Bar Rescue - Fogline Bar & Grill (Russell City Grill) Update

On tonight's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Hayward, California to try to rescue Russell City Grill. Russell City Grill is a bar located in the industrial part of Hayward without much competition around.  The bar once had sales of about $50,000 a month, but is now supposedly $280,000 in debt due to bad ownership and bad customer service.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer decided to change the name of Russell City Grill to Fogline Bar & Grill and the bar has kept the name. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Fogline Bar & Grill since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

Bar Rescue - The Forbidden Pub (YNot Sports Pub) Update

On tonight's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Everett, Washington to try to rescue YNot Sports Pub. YNot Sports Pub has a filthy kitchen that needs to be cleaned and a walk-in refrigerator that has a bedroom door as an entrance.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer decided to change the name of YNot Sports Pub to The Forbidden Pub. The bar kept the name for some time but have reverted back to the name of YNot Sports Pub. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for YNot Sports Pub since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

Bar Rescue - The Victory Bar (Celebrities Sports Grill) Update

On tonight's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Yucaipa, California to try to rescue Celebrities Sports Grill. Celebrities Sports Grill is owned by Max and Ryke Zahir and was once supposedly making $200,000 a month.  Max posted a video of him helping a homeless veteran which went viral and he tried to raise money for veterans through a GoFundMe page.  People found out that the homeless person wasn't actually a veteran and there was a lot of negative backlash online which Max ended up responding to.  This caused a lot of locals to get angry and the reputation of the bar and Max got much worse.  The bar is now supposedly losing $10,000 to $20,000 a month and is supposedly $750,000 in debt.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer decided to change the name of Celebrities Sports Grill to The Victory Bar and Restaurant.  The bar decided to keep the name, but closed shortly after the makeover. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for The Victory Bar and Restaurant since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

Tim Owens' Travelers Tavern From 'Bar Rescue' To Close

Tim Owens' Travelers Tavern in Akron Ohio, which was featured on Bar Rescue in November 2015 has announced it will close.  They posted the following message on their Facebook page last night:

"It comes with a heavy heart and a huge amount of considering many options, but Tim and I have decided to close our venue. Words can not express the gratitude we have for everyone who came out and supported the restaurant and the local music scene. A lot of work went into making this place great, lots of blood sweat and tears (literally) to bring Akron a place it could be proud of. I believe we were successful at that , but at this time Tim and I are being pulled away from that focus to concentrate on our main jobs. Tim is touring more and more and I am needed at my landscape company. Both of these are very positive for Tim and I but creates a negative for the bar/restaurant. We have both agreed to sell to another person who will be more focused on creating a cool restaurant and possibly keeping the stage rocking a couple times a month. I personally will be contacting any acts we have booked to help find other venues for them to perform. Tim and I are very sorry for the inconvenience and hope everyone is understanding. Our last day for food will be September 2nd (huge party) , our last live music show will be September 3rd . LETS BLOW IT OUT!"

So it seems like the reason for closing had more to do with owners Tim and Micah focusing on their other ventures and not having time for the bar.  That message has been shared over 500 times and has over 200 comments of people saying they are sad to see the bar close.

Owner Tim also chimed in and said,

"Yes, all good things must come to an end!!! We hate to do this but like Micah said our main careers have just gotten way to busy ( Which is a good thing ) and that just makes it too hard on us and the business!! The Business was good, the staff was amazing, the bands rocked and the location couldn't of been better, So stop saying it wasn't and read our posts...Lets hope whoever buys it keeps, keeps the music, the great food and they have the time to put into it!!
( Even as I type this I am sitting in Seattle airport for business )
I thank you all for all the support!!
Tim Ripper Owens"

Someone asked owner Micah if it had anything to do with Bar Rescue, and he responded, "Bar rescue helped in its own way , I am able to step away and not be bankrupt , this is our choice."

This will be the 5th bar from Season 4 (4th set) of Bar Rescue to close and the Bar Rescue Updates page will be updated when the bar closes in September.

Bar Rescue - The Bradley, Gaming and Cocktail Lounge (City Bar) Update

On tonight's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Las Vegas, Nevada to try to rescue the City Bar. City Bar was bought in 2015 by Brad Stegman and he took a gamble by buying the bar.  He is supposedly down to his last few months and is in $140,000 in debt from the bar.  Also, the bartenders are holding fetish events at the bar, which Brad supposedly doesn't approve of.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer decided to change the name of City Bar to The Bradley, Gaming and Cocktail Lounge and the bar decided to keep the name. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for The Bradley since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

Bar Rescue - Derby's Bar & Grill (The Wheelhouse Bar) Update

On tonight's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Hemet, California to try to rescue The Wheelhouse Bar.  The Wheelhouse Bar is a roller rink bar that has out of control bartenders and owner Jesse Vivanco doesn't know how to control them.  The bar is supposedly $165,000 in debt and Jesse has depleted almost all of his retirement money.  The Wheelhouse bar is also supposedly losing $6,500 a month and is six to eight months from closing.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer decided to change the name of The Wheelhouse Bar to Derby's Bar & Grill and the bar has kept the name. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Derby's Bar & Grill since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

Bar Rescue - Champagne's (Champagne's Cafe) Update

On tonight's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Las Vegas, Nevada to try to rescue the Champagne's Cafe.  Champagne's Cafe was bought in 2015 by Greg Simms with the help of a $150,000 loan from his mother.  The bar was once a famous mob hangout, but now it has issues such as outdated decor, not enough customers, and an owner that is a pushover.  Also, when locals got word that Bar Rescue was coming to the bar, they got a little upset and hoped that nothing was changed.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer decided to change the name slightly from Champagne's Cafe to Champagne's.  Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Champagne's since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

Bar Rescue - Gallopin' Goose Update

On tonight's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Coolidge, Arizona to try to rescue the Gallopin' Goose.  The Gallopin' Goose is owned by Scott Wohrman and his ex-wife Stacey who bought the bar in 2009 while they were still married.  Scott made some mistakes which cost them their relationship and caused the bar to go downhill.  The Gallopin' Goose is supposedly $370,000 in debt, losing $2,000 a month and is six months away from closing.

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

More Bar Rescue Episodes Plus Jon Taffer Late Night Talk Show Coming To Spike TV

Photo - Spike TV

Spike TV announced that Bar Rescue will have 30 new episodes for the 5th season of the show in addition to 10 more "Back to the Bar" specials.  The fifth season actually starts on August 7th, so the end of the fourth season and beginning of the fifth season are on in back-to-back weeks.

Spike TV also revealed that Bar Rescue's Jon Taffer will film a late night talk show pilot on the channel, however details about the show or when it will air have not been announced.


The full Press Release from Spike TV is below:

"Spike Press Release – Spike Backs “Bar” Business and Star Jon Taffer

SPIKE BACKS “BAR” BUSINESS AND STAR JON TAFFER

NETWORK ORDERS NEW JON TAFFER PILOT, 30 EPISODES FOR  5TH SEASON OF “BAR RESCUE,” AND 10 MORE “BACK TO THE BAR” SPECIALS

New York, NY, July 27, 2016 – Spike has greenlit 30 episodes of “Bar Rescue” for the fifth season of the network’s popular original series, in addition to ordering 10 more “Back to the Bar” specials and an untitled, late night talk show pilot from “Bar Rescue” star, renowned bar and nightlife expert Jon Taffer. The series and pilot are produced by 3 Ball Entertainment (“Extreme Weight Loss,” “My Cat From Hell”) and executive produced by Jon Taffer.

The fifth season of “Bar Rescue” will debut on August 7 at 9pm ET/PT, with the additional “Back to the Bar” specials airing throughout the “Bar Rescue” run of original episodes on Sunday nights.
“Bar Rescue” follows Taffer across the country as he utilizes 30 plus years of experience in the restaurant, bar and nightclub business to help give failing establishments one last chance to transform themselves into profitable businesses. The fifth season will take Taffer to bars in Las Vegas, San Francisco, Palm Springs, Seattle, and additional cities across America.

The additional installments of the successful “Back to the Bar” specials will continue to revisit infamous bars from the series’ past. In the newest iteration of these “where are they now” specials, Jon Taffer and a studio audience celebrate the most memorable “Bar Rescue” personalities and relive classic “Bar Rescue” moments. “Back to the Bar” also features new, never before seen footage of Taffer’s experts checking back in at previously rescued bars, and revisits tense confrontations between Taffer and well-remembered owners.

As part of its first-look agreement with Jon Taffer, Spike has ordered a late night talk show pilot also to be produced by 3 Ball Entertainment.

For additional information about “Bar Rescue,” fans can log onto barrescue.spike.com to view full episodes, check out before and after photo galleries of the rescued bars, and watch video previews of new episodes.  Fans can also get updates via Twitter @Spike and/or the @BarRescue handle, and join in on the conversation at the official Bar Rescue Facebook page.

About 3 Ball Entertainment:
3 Ball Entertainment is one of television’s most prolific producers of reality and non-fiction programming, both for broadcast and cable. Fully independent, 3 Ball’s current and recent series include Bar Rescue for Spike; My Cat From Hell for Animal Planet; LA Hair for WE tv; Kitten Bowl and the upcoming Kitten Summer Games for Hallmark Channel; Kingin’ with Tyga for MTV; WWE: Breaking Ground for WWE Network; and Extreme Weight Loss (which also airs as Obese in 130 countries). 3 Ball has additional series in production and development with networks including FOX, CBS, Spike, A&E, CNBC, Food Network, WE tv, MTV, FYI, Z Living and Redbull.
About Spike TV:

Spike TV is available in 91.4 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 - Blacklight District Lounge Update

On tonight's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Long Beach, California to try to rescue Blacklight District Lounge. Blacklight District Lounge is owned by Dave Franich with a little help from his friend Gabe Lopez.  They purchased the bar for $110,000 and turned it into a punk rock bar after doing some renovations. The bar has never made money and is supposedly losing $3,000 a month leaving Dave $160,000 in debt.  Dave is also stubborn about making any changes to the punk rock theme of the bar which causes conflict with Jon Taffer.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, there was no name change for Black Light District. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Black Light District since Bar Rescue came to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue visit):

Bar Rescue - Brick and Barley (Baseline Sports Bar) Update

On tonight's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Tempe, Arizona to try to rescue Baseline Sports Bar. Baseline Sports Bar is owned by AJ Hunter who took out a lien on her house to purchase the bar.  Baseline Sports Bar was supposedly doing between $65,000 and $80,000 a month when AJ purchased the bar.  Then AJ made the staff all female and called them the "Baseline Babes," which included her two daughters.  The bar went downhill and AJ is supposedly losing $4,000 a month and is $190,000 in debt.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer changed the name of Baseline Sports Bar to Brick and Barley and the bar has kept the name.  Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Brick and Barley since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

Owner From Bar Rescue's The Arena Sentenced To Prison For Failure To Pay Taxes

Photo - Michigan Attorney General

Brian Michael Flore (aka Mike), who is the owner of The Arena in Ann Arbor, Michigan was recently sentenced to two to five years in prison for 120 counts of failure to file taxes due to not paying sales tax for about 10 years (one count for each month).  He supposedly collected $700,000 in sales tax during those years and did not give any to the state of Michigan.  He worked out a payment plan with the state, but after missing a few payments, Mike was sentenced to prison and ordered to pay more than $1.5 million in restitution after penalties for fraud and interest were added. 

It is unclear if the bar will remain open, but it seems like the bar is looking for investors or looking to sell the business.

The Arena appeared on season four (4th set) of Bar Rescue and the update on this site had Mike saying he did the show pretty much for a free makeover.  Maybe he should have been more focused on paying his taxes.

If The Arena closes because of this, I will update the Bar Rescue Update Page, but for now I will keep it as "Open"

(h/t Detroit News)

UPDATE - The bar went up for auction in late July and is now closed. (Link)

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):