Plus the restaurants on the show were frequently months away from closing due to fundamental issues like owner burnout that aren't going to be fixed on a week or two.

I am surprised it isn't over 85%

You also have to remember that these restaurants were failing largely by their own owners hands. Not keeping kitchens clean, not having a clear vision of the restaurant(too big a menu without a consistent theme), infighting amongst staff/owners, etc.

You don't appear in the show if you're doing well. Even with the facelifts Ramsey provides, it's on the owners and staff to maintain the changes. If they fall back into old habits, then of course they will fail.

I think it's more impressive that 20% actually listened and succeeded during the pandemic.

Came to say the same. 20% surviving is higher than I would have thought.

Yes chef!