Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates of BARcode since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar.
Reviews:
- "Bar Rescue" came in and wrecked it, the former "R.G.'s". Renamed the "BARcode", tis now often empty but they are trying to recover. Still has a good staff."
- "No live music and the vibe is now history..... By the way, since the changeover the old RGs is looseing big time. It was popluar because of the live music on the weekends. Maybe they should have charged a small cover. People would have paid it. As for the food - it could have been a little better for sure."
- "I used to go to RG's (The Barcode) years ago, I know both the owners (nice guys if you get past the gruff exteriors) I am also a big fan of the show Bar Rescue, I heard about the stress test and went with a group of friends, and understood about the production aspect of everything that was going on..... It looked cleaned up and redone on first sight, but when you stopped to take a closer look it was all half assed and really just a cover up that could have been done by anyone. They didn't even bother to patch nail holes or remove staples from old posters and such, they just painted over it all.... The new bar stools in the dining area are uncomfortable, and the video game area is collecting dust because it is a SPORTS bar, gamers stay home and play the video games they already like with their friends....All and all I am disappointed in what Bar Rescue didn't do, as well as what they did half assed. I can't wait to see the show, and how good it will look on TV, knowing what a shoddy job they actually did on my friends bar...Bad form John Taffer, bad form."
- "A few weeks ago, "Bar Rescue" has been there. They eliminated the band stage and dance floor. Dancing is gone. On the stage, BR placed couches and in your face TV's. Supposedly some type of viewing pod where you and your friends can sit together watching any sporting event of your choice, or play video games together. 'Gonna draw in a younger crowd'. ~Sure it is....Additionally, there is a fee to use those pods.. BR did upgrade the the 3 pool tables, but otherwise cheap shoddy work seems to be their m.o.. Bar Rescue "claims" the new "BarCode", formerly RG's, will be booming after the the RG's rescue show airs on December 22nd.... Meanwhile, the once full parking lot on Thursdays and weekends is all but empty....Once 4 stars but now only 2 stars, I gave it three stars because of the nice staff."
Other News and Stories:
- The bar does not have a Facebook page, but both of the twins (Randy and Rick) are on Facebook.
- There is a Bar Rescue watch party at the bar tonight. Someone commented about being glad they never had the bacon there, which someone responded, "I did... and I can tell you for certain Bacon was not cooked on that..." That comment was referencing the preview of the episode, and the owner Randy liked that comment. So the bacon grease on the dirty pan may have been something that was added for drama.
- Jon Taffer is live tweeting during this episode on Twitter with the hashtag #TafferTalk. He has also been pumping up this episode as it is the season finale, and has been calling it the most explosive episode of the season. Side note - For some reason, Jon Taffer has recently blocked me on Twitter.
Conclusion:
It sounds like people are not happy with the Bar Rescue makeover because it took away what they were used to, like the live music. People also do not like the video game area with the couches, which replaced the stage area of the bar.
Jon Taffer was probably going after a younger crowd with the changes, but it does not look like the changes are attracting more customers as people commented about empty parking lots and the bar being empty. It looks like the bar is sticking with the changes for now, but I could see them going back to their old ways based on feedback from customers.
UPDATE - The bar closed sometime in late 2016 and there is another bar that opened there in December 2016.
*To see how all of the bars from Bar Rescue are doing, go to the Bar Rescue Update page, and also Like us on Facebook or Follow Us on Twitter to stay up to date with all things involving Bar Rescue.
I guess not all rescues can be winners.
ReplyDeleteRick has listed himself as a former part owner at "RG's Bar and Grill" and Randy lists himself as owner at "rgs bar"... maybe the reconciliation didn't take?
ReplyDeleteWell the show is the best advertising for their new bar. Hopefully they will do better after that.
ReplyDeleteLame episode. That bar should have been condemned, not saved.
ReplyDeletethe girl marina was so fine. hit me up !
ReplyDeleteDid anyone think the video game theme was actually a good idea? I think just getting some younger servers and a facelift would've been enough.
ReplyDeleteLove the show been doing a lot of research on it. Seems like the producers fail to get proper permits and it hurts the small business big time.
ReplyDeleteAlso what happened to the restaurant impossible page? I can't find it in google any more.
If I owned the bar, I would be thinking, "It's a noble experiment, and it's free." If it proves to be popular, and people who are playing the games are also buying drinks and food, great. If not, or if it turned into a maintenance nightmare, I would pull it out.
ReplyDeleteWhen I saw it I wondered, "What would Jon Taffer have said if the game center were there when he first entered the bar?" If it were busy and producing revenue, I think he would be okay with it, but if it were not I could see an explanation about how much sense it would make to pull it out, "Each seat I put in there is worth $X,000 per year to you!"
I saw the episode after reading this blog post, and noted the staff's comments that the typical patron of the bar was mid-sixties and older, and liked to drink water. I was reminded of some people I once knew, who used to go to a "happy hour" event once a week where they ate "free food" and drank water. Over time, that group grew quite large. Eventually the proprietor's changed the rules, imposing a minimum drink buy to enjoy the complimentary hors d'oeuvres. The people were indignant, "We don't bother them at all. We even fill our own water glasses."
ReplyDeleteIf a larger crowd that hangs out and drinks water is replaced by a smaller crowd that buys drinks, a bar can look emptier but actually be more profitable. I have no way of confirming if that's actually what is happening, or if the Yelp! reviews are a reaction to that type of change, but I do know that if I was a sexgenarian water drinker who enjoyed hanging out and dancing on the tiny dance floor, and suddenly that opportunity was not only gone, but the bar was filling up with thirty-somethings and gamers, I would not be happy with the changes.
The comment on the bad paint job reminded me of my own experienced with contractors. One once commented to me that you can tell how good a painter is, pretty much from the moment the roller first hits the wall. My favorite painters spend their first day on the job taping, prepping and perhaps priming or cutting. The Bar Rescue model seems to rely heavily on local contractors and, as is par for the course for rescue shows, an extremely short renovation schedule. Leaving staples in the wall is something no painter should do, but as bad as the condition of the walls appeared on video and the time table for completion I am not surprised that the paint job was significantly less than perfect. If it were my bar, I would pull the staples, spackle the holes, and apply a new top coat. (But then, if it were my establishment there wouldn't have been staples in the walls in the first place.)
I wish them success, both in their business effort and in keeping the kitchen clean, and will be interested in seeing any future updates.
A gaming type bar could not have been a worse idea. Too bad their stuck with it, not a fan of it at all. And I'm in their age demo.
ReplyDeleteI get like a couple quarter machines. Shit put galaga and pacman in the corner maybe some skee ball if super ambitious. People play their Playstations at home and drink.
ReplyDeleteYet you're right, if it proves to be popular then so be it. Just feels like it takes way too much away from being a good dive bar.
Is it just me or does this season seem to be lacking? We have had at least two episodes where the bar owner owned more than one location, but it wasn't disclosed in the show. We have also had several episodes of family members being part of the stake-out team. The worst to me though, is the lack of "bar science" and the overabundance of hyped-drama. I am hoping that the producers take the show back to why we started watching in the first place.
ReplyDeletefoodnetwork.com/restaurant-impossible to see Robert's page
ReplyDeletehttp://www.foodnetworkgossip.com/p/restaurant-impossible-updates.html
ReplyDeleteThat's why it's called "the Show Me" state.
ReplyDeleteThanks Matt
ReplyDeleteHaaaaa you got blocked by Jon Taffer... What a feat
ReplyDeleteI've driven past this place several times and wondered where it was. When it was still RG's, it was easy to find. Now that it's BarCode, you can fly right past it and never know it was there since it always looks dead when I pass it.
ReplyDeleteGood job, Taffer.
That might be true if it was really free, but it's not. They are already in financial trouble so imagine the burden of having to pay fines for non permitted work, shoddy construction, and everything you had to complete be amuse everything was done "camera ready" only. If this show is going to claim to come in and rescue these bars the least they can do is paint an entire wall not just half way up, fix things correctly, and get permitted. These bar owners have to give over 100% control of their bar to the production company so with that and the contracts they have to sign would not allow them to back out at any point.
ReplyDeleteHey randy this is one of the Irish travellers that used too drink in your bar the new bar looks good also good too see you fellows sticking together. Nothing like family good luck ! With the bar
ReplyDeleteThere is a for sale or lease sign out front as well.
ReplyDeleteNow, I may not live in MO, but to me a video game themed bar is the dumbest idea ever. If I want to play video games I can stay home; I go to a bar to get out, have some drinks, and possibly do some dancing if the place provides it.
ReplyDeleteHave you lived in Missouri? Can you even point it out on a map? Take your ignorant comments and F off. Judgmental idiots like you are a menace to society.
ReplyDeleteConsidering I live outside of St. Louis, the answer to both of your questions is yes. But your comments following those questions are a testament to my point. Have a nice day.
ReplyDeletePeople need to understand that Jon gives the owners the tools and advice to change the bar around. Its not his fault if they do not use those tools. If this place was in such great shape and doing so well in the first place they would have never needed his services. If there is staples in the wall how about the dtaff and owners pull them out and finish painting if it bothers you so much. Oh thats right they couldn't even do basic cleaning tasks. Its sounds to me everyone is pointing the finger at the wrong peeps here. And maybe the younger crowd does not want to come in and play the gaming systems because oh lets see dont want to sit around with the old crowd drinking water and eating for free. They would rather go and spend their money and trust me they spend a lot on a place that welcomes them. Or maybe they realize that its going right back to the way it was before DIRTY DIRTY DIRTY and no one wants to do their part in making it better they feel everyone should just give them a free handout and bitch because they think that everyone elseis responsible to do all the work for them and they can just continue to do NOTHING. WHERE I COME FROM WE WOULD BE GREATFUL FOR THE HELP WE RECEIVED AND CONTIUE TO STIVE ON THE LITTLE IMPERFECTIONS TO MAKE IT BETTER!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteYou post your suppositions in every thread, but are short on facts.
ReplyDeleteAnybody who doesn't want free renovations, free ideas and free publicity is free to say "No". To the extent that they are desperate, that's not the show's fault.
That right!
ReplyDeleteJust break out the PlayStation, x Box, computer, or whatever system you have. Have your drinks ready and on-hand and "kick-back".
With video games so readily available at home - who needs them at a bar?
So are reactionary people afraid to leave the state.
ReplyDeleteWhich is why it won't drag itself into the 21st century.
ReplyDeleteMO is a different kind of place. Change is not usually embraced in MO.
ReplyDeleteYeah, because it was doing so well before he showed up!
ReplyDeleteThat's sarcasm, in case you couldn't tell.
You sound like someone who will never own and has never owned a successful business. Heck, you sound like someone who can't even do basic math! No matter how bad of a job the show does, the upgrades are FREE and the publicity is FREE. That has definite, ascertainable value. And if construction is not permitted or up to code, the owner has a very simple remedy: sue the contractor! Failing bars need not complain; they were on the verge of failing long before Taffer came to town.
ReplyDeleteApparently it WAS doing better before Bar Rescue showed up. Not great, obviously, but better than it is now.
ReplyDeleteObviously you don't understand what a failing bar is.
ReplyDeleteSoon after the rescue the bar actually went into the toilet. No one goes there anymore. The owners didnt listen to John Taffer. In fact they owners thought they knew more than John, and slid back to their old ways. My guess they are waiting for a year to sell the bar or whatever. The place is literally empty all the time.
ReplyDeleteI dont understand how owners can screw up a bar so close to two major league sports venues.
This bar does not need to be rescued...it needs to be euthanized!!
i was severely upset about BARCODE. we are huge fans of bar rescue,and we seen this episode. it was about two hrs away and we planned on driving that way to. go to harrahs casino anyways for the weekend. we stopped by Barcode a little later in the night. this was our first restaurant we had been to that had been close enough to go to. we know the area is bad,and also meth capital of the states so we were a littl wary. there were four of us. we walked in,and it was pretty dead, minus the older folks,probably regulars,hanging around the bar. we felt very out of place,and the tables we sat at were uncomfortable. the whole gaming side was dark and all the lights were dim in the bar. we were the youngest ones in there,and there were men staring at us making us uncomfortable. the bar owner,not sure which broyger, had welcomed us and seemed very nice. but...we had sat at our table for about ten minutes until our server even came to us. the owner had to call her from tge back room,where during our visit she spent most of her time smoking. we ordered drinks and food, and tried to enjoy it. the owners son was there a few tables over on his phone doing nothing but watching us be ignored by our server. our drinks were empty for over ten minutes each time we finished them,and our server would walk right past us without even glancing. we received our food,and it looked good,until our server touched it when we asked what the sauces were,which she had no idea what they were. upon biting into our food, we found our chicken and steak was rubbery and uncooked. our potatoes were extremely burned. by that point we were already done with the place. nice staff,but bar rescue did nothing good for them. we left barcode to go eat and drink at 810 zone. i am extremely disappointed with this show now because it seems like they havent actually helped anyones business. i hope barcode can fix what is broken,because theyre nice people who in my opinion,deserve it.
ReplyDeleteI agree it is like slapping on a five hundred dollar outfit on a cheap hooker. Unless you change the mental image the hooker has of herself it will just be a cheap hooker in an expensive dress. The magic between the ear and the vision of what could be is the deal breaker. These two needed Dr. Phil, not Taffer
ReplyDeletePlease don't stereotype my state. Mo. Is very diverse especially KC
ReplyDeleteConsidering I live here (but am thankfully from somewhere else and hope to return there one day), I'm not stereotyping. I am merely commenting on that which I have seen and experienced since I moved here. Now, to be fair, I have had people from other parts of Missouri tell me that where I live (StL) is even more exclusionary and resistant to change than other parts of the state. But in general MO is hardly known as a state with a lot of tolerance for diversity and change and progression. KC might be different, but that would still make it more of the exception than the rule.
ReplyDeleteYES! Tired of the "healing the family" drama! Tell me more about "bar science" and show me more of cocktail science!
ReplyDeleteRochelle Kirk, you've posted several times. I respect your right to post!
ReplyDeletePlease reveal your experiences? You'd mentioned once that your attorney cautioned you against it, but you're already speaking out whether you believe it or not?
Nick, this seems to be an on-going concern with these type of shows. While I realize they are on a tight schedule, they do their "homework" several months ahead and they should make sure they hire sub-contractors that can do the work up to code and with proper permits.
ReplyDeleteIf the show does more harm than good, what is the end result?
PJ, totally and utterly agree! They're also seeking an economy of numbers by producing several episodes in one general proximity. That is why it is no longer "reality".
ReplyDeleteAlexa, I respect your post, but I think your laying false blame! Jon has no control over what happens the minute he walks out the door? He gives them an opportunity and what they do with it is up to them. Obviously they totally dropped the ball with you and your party. However, bear in mind, Jon had nothing to do with your experience?
ReplyDeletetrue,but almost none of the bars "rescued" have gotten anywhere. and i read from a couple people that lived in the area showing it is a set up show ,so not sure whats going on there. i do know on the episode with the racoons,the raccoon was an employees pet,who had previously posted pictures with her and the raccoon on her twitter.so sounds set up to me.
ReplyDeleteI was going to say, I would think they get the permits and contractors lined up ahead of time. They would need at first permits to do interior demo work (which shouldn't take long to get-they would just need the layout and dimensions of the site), and then anything else, which would be done on a case by case basis.
ReplyDeleteCars in the parking lot mean nothing if they are only drinking water!
ReplyDeleteI grew up in California and went to college in Missouri. The state is just like California, except crappier weather.
ReplyDeleteThey're bringing Mike Shortino and Bobby Eddy Kansas City's best DJ's in on Thursday Friday Saturdays. STARTING MAY 15, 2014. it's going to be fun!!!!! come and join the gang !!!!.
ReplyDeleteI visited Bar Code on May 20th, 2014. I was in town on business and was staying by the Stadiums. I remembered the episode where Bar Code was featured. So my curiosity led me to the establishment. I went at about 9 PM on a Tuesday night. The Royals were in town that night. When I got there, there were 7 people in the Bar. One of the brothers/ owners were sitting at a table with what I assume were frineds. The Owners son was also there. One bartender. The place was incredibly dark and the Royals game was on the bar TVs. I was served quickly and after a couple of drinks, I got up to go use the restroom. It was not identified very well and I headed toward the back of the bar into the dark area. The Owner asked me why I was going back there. I informed him I was looking for the restroom, his reply was the only thing back there was his office and he was sure as hell not going to let me in there. So I found the restroom, returned to the bar, asked if they had food. Not that night, but I was welcome to bring food in. So I left to find food and a different place to watch the game.
ReplyDeleteThe lady behind the bar was extremely friendly and when the owner demanded shots for his friends birthday, she obliged.
I will probably go back when I am in town again, only to see if my experience was a one time dead Tuesday experience.
I have my whole life, and I'd tend to agree. Change happens very slow here and is typically behind most of the country. Independence isn't very hip, so I'm not surprised this bar concept wasn't embraced by the locals. Anybody from KC knows that no one hangs out in Independence after a ball game anyway.
ReplyDeleteI want to go there now, I didn't realize I live in the same zip code
ReplyDelete:::::By the way, since the changeover the old RGs is looseing big time.::::::
ReplyDelete"looseing"? My spell check, the one in my head, has red flags. My spell check, the one on my OS, is blowing smoke. Do you mean "loosening" or "losing"? And before you young, grade school drop out dumb-it-down-tweeters start in with the grammar-nazi comments why don't you go get an education first. I don't trade off with idiots who actually put max effort into their stupidity.
I saw the episode and decided to have my brothers Bachelor Party here. I had come here tons of times when it was RG's. I live out of state now and was booking based on the show. Upon arrival it looked just like the old bar. Not sure if John took all the new stuff with him when he left. They had a dj that night. All the songs he played were songs that I would hear the next day at my brothers reception. (I.e. cupid shuffle, baby got back) I love the owners. We had to have the jukebox turned on to find songs to request then paid the DJ 30 dollars with a list of songs we wanted to hear. If I had not done this my brothers friends were willing to go home instead of staying there. I was the best man and embarrassed of my bar choice. I always loved the bar before. I like the name and new exterior design, but the live bands and great staff will bring me back
ReplyDeleteI just moved up the street from this bar. To me the bar looks great. But the bar needs a employee makeover. The waitress's are always mad or grumpy, stoned off there mind or drunk. They literally got into an argument right in front of me and started talking about customers. Honestly the bar is nice. But its for sure not a place to take a date or a group of friends. I give the place a 2 out of ten
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting that this bar has still failed. Failure has nothing to do with the removal of the dance floor but the attitudes and lack of self respect the staff seem to have. And owners. Whether or not Tafferd cheeses the makeover isn't going to make that much of a difference. Heck! How did it look before the makeover? ?
ReplyDeleteSome bars are for degenerates and should never be fixed
ReplyDeletethat close to the stadium and nothing but old (locals)people that give you the evil eye when a stranger walks in. Decent bar but the locals have the bartenders behind the bar talking about BS rather than making money.
ReplyDeleteJust watched this episode. Screw that guy. No way in hell should Taffer have EVER helped him. He's a piece of garbage, and the people around him were enablers. Just awful watching this episode. Could barely stomach it at all.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like BR should re-rescue to bring the crowd that will spend money (older?) and stop trying for the younger, apparently not wanting to spend money at Barcode crowd.
ReplyDelete