Bar Rescue - The Beechwood (City Bistro) Update

On tonight's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in St. Louis, Missouri to try to rescue City Bistro. City Bistro is owned by Tiffany Hutchinson and her bartenders are out of control and flashing patrons.  She is supposedly $300,000 in debt and the bar is supposedly two months away from closing.  Jon Taffer also decides that Tiffany needs to fire a bartender for him to stay and finish the makeover of City Bistro.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer changed the name of City Bistro to The Beechwood and they have kept the name of the bar.  Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for The Beechwood since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

Power Strip and Proving Ground Bar & Grill From Bar Rescue Have Closed

Two Detroit area bars that appeared on Bar Rescue (Season 4, 4th set) have recently closed:  Power Strip (previously Chix on Dix) in Detroit, MI and Proving Ground Bar & Grill (previously The Hooch) in Dearborn Heights, MI.

A fan of the website posted the picture to the right on the Bar Rescue Updates Facebook Page which showed Power Strip for sale and a number to call. The number is Brown Business Brokers, which has the listing on their website described as "Edge of Detroit Topless Bar - All new inside and out. Property and bar available at bargain price."

I called the number and was told the asking price was originally $1 million, but has now been dropped to $600,000.  I was also told the owner is selling because he doesn't want to run it himself and has lost his manager (assuming Darren).  The price includes the liquor license, topless license (which is supposedly expensive), the building, the land, and all of the equipment.  I also confirmed that Power Strip is currently closed and the new owner would have to get alcohol, new dancers, etc.

The other bar that recently closed is Proving Ground Bar & Grill/The Hooch.  Owner Chandra posted this on her Facebook Page on May 23rd, "Well... the bar is now closed ... forever.... thanks BR !"  On the comments of that post, she has replies saying there wasn't enough money to keep it going and that they were doing MUCH better before Bar Rescue.  Chandra also replies to a comment that references Jon Taffer saying, "Worst mistake in my whole life."

The Bar Rescue episode of The Hooch was pretty controversial due to the way Chandra acted on the episode, which caused many fans of the show to leave 1-star reviews and caused The Proving Ground/The Hooch to take down their Facebook page.  The bar was listed for sale after the show and it looks like it sold for $225,000 on May 26th (Link).

With Power Strip and The Hooch/Proving Ground closing, this makes three recent Bar Rescue closures in the Detroit area as Back Beat Piano Bar also closed.  The Bar Rescue Updates Page has been updated to show Power Strip and Proving Ground as 'Closed' now.

Back Beat Piano Bar From Bar Rescue Has Closed

Back Beat Piano Bar in Southfield, Michigan which was featured on season four (4th set) of Bar Rescue has closed. When Bar Rescue made over the bar in 2015, it was called Jazz Katz and Jon Taffer decided to rename it Back Beat Piano Bar, which the bar kept.

While there wasn't any official announcement of the closure, all of the signs point to the bar being closed.  They had a GoFundMe with hopes of raising $7,000 that has been taken down.  Their website and Facebook Page are down and their phone number is no longer in service.  I also emailed owner Tamika about the bar being closed, but received no response.

Back Beat Piano Bar is the first bar of season four (4th set) of Bar Rescue to close and the Bar Rescue Update Page has been updated with that information

Bar Rescue - Aging Room At Cirivello's (Cirivello's Sports Stop) Update

On tonight's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Long Beach, California to try to rescue Cirivello's Sports Stop.  Cirivello's is co-owned by a group of friends/investors and GM Danny has them in danger of losing all of their money.  The bar is supposedly losing between $12,000 to $15,000 a month and they are $375,000 in debt.  Cirivello's is also supposedly four months from closing.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer somewhat changed the name of Cirivello's Sports Stop to Aging Room At Cirivello's. After looking at their social media, they pretty much go by Cirivello's. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Cirivello's since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

Bar Rescue - The Bridge Lounge Update

On tonight's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Tarpon Springs, Florida to try to rescue The Bridge Lounge.  The Bridge Lounge is co-owned by Anna Cladakis, who is engaged to PGA Tour star Jon Daly.  The bar is a local fisherman's bar that was impacted by the BP oil spill and is supposedly losing $4,000 a month.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer and the show decided to keep the name of The Bridge Lounge, but added "A Local's Bar" to the bar sign.  Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for The Bridge Lounge since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

Nick's House (Y Not III) From Bar Rescue Has Closed

Photo - Spike

Nick's House in Milwaukee, Wisconsin which was featured on season four of Bar Rescue has closed. When Bar Rescue made over the bar in 2014, it was called Y Not III and Jon Taffer decided to rename it Nick's House, which the bar kept.

There isn't much information about why the bar closed as their Facebook Page has pretty much removed all posts and their website was taken down.

There was an event posted on Facebook for the last night in business on April 30th and the description stated:

"Nick's House has been home to BROKEN for a while now and we are very sad to see this place close it's doors. However, we are lucky to have the opportunity to send Nick's out in style for it's last night open....."

Another Facebook post from a band said they were playing the last Metal Monday at Nick's House the Monday before the bar closed.

Also, a few people commented on the original update to let me know that the bar was closing.

This is the fifth bar from season 4 (first set) of Bar Rescue to close and the Bar Rescue Updates Page has been updated with this information.

UPDATE - The building that housed Nick's House was demolished in 7/2016.

Bar Rescue - The Cajun Belle (Grinders Sports Bar) Update

On tonight's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Santa Clarita, California to try to rescue Grinders Sports Bar.  The owners decided to buy a pizzeria for $77,000 and turn it into a bar, however their renovations were not approved by the city and the city has threatened to shut them down.  They have spent $100,000 dealing with the city during renovations.  They are also supposedly losing $2,500 a month and are over $250,000 in total debt.

During the Bar Rescue makeover Grinders was renamed to The Cajun Belle and they have kept the name . Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for The Cajun Belle since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

Bar Rescue - George & Dragon Update

On tonight's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Phoenix, Arizona to try to rescue George & Dragon English Pub and Restaurant. The owner Dave supposedly let the bar go downhill after the death of his mother.  The bar has been open for over 20 years and he is supposedly drinking his profits away and gambling his way to ruin with his weekly poker tournaments.  Bar Rescue says the bar is $700,00 in debt and losing $5,000 a month.

During the Bar Rescue makeover they decided to keep the bar's name of George & Dragon.  Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for George & Dragon since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

38th Floor Bar From Bar Rescue To Close

Photo - Facebook

38th Floor Bar (formerly Mandala Lounge) in San Mateo, California recently announced that they will be closing at the end of the month.  The bar appeared on season 4 (2nd set) of Bar Rescue and the episode aired in April 2015.  

On April 19th, the bar posted the following message on their Facebook Page:

"Dear Friends and Valued Customers,

The 38th Floor Bar will be closing for good at the end of April. We will be operating through April and sincerely hope you will join us for our final weekend blowout, “THE LAST CALL” on the 29th and 30th.

It has been my great pleasure to serve the community of San Mateo for the last decade. The opportunity to build strong and sincere friendships with people who arrived to me strangers has been a great joy. Thank you to everyone who supported us throughout the years. Your patronage made it possible for me to live my dream of owning my own business.

I couldn’t have made it through the ups and downs without the unwavering support of my incredible wife, family and my steadfast employees. Of special mention are my good friends Adam Florendo and Zack Munsey. Adam bartended side by side with me in the trenches for 5 years during good and bad times and Zack showed up for me when I needed him most all the way to the end. Additionally, I want to recognize the fantastic DJ’s I have had the pleasure to work with who have provided the soundtrack for all of the good times.

I want to thank Jon Taffer and the entire Bar Rescue crew for choosing us to be a part of the Bar Rescue legacy. I will be forever indebted to them for giving us a second chance to recreate ourselves as the 38th Floor Bar. Unfortunately, this opportunity has not been enough to combat months of declining sales and debt burden.

It is with happiness, not regret that I move on. I have had the opportunity to take a journey not many make. I look forward to the next chapter as I continue to pursue an enduring dream of having a career in law enforcement.

Again I thank all of YOU…the people who made it all possible. I hope to see as many old and new friends before the end of the month. We are going to have one fantastic final weekend! To you I raise my glass and say “CHEERS!”

Respectfully,
Greg Hawkins
Proprietor
38th Floor Bar"

So it looks like owner Greg is thankful that Bar Rescue came and gave them a second chance, but it wasn't enough as they still had debt and sales were declining.  Greg was recently on a Back to the Bar special (first aired March 27th) and said that they were up 40%, doing great, and chipping away at debt.  He also confirmed that Bar Rescue worked out for them (Link to Video).  Apparently that was not the case.

This will be the fourth bar from season 4 (2nd set) of Bar Rescue to close, and when the bar closes at the end of the month, it will be marked as 'Closed' on the Bar Rescue Update Page.

Bar Rescue - Frankie T's (Freaki Tiki) Update

On tonight's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Clearwater, Florida to try to rescue Freaki Tiki.  Freaki Tiki is a tiki bar that was once grossing $1 million a year, but is now supposedly losing $6,500 a month.  The owner is neglectful and the bar is in need of many repairs.  Also a used condom is found in the bar while Bar Rescue is there.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Freaki Tiki was renamed to Frankie T's, and they have somewhat kept the new bar name, but it seems they are going with Frankie T's Dive Bar now. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Frankie T's since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

Bar Rescue - Pastimes on 4th (O'Kelley's at the Ballpark) Update

On tonight's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in St. Louis, Missouri to try to rescue O'Kelly's at the Ballpark.  O'Kelley's at the Ballpark is an Irish pub right near Busch Stadium which is where the St. Louis Cardinals play.  The bartenders are wild and the owner's livelihood is at risk due to her nephew and an unqualified manager.  The bar is supposedly losing $6,500 a month and $700,000 is debt.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, O'Kelly's at the Ballpark was renamed to Pastimes on 4th, and they have kept the new bar name. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Pastimes on 4th since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

Hammer & Ales From Bar Rescue Has Closed

Hammer & Ales (formerly The Hammer) in Las Vegas, Nevada which appeared on season 3 of Bar Rescue has closed.  The bar closed at the end of business yesterday March 31, 2016.

The bar posted the following message on their Facebook Page:

"Most of you have heard the rumors for some time now. Well the time is is now offical and rapidly approaching. March 31st will the last day of Hammer and Ales. The bar has been sold and new owners will be reopening in may from what I hear. So enough with the sad news. Time to get down here to help us go out having a great time. Come see your favorite bartender, eat your favorite burger, and wash it down with a cold one. Think back upon the great memories we have all had together. The Hammer staff thanks you all for your loving support. Now get your ass down here and lets go out Hammer style."

Eater Vegas reports the bar will have a different concept with the new owner and will be named Owl.  Hammer & Ales has been marked as 'Closed' on the Bar Rescue Updates Page and this is the sixth bar from season 3 (1st set) of Bar Rescue to close. 

Dirty Rooster/Lake Marie Lodge From Bar Rescue - Closed

The Dirty Rooster in Antioch, Illinois, which was featured on season 4 of Bar Rescue closed at the end of 2015.  The bar has been marked 'Closed' on the Bar Rescue Updates Page, but as there wasn't much information at the time, no post about the closure was created.  This weekend, the bar will be featured on a back-to-the-bar special, and there is a bit more information on the closure, so I figured I would do a post.

During the Bar Rescue makeover the Dirty Rooster was renamed to Lake Marie Lodge, but they ended up going back to the name of The Dirty Rooster.

The bar closed at the end of 2015 and owner Robert Hoffman was recently trying to sell the POS system that was given to them by Bar Rescue.  In the comments of that post, people were asking why the bar was closed, and Robert stated, "That part on my show about me and Scott hating each other is real. So Scott decided to sue the bar and me personally for 125k.... That was enough to put me over the edge. Not to mention the state of Illinois get a tax on it because they saw me giving away alcohol on TV that cost me $12,000. Time to move on"

He also added, "Everything we had is for sale. But I had to pay a company to come in inventory all the equipment move it from the building. I'm now paying storage on all that equipment until the lawsuit is over. Then everything will be for sale cheap,"

We will see if anything else comes up on the back-to-the-bar episode, and if it does, I will update this post.

Bar Rescue - Cayman Cove (Dale 1891) Update

On tonight's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Tampa, Florida to try to rescue Dale 1891.   Dale 1891 has three co-owners and during the rescue, Jon discovers one is siphoning the profits.  The owners also own a movie theater which is in the same shopping center.  The bar is supposedly losing $5,000 a month and they are behind on rent

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Dale 1891 was renamed to Cayman Cove, and they have kept the new bar name. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Cayman Cove since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

Bar Rescue - Crafted (Van Goghz Martini Bar & Bistro) Update

On tonight's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in St. Louis, Missouri to try to rescue Van Goghz Martini Bar & Bistro.   Dani Davis is the owner and worked at the bar as a bartender before eventually buying it.  She is supposedly $250,000 in debt and losing $2,500 a month, but would rather vape in the corner of the bar than engage with her customers.  There is also a filthy kitchen and a dog running around in the bar.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Van Goghz Martini Bar & Bistro was renamed to Crafted, and they have kept the new bar name. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Crafted since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

Bar Rescue - Boulder Lodge Bar & Grill (Mac and Chester's SRO) Update

On tonight's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Oak Grove, Minnesota to try to rescue Mac and Chester's Standing Room Only.  This is the 100th episode of the show and Mac and Chester's SRO is a bar that also has softball fields outside.  There are two feuding owners and one owner is ready to leave the business while the other has his marriage on the line.  The bar is supposedly losing $6,000 a month and bikers have taken over which is scaring customers away.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Mac and Chester's Standing Room Only was renamed to Boulder Lodge Bar & Grill, and they have kept the new bar name. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Boulder Lodge Bar & Grill since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

Downey's Irish Pub From Bar Rescue Has Closed

Photo - Spike

Downey's Irish Pub in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from season 1 of Bar Rescue has closed.  Philly.com reported the closure and noted that their liquor license is in safekeeping status, meaning they cannot legally serve alcohol (Link to PA licenses - click on Philadelphia, and Downey's is the first license listed and is in safekeeping).

Downey's was listed for sale in May 2015 for $2.9 million, but I guess they never found a buyer at that price.  The bar will now go to sheriff's sale due to foreclosure on May 3rd, 2016 and the opening bid is $124,100 with an assessed value of $936,600. (Link to Sheriff Sale site - Use 526 S FRONT ST as the address to search).  The Philly.com article also states "City records show $80,712.43 in taxes, interest, and penalties for 2013 to 2016" for Downey's.


Downey's was still advertising on their Facebook Page on February 29th, so it appears the bar closed shortly after that.

This is the fourth bar from season 1 of Bar Rescue to close and the Bar Rescue Updates Page has been updated with this information.  Jon Taffer has done four Bar Rescue makeovers in the Philadelphia area, and all four are now closed - Downey's, Swanky Bubbles, Lickety Split/2nd State Lounge, and Plush/Osteria Calabria.

UPDATE 5/2016 - Downey's was operating as a takeout food restaurant without a license.  They seem to have cleared that up and are still offering takeout food only.  The bar area remains closed. (Link)

The End From Bar Rescue Has Closed

Photo - Spike

The End bar in Las Vegas, Nevada, which was featured on season three (2nd set of bars) of Bar Rescue has closed.  The bar was originally named The Underworld Bar and Grill before Jon Taffer and his team renamed it to The End.  The bar posted the following message on their Facebook page at the end of January:

"To our friends, family, and wonderful valued customers;
We regret to inform you that due to the inability to agree on the new terms for the extension on the lease for that building, The End is now closed! We want to thank everyone for your years of continued love and support, and let you know this is not over, this is not the end, you will see us again!
Thank you!"

It sounds like they may try to re-open if they can find another location.  They did move locations after Bar Rescue visited, so a move wouldn't be something new for them.

This is the sixth bar from season three (2nd set) of Bar Rescue to close and the Bar Rescue Updates Page has been updated with this information.  If they do open up in a new location, I will do another update.

O Face Owner Arrested on Suspicion of Sexual Abuse

Matthew Overmyer, the co-owner of Bar Rescue's most infamous episode at O Face, was arrested Thursday on suspicion of second-degree sexual abuse and assault with intent to commit sexual abuse by the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office (Link to arrest document).

Omaha.com reports that the assault took place at a house, and Overmyer attacked an adult woman who works at O Face at midnight on Tuesday.  He reportedly "used physical force, including choking, to have sex with the victim twice."  The victim called several people after the alleged attack, and one source told investigators that Overmyer tried to re-enter the room after the victim locked him out.

The suspected assault allegedly took place while Overmyers wife (co-owner of the bar) was out of town.

Matthew Overmyer did not speak to investigators and his lawyer said he will plead not guilty and expects the case to be dismissed.  Overmyer faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted and is free after posting a $50,000 bail.

I will keep you updated on the progress of this story and the case as more details emerge.

Also, I know many people think O Face is closed due to multiple review sites listing it as closed, however the bar is still open.  After this, who knows....

UPDATE 10/2016 - Matthew Overmyer plead guilty to the sexual assault charges and was ordered to spend 90 days in jail.  He also has two years of probation following his sentence and will undergo a sex offender treatment program. A no contact order with the victim has been issued for five years.  Matthew Overmyer also will have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life and pay any restitution to the victim, should she seek counseling. (Link)

UPDATE 3/2017 -  Matthew Overmyer was ordered to pay $4,640 in restitution to the victim, which was a lowered figure. (Link)

UPDATE 4/2017 - Matthew Overmyer went back to jail for failing to register as a sex offender. (Link)

Bar Rescue - Stand Up Scottsdale Update Part 2 - Back To The Bar

Tonight on Bar Rescue is a special Back To The Bar episode, and one of the bars being visited is Stand Up Scottsdale.  Judging by the past and by looking at the preview for the episode, this figures to be a controversial episode, so I figured I would do another post on this bar.

Howard Hughes, the owner of Stand Up Scottsdale has been very vocal in the past about how he didn't like Bar Rescue and the changes made to his bar.  He has also responded to many fan comments and questions on a previous post on this website and made fun of people for believing in reality TV.

Back in July 2015, when Bar Rescue revisited for their Back to the Bar episode, Stand Up Scottsdale posted the following photo:

In a recent post on Facebook, Howard said, "very little lately more enjoyable than destroying in front of Bar Rescue fans. Their faces and their comments afterward are priceless. Jon Taffer is an undeniable fraud; he's the Vince McMahon of the bar industry."

In one of the comments of the previous post for Stand Up Scottsdale, Howard says, "And even more good news for fans of BR: I just went back and shot an instudio recap and just like you would hope for, it is epic. Jon is still a loud mouth fraud (I imagine many will say the same of me), so keep in touch for our video recap fo the actuality of what Bar rescue did...to the dopiest of Br fans, it'll all seem like the reality couldn't be possible but it'll be eye opening to reasonable people."

Also, there is a viewing party of the episode tonight at Stand Up Scottsdale, which says, "The first time wasn't enough!  I went back for a "confronting" episode and, well, it worked. Come see the amazing story Bar Rescue weaves this time around; I imagine I end up getting arrested ;-)"


Howard said he is launching a podcast after the show, which I am sure he will reveal more things and try to bash the show, so stay tuned.  My guess is he will be responsive to comments on here again...

UPDATE - Stand Up Scottsdale closed in April 2017 - More information on the closure.