Sunday, March 17, 2019

Bar Rescue - The Frozen Cactus (RJ's Replays) Update

On this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Tucson, Arizona to rescue RJ's Replays.  RJ's Replays was opened in 2011 by Rich McClelland and is a sports bar that has a focus on craft beers.  Rich borrowed over $700,000 from his parents to open the bar and the bar is supposedly has almost $1 million in debt.  The bar supposedly lost $20,000 the previous month and is about a month from closing.  While Jon is there, he finds a menu that is too large and that the owner Rich is drunk in his own bar.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer decided to change the name of RJ's Replays to The Frozen Cactus and the bar has somewhat kept the name.  They now go by RJ's Frozen Cactus.  Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for The Frozen Cactus/RJ's Frozen Cactus since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):


Sunday, March 10, 2019

Bar Rescue - Madame Dalia's Country Bar (Country Nights) Update

On this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in San Antonio, Texas to rescue Country Nights Club.   Country Nights Club is supposedly $144,000 in debt and is losing $4,000 to $6,000 a month.  While Jon is there, he finds bartenders who are drunk and an out of control owner who is trying to serve customers shots out of her cleavage.  The owner Dalia is more worried about her looks and drinking rather than running a successful bar.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer decided to change the name of Country Nights Club to Madame Dalia's Country Bar and the bar has somewhat kept the name.  It seems they dropped the 'Madame' and they go by Dalia's Country Bar. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Dalia's Country Bar since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

Sunday, March 3, 2019

Bar Rescue - Shibo Update

On this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in San Juan, Puerto Rico to rescue Shibo.  Shibo is a Latin-Asian fusion restaurant that was destroyed during Hurricane Maria.  It has been closed for seven months and the owners do not have the money to fix up the restaurant to reopen.  When Jon is there, he finds that Shibo doesn't have damage that is that bad and thinks the owners may not have even tried to fix it up to reopen.


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


Thursday, February 28, 2019

P's and Q's Autobody From Bar Rescue Has Closed

P's and Q's Autobody in Huntington, NY, which appeared on season 4 of Bar Rescue has closed.  The bar closed in October 2018 when longtime bartender Michael Matarazzo bought the bar and changed the name to Repeal XVIII.  Michael first bought into P's and Q's as a partner, then eventually decided to buy the other owner out and run the bar the way he wanted with his own concept (Link).  You may remember Michael as he was on the P's and Q's Autobody episode of Bar Rescue.

P's and Q's Autobody was originally named Artful Dodger before Jon Taffer did the makeover, and the bar did keep the name given to them Bar Rescue.  The episode originally aired in October 2014 and here is the original update.  P's and Q's was damaged badly in a fire in March 2015 and closed for over a year until they reopened in May 2016.  After the fire, they had to get rid of the secret entrance installed by Bar Rescue.


P's and Q's Autobody has been marked as 'Closed' on the Bar Rescue Updates Page.

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

Summit House Grill and Tap From Bar Rescue Has Closed

Summit House Grill and Tap in Lakewood, Colorado, which appeared on season 5 (2nd set) of Bar Rescue has closed.  Summit House appeared on Bar Rescue in February 2017 and they closed around July of 2018.

The Summit House website no longer works and the bar has been marked as closed on Yelp.  A July 2018 review on Yelp said the bar closed for renovations, so I waited a bit to see if they would reopen, but it looks like they will not.  Owners Josh and Alexia Lubliner also owned another restaurant which closed about a year earlier in September 2017.

While trying to find reasons why Summit House Grill and Tap closed, I found a Denver Business Journal link to a court case against Josh Lubliner filed in September 2018.  Here are the case details from the site, "Denver West Village LP vs. Summit House Inc./Josh Lubliner/Calvin Investments Inc. et al., money, case #18CV31475, 09/14/18."  Also, at that link it says that that Josh and Alexia Lubliner sold their home for $750,000.

Denver West Village LP owns the mall area where Summit House Grill and Tap was located.  So, it appears the reason for closing may have been because of money owed to the landlord.


Summit House Grill and Tap has been marked as 'Closed' on the Bar Rescue Updates Page and here is the original update done for the episode.

Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Pastimes on 4th From Bar Rescue Has Closed

Pastimes on 4th in St. Louis, Missouri, which was featured on season 4 (5th set) of Bar Rescue has closed.  I never did a post on the closure when it happened, so I am doing one now.

The bar was for sale right after it appeared on Bar Rescue in April 2016, which was stated in the original update.  A new bar (which is still open) called Game 6 Honky Tonk Joint opened in the Pastimes on 4th location in the fall of 2017, so Pastimes on 4th closed sometime in the middle of 2017.  Pastimes on 4th didn't have much of an online presence and had very few reviews despite being on Bar Rescue, which is the reason why it was hard to figure out it closed.  The owners of Pastimes on 4th also own a restaurant that was featured on Food Network's Restaurant: Impossible, and that restaurant remains open.


Pastimes on 4th was originally called O'Kelly's at the Ballpark before Jon Taffer did the makeover, and the bar did keep the name given to them Bar Rescue.  Pastimes on 4th has been marked as 'Closed' on the Bar Rescue Updates Page.

Monday, February 25, 2019

Tidal Bay Beach Bar From Bar Rescue Has Closed

Tidal Bay Beach Bar in Long Beach, California from season 5 (3rd set) of Bar Rescue has closed.  The bar closed in January 2019 and a tiki bar is supposed to open in its location in March 2019.


In October 2018, bartender Lola from the show announced that she would no longer be working at Tidal Bay Beach Bar.  Also in October 2018, the bar put up a "Public Notice of Application For Ownership Change" outside the bar, which is on their Facebook page.  Finally in January 2019, Tidal Bay Beach Bar posted a picture of their suspended liquor license with the caption "30 day notice."  Comments below that post say that the bar had its liquor license suspended due to a paperwork issue.

Tidal Bay Beach Bar was originally called Liquid Lounge before Jon Taffer did the makeover, and the bar did keep the name given to them Bar Rescue. Here is the original update for Tidal Bay Beach Bar and the bar has been marked as 'Closed' on the Bar Rescue Updates Page.

Sunday, February 24, 2019

Lucky's Corner Pocket From Bar Rescue Has Closed

Lucky's Corner Pocket in Davenport, Florida, which appeared on season 5 (3rd set) of Bar Rescue has closed.  On January 1st, 2019 Lucky's Corner Pocket changed their name to Fireside Lounge and Billiards and updated the name on their Facebook page.  I was able to confirm that the bar is a totally different bar with new owners.  The new owners have also done some renovations on the bar after purchasing it.

Owner Georgiann Browne who appeared on the Bar Rescue episode has her house on the market and is selling old bar memorabilia.  In December 2018, she posted on Facebook, "I am FINALLY officially unemployed!! I couldn't be HAPPIER!! Just finished last payroll entry, Sales tax entry, get 941 squared away, then my awesome accountant will receive my taxes before the end of the current year!!!
Anyone know someone interested in a pretty spectacular home that would make an amazing B&B?!
Don't get the whole # tag thing...but I AM # 1 HAPPY GHIRL!!"


It looks like this is more of a retirement and Georgiann is happy to be done working.  Judging by the comments on that post, it looks like she will be moving out west.


Lucky's Corner Pocket was originally called Lucky Leprechaun before Jon Taffer did the makeover, and the bar did keep the name given to them Bar Rescue.  Here is the original update for Lucky's Corner Pocket and the bar has been marked as 'Closed' on the Bar Rescue Updates Page.

Friday, February 15, 2019

Agave Junction Cantina From Bar Rescue Has Closed

Agave Junction Cantina in Norwalk, California which appeared on Bar Rescue in 2014 has closed.  The bar closed in September of 2018 and they posted the following message on their Facebook page (which no longer exists). "Agave Junction has been sold. Last day we are open for Business will be 9/14/2018. We will be shutting our doors in 7 days. Make sure to Come by and get a few cold ones and Tacos before we shut our doors next week.  Thanks for your business these past years!!"

It looks like the sale price was for $825,000, but so far, nothing has opened in its location.

Agave Junction Cantina was originally named Scoreboard 2 before Bar Rescue did the makeover and here is the original update for when that episode aired in 2014.  In 2016, three men were stabbed at the bar and in January 2018 there was a strong-arm robbery outside the bar.  Agave Junction Cantina has been marked as 'Closed' on the Bar Rescue Updates Page.

Saturday, September 29, 2018

The Dickson (Wanted Saloon) From Bar Rescue Has Closed

The Dickson bar in Dickson, Tennessee, which appeared on season 6 of Bar Rescue has closed.  The Dickson was originally named The Wanted Saloon before Bar Rescue came and the makeover was done in late November/early December of 2017.  The Dickson episode aired on August 5th, 2018 and the bar announced they were closing on August 24th, so just a few weeks after their episode aired.


The Dickson posted the following message on their Facebook page to announce their closure:

"Y’all come out this Friday and Celebrate with us One Last Time!!! We are selling and closing this weekend!! We have decided to focus on the new family member 💙 joining us in 5 short weeks!!! Thank you all Soo Soo very much for 6 YEARS in business!!!! so come out and party with us and see Jessica Meuse throw down with Jd Outlaw for the final show EVER!!! at The Wanted Saloon/ The Dickson!!!
The Last Honky Tonk
Also we are taking offers on the business until Thursday latest Friday this week, so if you’re interested in owning a place with one hell of a story shoot us a line! Serious inquires only please, we love you all and can’t wait for the next chapter in our lives!!!"

It seems like JD and Ashley decided to focus on their family with a new baby on the way and that is why they decided to close the bar.  I am not sure what this means for JD's musical career.  The Dickson bar has been marked as 'Closed' on the Bar Rescue Updates Page and here is the original update for the bar if you are interested.

Sunday, August 26, 2018

Bar Rescue - Island Lounge (Island Bar & Grill) Update

On this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are just outside of Chicago in Blue Island, Illinois to rescue Island Bar & Grill.  Island Bar & Grill is owned by Adam Shorter who has staffed the bar with his family members which is causing friction at the bar.  The bar was opened about four years ago and is supposedly losing $5,000 a month.  While doing recon (without Jon Taffer), it is discovered that the kitchen is dirty and the staff has a lack of professionalism.


During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer decided to slightly change the name of Island Bar & Grill to Island Lounge.  The bar seems to use the names interchangeably.  Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Island Lounge since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

Saturday, August 18, 2018

Bar Rescue - Britestar Tavern Update

On this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Glendora, California to rescue Britestar Tavern.  Britestar Tavern is a beer only bar owned by Jim Reed who is an absentee owner.  The bar has been losing money and Jon Taffer sees one of the problems is the bar's tap system which wastes a lot of beer.  During recon, they also see a disorganized open mic night and a gross, chunky Bloody Mary mix.

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

Saturday, August 4, 2018

Bar Rescue - The Dickson (The Wanted Saloon) Update

On this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Dickson, Tennessee to rescue The Wanted Saloon.  The Wanted Saloon is owned by JD, who is an aspiring musician, and his wife Ashley.  The bar is barely breaking even and some months they are losing money.  Jon Taffer discovers that the bar is hard to find and only serves beer.  He also thinks JD's lack of effort at the bar is causing issues with both the business and his marriage.


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


Saturday, July 28, 2018

Bar Rescue - Bayou Bar & Grill (Fatballs) Update

On this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Jacksonville, Florida to rescue Fatballs. Fatballs is a sport bar with a bad reputation and an even worse name.  While doing recon, there are barely any customers and Jon Taffer still has to wait forever to get some food and drinks.  Even with the long wait, the food and drinks are not up to standards.

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

Saturday, July 21, 2018

Bar Rescue - Puerto Rico El K'rajo Beach Bar Update

On this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Puerto Rico for a special episode where they help El K'rajo Beach Bar rebuild after Hurricane Maria.  Janet and Victor are the owners of the bar and after the hurricane hit, they found their bar without a roof and filled with six feet of sand.  Jon has plenty of help with celebrities such as Bethenny Frankel, Mark Cuban, Jose Barrea, Luis Guzmán, Chef Jose Enrique, and Bernie Williams. 

Besides rebuilding the bar, everyone helps rebuild the local community center in Loiza, Puerto Rico, including the basketball courts and baseball field.  As this is a special episode, this will not be a normal Bar Rescue update, but I will provide info about El K'rajo Beach Bar and other related links.

Thursday, July 19, 2018

Paladino's (Theory) From Bar Rescue Has Closed

Paladino's in Tarzana, California which appeared on Bar Rescue in March of 2018 has closed.  The bar was renamed to Theory A Vintage Parlor Bar during the Bar Rescue makeover and Paladino's ended up using the names interchangeably.  Paladino's closed at the beginning of July 2018 and their website now says, "PALADINOS IS NOW CLOSED
Decades of great memories shows and friendships. Thank you to one and all. Stay tuned for what the future will bring."

Paladino's also had a couple live Facebook feeds from their final night on their Facebook page and  answered some questions from customers.  They said they did music on weekends under the name Paladino's and used the name Theory during the week.  They also said that the bar was sold and the new owner will be doing upgrades and changing the name, so it is the end of an era.

Paladino's (Theory) has been marked as 'Closed' on the Bar Rescue Updates Page.  If you are interested in the original update for Paladino's, here it is

Sunday, July 15, 2018

Bar Rescue - Sydney an Australian Beach Club (Blue Water Daiquiri and Oyster Bar) Update

Photo - Facebook
On this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Jacksonville Beach, Florida to rescue Blue Water Daiquiri and Oyster Bar. Blue Water Daiquiri and Oyster Bar is owned by a Chinese immigrant who must battle his emotional manager to save his dream beach bar.  Jon Taffer gets Lil Jon to help out during recon and they find that some of the daiquiri machines don't work at the bar.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer decided change the name of Blue Water Daiquiri and Oyster Bar to Sydney an Australian Beach Club and the bar has kept the name.  Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Sydney an Australian Beach Club since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

Saturday, June 30, 2018

Bar Rescue - The Airliner Update

On this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Los Angeles, California to rescue The Airliner.  The Airliner is a Los Angeles dive bar and music venue owned by Luiz Quiroz.  The band American Authors are on hand to help Jon Taffer do recon and they discover the food is inedible.  The owner Luiz has lost his passion for running the bar and Jon will need to reignite his passion to turn the bar around.

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

Saturday, June 23, 2018

Bar Rescue - Phish Tales (Phish Heads) Update

On this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Lake City, Florida to rescue Phish Heads.  Phish Heads is a bar owned by couple Toni and Philip Crenshaw who are supposedly $250,000 in debt.  Their "stubborn, lazy" son James has been working at the bar for 9 years and doesn't think he can run it by himself.


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

Saturday, June 16, 2018

Bar Rescue - No Name Saloon Update

On this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Edgewater, Florida to rescue No Name Saloon. No Name Saloon is a family owned biker bar and the father is struggling to hand over control of the bar to his daughter.  The customers at the bar are unruly and do not have any respect for the employees of the bar.  No Name Saloon also doesn't have a drink menu and the portion sizes of their food are way too big.  The bar is supposedly losing $7,000 a month and the owner Jim Kelly is supposedly $800,000 in debt.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer decided to keep the name of No Name Saloon. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for No Name Saloon since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):