15 "Bar Rescue" Bars: Where Are They Now?

June 16, 2020, 3:30 p.m.

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15 "Bar Rescue" Bars: Where Are They Now?

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Summary The Cave Sports Bar in Anaheim, CA, thrived after Bar Rescue with improved ratings and a new location.

Stix & Stones in Missouri closed in 2020, struggling after the intervention and facing a decline in popularity.

Triple Nickel Tavern in Colorado Springs thrived post-rescue, maintaining its punk-rock vibe and live music shows.

Bar Rescue has helped many struggling bars over the years, but how are they holding up today? As a hit reality TV show, Bar Rescue enables bars to stay open by using various renovations, pieces of equipment, and the expertise of Jon Taffer. He owns a consulting business for bars and nightclubs that helps them regain their business after a rough patch. While some episodes of Bar Rescue are ranked better than others, some businesses also showed promise.

Besides wondering if Bar Rescue is real or fake, there's curiosity regarding how the Bar Rescue bars are doing today. The outcomes are usually adverse, but some success stories arise from the rubble as they continue to make improvements that make them the best. Thankfully, there are updates on some of the most iconic episodes of Bar Rescue.

Related Bar Rescue: 15 Most Dramatic Episodes Bar Rescue has seen Jon Taffer work with several struggling bars, and most are receptive to his changes. However, some owners don't respond as well.

1 The Cave Sports Bar

Still Open

This bar is located in Anaheim, California, and they started with $200,000 worth of debt and a family manager who failed to do his job. Facing major issues and a decline in quality, the bar underwent a dramatic transformation. Despite challenges like staff drinking on the job, Jon and mixologist Mia Mastroianni worked to revamp the menu and improve the staff. After a management and service makeover, the restaurant was in much better shape.

Following the Bar Rescue intervention, The Cave Sports Bar experienced a notable increase in sales. They turned it around as they have a 4.3-star rating on Yelp and even opened a second location there. The low price of the drinks and the friendly bartenders keep customers coming back, so this was one happy ending after a much-needed rescue. It's still thriving today.

2 Stix & Stones Bar And Grill

Closed

This establishment changed its name to the original after Taffer changed it to Pit Stop Bar & Barbecue. It is located in Sugar Creek, Missouri, and had several staffing issues, like drunk employees and a lack of safe food practices. The bar faced challenges exacerbated by owner Billy Banks' health issues. With the intervention of Jon and his team, including mixologist Charity Johnston and expert Kevin Bludso, they attempted to salvage Pit Stop Bar & Barbecue.

Ultimately, Stix and Stones closed permanently in 2020, despite attempts to attract customers following the Bar Rescue intervention.

Ultimately, Stix and Stones closed permanently in 2020, despite attempts to attract customers following the Bar Rescue intervention. According to Reality TV Updates, the property was listed for sale, signaling the end of its opening in the Sugar Creek area. They remain closed in 2024 and show no signs of revitalization. A liquor store and market is standing in the former bar's place after it was empty throughout the pandemic.

Related 6 Of The Funniest Bar Rescue Episodes (& 6 Of The Worst) Bar Rescue sees Jon Taffer in his mission to help struggling bars and restaurants survive, despite the odds. Here are the funniest and worst episodes.

3 Triple Nickel Tavern

Still Open

The owners of Triple Nickel Tavern ended up on the show after some family deaths tanked their profitable business to $150,000 in debt. Owned by JJ Greuter, the bar struggled amid personal tragedies and managerial issues. With the expertise of Jon, efforts were made to revitalize the establishment with its punk-rock theme. Despite relocating across the street from its original location, the bar maintained its popularity, and put on regular live music shows.

As of 2024, Triple Nickel Tavern remains open and active at its new location, continuing to serve patrons in Colorado Springs. Triple Nickel Tavern is active on social media, regularly posting about live music or daily specials. The owners have since returned to some of their old decor, like the bar top and stools, after guests complained about its cheapness.

4 Bottoms Up Bar & Grill

Closed

This bar is located in Stanton, California, and it wasn't struggling like other bars on the show. They already had five separate locations open, showing their ability to make money in this business. However, the Stanton location was struggling. The start of the episode shows some crazy servers willing to do anything for a bigger tip, and it looks as if the owner is ready to cut her losses and sell Owned by Suzie Blevins, the bikini bar faced challenges due to managerial issues, and drama among staff members.

Following the intervention, Bottoms Up Bar and Grill showed signs of improvement, with Patrick, Suzie's son, stepping up as a manager and Sarah, Suzie's girlfriend, contributing positively to the atmosphere. However, despite initial progress, the Stanton location closed its doors in December 2023. In 2019, the chain had an active shooter in one of its bars, where one of its employees died, possibly leading to the decline in popularity.

5 Back To The SRO

Still Open

This Minnesota bar was initially named Mac and Chester's Standing Room Only until Taffer decided to change the name to Boulder Lodge Bar & Grill. Scott Mac and Todd Chester were friends who owned the bar together. Initially, the bar was doing well, with Todd’s wife, Elise, joining the team to manage the financial side of things. However, Todd’s partying habits and free drink handouts attracted a rowdy biker crowd, gaining the bar a negative reputation. As tensions mounted, Scott found himself increasingly frustrated with Todd's management style.

After confronting Todd and Elise, Jon pushed for a change in leadership, urging Todd to step aside and allow Elise to take the reins. Following the makeover, which included a name change to The Boulder Lodge and Grill, the bar experienced a successful relaunch. The owners changed it again in 2017 to Back to the SRO and made other minor changes based on the suggestions of their patrons. The owners claimed they learned a lot from the experience and even saw a 35% increase in their sales numbers, proving that this series had a positive outcome from the show.

Related Bar Rescue: The 10 Most Disgusting Things Jon Taffer Ever Found Jon Taffer changes nasty bars into successful businesses and has tackled horrible, shocking restaurants. These are the grossest things he's found.

6 Butcher & Brew Pub

Still Open

Many positive outcomes have come from the show, but this is not one of them. Texas's Butcher & Brew Pub had various problems, like an extensive menu, too many kegs, and a microwave they used to make food. In addition, the green decor left a lot to be desired. Jon’s intervention called for a change in leadership, with Nick's flip-flop-clad approach raising concerns about commitment.

In the aftermath, Drunken Donkey embraced its original name, opting for familiarity over Jon’s rebranding efforts.

Nonetheless, the bar continued to thrive, expanding to include a second location in The Colony, Texas. According to Reality TV Updates, many guests are unsure why the bar needed a makeover in the first place, seeing as it was always packed, but the owners paid for it in the long run as they lost customers due to the changes they made. However, it's fair to say the restaurant is still doing just fine, given they were able to afford a second location.

7 No Name Saloon

Still Open

Edgewater, Florida, is home to the No Name Saloon, a biker bar with some issues with family management. Taffer let them keep the name while making several other changes to the establishment. The owner, Jim Kelly, wanted his daughter, Susan, to one day take over the business. Despite a history of hosting successful events like Oktoberfest, years of closure and damage from Hurricane Matthew left the restaurant's fate hanging in the balance.

During the stress test, operational shortcomings became apparent, prompting Jon to intervene. A timeline was established for the transition of ownership to Susan. Post-rescue sales saw an uptick, and Susan appeared poised to assume control. However, legal troubles stemming from property issues led to a temporary closure. One thing that probably didn't help business was the fact that a shooting took place outside the bar just a mere two months after their renovation. However, the bar is still open.

Related Bar Rescue: 13 Behind The Scenes Facts You Should Know About Jon Taffer's Reality Show Jon Taffer's reality show Bar Rescue is wild TV, but what are some behind the scenes facts fans should know? From lawsuits to grim tales, let's look.

8 The Sandbar Brewery & Grill

Closed

The Sandbar Brewery & Grill initially thrived with its beach-themed concept, complete with volleyball courts. However, financial troubles arose between contentious owners Sean and Mike, leading to disputes between the owners and a departure from the original theme. Jon and his team intervened to revitalize the struggling establishment but were met with issues including poor-quality drinks and food. There were also intense problems with the managerial staff, especially Sean.

Ultimately, Sean was removed from his managerial role, and Kenny assumed the position. At Jon's suggestion, the bar was rebranded as Playa Island Bar. Despite the initial promise, the bar's closure in November 2019 indicates its unresolvable issues. The owners changed the name back to The Sandbar Brewery & Grill, but, unfortunately, the rescue didn't help, as they closed a few short months after filming was finished.

9 The Federal

Still Open

The main issue in this Youngstown, Ohio, bar was the clash between the landlord and the establishment's owners, but Taffer came in and tried to set things right. The bar's name was initially Martini Brothers, but they kept the new name Taffer gave it after the show. Owned by the Martini brothers, Dan and Joey, the bar initially struggled despite its promising concept. After working out the issues between the landlord and the Martini brothers and streamlining the business, The Federal was able to weather the storm of their financial and managerial issues.

Post-rescue, The Federal experienced success in the Youngstown community. However, issues emerged for one of the owners, Dan Martini, who faced legal troubles related to money laundering. He was arrested for his part in a $2 million eBay fraud scandal, which didn't help business. Nevertheless, they're still running, so the legal issues seem to have been a blip on the Martini brothers' radar.

Related Bar Rescue: 10 Bars That Jon Taffer Should Have Walked Out On Jon Taffer has rescued hundreds of bars, but not all of them were deserving of the Taffer treatment and should've been left alone.

10 The Abbey Pub

Closed

The Abbey Pub, later renamed The Green Room at The Abbey, was a historic music venue and bar located in Chicago, Illinois. It was opened by Irish immigrant Tom Looney and thrived as a music venue and bar for over two decades, becoming an iconic location in the Chicago scene. However, when Tom's son left to pursue a career as a fireman, the bar began to decline under the management of his other son, Tom Jr.

Jon and his team found disorganization, overpouring of drinks, and outdated menus contributing to The Abbey Pub's problems. Following the recon, the staff received training on new recipes and procedures to improve the quality of service. The relaunch included a name change to The Green Room at The Abbey and renovations to brighten the interior and enhance the customer experience. However, despite initial improvements, The Abbey faced challenges when a fire gutted the building in 2015. Tom also passed away in 2022, so the likelihood of The Abbey reopening is low.

11 The Chicken Bone

Closed

Bill Rodenhiser, who previously ran a successful excavating company, owned The Chicken Bone, which struggled due to Bill's lack of experience in the bar industry. Despite opening a second location in downtown Boston, The Chicken Bone faced financial difficulties, forcing Bill to downsize his home. Bill meant well, but he didn't have the right guidance to lead him to success. Unfortunately, Jon's help wasn't quite enough for the clueless entrepreneur.

Jon and his wife, Nicole, conducted a recon at The Chicken Bone, revealing major cleaning issues, an overly confusing menu, and strong drinks. Jon addressed more of the bar's problems, including safety hazards and kitchen cleanliness. During the relaunch, Jon renamed the bar to The Bone: Chicken and Tunes, aiming to create a more appealing image. Unfortunately, the restaurant closed in 2014.

Related Bar Rescue: 10 Funniest John Taffer Quotes, Ranked Bar Rescue host John Taffer is known for saying some outlandish things—and very loudly, at that—but these 10 quotes were the best of the best.

12 Piratz Tavern

Closed

Piratz Tavern, later rebranded as Corporate Bar and Grill, was a pirate-themed bar located in Silver Spring, Maryland. Opened by Tracy Rebelo in 2007, Piratz Tavern aimed to create an environment akin to sailing the high seas, with staff and patrons donning pirate costumes and speaking in pirate lingo. However, despite the fun, the bar faced financial troubles, accumulating nearly a million dollars in debt and resulting in Tracy losing her house.

Jon and Nicole conducted a recon at Piratz Tavern, revealing issues with the quality of service, food, and drinks. Additionally, Jon decided to rebrand the bar as Corporate Bar and Grill, but it was all for nothing. Despite Jon's efforts, Tracy reverted the bar to its pirate theme shortly after the relaunch, leading to its eventual closure in 2015 due to negative publicity and financial challenges. Tracy and Juciano later opened a new bar named Bar Refuge in Florida, but this bar also closed in 2019.

13 The Brixton

Closed

The Brixton, later known as Rocket Room 6, transformed Bar Rescue when Jon Taffer intervened to rescue the struggling Austin, Texas bar. The episode showcased challenges faced by owners Tim and Sara Lupa as they fought to keep the punk-themed establishment running. Unfortunately, their efforts would be cut short in March 2020, presumably due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite resistance from Tim and Sara, Jon and his team implemented changes, rebranding the bar to Rocket Room 6, to revitalize the bar's image and attract more patrons. Initially successful, the bar eventually reverted to its original name, The Brixton, while maintaining some of Jon's suggestions. Although The Brixton did well after Bar Rescue, it closed its doors in March 2020. Tim and Sara sold their shares, ending The Brixton's reign in Austin. It's unlikely to return.

14 Second Base

Still Open

Extremes later rebranded as Second Base Bar and Grill, underwent a crazy journey through two separate Bar Rescue episodes, making it one of the few bars to receive multiple rescues. Despite initial success after Jon's intervention, Second Base faced a decline due to neglect from owner Terry and increased competition in the area. During the revisit, Jon encountered a deteriorated state of the bar, prompting a proposed renovation. However, Terry's refusal led to Jon abandoning the rescue effort, leaving Second Base to fend for itself.

Following the rescues, Second Base undoubtedly struggled, including a temporary closure in March 2024 due to health violations. Allegedly, there was a rodent infestation. Despite ongoing challenges, the bar remained open to customers. Terry's struggling bikini bar is still serving patrons in Orange, California, today. Hopefully, the rats have been eradicated.

15 Kiva Lounge & Bar

Closed

Owned by musicians Miles and Henry, Kiva Lounge & Bar struggled financially due to mismanagement, excessive drinking, and lack of experience in the industry. Jon and his team intervened to address operational deficiencies and enhance the bar's appeal. During the recon, they observed hygiene issues, slow service, and a lack of customer focus. After intense training and renovations, the bar was rebranded as The Morgue, embracing its historical identity as a former morgue.

Kiva Bar & Lounge down in Texas had a sad ending as they ended up closing back in 2019.

Despite initial success, the owners reverted to the original name, Kiva Lounge and Bar, citing a mismatch with Jon's vision. Kiva Bar & Lounge in Texas had a sad ending as they ended up closing back in 2019. It already had its issues, as they had been negative about $200,000 in just two years, partly due to their incompetent bartenders. Taffer tried to help them make some changes to Bar Rescue, including renaming the bar The Morgue, but in the end, it wasn't enough to save it from destruction.

Bar Rescue is available to stream on Paramount+.

Sources: The Cave Sports Bar, Reality TV Updates, Triple Nickel Tavern/Instagram, Reality TV Updates