Arnold's Lounge - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in St. Augustine, Florida to rescue Arnold's Lounge.  The bar has been open for many years, and Philip Smith who bought the bar in 2022 is the most recent owner.  The bar is supposedly struggling and when Jon Taffer is doing recon, he finds that the bartenders cannot make the most basic drinks correctly.  The bar is supposedly losing $20,000 a month and months away from closing while Philip is $3.5 million in debt.

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

Cinco Cantina (High 5 Grille) - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Tucson, Arizona to rescue High 5 Grille.  The bar is owned by Cathy Whaley, who has owned it since 2019. While doing recon, Jon finds that the walk in cooler does not work properly and it is about 85 degrees in the cooler. There is beer and food being stored in there, so Jon does not want anybody eating the food.  He also finds that the bar hasn't served draft beer in about a month because of the walk in being broken.  

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer decided to change the name of High 5 Grille to Cinco Cantina and the bar did keep the name, however they closed before the episode ever aired. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Cinco Cantina since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

The Foxy Ox (Thirsty Ox) - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, the show is in Oxnard, California to rescue The Thirsty Ox.  Rony Ortega and his wife Gaby bought the bar in 2021 to fulfil his lifelong dream of owning a bar.  Despite it being Rony's dream, Gaby is the one that is there every day running the bar.  The Thirty Ox is supposedly losing up to $4,000 a month causing Rony and Gaby to be about $50,000 in debt.  The bar is supposedly six months away from closing and is causing Rony and Gaby to put having kids on hold.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Bar Rescue decided to change the name of The Thirsty Ox to The Foxy Ox, however the bar has switched back to The Thirsty Ox.  Lets take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for The Foxy Ox since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

Skybox Ultra Sports Lounge (Hogwash Saloon) - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Fountain Hills, Arizona to rescue Hogwash Saloon.  In February 2023, Jason Reinke decided to buy the bar he was patronizing for years.  Now that he is the owner, he is still acting like a patron and doesn't know how to run the bar. Hogwash Saloon is supposedly losing $3,000 a month and Jason is in danger of losing the bar and his friends.

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

Bay Street Sports Grill (Wildkat Records Bar & Grill) - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Jacksonville, Florida to rescue Wildkat Records Bar & Grill.  The bar is owned by Julian Garbaccio who bought the bar in 2015. The bar was initially a success but Julian's job relocated him to Texas, which pulled him away from the bar.  Without Julian around, sales started to decline and he brought in a managing partner Kyle.  Kyle was the one who changed the name to Wildkat Records Bar & Grill and Julian thinks that is part of the reason for the decline.  Julian is now supposedly $300,000 in debt and the bar is in danger of closing.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer decided to change the name of Wildkat Records Bar & Grill to Bay Street Sports Grill and the bar has kept the name.  The bar was previously named Bay Street Bar & Grill when Julian purchased it, so the name change was not too drastic. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Bay Street Sports Grill since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

Natalie's Bar and Grill (Skip and Jan's) - Bar Rescue Update

Photo - Facebook

In the season 9 premiere episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Gilbert, Arizona to rescue Skip and Jan's Sports Grill.  The bar is owned by Natalie Phyllis who originally worked at the bar and then decided to purchase it with her husband. Natalie had to step away from the bar for a bit due to a divorce and the bar has gone downhill with no leadership.  During recon, Jon thinks the kitchen is one of the worst he has ever seen.  The fryers are filthy and there are cockroaches in the kitchen.

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

Oak Tavern (Bullpen) Owner from Bar Rescue Charged With Murder - Bar is Closed

Danny Serafini, who appeared on season 4 (3rd set) of Bar Rescue was arrested in October 2023 and charged with the murder of his father-in-law.  There was a shooting in 2021 that left his father-in-law dead and his mother-in-law severely wounded.  The case went cold for a few years until police arrested Danny Serafini and Samantha Scott who was his former nanny.  Video surveillance of the father-in-law's home showed a hooded man wearing a face covering and a backpack prior to the killing.

Danny and Samantha waived their right to a speedy trial and the preliminary hearing is not set to begin until May 2024.  It is not clear what additional evidence the police have against the two, but that will be revealed in court and a judge will decide if the case should move forward.  Many assume money was a motive, but we will have to see what the evidence reveals. Both Danny and Samantha have pleaded not guilty in the case.

Danny's wife Erin and her sister Adrienne have apparently been battling in court over the family inheritance. Erin has accused Adrienne of elder abuse and claimed that she manipulated their mother when she was vulnerable after the shooting.  Adrienne filed a wrongful death lawsuit accusing her sister Erin of involvement in her parents' deaths, along with Danny.  It appears this is a messy situation overall and we will have to see how everything plays out.

You may recall from the Bar Rescue episode that Danny was a former MLB pitcher and was once suspended 50 games for testing positive for steroids. During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer renamed his bar from The Bullpen at Aspen Glen to Oak Tavern and the bar did keep the name (link to detailed update).  Oak Tavern appeared on the show in 2015 and it appears they closed sometime around early 2022 based on online reviews.  Oak Tavern has been marked as 'Closed' on the Bar Rescue Updates Page. 

This is now the 2nd time an owner that has appeared on Bar Rescue has been charged with murder.  The owner of Pit and Barrel was convicted of murder after shooting somebody in his bar (Link).  The murder happened shortly before the Pit and Barrel episode was to air and Spike TV tried to remove the episode, but mistakenly aired the encore episode.

Leia's (The Grant Bar) From Bar Rescue Has Closed

Leia's (formerly The Grant Bar) in Tracy, California, which appeared on season 7 of Bar Rescue has closed. The bar closed in May 2022 when Tracy City Council voted to revoke the permit that allowed Leia's to stay open after 11pm.  Rather than operate a bar that had to close at 11pm, owners D.J. Miller and Tammy Ramirez decided to close.

Tracy City Council voted 4-0 to revoke the license citing a bar where there were always fights and bouncers used excessive force. In a local article, the police department listed incidents that included: "one where a patron was hit in the face with a sharp object, requiring 140 stitches, people injured in fights or while being ejected from the bar after causing trouble, and a 2020 incident that involved a man reportedly stabbing others, including a bar employee, during a fight at the bar. He was pursued to a nearby hotel by another patron and was beaten to unconsciousness. The victim was taken to a hospital and later succumbed to his injuries." The police officer at the council meeting said, "That is a homicide. That’s about as serious as it gets."  The suspect in that case plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter (Link). 

The police also found footage that showed a security guard working at the bar firing his firearm while trying to disperse an unruly crowd. This wasn't reported to police and was only discovered while reviewing surveillance video for another investigation.

Leia's owners D.J. Miller and Tammy Ramirez agreed there was trouble at their bar, but thought it was nothing out of the ordinary for a place with crowds and alcohol. They said they always cooperated with police and their bouncers were never charged with anything.  However, this did not sway the Tracy City Council in their vote.

The Grant Bar first appeared on Bar Rescue in April 2020 and the bar was renovated by the show in September 2019 where it was renamed Leia's (Link to update).  The bar did keep the new name up until it closed in May 2022.  The Leia's website and Facebook page have been deactivated and Leia's has been marked as 'Closed' on the Bar Rescue Updates page. 

New Season of Bar Rescue Starts February 25th

It was announced today that new Bar Rescue episodes will return to Paramount Network on Sunday, February 25th with season 9 of the show starting.  Jon Taffer made the announcement on social media and Variety also had an article about the upcoming season.  Some of the locations for the upcoming season include Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan, Missouri, Texas, and Wisconsin.  A preview of season 9 of Bar Rescue is below:

As always, I will have updates for each of the bars that appear on the show, so make sure to visit the website after each episode airs.

Latitudes Island Bar & Grille - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Denver, North Carolina to rescue Latitude's Bar & Grill.  The bar was opened in 2019 by Patti and Steve Merkel.  Patti always dreamed of opening a business and Steve was able to help fund it due to a sale of his previous cookie business. Patti is at the bar 7 days a week, while Steve tries to stay away as much as possible. Their son Travis takes on a lot of roles at the bar and butts heads with Patti.  Steve has put about $275,000 into Latitude and the bar is supposedly losing $3,500 a month.

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

Dave's Firehouse (Firehouse Sports Pub) - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Nampa, Idaho to rescue Firehouse Sports Pub.  The bar was opened in 2008 by Dave Olsen, who used his retirement savings to open the pub.  The fireman theme was created because his younger brother and friends are firefighters.  Dave has had to step away from the bar, so he hasn't been there a lot to oversee operations. The bar is supposedly losing $3,000 a month, Dave is in $300,000 worth of debt, and the bar is in danger of closing in two months.

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

VFW Post 9644 - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Sheridan, Colorado to rescue VFW Post 9644.  This episode is meant to coincide with Memorial Day in the United States. VFW Post 9644 has seen membership decrease like many other VFW's around the country and they are hoping to turn things around.  There will be a new post commander and they would like to satisfy the older members of the VFW while bringing in some new younger members.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer obviously didn't change the name of VFW Post 9644. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for VFW Post 9644 since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

Bullseye Sports Bar & Kitchen (Strikers) - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Meridian, Idaho to rescue Strikers.  The bar is located inside a bowling alley and is owned by Andy Propst who bought it in 2017.  Andy had no bar experience and doesn't even drink, but bought the bar because he wanted to give back to the community. He hired Roger as the general manager and he has a lot of experience with the bowling portion of Strikers, but not much with running bars.  Andy has over $3 million invested and is struggling to earn a profit.  

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

Country Barn (Corner Cafe) - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Horseshoe Bend, Idaho to rescue Corner Cafe Bar & Grill.  In July 2021, financial investor David Johan purchased the Corner Cafe because he thought he was getting good value for his investment.  He bought the bar for about $450,000 and he is currently losing about $5,000 a month.  The bar is supposedly six months away from closing, so they called in for help from Bar Rescue. 

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

Layla's Pizza Pub (Papa Joe's Sports Bar) - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Moreno Valley, California to rescue Papa Joe's Sports Bar.  The bar was opened in 2012 by restaurateurs Joe Naim and Raja Batchon.  The bar was initially a success and Joe took a back seat as an owner to somewhat retire from the bar. Then Raja passed away and Joe had to become more involved.  The hope is that Raja's kids can take over the bar, but right now Joe is supposedly losing about $5,000 a month and is supposedly over $200,000 in debt.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer decided to change the name of Papa Joe's Sports Bar to Layla's Pizza Pub, but the bar changed their name back to Papa Joe's Sports Bar and also refers to themselves as PJ's Sports Bar. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Papa Joe's Sports Bar since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

Gateway Pub & Grill (Corner Pocket II) - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Hickory, North Carolina to rescue Corner Pocket II.  The bar is owned by former college football player Carlos Walker who bought the bar in 2009.  He is an absentee owner and the bar is falling apart and needing repairs.  There are also issues with cleanliness as there is moldy cheese and bugs in the kitchen.  The bar is supposedly losing $5,000 a month and Carlos is supposedly $150,000 in debt. 

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

CJ's Patio Grill - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Loveland, Colorado to rescue CJ's Patio Grill.  In 2019, the current owner Fadil Astafaj purchased the bar after being in the restaurant industry for most of his life. Fadil is overworked and at the bar 16 hours a day and has trouble delegating work to others. He is supposedly $500,000 in debt and a few months from closing.

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

Colorado Champions Sports Cafe (Blue Sports Grill) - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Loveland, Colorado to rescue Blue Sports Grill.  Duane Farnum bought the bar in 2018 using his retirement savings with hopes his son would eventually take over. The bar is suffering from an identity crisis and is causing issues with Duane's marriage with Sarah. The bar is losing $4,000 a month and Duane and Sarah are supposedly $300,000 in debt.  Blue Sports Grill is supposedly two months from closing, so they called in Jon Taffer to help save their bar and their marriage.

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

JB Taco from Bar Rescue Has Closed

JB Taco in Richardson, Texas which appeared on season six (3rd set) of Bar Rescue has closed.  The bar was originally called Harbor Point Club & Grill before Bar Rescue did the renovations and changed the name to JB Taco.  The bar did not keep the name or concept of JB Taco and actually changed their name to something totally different - Rocket's Sports Bar & Grill.  Here is the detailed update from when the episode aired that goes through all these details. 

The JB Taco episode aired in July 2019 and the makeover happened in March 2019.  The bar closed in early 2020, so they didn't make it too much longer after their episode aired.  There is now a bar named Good Vibes Bar & Grill that is operating in that location and they opened later in September 2020.

The Harbor Point Club & Grill/JB Taco episode is one of the more popular episodes of the show due to the drama with the owners Bert and John and how they got emotional on the show. On his Facebook page, Bert mentions that he misses owning a bar sometimes, so it appears he is no longer in the bar business. 

JB Taco/Harbor Point Club & Grill has been marked as 'Closed' on the Bar Rescue Updates page.

Valerie's Brewhouse (Colorado Cork & Keg) - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Castle Rock, Colorado to rescue Colorado Cork & Keg.  Colorado Cork & Keg is owned by Ed and Valerie Komperda and they purchased the bar in 2021 despite not having restaurant experience.  They are now $30,000 in debt and the bar is losing $4,000 a month.  If things do not change, they could be closed within three months, so they have reached out to Bar Rescue for help.

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