Bar Rescue - Taza (Oasis Hookah Bar) Update

On tonight's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Omaha, Nebraska to try to rescue Oasis Hookah Bar.  When Jon gets there, he notices a bad odor and also bad behavior from the bar employees.  The odor is supposedly a dead rat and the bar is also serving "toxic" drinks to customers.  One of the "toxic" drinks makes a customer puke after just one sip.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Oasis Hookah Bar was renamed to Taza Nightclub.  The bar seems to be using both names and goes by Taza Nightclub/Oasis Hookah Bar.  Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Taza/Oasis since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar:

Bar Rescue - Pat's Cocktails - A Mixology Bar Update

On tonight's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Valley Village, California to try to rescue Pat's Cocktails, which is a sports bar.  The bar manager is too busy "canoodling" in his bar to notice the things that are going on around him.  Jon Taffer gets one of the bartenders to help out with the recon, and gets her to give out tons of free drinks to customers in the bar to see if the manager notices, which he does not.  Jon will need to change how the manager operates to turn this bar around.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Pat's Cocktails was slightly renamed to Pat's Cocktails - A Mixology Bar.  Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Pat's Cocktails since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar:

Bar Rescue - Wildcatter Saloon (Bryant's Ice House) Update

On tonight's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Katy, Texas to try to rescue Bryant's Ice House. The bar is a struggling biker bar owned by Jeff, a former tax accountant.  It is struggling due to a bad reputation and a dysfunctional staff.  One of the bartenders is so drunk and obnoxious, Jon Taffer threatens to "knock his ass out"

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Bryant's Ice House was renamed The Wildcatter Saloon.  Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for The Wildcatter Saloon since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar:

Is Bar Rescue Fake? - Lawsuit Says So

While Jon Taffer always claims that Bar Rescue is real and nothing is ever scripted, most people who watch the show feel otherwise.  Yesterday, a lawsuit was filed by Dr. Paul T Wilkes against Bongo LLC (a Bar Rescue production company), Jon Taffer, and his wife Nicole Taffer.  Paul was an owner of the Sand Dollar in Las Vegas, which was on season 3 of the show and renamed to Bar 702.  You may remember the episode titled as "Don't Mess With Taffer's Wife" where Jon gets mad that Paul was hitting on his wife.  The full lawsuit is here from Deadline, but here are some of the highlights that give a lot of insight into the Bar Rescue process:

Bar Rescue - The Shot Exchange (The Tailgate) Update

On tonight's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Santa Clarita, California to try to rescue The Tailgate bar. The bar is owned by a dysfunctional family, which is causing most of the problems at the bar.  The dad aka Pops is an in your face type of guy who co-owns the bar with his son Matt and daughter Diane.  Some of the problems Jon encounters at the bar besides the family are the exterior, tacky dollar bills on the walls, money being counted on a cutting board, a kitchen fire, and raw chicken contamination in the kitchen.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, The Tailgate was renamed The Shot Exchange, and has a menu featuring 50 shots.  Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for The Shot Exchange since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar:

The Bar Rescue O'Face Fight Video - Where Did It Come From?

On a recent episode of Bar Rescue at O'Face Bar in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Jon Taffer decided to walk out on the bar and not do the rescue.  The breaking point was a video that Jon obtained of the owner Matt slapping one of his bartenders named Dave in the face, which was saved until the end of the episode.  This had many people wondering where Jon got the video and did he have the video all along?

First, lets look at what Jon Taffer had to say about the video:

• A fan recently asked Jon Taffer on Twitter: "how did you get the o’face bar footage of the fights at the end? Seemed really staged and fake"
• To which Jon responded: "Nothing is staged of faked on the show. That video came from someone who will remain unnamed."

So, Jon is going with an unnamed source for how they obtained the video.


Hit That Dive from Omaha was at the bar when the episode aired and followed up with a few interviews of the bar's employees. 

• I asked him to find out where Jon Taffer got the video of the slap.
• He later tweeted: "The "fight" between #ofacebar owner and his employee Dave was from their audition tape when #BarRescue wanted "MORE DRAMA". #Fake"
• Steve from Hit That Dive also commented on the original O'Face post regarding Matt slapping Dave, stating:  "I just got this from Amanda..."Steve that was a clip from our audition tape when they wanted "more drama". AKA...staged."

Hit That Dive is saying that through talking with employees, the video was from their audition tape for Bar Rescue.


Finally, Dave, who is the bartender on the episode that got slapped by Matt has responded to multiple people about it on his Facebook page, and here are some of his comments:

• Comment 1 - "We were all drunk for the show & that was our viewing for john taff to decide if he wanted to come or not the producers pushed us to have drama to influnce john to come . So really im gonna let someone slap me n not do nothing ha ha u know better. Thx mike ur good people also"
• Comment 2 about him not fighting back "Omg 4 real if you dont think 4 once i would not come back with a right hook if ever slapped? Come on 4 real"
• Comment 3 saying the fight was for show  - "Wow mike u have no reason to say that bout my boss didnt u read my post it was for show & he would never do that & mike if it did i can handle my own so no reason to have attitude towards him." 
• The owner Karen even weighed in saying, "What part don't people get that the fight wasn't real"

Dave said the producers pushed them to have drama so Jon would choose their bar to be rescued, and that the fight was not real. 

 
So that leaves everyone to form their own opinion on where the video came from and if it was real/fake.  

Here is mine.  When Bar Rescue comes to a city, they tell multiple bars they are under consideration and that Jon will be coming to 1 of the 3 bars (see question 3 in this link).  This probably encourages the bars to do things that they think will make for good TV in hopes of getting picked over the other bars.  Producers probably told this to O'Face, so they decided to stage not 1, but 2 fights in hopes of getting a free makeover.  This also lets Jon Taffer claim that nothing is scripted as they do not tell people what to do, but let them know they need to be interesting to be picked. 

The camera quality and sound quality on the video of Matt slapping Dave is pretty good and not too shaky as you normally see on regular Youtube videos.  Also, there is no reaction from the camera operator filming this fight (no narration or "Ohhhhh") and the other people besides Bryan in the video don't react either.  So, I will buy that it was staged and assume that Bar Rescue producers are the ones that filmed the fight.  I don't think there was an "unnamed source" that provided Jon with the video of this.  Whether Jon knew about this fight the first day or found out later could be debated I guess, but you would assume he would have known.  

If you look at the additional videos of O'Face on the Spike website like this one, you will see that Jon was genuinely giving them advice, so I don't think the bar was being used to be walked out on.  I think maybe Jon got fed up with everyone after dealing with them for 4 days, and used the fight video that they had as the excuse to stop helping them.



*If you are interesting in watching the video of the slap again, fast forward to 37:15 on the episode at the Spike website (warning - it will make you watch 5 commercials first).

Bar Rescue - Agave Junction Cantina (Scoreboard 2) Update

On tonight's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Norwalk, California to try to rescue the Scoreboard 2 Sports Bar.  The bar is suffering from ownership issues as well as an undertrained staff.  When Jon gets to the bar, he finds a filthy kitchen, bugs in the bar and liquor, as well as expired margarita mix.  He threatens to walk out again if the kitchen is not cleaned by the time he arrives the second day.  He doesn't walk out, and during the Bar Rescue makeover, the Scoreboard 2 Sports Bar was renamed Agave Junction Cantina.

Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Agave Junction Cantina since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar.

Bar Rescue - O'Face Bar Update

On tonight's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Council Bluffs, Iowa to try to rescue the O'Face Bar.  This is the second of three Omaha area Bar Rescue's that will air this season.  The episode is called "Punch-Drunk and Trailer-Trashed" and says that Jon tries to help a feuding and dysfunctional family.  If you follow Jon Taffer, Bar Rescue, or Spike TV on social media, you already know they are hyping this up as an episode where Jon Taffer walks out on the bar.  And the hype is real as he does end up walking out on this bar, meaning no name change or anything.

Let's take a look at some information, updates and drama behind the O'Face Bar Rescue makeover and see what made Jon Taffer walk out on them.

Bar Rescue Renewed for Another 20 Episodes

Photo - Spike TV

Just two episodes into this season, Spike TV has already renewed Bar Rescue for another season and has ordered an additional 20 episodes.  The new season will begin sometime in the fall and the network decided to renew it because of the great ratings it brings.

Spike TV is officially calling the current season the 3rd season, so the additional 20 episodes will be the 4th season.  I'm not sure why they are considering these new episodes as the third season, meaning the third season has 40 episodes in it.  The update page on this site has the episodes broken up a bit different, but I will keep it as it is for now.

As always, come here to see the updates on how the bars are doing and the drama that comes with each episode.  There is information here that you will not know from watching the episodes and many times people from the episodes end up posting in the comments.

Here is the official press release from Spike TV:

"Spike TV Orders Fourth Season of “Bar Rescue”

SPIKE TV ORDERS A FOURTH SEASON OF “BAR RESCUE”

Network Greenlights 20 More Episodes of Network’s Highly Rated Series

 Starring Jon Taffer 

New York, NY, March 21, 2014 – Spike TV has greenlit 20 more episodes of the network’s popular original series, “Bar Rescue” starring renowned bar and nightlife expert Jon Taffer.  From the producers of ABC’s “Extreme Weight Loss” and Syfy’s “Opposite Worlds,” the series follows Taffer as he utilizes his nearly three decades of experience in the restaurant, bar and nightclub business to help give failing establishments one last chance to transform themselves into profitable businesses.
The new season will debut on Spike TV this fall.

“Bar Rescue” is among Spike TV’s original series that have successfully managed to broaden the network’s audience base. A new batch of original episodes (part of season three) kicked off on Sunday, March 9 at 9:00pm ET/PT, and have averaged 1.8 million viewers and improved the timeslot by a staggering +173% with Adults 18-49 and +131% with total viewers.

In “Bar Rescue,” Taffer travels nationwide, targeting a different failing establishment in each episode.  His approach may ruffle feathers along the way, but Taffer pulls no punches and values bottom lines above hurt feelings.  Owners and employees he believes are standing in the way of success are urged to check their egos at the door while he employs a proven scientific approach to solving the problems befalling bars.

“Bar Rescue” is produced by Eyeworks USA and Executive Producers JD Roth, Todd A. Nelson, DJ Nurre, Tim Warren and Jon Taffer.

Sharon Levy is Spike TV’s Executive Vice President, Original Series, Chris Rantamaki is Senior Vice President of Original Series for Spike TV, and Justin Lacob, Vice President of Original Series, serves as the network’s Executive in Charge of Production.

Taffer will also be featured in the new Spike TV series, “Hungry Investors,” premiering in May. With Eyeworks USA producing, Taffer teams up with acclaimed celebrity chef and author John Besh and “Top Chef All-Star” Tiffany Derry, to seek out “diamonds in the rough” — establishments that are struggling, despite having amazing potential to succeed.

Spike TV is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks.  A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.  Spike TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press.  Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.

Bar Rescue - Johnson County Line (KC's Bar) Update

On tonight's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Merriam, Kansas to try to rescue KC's Neighborhood Bar & Grill.  KC's has drunk owners, bartenders who do not care, and a raccoon that makes an appearance in the bar.  During the Bar Rescue makeover, KC's Neighborhood Bar & Grill  was renamed Johnson County Line Bar, which is the county in Kansas the bar resides in.  That name did not stick long, as they still go by KC's bar.

Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates of KC's Bar since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar.

Bar Rescue - Sorties Tavern (O'Banion's) Update

Tonight on the season premiere of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Bellevue, Nebraska to try to rescue O'Banion's Bar.  This is the first of three bars this season that were filmed near Omaha, Nebraska.  O'Banion's has three owners, and one of the owners is a heavy drinker who is acting obnoxious in the bar.  The other co-owners do a hostile takeover of the bar and make the heavy drinking owner go home.  During the Bar Rescue makeover, O'Banion's was renamed Sorties Tavern, and is an Air Force themed bar.

Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates of Sorties since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar.

The End From Bar Rescue Has Moved Locations

The End in Las Vegas, Nevada, which was made over by Bar Rescue has moved locations from 3550 S. Decatur Blvd. to 4821 Spring Mountain Rd.  The move was not very far, as it is pretty much in the same shopping center.

Left - The End after Bar Rescue makeover; Right - The End location after moving

Many people commenting on the original update thought the location had closed, judging by the picture above.  Also, the bar stopped updating their Facebook page in December and the phone number was disconnected when I called. However, they are now updating their Facebook page and operating at their new location.  The bar is still going by the name The End and is using the logo provided by Bar Rescue.  Here are some photos at a recent party there, but it is hard to get a good look at the interior - Album 1, Album 2.


Here is the distance from the original location to the new location if you are interested:

I just wanted to get this update up before the next season of Bar Rescue starts tomorrow.  Look for updates on here for all of the new episodes.  I have updated the Bar Rescue Update page to show that this bar has moved.

Gipsy (SBLV) From Bar Rescue Plans To Reopen As Dayclub/Ultralounge

You may remember Gipsy, which was renamed SBLV (South Beach Las Vegas) from season 3 of Bar Rescue.  Gipsy was billed as the first gay nightclub in Las Vegas, and the owner Paul was portrayed as a verbally abusive and intoxicated owner.

Bar Rescue came to Gipsy to rescue the bar in February of 2013, and when Paul saw the changes Bar Rescue made, he decided to shut the bar down because he hated them so much.

In May 2013, the SBLV Lounge posted on their website:

As many of you know in February of 2013, the staff and management of the iconic Gipsy filmed an episode of Spike TV’s Bar Rescue. After the renovation from the show, we felt that it still needed more. We are so excited to share the all new Gipsy coming soon! Stay tuned as we will be posting the progress of the project on our website.       

There haven't been many updates since Paul shut the place down, but recently Las Vegas Weekly reported that he plans to reopen the bar as a Dayclub/Ultralounge.  All of the changes from the Bar Rescue makeover have been removed and the place has been gutted.  He plans to reopen sometime in the summer, but who knows if that will actually happen.

Also, Paul claims that he went along with a exaggerated narrative on the show and that he "gave them enough rope to hang me with."

'Bar Rescue' Question on 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire'

Today on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, there was a question about Bar Rescue.  The question was, "Invented by "Bar Rescue" host Jon Taffer, a railing with a tight opening designed so that people bump up against each other as they squeeze through is called a what?"

The options were, 'Rub Tunnel', 'Touch and Talk', 'Butt Funnel', or 'Couple Corral'. 

The guy playing obviously wasn't a Bar Rescue watcher as instead of answering 'C - Butt Funnel', he passed on the question.

New Season Of Bar Rescue Begins March 9th

The next season of Bar Rescue is scheduled to begin March 9th on Spike TV according to Jon Taffer.  Many people have been asking Jon on Twitter when the new season will be on TV, and he has responded to them stating that it will be on March 9th.  March 9th is a Sunday, so the show will continue to air on Sunday nights.

In the meantime, I am sure there will be plenty of re-runs shown on Spike TV, so you can still get your Bar Rescue fix.  I will continue to have updates regarding the show on this website and let you know if any more bars close.  I also may do some updates on some older episodes to let you know in more detail how those bars are doing.  To see the current list of bars on Bar Rescue that are open vs closed, and for more details on each of them, visit our Bar Rescue Update page.

Garnet Lounge From 'Bar Rescue' To Close

The Garnet Lounge in Las Vegas, Nevada, which was featured on the current season of Bar Rescue, will close after a New Year's Eve party tonight at their bar.


The Garnet Lounge posted the following message on their Facebook page:

"With more regret than words can express, we have to close our business and accept the defeat brought to us by our economy and the changes in our industry. Our last night will be tomorrow night, New Year's Eve. Please come out and see us, have some drinks and say goodbye. We will miss serving you at the Alibi and Garnet Lounge and will update you as our incredible crew finds new homes."

The Garnet Lounge has been open for 20+ years and is closing less than 2 months after their Bar Rescue episode debuted on Spike TV.  The Bar Rescue Update Page has been updated to show this bar as closed.

Watch Jon Taffer On The Rachael Ray Show

Jon Taffer was on The Rachael Ray Show today, where he told everyone how to make holiday cocktails with leftovers in one segment, and gave 4 tips for holiday entertaining in another segment.

Bobby Flay was a co-host on the show today and at one point, fed Jon Taffer some whipped cream from the can (pictured right).

Jon made a cocktail out of leftover cranberry sauce and a coffee drink using leftover peppermint candy.  In his four tips for holiday entertainment, Jon described his patented "butt funnel," which had Bobby Flay and Rachael Ray giggling like school children.  The links to both videos are here (Cocktail segment and 4 Holiday Tips) as they cannot be embedded.
 

Bar Rescue - BARcode (RG's Lounge) Update

On tonight's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Independence, Missouri to try to rescue RG's Lounge.  RG's Lounge is owned by identical twin brothers and 'lights, sirens, and handcuffs greet Jon before he even enters the bar.'  Jon also has some tension with a cook over the cleanliness of the kitchen, which results in a shoving match.  During the Bar Rescue makeover, RG's Lounge was renamed to BARcode.

Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates of BARcode since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar.

Bar Rescue - Badlands Country Nightclub (Longshots) Update

On tonight's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are headed to Grain Valley, Missouri to rescue Longshots bar.  Longshots is a sports bar, with no TV's, which has a 'timid owner and belligerent bartenders' that Jon will try unite in a common cause.  During the Bar Rescue makeover, Longshots was renamed to Badlands Country Nightclub.

Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates of Badlands Country Nightclub since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar.

Pit and Barrel Owner Charged With Second-Degree Murder

Chris Ferrell

Here is an update to previous stories about the Pit and Barrel bar owner that was involved in a shooting at his own bar a few weeks ago.  The show was pulled by Spike TV, but then mistakenly was aired.

Chris Michael Ferrell shot and killed country music artist Wayne Mills at the Pit and Barrel and had claimed self defense.  It has taken a few weeks to bring charges, but today, Chris Ferrell was indicted on second-degree murder charges.  He surrendered himself to the police, and his bond was set at $300,000. 

His lawyer David Raybin said they will fight the charge and that his client denies he is guilty of any degree of homicide.

The statement from the Nashville Police Department is below: