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Filomena’s Italian Kitchen and Market in Costa Mesa, California is a Restaurant Impossible success story that proves passion can become profitable with the right guidance. After owner Linda Johnsen’s husband invested over $1 million to keep her dream alive, Robert Irvine helped transform it into a thriving business.
A Dream Named After Grandma
Linda Johnsen opened Filomena’s Italian Kitchen and Market because of her love for cooking. She named it after her grandmother, infusing the restaurant with family recipes and personal meaning.
But there was a problem: Linda had no restaurant industry experience. She was previously a real estate agent. The restaurant had been open for more than seven years, and in all that time, she had never paid herself.
Her husband Kent put in over $1 million to keep the business afloat. That’s not a sustainable business model – that’s a very expensive hobby.
The Episode (Season 14, Episode 2)
Title: “Fight at Filomena’s”
Air Date: April 27, 2019
Location: 2400 Newport Blvd, Costa Mesa, California
Robert Irvine arrived to find passionate cooking but chaotic business practices. The episode title hints at the conflicts that had to be resolved – both in the kitchen and on the balance sheet.
The Transformation
Robert’s intervention focused on what Linda needed most: business fundamentals. The food was good – she could cook. But she needed to learn to run a restaurant as a business, not just an extension of her home kitchen.
The physical renovation improved the space, but the real changes happened in operations, pricing, and management structure.
Post-Show Success
Two months after the makeover, Filomena’s showed dramatic improvement:
- Marketplace sales doubled
- A full-time general manager was hired
- Linda could finally step back from day-to-day operations
- She refocused on strategy and branding
The general manager hire was crucial. It gave Linda the structure she needed without requiring her to do everything herself.
The Revisit
Filomena’s was featured on a Restaurant: Impossible Revisited episode in May 2021, confirming the restaurant’s continued success. Getting a revisit typically means the show is proud of the outcome.
Still Thriving Today
As of 2025, Filomena’s Italian Kitchen & Market maintains strong reviews:
- Yelp: 4.1 stars on 842+ reviews
- Customers praise the authentic Italian food
- The market component continues to add revenue
Some reviews mention higher prices or occasional service issues, but the overall consensus is positive. The restaurant has survived and thrived for years after the intervention.
Visit Information
Address: 2400 Newport Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA
Cuisine: Italian
Features: Restaurant + Market
Yelp Rating: 4.1 stars (842+ reviews)
View Filomena’s on Google Maps →
Filomena’s proves that passion for cooking can become a successful business – you just need someone to teach you the business part.
Last verified: January 2026
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