Sunday, April 2, 2017

Bar Rescue - Desi Romano's Sports Bar & Grill Update

On tonight's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Chalmette, LA to try to rescue Desi Romano's Sports Bar & Grill.  The owner Desi recently had a stroke and his absence from the bar caused the bar to go downhill.  Desi is now back at the bar, but he isn't the same and has allowed bartenders to keep open tabs.

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

Sunday, March 26, 2017

Bar Rescue - Big Mike's Sports Bar & Grill Update

On tonight's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Denham Springs, LA to try to rescue Big Mike's Sports Bar & Grill.  This episode is a bit different as Bar Rescue isn't there due to the bar failing, but the show is there to help rebuild Big Mike's after a devastating flood.  An August 2016 storm dumped about three times as much rain on Louisiana than Hurricane Katrina and one of the hardest hit places was Denham Springs.  This left thousands of homes and businesses underwater and with considerable damage including Big Mike's.  An employee of Big Mike's reached out to Bar Rescue and Jon Taffer decided to make a special trip to help save the bar.

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

Sunday, March 19, 2017

Bar Rescue - The Second Line Co. (Speakeasy) Update

On tonight's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Kenner, LA to try to rescue Speakeasy Bar & Grill. Speakeasy Bar is co-owned by husband and wife Amanda and Keith Bellaci and they purchased the bar in 2015.  Amanda doesn't act like an owner and is twerking all over the bar.  Also, the kitchen is filthy when Bar Rescue arrives and there is spoiled food.  Speakeasy is supposedly $250,000 in debt, losing $5,000 a month, and they are quickly accumulating more debt.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer decided to change the name of Speakeasy to Second Line Co. and the bar has kept the name, but it seems they use both names interchangeably. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Second Line Co. since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

Sunday, March 5, 2017

Bar Rescue - Press Box (The Dugout) Update

On tonight's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Chicago, Illinois to try to rescue The Dugout.  The Dugout is a bar that is very close to Wrigley Field, which is where the Chicago Cubs play.  The Dugout is infested with fruit flies and is supposedly losing $30,000 to $40,000 each off-season.

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

Sunday, February 26, 2017

Bar Rescue - Summit House Grill and Tap Update

On tonight's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Lakewood, Colorado to try to rescue Summit House Grill and Tap. Summit House's owner Josh is excessively drinking which is causing issues with both his bar and his marriage.  The bar is supposedly losing $4,500 a month and has a debt of $750,000.

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

Friday, February 24, 2017

Frankie T's (Freaki Tiki) From Bar Rescue Has Closed

Frankie T's Dive Bar (Freaki Tiki), which appeared on Bar Rescue in April 2016 has closed. The bar celebrated its final weekend this past weekend after being in business for over nine years.  Pictured right is the advertisement for the final weekend thanking everybody for the friendships and memories.

Owner Frank shared the advertisement saying,  "Thanks for the memories my friends. What a ride it has been. Time to be married to my wife instead of married to the business. Stop by and say hi this weekend. We'd love to see you."  So it appears he is looking forward to spending time with his family.

This is the first bar from season 4 (fifth set) of Bar Rescue to close and the Bar Rescue Update Page has been updated to show Frankie T's as Closed.  Also, here is the original update for Frankie T's if you are interested. 

Sunday, February 19, 2017

Bar Rescue - Downstairs Bar + Kitchen (State Pub) Update

On tonight's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Englewood, Colorado to try to rescue State Pub (St8 Pub). State pub is supposedly $35,000 in debt with $25,000 from rent and $10,000 from a loan.  After 13 months of not paying rent to his landlord, owner Sean supposedly has five weeks to pay in full or be shut down for good.  His drunken behavior is supposedly causing a decline at the bar and is driving customers away.  Also during recon, Jon Taffer sees some unsanitary food being made in the kitchen.

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

Thursday, February 9, 2017

Oasis Hookah Lounge (Taza Nightclub) From Bar Rescue Has Closed

Oasis Hookah Lounge (Taza Nightclub), which appeared on Bar Rescue in April of 2014 has closed. The bar was renamed to Taza Nightclub, but they changed their name back to Oasis Hookah Lounge in 2016.

The bar posted the following message on their Facebook Page after closing on February 5, 2017:
"Omaha, it has been a fun 6 1/2 years. Thank you for all the support over that time, thru all the ups and downs. Thank you to all the staff that has worked here and busted their ass for this place. Thank you to all the DJs that kept the party going every weekend and kept you moving. And finally thank you to you, the loyal Hookah Heads that have been puff, puff, passing it with us since July 16th, 2010.
We will genuinely miss you and we just hope we made a few fun memories for you all.
So goodbye for now and See You in the Smoke!!!!"

Taza/Oasis has had some issues with disturbances at the bar and had to report to Omaha City Council multiple times about their liquor license (more details in original post).  This was part of the reason that the nightclub theme was dropped and they went back to the hookah/lounge theme.  In December 2016, Omaha City Council stripped Oasis Hookah Lounge of their liquor license citing 911 calls over the years. Oasis could have appealed to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission, which it appears they did.  I am not sure if Oasis is closing due to a failed appeal or if Jesse decided to close the bar on his own.

Oasis Hookah Lounge has now been marked as Closed on the Bar Rescue Update Page.

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Panic Room (Tonic Lounge) From Bar Rescue Has Closed

Photo - Spike
Panic Room in Portland, Oregon which was featured on season 4 of Bar Rescue has closed.  The bar was originally called Tonic Lounge, but was renamed to Panic Room by Bar Rescue and Jon Taffer in April of 2015.  In August of 2016, the bar changed their name to The Raven which only lasted a few months as they are now closed.

Williamette Week reported that the bar was closed, but there isn't too much information on why the bar closed.  The website reached out to he booking manager of The Raven who confirmed that the bar has closed by simply responding to an email with, "The Venue is closed."

When the bar changed their name to The Raven in August 2016, the booking manager didn't have positive things to say about Bar Rescue.  He stated, "The sign and name were horrible, the show was absolute staged and edited bullshit, the props were cheap and silly, and all the actual stage and lighting gear was rented or borrowed and we didn’t get to keep. The show did irreparable damage to the venue’s image, and provided no benefits other than a small amount of decent furniture"

The Raven (formerly Panic Room and Tonic Lounge) is the second bar from season 4 (3rd set) of Bar Rescue to close and the Bar Rescue Updates Page has been updated to show the bar as closed.

UPDATE - Local bar owners decided to open a bar at this location and named it Tonic Lounge.  They have no affiliation with the owners from Bar Rescue.

Friday, November 18, 2016

5th & Vine (Rhythm & Brews) From Bar Rescue Has Closed

5th & Vine bar in Staten Island, New York, which appeared on season four of Bar Rescue has closed.  The bar posted a video on their Facebook Page on November 13th titled 'The End', which had a slide show of pictures from the past.  Also, owner Erik Lachow's posted this on his Facebook Page on November 12th, "This Saturday night is the last night to party down with the cast of 5th & Vine. Don't miss out on the memories!"

Also, the day after, Erik posted, "I want to thank everyone for coming down last night! It was nuts! I'm very sorry that i didnt get to talk to so many of you cause we were mobbed and working with archaic tools ( no soda guns, everything running out). I apologize to so many people i just waved too. Thank you so much for the love anyway."

5th & Vine was actually shut down by the health department in April of 2016, but quickly reopened after fixing their issues.  In another recent article, owner James said about Bar Rescue, "Short term, it helped slightly."

5th & Vine appeared on Bar Rescue in October of 2014 on season 4 of the show and it is the fifth bar from that season to close.  They also kept the name given to them by Bar Rescue until they closed. The Bar Rescue Updates Page has been updated to show 5th & Vine as closed.

Sunday, November 13, 2016

Bar Rescue - Triple Nickel Tavern Update

On tonight's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Colorado Springs, Colorado to try to rescue Triple Nickel Tavern.  The Triple Nickel Tavern's owner JJ has had some recent deaths in the family and has lost interest in running the bar due to that.  The bar went from bringing in $25,000 a month to about $150,000 in debt.

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

Sunday, November 6, 2016

Bar Rescue - The Roc Bar & Nightclub (Fort One) Update

On tonight's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in San Francisco, California to try to rescue Fort One Bar & Lounge. Fort One Bar & Lounge is owned by Jason Wanigatunga and it was given to him by his father.  He is giving out too many free drinks, the bartenders are drinking too much during their shifts, and the bar is supposedly $200,000 in debt.

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

Sunday, October 30, 2016

Bar Rescue - Garrison Tavern (Brickhouse Bar & Grill) Update

On tonight's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Colorado Springs, Colorado to try to rescue Brickhouse Bar & Grill. Brickhouse Bar & Grill is owned by Jon Nicholls and his excess drinking is causing conflicts with his staff.  He is hooking up with one of the bartenders, but he also flirts with the customers which is causing drama.  The bar is supposedly $300,000 in debt and a few months from closing.

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

Sunday, October 23, 2016

Bar Rescue - Tradewinds Bar Update

On tonight's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Cotati, California to try to rescue Tradewinds Bar. Tradewinds is a bar that is co-owned by Eric Loria and Dan Thompson, but they also gave manager Chase Meyers a 20% stake for running the bar.  Chase isn't too focused on making the bar a success and even leaves to go to the bar across the street.  The bar is supposedly $300,000 in debt and a few months from closing.

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

Sunday, October 16, 2016

Bar Rescue - Sam Jordan's Update

On tonight's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in San Francisco, California to try to rescue Sam Jordan's. Sam Jordan's is a bar that has been open since 1959 and is named after its founder Sam Jordan who was a boxing champion and a Navy veteran. The bar was the first African-American owned bar in the city and received historic landmark status in 2013. Sam passed away in 2003 and the bar was inherited by his children.  The bar is supposedly $500,000 in debt, which is why Bar Rescue is there.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer decided to keep the name of the bar due to its history and it still goes by the name of Sam Jordan's. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Sam Jordan's since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

Sunday, October 9, 2016

Bar Rescue - R. Lee's (Schafer's Bar & Grill) Update

On tonight's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Sumner, Washington to try to rescue Schafer's Bar & Grill.  Schafer's Bar & Grill was owned by Jeff Schafer and he decided to sell the bar to Ryan Burks and Nita Wyatt.  When they bought the bar, they decided to keep Jeff as a bartender and he is apparently sabotaging the business. Schafer's is supposedly $500,000 in debt and a month from closing.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer decided to change the name of Schafer's Bar & Grill to R. Lee's.  The bar quickly went back to their original name of Schafer's Bar & Grill and didn't like the makeover. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Schafer's Bar & Grill since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

Thursday, October 6, 2016

Murphy's Law (Money Bar) From Bar Rescue Has Closed

Murphy's Law in Reno, Nevada from season 4 (3rd set) of Bar Rescue has closed.  When Jon Taffer and Bar Rescue were there, they renamed the bar to Money Bar, but the bar quickly went back to their original name of Murphy's Law.

On August 24th, 2016, the bar posted on Facebook:
"Hey all you guys who have been with us through all the thick and thin of Murphy's adventures, bar rescue lol, and our new friends: We will be closed temporarily while a new owner is coming in. Hopefully Monday it will reopen and look for exciting changes and some familiar faces. It is Reno lol!! Hope to see you all soon!"

Then on October 4th, 2016 the bar followed up with:
"Well time for an update.. Murphy's Law is officially done in more ways then one. To all the friends and supporters I bid you well!!! As far as the new Jimmy B's coming in, I wouldn't go near that if my life depended on it!!!!! Pm me if you would like more details.My name is Maria Bedient and I support this message."

So Maria was still involved with the bar despite Jon Taffer suggesting on the episode that she should no longer be apart of the bar.  It also looks like the sale wasn't too smooth based on Maria's message. This is the first bar from season 4(3rd set) of Bar Rescue to close and the Bar Rescue Updates Page has been updated with this information.

Sunday, October 2, 2016

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):

Sunday, September 25, 2016

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):

Sunday, September 18, 2016

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):