Though the "Real Housewives of Westchester" has yet to materialize, that didn't stop a local business from participating in a different kind of reality show.
Restaurant Stakeoutβa Food Network show hosted by Uncle Jack's Steakhouse founder Willie Degel that helps troubled restaurants identify the problems plaguing their establishmentsβfeatured Mamaroneck's Roasted Peppers in an episode called "This Place is a Ghost Town!"
According to the Food Network website, owner Juan Lepe has struggled with the restaurant losing money since it opened in 2009; recently, his 11-year-old son was diagnosed with a brain tumor, making profitability a more urgent goal than ever.
Lepeβwho grew up in Jalisco, Mexico and came to the U.S. when he was 16βworked at several Westchester establishments before working his way up to cook at the now-defunct Rockwell's in Mamaroneck. He launched Roasted Peppers in 2009 withΒ Darrell Belcher and Ruben Ochoa, Jr.Β
The episode ThisΒ Place is a Ghost Town can be viewed on the Food Network on June 8 and 16 at 3 p.m.
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