Mad Cactus: 1 Year After 'Restaurant Impossible' Makeover

It's been a year since TV chef Robert Irvine filmed a Restaurant:Impossible episode for the Food Network at Strongsville's Mad Cactus.

The show promised to bring new life to the 27-year-old Tex-Mex restaurant.

And?

"Hollywood doesn't always know best," owner Tom Krukemeyer said this week. 

In fact, after an influx when the show aired last fall, business dropped off considerably, with long-time customers lamenting the loss of their favorite meals from the streamlined menu.

"It's been a struggle," Krukemeyer said. "Our sales were down, so we listened and we changed."

He estimated 95 percent of the old menu is now back, including the return of $3 Steak Night on Mondays, $1.50 tacos on Tuesdays and other old favorites, like 40-cent wings on Sundays.

"Our customers really do know best," Krukemeyer said. 

Restaurant Impossible sent Irvine in August 2011 into the Mad Cactus for a two-day makeover that included new decor, new food and a new menu.

After the show aired last fall, Krukemeyer didn't mince words about his battles with Irvine in the kitchen.

But he gave Irvine's menu a try -- with disappointing results.

"The cameras and lights and the national TV were fun, but the reality is we know what our customers want," Krukemeyer said. "It's been a real eye-opener."

Oh, some of the TV makeover stuff is still around. The salsa bar is popular, and Irvine's suggestion to ditch the profit-challenged lunch buffet was a good one, Krukemeyer said. 

Three of Irvine's creations remain on the menu: southwest eggrolls, puffy tacos and market-fresh fish of the day.

And of course, the decor, which lightened up the restaurant and replaced old carpet with wood floors, is a hit with both customers and owner.

"The interior is beautiful," Krukemeyer said.

But against Irvine's advice, the Mad Cactus is now open for lunch again seven days a week, and it's serving up the meals Krukemeyer says kept the restaurant going for 27 years.

Irvine, by the way, has not returned for a follow-up visit -- which is fine with Krukemeyer.

"If he did come back," he said, "I'd lock the door."

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