Guru Life: Kitchen Nightmares’ makeover of Rosemount restaurant revealed

A Sunshine Coast hinterland restaurant owner has spoken for the first time after being grilled on national television, singling out one particular criticism that left a bad taste in his mouth.

A Sunshine Coast hinterland restaurant owner has told his side of the story after the business he owns with his fiancee was grilled on Channel 7’s Kitchen Nightmares.

Guru Life owners Jonny Bundellu and Kate O’Reilly were put under the spotlight on Channel 7’s latest Australian reality cooking show hosted by Colin Fassnidge on Wednesday, October 20 for all of Australia to witness.

Ms O’Reilly detailed the restaurant’s woes during the episode, revealing how their big dream turned into a financial black hole.

The couple told Fassnidge they were only months away from losing their house and their business.

Among the list of concerns the Irish TV chef had about the operation was the “travel guide” menu, the carefree attitude of Mr Bundellu and his staff, food quality, “RSL style buzzers” and their curry nights.

Kate O'Reilly and Jonny Bundellu of Guru Life restaurant. Picture: Patrick Woods

“Food from around the globe, but universally sh---,” Fassnidge said about Guru Life’s menu.

Through a combination of reworking the menu, table service, a redesign of the outdoor area Fassnidge’s help in the kitchen, Guru Life successfully relaunched and focused on day trading.

Guru Life owners Kate O’Reilly and Jonny Bundellu with Colin Fassnidge on Channel 7's Kitchen Nightmares. Picture: Channel 7

Speaking about their episode, Mr Bundellu said he was happy with how it panned out but would’ve loved to have seen more of their segment aired.

“It was really intense at times, they were very kind on the episode last night but there was some stuff that didn’t come out last night,” Mr Bundellu said.

Colin Fassnidge taste testing Guru Life’s menu. Picture: Channel 7

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The Guru Life owner didn’t go into details on the “heated conversations” he had with Fassnidge but said some were “quite bad”.

Mr Bundellu said the episode was an opportunity to be mentored but they received some “tough love” which “became quite brutal and full-on”.

The owner said contrary to Fassnidge’s advice, curry nights, beer yoga events and Mexican barbecue evenings were profitable but he was grateful for the feedback and suggestion to focus on day trading moving forward.

“We’re very happy how it went down, though. We’ve followed his advice and it’s been cool, the phone’s ringing off the hook and bookings were flying in,” he said.

“Big thanks to Colin for putting us back on the map.”