation because if you don't, the brand can become irrelevant. That's something that I worry about every day.
So, we're looking at all aspects [music] of the restaurant. We're looking at the food, we're looking at the design to attract that younger generation. All those things are underway right now.
There's hundreds [music] of thousands of dollars going into these plans and they look great on paper, but I've yet to see any of it with my own eyes. When I first joined the company as CEO, I didn't have [music] a chance to visit the stores due to the pandemic and now it's time. I think part of my backstory is that I'm going to be a bit of a a hipster wine bar owner.
Hipster? Um do I not look like a hipster? >> I don't know if that's going to come across.
Right now, that's not really the vibe that I'm getting. >> [laughter] [music] >> Hello. Hi there.
Are you ready for your disguise? I am. Fantastic.
Without really getting to know the brand, it's very difficult [music] to grow new markets. I need to get out there and really see what's happening at the ground zero. I'm going undercover because it's critically important for me to really get to know Round Table [music] Pizza at the restaurant level.
It's time to meet JJ. >> [laughter] >> I don't think anybody's going to recognize you. >> Like I could pull this off, right?
Totally. You know. My name's Joey Johnson.
My friends call me JJ. >> [laughter] >> THE employees will be told they're on a documentary about starting over in a new career and they have no idea it's Undercover Boss. Goodbye.
Bye-bye. [music] Have fun. I'm on a mission to find out what changes need to be made to secure the future of the company.
I'm very excited to really hit it head-on. >> [music] >> During COVID, deliveries became critical accounting for over 90% of our sales. If we want to get the younger customer to Round Table Pizza, we've got to get delivery right because that's how the millennials are ordering [music] our product.
Today, I'm in Elk Grove, California working with general manager Steve at a restaurant [music] that's 21 years old but still on the top 10% for sales thanks to deliveries. Hi, I'm looking for Steve. >> That's me.
I'm JJ. JJ, nice to meet you. >> Nice to meet you.
You're going to be working with me today? Yeah, I'm looking forward to it. >> First thing we need to do is get you into uniform and then meet me in the kitchen.
>> I'll do that. All right, JJ. So, first we're going to be doing the cut and wrap station.
It is where all of the pizzas come out and we get them prepared for the deliveries. >> My first job today is going to be the cut and wrap station and I feel a little anxious cuz it's the busiest position in the restaurant. So, we use our spatulas.
Basically, you're going to put a a plus sign on it and then an X. Into the box and that one's done. All right, onto the next one.
It's already coming out. Go ahead and cut it into 12 slices. All right.
So, you're starting to get backed up. You got to get a little bit faster. On cut and wrap, speed is everything.
All right. So, you're not moving fast enough. You got to get onto the next one.
The pizza's coming out of the oven so you have to be fast enough to get it before it hits the next pizza. All right. Now you got multiple things coming out right now.
This is all about speed. Stuff comes out really fast. You got to keep up with it.
Whoa. Get rid of your tray. You're going to crash.
All right. Leave it. Leave it.
Leave it. Working on the cut and wrap station was about as hectic as you can imagine. Order number 62.
Keep going. There's no time to stop, though. Steve kept yelling speed, speed, speed and while that is happening, the pizzas are backing up.
>> [music] >> When the pizzas collide, the toppings stick together and get pulled off. The ones that are stuck start to burn. [music] You had your first crash.
I need a remake. There were pizzas that got totally destroyed. >> Toss this one?
Yep. You got to toss that one. It messed up.
You weren't fast enough. Now look what happened. Look what happened.
You got to get faster. When you mess up a pizza once, [music] um that's one thing. >> Toss them in the trash.
It's garbage. When you mess up twice or three times, [music] that's just basically unacceptable. Coming up the boss's day goes from bad >> Hello.
Oh. to worse. You got a tip, right?
Got a tip. You didn't do anything for the tip. That's the problem.
Wow. I really failed at this job. It's my first day undercover working with Steve in the hectic takeout side of our business.
All right. So, you're not moving fast enough. You got to get onto the next one.
[music] The cut and wrap station is not just about cutting and wrapping. It is the last point of quality [music] control and I screwed it up pretty bad today. Toss them in the trash.
It's garbage. So, I'm hoping things get easier from here. All right, JJ.
Next job we have up for you today is that we're going to be doing deliveries. All right. Let's grab our stuff.
Let's go. Let's go. All right.
So, how long you've been [music] with Round Table? Uh this would make 16 years this year. Wow.
So, enough about me. What about you, JJ? I have uh I had a a wine bar in Manhattan and when COVID hit, I closed it.
So, it was it was it was really tough. And that's that's why I'm here really to learn about pizza and is that my next thing? I was worried at first about being undercover.
I really don't think he knows who I am. So, just tell me what it's like working here at Round Table. >> When we first started, it was more of a a family company.
They wanted a lot of input from the stores. >> Right. Now it seems like everything's just so corporate.
They kind of got away from that. It's interesting. >> We actually had a [music] corporate conference call where nobody was allowed to talk and we're the ones on the ground level.
Sure. We're seeing the the customers' reactions to our products but it seems like we don't matter anymore. >> [music] >> It really bothered me that Steve felt that he didn't have a voice or a way to share his ideas.
I really care what Steve thinks. I really care what all of our general managers think. All right, so tips for delivering.
You want to be friendly, get them in a good mood because you're working for your tip. You want to connect with the customer in some way. >> [music] >> Hi.
Hello. I have your pizza. >> Yes, hi.
Thank you. >> [music] >> JJ seemed a little tense. >> Sign that.
You have to be more engaging when you're dealing with customers. Here's your tip. You got a tip, right?
I got a tip. You didn't do anything for the tip. That's the problem.
Wow. [snorts] >> [music] >> You didn't really engage her in a conversation. You kind of got lucky on that one, but all we can do is get better.
>> bothered me that Steve said I didn't earn my tip, but the truth is I didn't do what he told me to do. This [music] one's actually going to be all you. I'm going to stay in the car.
You can handle this one. >> See how this goes. >> [music] >> When [music] you approach someone's front door, there's a lot you're thinking about.
Greeting the customer, barking dogs. Hello. >> Hi.
I'm Oh, what a beautiful dog. Once the door opens, dogs are charging out at you. There's a lot happening on that front stoop.
I thought I ordered one of the 5 oz ranches. Uh let me see. They gave you two 2 oz ranches.
>> Oh, okay. Should I come back? Would you like me to come back?
>> No, this >> was going to be a piece of cake, but I really failed at this job. How'd it go? I felt like the dogs were going to eat me.
And I got no tip, but I tried. >> [music] >> So, how did I do [music] today? Well, so far okay.
Not the greatest. There's a lot of room for improvement. You'll be fine.
You just got got to work on little things. >> Okay. So, tell me a little about you.
You know, I grew up not far from here. Not in the best neighborhood. I used to start getting into a lot of trouble.
I actually ended up doing meth when I was 16. My mom kicked me out of the house. >> [music] >> Said, "You can't come back.
" And so, one night I broke into a garage that was being renovated and I found a found a piece of carpet. I put one piece of carpet on the ground. I put the other piece of carpet around me.
That was my blanket for the night. Um >> [music] >> and at that point, I said, you know, something's got to change, you know. There was a Round Table Pizza that was opening.
General manager said, "All I got left right now is a dough roller. It's basically the hardest position we have, but that's what I got. " I said, "You know what?
I'll take anything. " If I didn't get this job at Round Table, I I I would I would be dead right now. Um, you know, Round Table really did It saved my life.
It's amazing. You should be so proud of yourself. It's amazing to hear [music] anybody credit Round Table with turning their life around.
It's It's a fascinating feeling. I've done great things [music] since then. I have a 6-year-old and I have a 6-month-old.
>> Oh, wow. >> as I give my son the opportunity [music] to surpass me, I feel like I've accomplished my my duty as a father. To hear Steve talk about his family, he's so determined to ensure that those children have better chances [music] than he did.
Makes me emotional. >> [snorts] >> Because I have a strong family, too. Thanks for sharing that story.
No problem, man. You know, you can't change your past. You can only change your future.
After spending time [music] with Steve today, I'm so proud of the employees that work in this restaurant. But, we can do a better job communicating with the store level general managers. Today, I'm in Spokane, Washington and I'm going to work with Patrick.
He's a manager in one of the oldest restaurants in the area. This location has been operating for over 30 years and in recent years, the sales have really been soft. So, when we have a low volume restaurant like this one, it's critical to understand why so we can secure the future of this location.
>> [music] >> Hey, I'm looking for Patrick. That's me. Hey Patrick, how are you?
I'm JJ. Nice to meet you. >> Good to meet you.
Are you excited for today? I can't wait to find out what this is all about. >> All right.
You have there's a shirt and a mask and I'll meet you right through that door over Sounds great. Thanks. JJ seemed cool.
He first came in, I wasn't expecting the hair, you know. It's cool though. Our first [music] thing for the day, we got to make the dough.
Okay. And then we're going to turn it into pizza skins. >> Great.
All right. This is the base of the dough. We got to mix this in the water in our mixer and it's ready to go.
So, we're going to come bring that right over here and dump it right in there. Dough is what makes or breaks a pizza, so I'm very intrigued on on how it is done here. Go ahead and hit the start button.
This is a dough hook. Uh-oh. While we were [music] mixing the dough, with the bowl actually fell out of the mixer.
>> to have to reset it. It's a very old machine. It's missing parts.
With the loud noises coming out of that machine, there were clearly some maintenance issues going on. So, I'm going to explain the dough roller to you. Great.
All right. So, once it's going, we're just going to pull it out. So, you do want to support the dough.
All right. So, fold this piece over [music] and we're going to snake it and then go ahead and throw it up top. >> [music] >> Uh-oh.
Turn it off. Don't reach in there when it's on, please. That was not good.
While I am trying to sheet the dough, the machine gets stuck. Happens all the time. It was obvious that the lack of modernization creates extra work for the staff.
>> [music] >> That's what a new machine does not do. I'm shocked. Things are worse [music] than they seem.
If you go to the other locations, they have very nice machines, you know. This location is very old. The dining room is dark.
>> Yep. It looks like a cave. There's no windows.
[music] Do the younger customers Are they coming into the restaurant? >> Not as much. It is an outdated restaurant.
It looks like a a museum to Round Table. The restaurant's a bit old and tired and it's certainly not the image [music] of the new design of Round Table Pizza. It needs to be updated to attract the younger customer.
All right. So, our next job is learning the takeout room. Are you ready to get some customers in here?
>> so. I think I'm ready. Hello.
Hello. Can I get a medium pepperoni and jalapeno, please? Uh Pepperoni meat.
Pepperoni. Yeah. You can just answer it, put them on hold real quick.
Round Table Pizza. Can I put you on hold for 1 second, please? Takeout order is ready.
>> [music] >> Thank you. And what else? Jalapeno, please.
Jalapeno. All right. You got to pick it up cuz things are piling up.
We like to go a little bit quicker normally and JJ wasn't used to the pace. Credit card. >> [music] >> We had a line drawing out the door.
Thank you for holding. How can I help you? >> Oh, can I just order a pepperoni pie?
Hold for 1 second, please. Working in the takeout area is very, very hectic. Round Table Pizza.
How can I help you? There's just so much to take in at one time. >> We do just have to make sure we introduce ourselves on the phone.
Round Table Pizza. JJ speaking. Thank you for calling Round Table Pizza.
This is JJ. Round Table Pizza. JJ speaking.
Round Table Pizza. This is Paul speaking. [music] I pick up the phone and I say my real name right in front of Patrick.
[music] Can I put you on hold for 1 second, please? I'm terrified that I'm going to blow my cover. Thank you.
Thank you. >> [music] >> Round Table Pizza. How can I help you?
I'm in Spokane, Washington working with restaurant manager Patrick. All right. He thinks my name is JJ, but I may have just blown my cover.
This is Paul speaking. How [music] can I help you? I pick up the phone and I say my real name right in front of Patrick.
Can I put you on hold for 1 second, please? All right, guys. Pick up for Scott.
So, you want to find Scott on here real quick. With the takeout area being so hectic, [music] I don't think Patrick noticed. >> Thank you very much.
Thank you. All right. Our next [music] task, we're going to clean up after lunch.
The carpet looks like a '90s arcade. Flour gets caked in pretty bad. So, we got to vacuum every day.
>> Okay. >> [music] >> Is it normally the general manager's responsibility to vacuum? No, but due to staffing How do you feel about having to do that?
It's not ideal. Anybody can vacuum. Not everybody can do scheduling.
>> Sure. So, what's happening with the staffing right now? Due to COVID, it's hard to find employees and keep employees.
Yeah, when we went into shutdown, you know, most people got laid off. There just wasn't [music] hours, but we would work every day, 7 days a week and it was generally a a handful of us coming in early, staying late. [music] You're doing everything you can though to hold it together.
Oh, absolutely. We all had to take salary cuts as well, you know, we >> [music] >> every penny mattered. What kind of pay cut did you have to take?
About 30%. That's steep. It is.
I'm very grateful to Patrick [music] in keeping this restaurant afloat throughout the pandemic. The pandemic was hard because my dad finished [music] his chemotherapy in February and then everything happened in March. So, I actually didn't get to see him after his so uh it was really [music] difficult for him to be alone for an entire year.
Patrick's had a tough [music] time recently, personally and professionally, and running an old restaurant is only making things worse. That's something we need to address. >> [music] >> Having checked out an older restaurant, >> [music] >> I'm excited to see what our future looks like at one of the newest Round Table Pizzas.
We've chosen Texas [music] as our new market for growth, and so far we've opened three restaurants here. In order to attract a younger generation, we've designed a restaurant that's more modern [music] and has a full bar. Succeeding here is absolutely key to our plans for expanding the business.
You got to do these [music] right here. I'm going to be working today with Anthony, one of our managers that has worked across all three locations here in Dallas. >> [music] >> Hey, I'm looking for Anthony.
Well, welcome to Round Table. I'm Anthony. How you doing today?
>> Hey, how you doing? I'm JJ. Everybody call me Mac.
Never made a pizza before? Uh never made a pizza before. Okay.
Can I get you to put a Round Table shirt on for me, please, sir? Thank you. All right, I'm going to show you step by step how to make a Round Table Pizza, okay?
>> You pull this up. Now we get your sauce in the pizza. Put it on and just come around.
Yep. [music] There you go. Get 8 oz of cheese.
Now one thing about Round Table Pizza, all of it goes to the edge. Here's your salami, [music] sausage at 250. Next should be mushrooms, huh?
Mushrooms. Yeah. You got to do this kind of fast cuz today we're kind of busy.
Green peppers. [music] Put it in the oven. Making the pizzas is a very fast-paced job.
Anthony was pretty impressive. Are you ready to make a pizza for yourself RIGHT NOW, BJ? >> I'M READY.
>> Let's go, big dog. This is the first time that I've made a Round Table Pizza. Yeah, as you put it you you can turn turn the There we go.
Now we can start picking up your speed. Work on your little speed. See how See how that thing keeps running?
If that thing keeps running, that means we got to pick it up. >> [music] >> When you get somebody new that's not as good, it kind of slows everything up. Let's go.
We We're kind of getting behind there, JJ. Let's Let's pick it up. Uh JJ really he can do a lot better.
We're going to put the pizzas in right now. You got to pick up. It was kind of hectic tonight, so we had to kick him to the side cuz we had to make sure [music] our customers get their food on time.
I thought I was pretty fast, but apparently not fast enough for Anthony. >> [music] >> Our next job is we're going to do a thing called B2B. B2B is called business to business.
We'll go to a local business, you'll give them a mini free coupon for a pizza. So what's the reason we're going to do this? We're based out of California, so a lot of people in Texas don't know about Round Table Pizza.
>> Okay. Anthony knows that this is a tough market. The brand is new here.
>> let's hit the road. >> And so you just can't stay inside your restaurant and hope that customers come. You've got to go out and drum them up.
Hello, how y'all doing today? Hi, JJ. I'm here to give you a coupon for one free pizza.
We're right around the corner, and then we also deliver. We'll have to try out. How does that sound?
All right, so I think I can do [music] that. I'm really impressed that Anthony is taking the initiative to meet the local people to grow the business. Hello, ladies.
I wanted to invite you guys over to our store for [music] some free lunch. Please stop in and try us out, okay? Thank you guys.
So Anthony, it seems like you're doing a lot of outreach to the local communities. I beat the streets try to get the the local people in that's close by, but uh when I first seen this place, we thought it'd be really a jam-packed place for the younger crowd, and we're not really getting that right yet. >> What's a busy day look like?
We hold about 170 people. We're We're getting probably half of that. Because this is very new to the Texas people.
But once we get them in here, Right. >> they love it. You got to build traffic in here.
You got to build traffic, you know. And And we're going to need a lot more help from the corporate. Me going 5-mi radius, that's good, but we got to get, you know, radio, TV.
We have to have some commercials, you know. We have to compete with the competitors, you know. And right now I don't think overall as a big brand that we're competing with the competitors.
The fact that the marketing support from corporate is not adequate was a little shocking to me. So I'm going to have to really think about how we might market these restaurants differently here in Dallas. So how long you've been with Round Table?
2 years. And how's it How's it been? It's been pretty good.
It's different. I never did nothing like this for my life. >> Yeah.
Yeah, but went to school, played professional football, and What position you play in football? I was a fullback. You know, I've been in sports all my life.
Got a scholarship to Texas Tech University and did what I had to do, and >> got drafted. I ended up getting drafted, 200th pick overall for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I was not surprised he's a football player.
Anthony's a very big guy. My last year I actually played was in '94. That must have been amazing, but what What happened I tried out with the Redskins in '96 and got cut.
You know, it kind of hurt, so it was bad. No education, job to job, not making the money that you really wanted, and trying to take care of your family, so I ended up hustling in the streets. >> Right.
>> You know, I got locked up. You know, I was in the in the county jail, you know, 4 and 1/2 years. >> Wow.
Possession with intent to deliver. Yeah. Uh Round Table gave me a second chance, and I ain't never looked back.
That's fantastic. I still deal with football. I I mentor some kids from from 4 years old to 12 years old right before they get to middle school, and just [music] dealing with them them kids and dealing with Round Table, you know, it gave me my life back.
>> Great. It gave me my life back. To have such a stellar career in the NFL and have that come to an end and enter a dark part of your life, and then emerge from that darkness into mentoring young athletes is very admirable.
Now I'm [music] at a job where I can take care of my family a little better, and our stepson he's he's special needs. How old is he? He's He's He just turned 17, [music] but he will be with us for the rest of our life, you know.
>> will. Yeah, so we got a little backyard. We probably won't build him a little little house back there if we can afford it and everything.
>> [music] >> That's awesome. Yeah. I think Anthony's story is incredibly inspirational.
Every CEO loves to hear that their company gives [music] people second chances, and I'm pretty proud of that. Today I got to work a little late, so it's time [music] for you to go. >> man.
I appreciate it. Thank you very much. >> Thank you.
Best to you. All right. But it doesn't make me feel good that there's not enough marketing [music] support for the brand here in Dallas.
I got a taco pizza. Who the taco pizza for? And that's something that we need to work on [music] if our expansion plans for Texas are going to succeed.
>> [music] >> This is not one of the easiest restaurants to get to. I am literally in the middle of nowhere. It took me two flights and a 4-hour car drive to get here.
Today I'm in Fort Bragg in remote Northern [music] California. I'll be working with Lota Lena. This location is [music] in the top 25% of our total system.
It's a very successful restaurant. I really want to know what's driving that success. Hi, guys.
I'm looking for Lota Lena. Oh, I'm Lota Lena. Hi.
>> Hey, how are you? I'm JJ. It's great to meet you.
>> I'm so excited you're here. So change into the uniform and meet me in the kitchen. So your first job is going to be I'm going to teach you how to do side dishes.
Those are really important because they bring your sales up. >> Okay. First we're going to start with the wings.
The wings are under here. Okay. >> and put them in.
Go ahead and put them there. As they are in the oven, you get one of these scoops. Okay.
So put it ready. [music] Okay, so now when they come out, toss them. This looks good.
Order up, please. Okay, so we got two orders for two more wings, so I'm going to let you do that. >> Okay.
So we got to try to be fast because the orders are coming out. And you got to hurry up and do this fast. There you go.
Put them in. In my employees, I'm looking for somebody that can move fast. Doesn't want to be a slug.
Things are coming out of the oven, so you got to go faster and faster. So you want to grab that, pull them out. JJ did really good for his first day, but he needs to move a little faster.
Come on, fast fast. Move it. Order up.
Do you have any questions? >> Not yet. I got to think.
There's so much going on right now. A lot of people think it's easy job. It's not.
My employees, they don't make that much an hour. It's hard work. >> So if you want to take care of your employees here, what do you do for them?
Maybe you give them, you know, a gift certificate to Starbucks. Doesn't take much, and it makes their morale so much better when you give them something cuz then they feel like they're appreciated. >> Who pays for that for them?
I do. You do? Out of your own pocket?
Yeah. Sometimes I feel like forgotten by corporate. We don't get much, you know, from them at all.
And they need to be appreciated cuz they work hard. So you care about them. They feel like my family.
I really appreciated the fact that Lota rewarded her employees, but the fact that she takes her own money out of her pocket is not something that I'm very proud of. I think that's something that corporate should really play a role in. I've been here since 1977.
>> Over 40 years. >> Yep. I've had employees from my age, then I had their [music] daughters, and then their grandkids are working here.
And did you grow up here? I came to this country when I was about 10 from Portugal. So we ended up here, and we never left.
So the next job is going to be cleaning the grease trap. So I'm going to let Trish over here help you do that. This is JJ, and Nice to meet you.
What to do. All right. >> Let's go have some fun.
The grease trap is made to catch all the stuff that comes through the sink, so it doesn't go through the drain. A grease trap to catch congealed fat is a standard piece of equipment in all restaurants, but it's not something that I really want to deal with. Aaron Ah, it's horrible.
Ah, after we took the cover off the grease trap, I literally felt nauseous. [music] The smell is so bad from that. What we're going to do is scoop this into those containers.
Okay. Ah. I'm sorry, buddy.
This has got to be the worst job in the restaurant, for sure. >> It is. I've never cleaned a grease trap before, and I will [music] probably never clean a grease trap again.
Ah. Tell me how you came to work here. I was an active alcoholic, trying to get sober at the time.
So, Lord hired me in a time I was struggling. [music] I had about 18 days sober. Came in to work one morning and uh Lord uh said, "Are you okay?
" And I'm like, [music] "No. No, I'm not okay, Lord. I got to just want to get drunk.
" And she just said, "Why aren't you going to AA? " And you know, that was the day [music] she saved my life. She called somebody she knew in the program, and I've been going ever since.
>> That's fantastic. [music] >> This Saturday will be 4 years. Congratulations.
>> Yeah, thank you. Yeah. I've gotten sober.
I am a good and [music] healthy mom. I graduated college. >> [music] >> I couldn't have done that without her, you know?
Like, I would have never >> Meeting with [music] Trish was an emotional session for me. Lord has built an incredible team here >> [music] >> that truly love to support her and ensure her success. That's why I think this restaurant does so well.
How was it? >> a great day. >> [laughter] >> Did you like that?
I did not like the grease trap. >> One good thing, you don't have to do it every day. >> You won't.
[laughter] So, I was wondering, do you want to come out to my house and have a few little snacks and meet my grandkids? >> Sure, I'd love to do that. >> Okay, let's go.
Thank you. Bye-bye. Come on in.
[music] That's Kinsey. Hi. That's Colton.
How are you Colton, nice to meet you. Since Colton started, they've been staying with me. My daughter works 6 days a week, and you know, she's a single mom.
You guys like living with your grandmother? How often you go back to Portugal? Been once, 12 years ago.
Yeah. What was it like? It was awesome.
I still [music] remember the house we lived in at the time. I thought we had a big house. It's a tiny little thing.
Uh you know, it was uh different kind of lifestyle. Have you guys ever been to the homeland? No.
No. Not yet. Last time I went was with my mom and my brother and sisters.
Yeah. I really want to go. So, maybe someday I'll I'll be retired and >> [laughter] >> I have no retirement at Round Table, so that's something I got to start saving for my retirement.
It's important. >> It's very important. You guys take care of your grandmother.
I wish you [music] the best, and thank you for all you've done for me today. Hopefully, someday I'll meet you again. >> you again.
You guys take care. Thank you. >> One of the things I've learned [music] today is that all the employees of Round Table Pizza should be appreciated like they are in Lord's restaurant.
This little place in the middle of nowhere is successful because of her. In our focus to modernize, we can't lose sight of this type of spirit that makes Round Table [music] Pizza so special. >> [music] >> I've had an incredible experience being undercover.
As the CEO, this was the perfect opportunity for me to really [music] get to know what's happening in the business. I've been touched by the stories of the employees [music] that I've met. But, I've also seen things that were tough to take in.
I am [music] more confident now that I can make decisions that will help move the company forward. >> [music] >> Today, all of the employees have been invited to Sacramento, California. I don't know exactly what's going to happen.
It's [music] going to scary. They think they're coming to the set of the fake documentary to film the final interviews, but actually, I'm going to reveal my true identity. I know that he tried his best, and that's all I can ask from somebody who's new.
And they have no idea it's Undercover Boss. >> [music] >> Do I look familiar? Kind of.
What's my name? JJ. Yeah, my name's not JJ.
My name's Paul Damico. >> [laughter] >> I'm the CEO of Round Table Pizza. Whoa.
Oh, wow. And you're on Undercover Boss. And I had you at my house.
Nice to meet you again for the first time. >> [gasps] >> Coming up, the boss delivers [music] life-changing news. This is the most wonderful day of my life.
>> [music] >> Steve, I've been touring Round Table [music] Pizzas, and when I spent time with you, it was one of my favorite times of the trip. Thank you. I'm I'm I'm I'm honored, man.
>> There there was one thing that I I didn't enjoy, and that was when you [music] said that the Round Table had lost its family feel. Don't get me wrong. I mean, I love Round Table.
It was what I've chosen to do for my life. But, uh it makes me feel like our voices don't mean anything anymore. I heard what you said, >> [music] >> and I want you to know that you you are being heard.
I want you to attend the Round Table Association's conference [music] this year. That's going to get you a seat at the table, so everybody can hear what you have to say. [music] Wow, that's awesome.
We talked about your family, and we talked about your childhood, and how it was a bit tough. It was a low part of my life, you know, being addicted to drugs to [music] being homeless. I mean, the past is in the past.
It's going to stay back there. So, I just look forward to my future. When I think about kids and making sure that their future is better than ours, I think it starts with a fantastic >> [music] >> education.
And so, I want to give you $30,000 to start their college fund. That's life-changing. I'm not You know, [music] I mean, not even for my life.
That's life-changing for their life. Uh I just wish that my kids had a chance that I didn't have growing up. And um you know, I didn't get to go to college.
So, that's the greatest thing you could ever do for me, man. >> I'm just glad that I'm in a position to help you do that. Thank you.
Thank you. >> [snorts] >> What just happened? Uh that I mean, being able to like put money away for my kids' college, that's like the greatest gift I could have ever gotten in my life.
Hey, Anthony. Hey, how you doing? How are you?
I'm all right. Okay. I enjoyed [music] spending that day with you, even though I really couldn't sauce the pizza properly.
Don't laugh at me. [music] >> [snorts] >> When we met, you thought we should be doing more to promote Round Table Pizza [music] in Texas. I want you to know that I agree with you.
And because of you, we're going to [music] launch a new PR campaign to drive more traffic into that restaurant. How does that sound? Sounds great.
It sounds great. >> You also shared with me about the youth league that you're involved [music] in. It's a football organization, and I do it for the kids.
Hopefully, they can get a scholarship and try to, you know, do what I didn't [music] do was get a degree. I think it's special that you give back to those young kids. And because of that, I want to give you $10,000, and I want [music] you to get helmets and pads and jerseys to help that team become the Round Table Pizza sponsored team.
>> This is This is wonderful. [music] I mean, them kids is really going to appreciate it. We talked about your stepson.
Now, Caleb? That's my That's my buddy. When you talk to him, you wouldn't think he was special needs.
[music] But, he's going to be with us for the rest of our lives. But, he's a real good kid, you know? Real good kid.
That story touches my heart. And because of that, I want to give you $25,000 [music] to help modify your home. Meaning, do whatever you have [music] to do to get the house ready for him.
Wow. We put a plan together [music] and trying to figure out, and I never thought it would happen like this, you know? I really appreciate [music] it, man.
I'm I'm shocked, you know? I'm grateful. I'm happy.
Thank you, Mr Paul. It's crazy. It's crazy.
Patrick, thank you for the [music] time that we shared together. You were amazing. Oh, that means a lot to me.
[music] Your restaurant's a bit old, right? A bit A bit tired? Yeah.
Yeah. So, one of the things I'm going to do is I'm going to talk with your franchisee, and I want to get a feel for his plans for revamping that restaurant. Um don't [snorts] get me wrong.
I love that restaurant, and I know it inside and out, but >> Yep. Thank you. Patrick, you also shared with me how difficult it was to work in the restaurant during the pandemic, the amount of hours that you put in.
It was just every [music] day, all the time. And you did all that and took a 30% cut in your pay. Yeah.
You kept that restaurant afloat, and I want to reward you for [music] that. I want to give you $10,000. Thank you for your loyalty to Round Table Pizza.
Speechless. Thank you. Can I share any of that with my crew?
They've done just as much. [music] >> That shows you have a big heart. So, I'm going to give you another $10,000, and share that how [music] you feel fit.
That means a lot to me. Thank you. You also shared some personal challenges with me, that your dad had recovered from cancer.
I didn't [music] get to see him for a very long time. You're pretty close with your dad. >> I am.
Well, [music] one of the things I'm going to do for you, cuz I think relationships are important, Mhm. so I'm going to give you $15,000 for a trip for you and your dad to get some real [music] R&R in a post-pandemic, post-cancer environment. I I would love that.
I haven't seen him happy in a long time. You think this will make him happy? Yeah.
I he'll be speechless. I'm just in shock. [music] To have somebody recognize all of that, [music] it just shows that things will be good again.
Hey, Lore del Lina. Hi. I have to say that my time with you was [music] spectacular.
Thank you. One of the things you shared with me is that you feel a little neglected because you have to use [music] your own money to help the employees feel appreciated and taken care [music] of. Yeah.
Cuz that is what you are great at. Thank you. But I want to do something for you.
I want to give you $5,000 in gift [music] cards. Oh my god. To take care of those employees.
Oh, thank you. And I want you to use them whenever you see fit. Oh, they will be so happy.
Thank you. Thank you so much. >> [snorts] >> When I met your grandchildren, we started to talk about how you came from Portugal and what it was like growing up there as a young girl.
>> [music] >> I want you to live out that dream of taking your grandkids to your homeland. And so, I'm going to give you $15,000 Oh my god. so that you can take them and show them where you started to become [music] a young [snorts] woman that today does nothing but care for people.
That's a a lifetime dream. Thank you so much. I think you're the longest-term employee I've ever met.
Talk to me about your retirement. [music] How's it going to happen? I probably have to work for the rest of my life, you know.
I really don't have a retirement. >> to help you with that. Oh my gosh.
So, I want to give you $25,000 to start a retirement fund. You've given 40 years to Round Table Pizza. So, I want you to enjoy your retirement and [snorts] I just want to help kickstart it.
Is that okay? I have to say this is the most wonderful day in my life. I want to thank you from the bottom of [music] my heart for what you do for this company.
Thank you so much. Thank you so much. Thank you.
I mean I'm in shock still. He was so generous. I just can't I just can't believe this happened to me.
My Undercover experience has given me the knowledge [music] to really understand this brand and I've learned that we have some amazing people, a level of loyalty and dedication that don't know that I've really ever seen. And I feel positive and energetic about the future and how to go about attracting the younger generation.
