JJ's Sports Cafe (JJ's Sports Bar & Grill) - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Highland, California to rescue JJ's Sports Bar & Grill.  The bar is owned by Joe and Jackie Swidan who bought the bar in 2017 using their life savings. JJ's Sports Bar & Grill started out as a success, but the pandemic caused them to shut down.  When the bar reopened, they struggled to regain what they once had.  Joe is drinking too much at the bar which is impacting both the customers and employees. The bar is supposedly losing up to $30,000 a month and the owners are about $175,000 in debt.  JJ's Sports Bar & Grill is supposedly two months away from closing unless things turn around.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer decided to change the name of JJ's Sports Bar & Grill to JJ's Sports Cafe, but it seems like they still use the old name. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for JJ's Sports Cafe since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

The Loft (Cerealholic Cafe & Bar) From Bar Rescue Has Closed

The Loft in Ybor City, Florida which appeared on season 8 (2nd set) of Bar Rescue has closed. The bar closed at the end of August 2022, which was just about three months after appearing on the show.  The Loft posted the following message on their Facebook page to announce their closure:

"As many of our Cerealholic and Loft family and friends know, we are a family owned and operated business. We have had our struggles and great achievements. Our time in this community has been the most honored feelings for all of us. Given we are a family business, we have had some family issues that require full attention. This is a very difficult decision, which we have contemplated and reviewed for some time now. With a very heavy heart, we have decided to move on from our wonderful, amazing business. We took painstaking measures to ensure we find a business to take over our place in this community and honor the rich history and community we have become to be a part of. We have the deepest gratitude to all of our followers and fans. You have enabled us to move on with amazing support. So many of you have become like family and we (I) will always be grateful and miss all of you so much. As I review all of the pictures, events, posts, etc, it becomes clear how much it will be very difficult to move on. However, our family is first and foremost to us. We have some great events for the rest of August. We will be closing out August and turn our vision over to the new business....In addition we resume our posted hours for the final month. Please come by and see us. Please feel free to reach out to us anytime. XOXO"

They did find another business to take over the space and a new bar called SpookEasy Lounge is operating there. SpookEasy Lounge has also taken over The Loft Facebook page.  

The Loft was originally named Cerealholic Cafe & Bar until Bar Rescue came and did the makeover.  The Bar Rescue makeover to turn Cerealholic Cafe into The Loft happened in February 2022 and aired on TV in May 2022 (here is the update for that episode).  Cerealholic Cafe & Bar opened in early 2021, so the bar didn't last a full 2 years and closed just three months after appearing on the show.  The Loft has been marked as 'Closed' on the Bar Rescue Updates Page. 

Crowne Irish Pub (Forge Irish Pub) From Bar Rescue Has Closed

Crowne Irish Pub in Brandon, Florida, which appeared on season 8 (2nd set) of Bar Rescue has closed.  The bar closed in July 2022 and posted the following message on their Facebook page:

"To all the amazing guests at the Crowne Irish pub, formerly the Forge, past and present. It has been an experience of a lifetime to be a member of the community and serve you all. Unfortunately, due to a series of events, not really worth getting into, our doors will close for the last this Sunday night. The concept of the bar was to bring a neighborhood atmosphere, music, food, and a drink or two. A place where you could relax, unwind, and feel safe. With that being said from the bottom of my heart thank you all again for supporting small businesses, employees current and past, musicians and vendors I couldn’t have done it without you. I was hoping for more time for my employees’ sake, so before any Facebook warriors complain we have lined them up with jobs. Blessed to have such a great network of small business owners who all have each other’s backs.

Slainte (cheers), Patrick"

Their Facebook page has been removed since they closed and it appears nothing has opened in the location of the bar yet.

The bar was originally named Forge Irish Pub, but was renamed during Bar Rescue to Crowne Irish Pub.  Here is the detailed update from the episode and the reviews were pretty mixed.  

Crowne Irish Pub appeared on Bar Rescue in May 2022 after being rescued in March 2022.  This means Crowne Irish Pub closed just a few months after their episode aired.  Crowne Irish Pub has been marked as 'Closed' on the Bar Rescue Updates Page.

The Prime Bar (WildeFire Bistro) From Bar Rescue Has Closed

The Prime Bar in Aurora, Colorado which was featured on season 6 (3rd set) of Bar Rescue has closed.  Their Facebook page has been taken down and the bar is marked as 'Closed' on review sites.  Also a new bar called Events at Piney Creek has opened in its location.  Based on when the new bar opened, it seems that The Prime Bar closed around the middle of 2021.

The Prime Bar was originally named WildeFire Bistro until their Bar Rescue makeover which changed the name to The Prime Bar.  The makeover happened in May 2019 and the bar was already sold before the episode aired in September 2019.  The new owners did keep the name of The Prime Bar until it closed and here is the full update for the bar when the episode aired.

The Prime Bar was listed as 'Sold' on the Bar Rescue Updates Page and it will now be changed to 'Closed' as it is no longer operating.

The Stampede Saloon (Whiskey Girl Saloon) From Bar Rescue Has Closed

The Stampede Saloon in Fort Worth, Texas which appeared on season 6 (3rd set) of Bar Rescue has closed.  The bar stopped posting on its Facebook page in late 2021 and it appears they closed around the same time.  The bar is also marked as 'Closed' on all of the online review sites.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Whiskey Girl Saloon was renamed to The Stampede Saloon and the update for the episode can be found here.  The episode originally aired in July 2019 and you may recall that when the episode for The Stampede Saloon, the bar was closed.  They did reopen again though and stayed open until 2021.  

A new bar has opened in The Stampede Saloon location called Rhinestone Saloon, but nobody from the Bar Rescue episode is involved.  However, in looking at The Stampeded Saloon owners (Rick Roundhouse and Fred) Facebook pages, they are planning on opening another bar in Fort Worth, Texas called Koe Wetzel's Riot Room that will open in early 2023.

The Stampede Saloon has now been marked as 'Closed' on the Bar Rescue Updates page.

Campbell's Irish Pub (Packy's) From Bar Rescue Has Closed

Campbell's Irish Pub in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which was featured on season 4 of Bar Rescue has closed.  The bar closed in April 2022 after the owners were able to sell the building.  The bar was listed for sale for about 5 years and eventually sold in April 2022 for $325,000.  According to a local article, the building will most likely not be another bar as the new owner owns a landscaping business. 

Right after closing, Campbell's Irish Pub posted the following message on their Facebook page, "Twenty two years... What can I say except thank you to all of the staff, customers and clients who became family, to everyone supporting us through ups and downs, and to you, my husband, for allowing us the life to raise three amazing children with the flexibility to work some crazy hours, hosting fundraisers for friends and causes, helping people out who needed a second chance, and the many teams you've sponsored and events hosted... So many wonderful amazing memories!! Some of the best memories were made this past month with the support from all of you!! I love you Packy and look forward to what happens next!! Partner in life and love!"

Campbell's Irish Pub appeared on season 4 of Bar Rescue and the makeover was done in October 2014.  The episode aired in December 2014 and the bar was renamed from Packy's Pub to Campbell's Irish Pub (link to detailed update).  The bar was put up for sale about three years after the Bar Rescue makeover and finally sold about 8 years after the makeover.  Campbell's Irish Pub was in operation for 22 years before closing. Campbell's Irish Pub is now marked as 'Closed' on the Bar Rescue Updates page. 

Murphy's Arcade Bar & Pizza (Throwbacks) - Bar Rescue Update

 In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Sanford, Florida to rescue Throwbacks.  The bar is owned by Robbie Kennerney who bought the bar in 2019 with a spontaneous purchase. Due to lack of experience, Throwbacks has untrained bartenders and no clear manager in the bar.  Also, the food is not drawing customers, while the arcade games in the bar are not kept in the proper condition.  Robbie is supposedly $75,000 in debt and the bar in danger of closing.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer decided to change the name of Throwbacks to Murphy's Arcade Bar & Pizza, but the bar went back to the name Throwbacks. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Throwbacks since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

Crowne Irish Pub (The Forge Irish Pub) - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Brandon, Florida to rescue The Forge Irish Pub.  The bar is owned by Patrick and Mariely Crowne who opened the bar in 2019.  The bar was initially a success and then the pandemic happened which hurt the bar financially.  The financial strain impacted Patrick mentally and physically which caused his marriage to end.  Despite filing for divorce, Patrick and Mariely continue to work together at the bar and the tension between them is seen by employees and customers.  The bar is supposedly a month away from closing if things do not change.

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

Jerry's Dockside Bar & Grill (AJ's on the River) - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Gibsonton, Florida to rescue AJ's on the River.  Police veteran Jerry Clark bought the bar in 2016 with his retirement money. His son Patrick helps runs the bar and it supposedly isn't making money despite his experience, which is causing issues for their personal relationship as well.  Jerry is supposedly $120,000 in debt and months away from closing.

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

The Loft (Cerealholic Cafe & Bar) - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Ybor City, Florida to rescue Cerealholic Cafe & Bar.  Cerealholic opened in early 2021 as a cereal themed cafe/bar that uses different cereals to help create menu items. The bar is owned by Darrell and Lisa Lawson and their son Brandon is helping run the place.  Part of the reason for starting the bar was to honor their son Alex who passed away in 2019.  The cereal theme seems to have fallen flat and never took off.  The bar/restaurant is now losing about $9,000 a month and Darrell and Lisa's life savings are in jeopardy.

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

Solids & Stripes (Zanzbar) - Bar Rescue Update

Zanzbar in Denver, Colorado appeared on Bar Rescue in March of 2013 and was renamed to Solids & Stripes during the episode, but the bar did not keep the name.  They went back to Zanzbar, but they go by Zanzibar Billiards now.  This episode was most known for the owner Ami Benari calling Brian Duffy "fat boy" and almost getting into a fight with Jon Taffer over the incident.  The bar still remains open to this day, so lets take a look at some reviews and news that relate to Zanzibar (Stars & Stripes).

Jimmy's (JF Kicks) - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Valrico, Florida to rescue JF Kick's.  JF Kicks was purchased in 2019 by brothers Johnny and Jimmy Spieldenner and the bar was booming to start.  Jimmy tragically passed away and things started to go downhill for the bar.  JF Kicks was short staffed and Johnny had to get his 18 year-old son Tanner to help run the kitchen.  The stress of the bar has impacted Johnny's health he is supposedly $300,000 in debt.

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

SandTown Pub (JJ's Chicken Bar) - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Atlanta, Georgia to rescue SandTown Pub.  The owner Fredericka Jones decided to open the bar in 2017 after working in the fast food industry for 40 years. Fredericka is not there too often and the staff is untrained and undisciplined, so she has turned to her daughter Amber to help manage the bar.  Fredericka is supposedly $200,000 in debt and has cashed in her 401k to help open the bar.  SandTown Pub is in danger of closing which would cause her to lose everything. 

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer decided to change the name of SandTown Pub to JJ's Chicken Bar, but the bar quickly changed it back. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for SandTown Pub since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

Tropica Bar & Cafe (Confetti's) - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Norcross, Georgia to rescue Confetti's Bar & Grill.  The bar is owned by Scott Cohen who bought the bar in 2018 with the help of his father to fulfill a lifelong dream. After battling a childhood illness and losing his father, Scott is motivated to make Confetti's a success.  His lack of experience has caused the bar to suffer and he seems more interested in the social aspect of the bar instead of the business side.  He is an absentee owner and the bar is supposedly losing about $4,000 a month leaving him about $75,000 in debt and months away from closing.

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

The GW (G. Willicker's Bar) - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Arlington, Texas to rescue G Willicker's Bar.  G Willicker's was opened by Clarence Grider and the bar was initially a success.  Then in 2019, Clarence passed away and left the bar to his widow.  Just a year after that, his widow passed away, which left the bar in the hands of Clarence's three daughters.  Without any experience running a bar, the problems at the bar began to mount and the bar is supposedly losing over $100,000 a month. 

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

Char Bar & BBQ (The Brick Tavern) - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Sachse, Texas to rescue The Brick Tavern.  The Brick Tavern is owned by Charlene Winter who is a successful real estate executive who decided to get into the bar business.  She bought the bar in 2012 and it initially had success due to its loyal customer base. Charlene is supposedly $530,000 in debt and has tapped into her retirement funds. Jon needs to help Charlene to become a better boss and to help get her personal assistant Cassie to step up and lead the bar.

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

Ace's A Sporting Bar & Grill (Ace's Sports Hangar) - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in The Colony, TX to rescue Ace's Sports Hangar.  The owners Will and Candace Kuhn purchased the bar in August 2020 and they own multiple bars in the area.  They purchased the bar during the pandemic and Candace has been running the bar with hopes of opening additional bars.  After a year in business, the bar is draining the finances of the owners and is supposedly losing $15,000 a month. 

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer decided to change the name of Ace's Sports Hangar to Ace's A Sporting Bar & Grill and the bar did keep the name, however the bar closed just a few months after the makeover. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Ace's A Sporting Bar since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar:

Stadium Club Bar & Grill (Gilly's Sports Bar) - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Dunwoody, Georgia to rescue Gilly's The Spot.  Gilly's is owned by Willie Chandler who has been in the hospitality industry his whole life. The bar is supposedly losing between $2,500 and $5,000 a month and Willie is supposedly $275,000 in debt and 60 days from closing.  The kitchen is so dirty that even the employees will not eat the food there.  Jon needs to get Willie to regain his passion for his bar in hopes that things turn around.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer decided to change the name of Gilly's The Spot to Stadium Club Bar & Grill and the bar went back to their original name of Gilly's. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Stadium Club Bar & Grill/Gilly's since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

Fogline Bar & Grill Owner Convicted of Cocaine Smuggling - Bar Is Closed

Fogline Bar & Grill in Hayward, California which appeared on season 5 of Bar Rescue has closed.  Lemack "Lee" Bellot was the owner who appeared on the Bar Rescue episode, and he was recently convicted of smuggling cocaine through SFO airport.

Lee Bellot was charged in a 2019 indictment, but details about the case were recently revealed as there was a trial set to happen.  According to the indictment, Lee met with an undercover DEA informant who was posing as an Atlanta area drug dealer.  In meetings that happened at Fogline Bar & Grill, Lee said he had a connection with someone who could sneak drugs around the country.  He had allegedly been paying airline employees to allow drugs to be smuggled past security. He was quoted as allegedly saying, "I had a connect. I’d run 10 bricks to Philly, 10 bricks to Ohio, and 10 bricks of china white to Miami, I used but my boy got popped. But I did find someone else recently.”

Some details about the case from Mercury News:

In one instance, on Nov. 28, 2018, the confidential source allegedly checked luggage at San Francisco International Airport, at Bellot and Askew’s direction, which made it onto a flight without being flagged by screeners, prosecutors say. This occurred after the informant allegedly handed over $8,500 in cash for a smuggling fee.

In another case, the agent attempted to board a flight with sham cocaine, only to be stopped by the Transportation Security Administration, but the DEA intervened so that the undercover operation wouldn’t be revealed, prosecutors say.

In early March 2022, Lee Bellot was found guilty of the charges against him according to Bay City News - one for attempting to aid and abet the possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and another count for 5 kilograms or more of cocaine.  A date for sentencing has not been set, but he faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 plus restitution on the first count, as well as life in prison and a fine of $500,000 on the second count.

Fogline Bar & Grill was originally named Russel City Grill before Bar Rescue did the makeover and changed the name.  They did keep the new name and here is the detailed update for that episode.  The phone number to the bar is no longer in service, there is no current liquor license and a recent Yelp review stated, "Read news item that FEDS raided the place and drugs were found/distributed. Been there a few times, but it's location is not ideal for me. But, parking lot has a chain on it now."  All this coupled with the recent conviction of Lee, Fogline Bar & Grill has been marked as 'Closed' on the Bar Rescue Updates page. 

Pacific Coast Wine Bar (Brix Sunset Beach) Is Closed - Bar Rescue Update

Brix Sunset Beach in Huntington Beach, California from season 4 (3rd set) of Bar Rescue is closed.  During the Bar Rescue makeover, the bar was renamed to Pacific Coast Wine Bar, but they changed the name back right away.  

In looking at the liquor licenses for the address, the bar has been sold a few times and the bar now goes by the name of Sunset Lounge Bottoms Up and here is their Facebook page and Instagram.

The interesting part about this is the liquor license for Sunset Lounge Bottoms Up lists Suzanne Blevins as the owner.  Suzanne appeared on season 7 of Bar Rescue as the owner of Bottoms Up Bar & Grill.  So, someone that appeared on an episode of Bar Rescue ended up buying another bar that appeared on the show.  As stated in the Bottoms Up update, Suzi owns multiple bars and Sunset Lounge Bottoms Up is referred to as the 6th Bottoms Up location. 

Brix Sunset Beach appeared on Bar Rescue in 2015 and here was the update for that episode.  Pacific Coast Wine Bar (Brix Sunset Beach) has been marked as 'Closed' on the Bar Rescue Updates page.