Bar Rescue - Oak Tavern (The Bullpen at Aspen Glen) Update

Photo - Facebook

On tonight's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Sparks, Nevada to try to rescue The Bullpen at Aspen Glen.  The bar is owned by former major league pitcher Danny Serafini.  After his career was over and he went through all of his baseball earnings, he borrowed money from his parents to open a bar.  The bar was supposedly doing $45,000 to $50,000 a month in sales, but has gone downhill and is $300,000 in debt.  A lot of the issues at the bar are due to an out of control staff that drinks and parties on the job.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, The Bullpen was renamed to Oak Tavern and it seems they have kept the new name. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Oak Tavern since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar:

Bar Rescue - The Lister (Park 77) Update

On tonight's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in San Francisco, California to try to rescue Park 77.  The bar is co-owned by two brothers Tano and Wayne and two of Wayne's sons Tommy and Angelo.  Angelo is a manager and his actions and decisions have been negatively impacting the bar and the bar is supposedly $188,000 in debt.


During the Bar Rescue makeover, Park 77 was renamed to The Lister and it seems they have kept the name. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for The Lister since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar:

New Episodes Of Bar Rescue Begin June 21st

New episodes of Bar Rescue will begin Sunday, June 21st on Spike TV.  There will be ten new episodes and this will still be considered the fourth season of the show.  The episodes will feature bars in San Francisco, CA, Reno, NV, Portland, OR, and San Diego, CA.

The first new episode will be at Park 77 in San Francisco, CA where the bar is being run into the ground by an immature family member.  The preview video of the episode is below and there is a couch in the bar that a porno was supposedly filmed on.  If anyone has proof of this couch being in a porno, send it to me for the episode update.

Bar Rescue

Bar Rescue's Blue Frog's Local 22 In Danger Of Closing Due To Scaffolding

Photo - Spike TV

Blue Frog's Local 22 in Chicago, Illinois, which was featured on the first season of Bar Rescue, has filed a lawsuit saying scaffolding outside of the entrance to their bar is killing their business.  The lawsuit is against the upstairs condominium owners who are having work done on the building's windows.

According to an article on DNAInfo, the bar said it is losing $5,000 to $7,000 per week due to the scaffolding, which is preventing the bar from opening its sidewalk patio.  That figure does not include the expected losses from the patio being closed during the summer months, which are the busiest.  In a CBS local article, co-owner John Reed said the work is impacting his business "to the tune of 200-something thousand dollars."

Owner John Reed was given short notice when work would begin, and he tried to get work to start on the other side of the building first so they could keep the patio open and it would have less impact on Blue Frog's summer business.  He tried to block the construction via a court order last month, but was denied.

The owner has said that sales have constantly been improving since being on Bar Rescue, and they were excited about this year.  Also, the recent Yelp reviews have been mostly positive.  Now, due to the scaffolding, all their reserve funds have been tapped and they have considered asking friends for money to stay open through the summer.

On the bar's Facebook page, they recently posted, "This is serious. Help us out if you can. We are doing everything we can to stay open but could use any support we can get. Stop by for a drink if you can, every little bit helps."

Owner John Reed was quoted in the DNAInfo article as saying, "We're gonna make payroll this week, and if we have a halfway decent next two weeks we'll be able to do payroll again.  We just want to get through this."


I will keep you updated with this situation if anything happens with the court case or if there is any change in status for the bar.


UPDATE - Blue Frog's Local 22 closed in May 2018, but it had nothing to do with the scaffolding.  More details on the closure.

The Shot Exchange (The Tailgate) From Bar Rescue Has Been Sold

The Shot Exchange in Santa Clarita, California which was featured on season 3 of Bar Rescue has been sold.  The bar appeared on Bar Rescue in April of 2014 and was renamed from The Tailgate to The Shot Exchange.  The owners that appeared on Bar Rescue said their last day as owners was March 14, 2015.

The bar posted the following message on their Facebook Page in March:

"ATTENTION FRIENDS, FAMILY AND CUSTOMERS.........Please come join Mike and I for our last night at The Shot Exchange this Saturday, March 14, 2015, before we exchange hands with the new owner. We would like to THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts for all your support and patronage during our ten years as co-owners of The Tailgate now doing business as The Shot Exchange. Throughout the years we have made many great friends and will cherish all the great memories created in our establishment. In addition, we would like to Thank all of our employees from the bottom of our hearts for their loyalty and hard work. As many of you know, Mike and I have our careers, we both coach, and have large families with enough kids for everyone, ha ha, and feel that it is time to concentrate our time and effort with them as they are growing quickly. We hope to see you Saturday, and, again, Thank You, for supporting us throughout all the years. And PLEASE as a new small business owner in Santa Clarita, please welcome and patronize the new owner as he is very excited and motivated. Finally, Mike and I would also like to wish him much success.

See you Saturday, Love, Diane, Mike, Pops and the entire Miller family."

This bar has now been marked as 'Sold' on the Bar Rescue Update Page.  No word if everyone's favorite bouncer is still at the bar.

(If you are interested, here was the original update for the bar when the episode aired.)

Osteria Calabria (Plush) From Bar Rescue Has Closed

Osteria Calabria in Glennside, PA (formerly known as Plush Nightspot and eventually renamed to The O.C Bar & Bistro) closed on May 3rd, 2015.  The bar appeared on Bar Rescue in November of 2014, and they posted the following message on Facebook:

"It's the final countdown!! (insert keyboard). It is with both a heavy heart and wide eyed enthusiasm that we bid you all farewell. I want to thank EVERYONE..Friends, family, staff and guests for truly making a dream come true. Our doors at Plush close for good tonight but a new beginning is in the works. There are no words to express my gratitude. Thank you, thank you, thank you. We hope to be open in our new location by the end of summer. Its been a wild ride!! Stay tuned for updates...
TTFN."

Philly.com reports that they closed due to the building being sold and not due to bad business.  The bar is apparently looking for another location to reopen the bar.

The O.C. Bar & Bistro has been in business for 12 years, and it is the first bar from its season of Bar Rescue to close.  You may remember from the original update that they removed a lot of the changes installed by Bar Rescue such as covering the mural, replacing the sign and changing the name.  The Bar Rescue Update Page has been updated to show this bar as 'Closed.

Bar Rescue's Sorties Tavern Is For Sale

Sorties Tavern in Bellevue, Nebraska, which was featured on Bar Rescue in March of 2014 is listed for sale.  The bar has been for sale for quite some time and the asking price is currently $199,500.  A recent ad on Craigslist states:

"Have you always wanted to own a bar?

Here is a great opportunity to own a beautiful bar that has been in business since 1977.

Own a newly remodeled Award Winning bar with profits today. This is a turn key business with loyal customers. This bar is making great profits. More profits to be made if new owner opens the grill. Brand new Kitchen is in place ready to go for new buyer to serve food.

Have financial's to show profits. Buyer must apply for your own Liquor License and Seller will not finance. Buyer must have own financing. Will suggest financial institution.

Owner wants to sell for Medical reasons but will hand it down to children if seller does not get the right price. We will look at all REASONABLE offers."

The original asking price was $210,000 and listings to sell the business say "As Seen on Spike TV's Bar Rescue: Sorties Tavern for sale in Bellevue, NE."  Those listings also say $160,000 of new kitchen equipment (most likely provided by Bar Rescue, which they do not use) and $20,000 in inventory is included.

I am not sure what the "medical reasons" are, but with three owners at the bar, you would think if someone had medical problems, the other two would take over.  This sounds like they just want out of the business.  Also, two of the owners were recently at the Nightclub & Bar Convention in Las Vegas with Jon Taffer, so they do keep in touch.  Sorties Tavern will also be featured on a "Back to the Bar" Bar Rescue episode that will probably air next season.

The bar remains open as they try to sell, but this will be one to keep an eye on.

UPDATE - The bar sold in early 2016 to new owners and they have kept the theme.

Bar Rescue - The 38th Floor (Mandala Lounge) Update

On tonight's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in San Mateo, California to try to rescue Mandala Lounge.  The bar is owned by Greg Hawkins and he is a self-proclaimed "nightlife expert" who has a large ego.  He also supposedly thinks that women don't belong behind his bar.  Mandala Lounge started to go downhill when the economy went downhill and they went from doing $60,000 in sales a month to $24,000 a month.  The bar is supposedly losing $5,000 a month and is months from closing.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Mandala Lounge was renamed to 38th Floor. The bar is supposed to make you feel like you are in a high rise despite being on the ground floor. The bar has kept the name and concept and they still go by 38th Floor.  Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for 38th Floor since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar:

Bar Rescue - Patriot House (The Holding Company) Update

On tonight's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in San Francisco, California to try to rescue The Holding Company.  The Holding Company has been in San Francisco for about 40 years and was recently bought by four Irish sisters.  Their bickering is supposedly causing the bar to go downhill and The Holding Company is supposedly losing $6,000 a month with a total debt of $600,000.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, The Holding Company was renamed to the Patriot House.  They have kept the name of the bar and still go by Patriot House.  Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for the Patriot House since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar:

Bar Rescue's Piratz Tavern (Corporate Bar & Grill) To Close

Photo - Spike TV

Piratz Tavern in Silver Spring, Maryland, which was featured on the second season of Bar Rescue has announced that they will close on April 4th due to the bar losing their lease.  Tracy, the owner of the bar, posted the following message on the "The Soul of Piratz Tavern" Facebook group.

"It is with a heavy heart that I have to deliver the sad news that Piratz Tavern has lost it's lease. Our last night will be April 4th. I am trying to keep this information within the family as we really don't want to deal with anymore bullshit from the reality TV world. Thanks to all who worked and played so hard to make the last eight years so great. The memories will last forever!"

The Piratz Tavern episode of Bar Rescue is one of the show's most popular and controversial episodes.   Jon Taffer got rid of the pirate theme at the bar and renamed it Corporate Bar & Grill.  This upset the owners and regulars who wanted to keep the pirate theme, and quickly after Jon Taffer left, they removed all of Bar Rescue's changes and reinstalled the pirate theme.  They sold items from the Bar Rescue makeover and supposedly spent $60,000 to get the bar back to the way they wanted it.  Also the self serve draft beer tables didn't have the proper permits, so they were removed.  Piratz Tavern even posted a Youtube video of them burning the Corporate Bar & Grill sign, and as of today, this video has been viewed over 200,000 times.

After the makeover, the owners and customers were publicly critical of Jon Taffer and his concept, and Jon Taffer felt they were more concerned with being pirates rather than making profits.  Also, fans of Bar Rescue flooded the Piratz's Yelp page to give a bunch of 1-star reviews (over 200 of which have been filtered).  A fan of the bar reached out to Jon Taffer on Facebook about this, and Jon Taffer actually responded to a fan saying he wanted his fans to be civil but also that the pirates brought this upon themselves with the way they acted.

One of the most common questions I get asked is "Is Piratz still open?," and the answer to that question will soon be 'No'.  If you want to get your pirate fix before they close, you have a little over a week to do so.  When they close on April 4th, the bar will be updated as 'Closed' on the Bar Rescue Update Page.


UPDATE - After everyone found out about the closure, Piratz Tavern posted the following on their Facebook page:

"Hear Ye, Hear Ye! Piratz Tavern will open it's doors for the last time on Saturday April 4th. Unfortunately the negative publicity, constant prank calls, vandalism and bogus reviews generated by our unfortunate participation on Bar Rescue have taken their toll. To add insult to injury, late last year Taffer's crew reached out to me again asking that we participate in a back to the bar episode. They promised that it would be followed by a re-rescue and that they would right all the wrong's committed during the first episode. Obviously I don't learn. I believed them. On December 1st we went to the effort to open on a Monday, the one day a week we have been closed for 8 years, with a skeleton staff of former employees who agreed to play the parts. It was basically coerced and staged to be an opening act for a re-rescue. I was told to bring in several changes of clothes to make it appear that filming covered several days. As usual they brought in a bunch of extras to fill the house and we were told what to say and with whom to speak. Throughout the entire shoot the director coached Juciano to curse and say negative things about John Taffer. He referred to me as the "hero", my daughter as the "victim" and Juciano as the "villan". Total bullshit frown emoticon Basically we have been fucked by reality TV again and with know one to blame but ourselves, we have decided not to renew our lease. Just can't take anymore. Director James Agiesta sweet talked me into the deal and then left us behind like carnage, just like the first time. A HUGE thanks to all of you who worked and played so hard to make Piratz Tavern the awesome place it has been for the last 8 years."

So, the bar will be on an upcoming episode of Bar Rescue and they appear to be saying everything was faked in hopes of another makeover.  I guess we will see when that airs...


Here is a preview of the "Back To The Bar" episode that will air on Sunday, April 5th and the clip features Piratz Tavern (video after the break):

Bar Rescue's LA Brew Co. Listed For Sale

Photo - Loopnet

LA Brew Co, which was just featured on Bar Rescue on 3/22/2015 and was Jon Taffer's most expensive rescue is already listed for sale.

There is a real estate listing on LoopNet that has the bar listed for $600,000.  The listing was posted two days ago (3/23/2015) and the description states:

"Business for sale. Upscale Bar & Restaurant includes a separate bar and sitting area for private events. Completely updated less than 6 months ago. With 100 beer tab Glycol system, two large seating areas, 50 foot long bar with 5 individual coolers behind the bar, large kitchen, pantry station and prep area, several coolers and jockey boxes, Auto-Chlor dishwashing system, liquor storage room, private office, one food walk-in cooler, one walk-in 100 line beer cooler, too much to list&

This beautiful clean classy bar & restaurant is located in the historic Broadway Theatre District in Downtown LA and not to mention the cities new project of revitalization Bringing back Broadway . True opportunity&"

There is also a real estate listing that was created 3/16/2015 that has the bar listed for $650,000 and has multiple pictures of the interior.  It appears they may have dropped the price with their latest listing.

(h/t commenter The Ugly Truth)

UPDATE - The bar is no long open as they try to sell, so this has been marked as 'Closed' on the Bar Rescue Update Page.

Bar Rescue - LA Brew Co (Los Angeles Brewing Company) Update

On tonight's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Los Angeles, California to try to rescue Los Angeles Brewing Company.  The bar is located in downtown Los Angeles, and is owned by Richard Ramos who is supposedly a million dollars in debt and losing $15,000 a month.  The debts and disagreements caused by owning the bar have triggered a family divide.  Maria Menounos is back again to do recon with Jon Taffer, and the bar ends up serving Jon's spies raw hamburger meat.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Los Angeles Brewing Company's name didn't change much as the signs that Bar Rescue put up now say LABREWCO.  They seem to be going by LA Brew Co, but still have a Los Angeles Brewing Company website and Facebook page.  Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Los Angeles Brewing Company/LA Brew Co. since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar:

Bar Rescue - Stein Haus Brau & Brats (Friar Tuck's) Update

On tonight's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Pomona, California to try to rescue Friar Tuck's.  Friar Tuck's is a castle-shaped bar, and the owner Ivan has anger management issues that has pushed his staff to their breaking point.  Ivan does not get along well with his bartenders, or his general manager Sami, and he is supposedly $100,000 in debt due to the bar.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Friar Tuck's was renamed to Stein Haus Brau & Brats, which has a German theme most likely due to the castle exterior.  The bar has kept the name of Stein Haus Brau & Brats.  Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Stein Haus Brau & Brats since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar:

Bar Rescue - The Hot Rock Bar & Grille (Sandbar Grill) Update

Photo - Spike TV

On tonight's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Coconut Grove, Florida to try to rescue the Sandbar Grill.  The bar is co-owned by Albert and Matt, and Albert is too concerned with his fantasy football team to pay attention to his bar.  The bar was thriving but the local government made some changes in 2010 that impacted the bar.   The bar is supposedly losing $7,000 a month and is two months away from closing.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Sandbar Grill was renamed to The Hot Rock Bar & Grille, which had a Korean BBQ theme.  The bar quickly changed the name back to Sandbar Grill and also put back up some old decorations.  Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Sandbar Grill since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar:

Bar Rescue - Ele (Heat Restaurant & Lounge) Update

On tonight's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Hollywood, Florida to try to rescue Heat Restaurant & Lounge.  The bar is co-owned by Vin and Vanessa, who are husband and wife.  They bought the bar in 2012 and things started to go downhill when they slashed prices, which attracted a bad crowd.  Heat's bartenders also are out of control and they are giving away a ton of free drinks.  They also act more like strippers than bartenders and are dancing for tips.  Vin and Vanessa are supposedly $230,000 in debt and are losing $5,000 a month, so they called on Bar Rescue to help out.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Heat Restaurant & Lounge was renamed to Ele.  The bar seems to have kept a variation of the name and goes by Ele Lounge and Ele Nightclub.  Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Ele since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar:

Bar Rescue - Bonny and Read's (Toucan's Oceanside Bar & Grill) Update

On tonight's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Hollywood Beach, Florida to try to rescue Toucan's Oceanside Bar & Grill.  The bar is co-owned by friends Jamie and John, and they have already survived multiple hurricanes.  Jamie recently lost a son and things started to go downhill at the bar.  They are supposedly $250,000 in debt and about 5 months from having to close.  To top it all off, there are rats in the kitchen of the bar.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Toucan's Oceanside Bar and Grill was renamed to Bonny & Read's.  The bar seems to have embraced the name and still goes by Bonny & Read's.  Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Bonny & Read's since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar:

Bar Rescue Now Casting For Next Season

I get a lot of questions from people asking how they can get a bar to be on Bar Rescue, so I figured I would do a post to let everyone know that Bar Rescue is currently casting.

Metal Flowers Media is doing the casting for the next season and they are currently looking for bars in Tampa, Cleveland, Detroit, Minneapolis, St. Louis, and Oklahoma City.  They usually pick the city first, and then find the bars, so if you are trying to get on the show and aren't in one of these cities, you are most likely out of luck.

If you want to apply to be on the show, you can fill out an application at the Metal Flowers Media website, and they have also set up a Facebook page and Twitter page for Bar Rescue casting.  Also, if you are interested here is the actual Metal Flowers Media Facebook page.

Bar Rescue - Clear Bar (Underground Wonder Bar) Update

On tonight's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Chicago, Illinois to try to rescue the Underground Wonder Bar.  The bar is a live music bar owned by Lonie Walker, and since the bar moved locations it has been struggling.  Lonie is more concerned about live music and performing at her bar than the actual success of the bar.  Underground Wonder Bar is supposedly $515,000 in debt and Jon Taffer is there to turn that around.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Underground Wonder Bar was renamed to Clear Bar.  That name did not stick as they quickly went back to the Underground Wonder Bar.  Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Underground Wonder Bar since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar:

Bar Rescue - Second Base Bar and Grill Update

Photo - Second Base

On tonight's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Orange, California to re-rescue Second Base Bar and Grill.  The bar was on the second season of Bar Rescue and was transformed from Extremes into Second Base Bar and Grill.  The bar was has gone back downhill with the owner not putting any money back into the bar and they have stopped serving their Bar Rescue food and drinks.

During the Second Base Bar and Grill re-rescue, Jon Taffer said he would put about $100,000 into the Second Base re-rescue, but only if the owner Terry was willing to put up some money of his own.  Terry needed to put up about $30,000 of his own money for Jon to start the makeover, which he refused and said he could not come up with the money.  So Jon walked out without making any changes.  Here are some updates for Second Base Bar and Grill since Bar Rescue visited the first time.

New Bar Rescue Episodes Start February 8th

Photo - Facebook

Here is just an update to remind you that New Bar Rescue episodes will begin on Sunday, February 8th.  The Bar Rescue Facebook page posted the picture on the right confirming the start of more new episodes.

I am not sure if this will still be considered season 4 of Bar Rescue, but whatever season they classify it as, expect 10 more new episodes.  There have been episodes shot in Miami, Florida and San Francisco, CA, so expect those to show up on this season.

As always, come here to Bar Rescue Updates to see updates on every episode of the new season. To see how all of the bars that have appeared on Bar Rescue are doing, visit the Bar Rescue Update page.