During the Bar Rescue makeover, Underground Wonder Bar was renamed to Clear Bar. That name did not stick as they quickly went back to the Underground Wonder Bar. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Underground Wonder Bar since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar:
Positive Reviews:
- "Great intimate place to hear awesome live music. Staff is very friendly and Lonnie gets the whole audience involved. I highly recommend it."
- "House band, Lonie walker and her bad ass company band, was one of the most amazing bands I'd seen. Got the crowd participating. Drinks were a bit more expensive than what i'm used to, but i'm not used to downtown Chicago prices. All the bar staff were pretty freindly. If I lived in Chicago I would be in this bar every Friday."
- "Had live music which was excellent but I can't remember the name of the band. Bartender was cool and always had a pint of Guinness ready for me. Thanks!"
- "Nice chill place. Loved the music and the crayons they give you for coloring! But had to leave cuz the music was wayyyy too loud"
- "Ambiance & live music are great!"
Negative Reviews:
- "Extremely disappointed by quality of music. I have heard high school jazz groups that were more talented than this band. They played for a half hour and then took almost a half hour break. If you are going to charge a cover, hire some quality talent! We will never return even though we live close by."
- "Awful!!! Horrible!! Worst jazz music ever. Unsure what's happening tonight. $15 for cover charge, awful!!! No words but awful"
- "Music was awesome!!! That's the only good thing about this place. Food is over priced and bland. Lacks flavor...Drinks were watered down. Only thing this place has to offer me Is the live music and great performances."
- "Do NOT order food here. It was literally like someone microwaved something out of the frozen foods section."
*Reviews from Yelp
Other News and Links:
- The Bar Rescue makeover happened in late October 2014.
- Here are preview videos of the episode from the Spike TV website - Video 1, Video 2, Video 3.
- Here is the Underground Wonder Bar Facebook page, as well as a Wonder Bar Facebook page.
- Here is the Underground Wonder Bar Twitter page, and they will be live tweeting during their episode, and you can ask questions using #AskLonie.
- Here is the Underground Wonder Bar Website.
- Here are the Facebook pages of the owner Lonie, Jordan, Akubu and Ruby.
- Jon Taffer said this episode was one of his favorites of all time. (Link)
- Right after the makeover, Wonder Bar posted this on their Facebook page, "So underground wonder bar will forever be home!! We got a beautiful new upgrade and along with that came a name suggestion! We will comply for bit , but make no mistake it is the people and the music that have made this place home for almost 25yrs and to be Clear the family you know and love is still in complete control . Thanks fir all the love and support keep it coming !!!!"
- In December 2014, ChicagoJazz.com interviewed Lonnie about the Bar Rescue experience, and Lonnie said this regarding the name change,
"Who the bleep knows why Taffer wanted to change our name after 25 years. Clear Bar represents the new reverse osmosis water filtration system that they installed for us, which runs through all of our soda guns and even the ice machine, which is awesome, but we don’t how that justifies a name change?" She also confirmed that "It will forever and always be the Underground Wonder Bar!"
- Lonie recently posted this on her Facebook page regarding the Bar Rescue episode,
"Soooooo...... Be prepared to watch me cry and curse and curse and cry. I used to love that show ....... But please watch bc if it was for "nothing" and just the product (s) that they gifted us then it was for naught. We OBVIOUSLY did not keep their name....clear bar .... Huh? Take the wonder away ..... Because Oh! Wonder is childish and not sophisticated and and we'll see why else Wonder is a bad word ....But they did clear out the basement which is being launched as the Roots Room ( not Count Room .....huh?)
They also gave us an Amazing reverse osmosis water filtration system...YaY ... What does this have to do with live music you ask ? I Wonder Bar too but am happy fir the addition bc I Love that I don't have to bring my own filtered water in from home ( in reusable glass bottles) so yeah come drink the water, order a drink, eat some food as you Dance Dance Dance to Live Music. Oh yeah don't forget to bring home your crayon drawing \0/ happy people who don't yell live longer and ..... Happier. Underground Wonder Bar lives ....."
- A comment on Lonie's Facebook page said, "The whole show is a made up lie. It's more like $80,000. He added in the money she borrowed from people to get into the bar 3 years ago. She's paid most of that back. The real issues that needed "rescuing" we're never addressed... They just used what would create the most drama."
Conclusion:
The reviews of Underground Wonder Bar since the Bar Rescue makeover seem to be mixed with some people liking the music, while others have complaints about the music. There are also a lot of complaints about the food.
Clear Bar, the name given by Bar Rescue, did not stick long as the Underground Wonder Bar quickly changed their name back (the crayons are back too). It seems like there was no chance the Underground Wonder Bar would have accepted a name change anyways.
UPDATE - The bar announced they were going to close in February 2017, but at the end of January they had an update that they would remain open, but the building is for sale. This will be something to keep an eye on.
UPDATE 9/2017 - Underground Wonder Bar closed in September 2017 - More information on the closing.
*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.
OK, I played there last night (2/14/2015)...The only downside was Jon Taffer cut the stage down to the point where there is no room for musicians. I've noticed in past episodes he does not like venues with Live Music. So now the stage is so small there..there is barely enough room to breathe, let alone room to actually perform. Underground Wonder Bar is one of the few music venues where you can play any genre of music. UWB caters to free thinking people who enjoy a variety of music.
ReplyDeleteIf she wants a bigger stage, she could just move to the outer suburbs and start over. From there, she could grow her business. Chicago is already too stuffed as it is.
ReplyDeleteI think they said her rent is $18k a month. That is a lot of covers, drinks, etc. Should have bought a building somewhere rather than relocating here.
ReplyDeleteBeggars can't be choose'rs.....Instead of being thankful he helped u....All u do is complain. Remember u asked for the help.
ReplyDeletewhat a bitch
ReplyDeleteLonie is done. She's a washed up hippie and need to realize that times have changed and no one wants to listen to her wacky untalented music. She needs to get over the fact that she's old news and no one is interested in her anymore. A psychiatrist may help her with her delusional stubborn and childish ways. I would never go to wonder/clear bar even if you paid me.
ReplyDeleteDon't they pretty much rely on SELLING DRINKS to stay alive? If a concept isn't working, it isn't working. It doesn't mean the people didn't care, or didn't execute as well as they could have....but, as the saying goes, the last buggywhip maker made a GREAT buggywhip. The concept and its location have to be a match...
ReplyDeleteThis woman Lonie clearly has a mental issue. The blank stares and far away looks are enough to convince anyone of that. Predict this bar will close for GOOD within the next six months.
ReplyDeleteFeel sorry for this ridiculous woman's son, who seems like a great guy. His mother us an embarrassment.
Lonie is a Typical Damn Liberal
ReplyDeleteNo, she's a woman who likely has lived her entire life with an undiagnosed mental illness.
ReplyDeleteYou sound whiney, childish and why should an owner be bullied and name called into giving up passion and integrity to the arts? There isn't a reason to chatise someone for promoting wonder and fun...the right people will find and support a business that caters to these principles. I do think she picked the wrong neighborhood to move to for wanting this kind of an establishment.
ReplyDeleteDidnt they sign a contract that the name couldnt change for a year? I would love to know how its going over there, like...tonite. Her poor son, man. What a nightmare to have a mom who not only is a banana but His BOSS too...smh
ReplyDeleteSooo how much was she fined for changing the name back? She DID sign a document stating she wouldn't change it for a year!..it wasn't even 3 weeks!..Unbelievable!!
ReplyDeleteThat IS what he said...
ReplyDeleteLonnie is like a lead anchor to her poor son and business. She is determined to take that ship down at all costs.
ReplyDeleteAs soon as that washed up hippy took the sign down she violated the Taffer contract. Taffer should send her a bill for his time plus all that went into the rescue. "Oh, please help us... but don't change anything!" Save the sign you took down, it will work great to board the windows when you close.
ReplyDeleteBetter than a typical damn conservative! At least she has dreams, misguided as they may be.
ReplyDeleteare the producers taking this pos bar to court for the name change since you made them sign the waiver and they are clear in breach i dont know where u find some of these people you chose to help most of them are clearly not worth the time
ReplyDeleteThat'll do pig that'll do
ReplyDeleteShe made a mistake with the location obviously. They should be in Wicker Park, Bucktown, Logan Square, UKV. The rents are much cheaper and more freaky people to draw from.
ReplyDeleteJust this woman's attitude would be enough to make me cross to the other side of the street. I kno they have to add drama for show ratings and whatnot but there is no way I would ever b a patron to her bar. Her music sounded like an old hippie on a bad acid trip, which is not appealing even to other hippies. I've heard 8 year olds play Guitar Hero at Wal-Mart that sounded better. Whether or not she had paid back most of her initial start up cost, I believe she herself said she was losing 2000.00 a month, I am surprised it wasn't more . I truly feel sorry for the people that choose to go to the Underground Blunder Bar, what a joke.
ReplyDeleteOuter suburbs? You mean hell don't you. This is not a suburban bar. Stay in the suburbs please.
ReplyDeleteThere may b a very small hippie audience that woUlf enjoy her so called music, but with rent being 18500.00 they better be selling a boat load of hemp bracelets and hippie oil just to cover the rent, let alone her utility overheads.
ReplyDeleteShe is an undeserving idiot. She needs to stay off stage; in fact go home and let your son run the place. She is full of cap and herself and needs a wake up call. When she goes bankrupt snd lives on the street maybe that'll be the call.
ReplyDeleteAnd the name sucks. Underground Dumber Bar.
How could she change the name back when she signed a contract? She got on my freaking nerves!!
ReplyDeleteOld bar,old concet even Older owner who is definitely trying to relive her glory days when things still pointed up and she could count on some chiseled African American fellow to,give her a good stern rodgering ! My how things have changed she's reading this now saying "pfffft fool he dosent know me" listen sweetie anyone who's ever smoked a joint out side of great full dead concert knows you so just give it a rest your a grandma not Janis Joplin in the flesh I hope you can take comfort in the fact that your music is terrible your terrible and your bars terrible stop. Please stop. You must stop.
ReplyDeleteWas there some kind of consequence for violating that agreement???
ReplyDeleteIve never been mad before when I watch the show... im really tempted to spend $400 and drive out there and tell her she's dilusional and needs help.. like I said, i've never been mad at the show before but her arrogance and childish attitude I wanted to slap her! John's idea was magnificent! Crayons and hippie 80s music is out! Its 2015! Wake up you washed up hippie!
ReplyDeleteYou weirdos need to be consistent. So now a 20+ year business owner is a typical liberal?
ReplyDeleteYour capitalization of each word in your sentence is a nice touch too.
stopped in here 6 months agoe .... 20 minutes for 2 beers and whiskey owner was distant,sketchy and seemed to have a possible mental ailment ? After watching her on bar rescue just confirmed all my original thougts! Definitely stuck in the past and trying to relive something music was horrid service horrid food horrid the only positive was the wife took a huuuuge dump and broke the woman's shitter wich was aces in my book! Look forward to not stopping here in the future !
ReplyDeleteI really want to know about the name change and what is going to happen?? I hope that it is something like having to pay Jon back for everything he spent for the whole makeover. She is ridicules for sure!!!
ReplyDeleteBravo sir! Braaaavoo but I'm telling you save that 400 this woman is truly out to fucking lunch and your visit would only serve to bolster her already inflated ego "you drove here forrrr meeeee" yes.. Because I hate you I think your confused... Next thing you know her son has you in full Nelson.. Not worth the jail time brother
ReplyDeleteThe only painful and the only person that will suffer this delusional underground wonder bar with a poor ill woman is her poor son that will sorry for the rest of he life to work with his mom...
ReplyDeleteAhahhha awesome
ReplyDeleteLol yessss
ReplyDeleteThe name of the bar should have been UWB and LSD
ReplyDeleteI think John Taffer set Lonnie and her son up for success and I knew before the episode was over she would change back the name and make other change backs. She's an artist, a dated one, and doesn't understand business.. It's just a matter of time before this location closes. Very Unfortunate. Lonnie is to controlling and stuck in the 60's.
ReplyDeleteThe old gray mare ain't what she used to be
ReplyDeleteEat the crayons and claim you mistook them for appetizers. See if they'll settle for your trip expenses for this misadventure. If they tell you to take a hike go there next day with a crayon made from your intestinal fortitude
ReplyDeleteThis Hyde guy us pretty great
ReplyDeleteAhhhhh yeah the under ground dumper bar where all the cool chicks and hep cats go to shit on one another's chest allllll niiiight long and you better believe cover after 9 heavy set guys who just Mexican always free so come on down to the under ground dumper bar
ReplyDeleteNothing wrong with outer suburbs where you get more space for less.
ReplyDeleteSo true, indeed. The owner must have assumed that just because she's in a densely populated area that there would be enough suckers to buy her mediocre shit. I don't know how she believes that "live music" alone will save her business especially during normal business hours.
ReplyDeleteI'm not really surprised by all the hateful comments on here, is she weird? Sure she is, but who on this planet isn't? Of course she's going to be resistant to change and set in her ways, everyone is, it's normal. Those who claim it's easy and fake it upfront are obviously insincere. Watching her sign the document, showed me she could probably tell, it wasn't legally binding. Need I remind any of you of the thousands of failed lawsuits filed each each due to breach of contracts? Or the millions of criminals walking the streets right now who will never serve a day because of ratting out others or getting off on technicalities. It's sad how easily many of you are jumping on the hippie hate bus when hippie or not she's still a person. I hardly think you'd appreciate it if whomever you love was labeled as mentally ill for being old and weird. I mean, it's hardly a sound diagnosis. And please, save yourself the argument of, "Well if she didn't want us to criticize her she shouldn't have gone on TV." We're all exposed to social media, just because she was on a 45 minute TV Show, that doesn't make it "ok" to hate on her for being passionate, albeit misguided. Is it really so crazy to pursue a dream that makes someone happy? Isn't the purpose of life to find what you love and make it your life? From what I saw, that most of you missed was, the bar wasn't about Lonie. It seemed that way, sure. But in reality it was about her son and about how obviously devastated she was that she'd failed him. We've all heard the line, the hardest thing to ask for is help. This show is evident of the struggles real small businesses face. Even Target, a billion dollar company failed miserably in under 3 years trying to break into the Canadian market. 3 years! Yet this lady kept her dream alive for 30+ years, to me that shows a lot of hard work and determination, which is a far cry from the lackluster ambition of people today. Imo, some of the things said against her here are totally uncalled for. To me, the guy last week who let his team down over $30,000, he was crazy. Here's John AHgain, hand out with another $100,000 and the guy says, "No." Really? Talk about self-sabotage. In the end, what's important is her choice. I guarantee you there's things in your lives that you'd defend to the death simply because you love them, even if no one else does. Yes, that includes your limited edition whatever from 1984 that's in mint condition that your friends secretly want to burn because anytime eyes lay upon it. You just can't help but regale them with how awesome it is!! *Flicks lighter* ;-) Cheers & Peace
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed the episode. The "Bar Rescue" concept and Taffer's brusk swagger is a benchmark. He's very tuned to people's behavior, reads them, and reacts appropriately/entertainingly.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to hear that this place fails completely and Lonie ends up homeless. She deserves nothing less.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I kept my acid usage to a minimum in my youth, is what I learned from watching Lonnie.
ReplyDeleteThey called Bar Rescue for help, how did they know to call because they have seen the show and know how John Taffer is and should know what to expect, yes he is loud at times but when he is putting 100 thousand dollars into your bar that can be over looked. If they fail which I am sure they will its their fault because they did not follow the program TAFFER set up for them.
ReplyDeleteSo conservatives don't have dreams? Usually conservatives work hard to make their dreams a reality. The woman was a delusional twit. Her political affiliation is immaterial. She has a horrible voice and acts like a 9 year old.
ReplyDeleteThis is the problem when people think their hobby or art is a business and not taking into account the demographics of the location. The place is small and narrow and not designed for a live music venue. It would have been better as a local speakeasy type or intimate local social with soft jazz & Blues.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing worse then a hippie is an old burned out hippie. You can do your music in the shower Lonnie. You have a chance to kick ass and take names. Instead you want to draw on place mats with crayons like a flipping kid and for only 18k a month. I only wish I could get someone to drop $100k into my business. How disrespectful you change the name back to "wonder bar". The only wonder is that you're in business.
ReplyDeleteWow, and I thought Steven King was long winded!
ReplyDeleteThe first few notes out of her mouth, I would have been out of there. She should have moved the bar to San Freakcisco. Chicago, at least what I remember of it was/is not an acid music town. Not surprised that she changed the name and whatever else back.
ReplyDeleteOn the rescue side, someone needs to tell Chef Pink, or whatever her name is, that yuppie flatbread thing she made was not a Chicago Style Pizza, which Taffer ranted about needing to be served. I never would have seen it on the menu though after having already left because of the music.
Finally, "bacon rather than sex", when I was younger...no. Now that I'm older and long out of my prime... maybe to probably.
She laughs and makes ignorant jokes and she is over $500K in the hole. I don't think she gives a hoot about another 100k tacked on. She does not understand business, music, music business, or bar ownership. Her only hope is her son.
ReplyDeleteI saw this episode Sunday night. Lonie is such a fruitcake, it's no wonder the new concept did not stick. Lonie was not open to new ideas and kept her "crayons" around so that she can keep losing money.
ReplyDeleteI sure hope this bar closes because of Lonie. The bar staff and her family doesn't need this drama at all
You thought that stage was small? I'll bet you've never played a place where the stage was a piece of plywood on top of a pool table with the legs removed and pushed up against a wall or a little wedge in a corner of the bar. I could go on, but I think you get my point. That was a big stage compared to a lot of the places I've played. And I had a whole lot more equipment to fit on them.
ReplyDeleteAnger lines??? Ever seen bankruptcy lines?
ReplyDeleteSo well-put, man. The son has a future. The Lonnie-Mom washed-up singer/immature kid is not concerned with success, just her ego. I am surprised Taffer wasted his time and $$ on this shit hole.
ReplyDeleteThen she had no business calling Bar Rescue for help. It's obvious that she wanted to copycat Pirate Taverns. If it wasn't for her crony capitalist connections in Chicago bailing her out, she wouldn't have lasted 30 days much less 30 years.
ReplyDeletemy prediction...the bar will crash and burn in 6 months with that kind of ungrateful ownership. She is completely self absorbed and tone deaf to business.
ReplyDeleteI love Stephen King, I just wish he could end his stories with the same amount of passion he starts them with. Always seemed like Koontz should do the endings, 'cause he has a hard time with the beginnings :-)
ReplyDeleteShe is still a person, are you saying she should've just given up and not looked for help? I mean really, I don't even know where to go on that comment, it's so ridiculous. Where is the benefit to eliminating jobs when they're needed? Did you just watch the show to form your opinion or do you actually know her? Because from here, if I were to base your entire life on just your user name, then you'd know, obviously. She threw him off a cliff :-o Also, Pirates failed because of all the people who worked there, they didn't fail just because of the owner. I still remember the massive business sign they put up as well, it was terribly obnoxious. Again though, this woman pursued her dream, how is that in any way wrong? It isn't, and asking for help means she was at least trying to sort things out, unlike the guy from last week who blew it, twice!
ReplyDeleteWe have dreams but you have to come to the reality that your music sucks. I came to that realization that my playing is not great but still dream to play in a club. For the son's sake(he seems cool) his burnout mom will leave.
ReplyDeleteAlso wanted to add, that at least she wasn't getting hammered at the bar like so many other owners who drink away their profits, do nothing, start fights, blame everyone else for the demise of their business and have completely disgusting bars. Outside of the 1 kitchen worker who licked the spatula, this bar didn't have cockroaches, fruit flies or mold. She wasn't cheating her customers by refilling liquor bottles. Her staff wasn't half-naked, underpaid substandard thieving bartenders. Nearly every bar we've seen John save has had one of those issues. Her main issues, were outdated music, a badly decorated exterior and extremely high rent. Hardly a reason to burn her at the stake. She was clearly raised in the 60's, which is not her fault and doesn't equate to being mentally ill now. Every single one of you has ancestors who were raised in that period. Should we incinerate you for your heritage? Seriously, where is your respect for your elders? She could be your grandmother, do think your family would appreciate you calling them mentally ill because they like older music? I don't think so. Also, she is free, just like you, to have her own beliefs politically, religiously or otherwise. Just because you don't have the same ones doesn't invalidate her freedom, or yours, to have them. Wars were fought and billions died just so you could have that privilege. It's quite sad how many of you demand that right, but callously deny others the same. We all live here, wake up and smell the coffee. Sorry for the novel, but this woman does not deserve so much unwarranted hate, she's not a freaking murderer.
ReplyDeleteI think the issue though is, it's not just that it sucks, it's that they're in debt with astronomical rent. But history has shown us that the more emphasis placed on money, the less likely things succeed. Take the death of Robin Williams, he had it all, but behind that was a very broken hearted man who gave everything to us. Just like she's invested her life into her son and this bar. You say, "he seems cool." Yeah, he does and he didn't get that way without her. Did you notice that no father was ever mentioned? I mean, her dream is what kept this place going, not handouts. I find it so appalling how rude everyone is being to her, it's demoralizing. Just because her music isn't to everyone's liking, it doesn't make her less valuable, nor does it make her delusional. She wasn't chugging shots at the bar and stumbling around swearing at people like we've seen. She was singing. If her bar was profitable no one would care if she was singing the theme song to Barney off-key while wearing a sombrero. They'd be entertained paying customers. Just my tl thoughts :-)
ReplyDeletePrototypical original hippy... self-centered with no integrity what so ever. She'll take the Man's money and sign her name, then childishly do whatever she wants hiding her impetuousness behind a load of crap she calls championing the arts. These are the people running this country. Be afraid. Be very afraid.
ReplyDeleteG, how do you pay a $18K monthly rent with a passion for the arts when people are not buying?
ReplyDeleteYOu read her comments about that she was only in it for the free stuff. Can't wait to read about her closing down and having her crazy ass evicted.
ReplyDeleteYeah totally self-centered citizen who's not sitting on her ass at home doing nothing. Completely childish to create jobs, dedicate 30+ years of her life into her community, and is paying taxes to feed the useless people of America. What a horrible person she is! Fear the tie-dyed grey haired hippies, they might actually be doing something with their lives, run for it! *eye-roll*
ReplyDeleteYou think that was 80's music? Get a clue.
ReplyDelete" are you saying she should've just given up and not looked for help?"
ReplyDeleteSince she immediately went back to her old failing ways and refused to change for the better anyway, yeah.
" this woman pursued her dream"
Wrong. She only mooched off other people's money and fame. There are millions of us who pursue our dreams but at least we do it with style and grace unlike that bozo drama queen asking for another 15 minutes of fame and giving hippies a bad name.
"asking for help means she was at least trying to sort things out"
She did no such thing.
"unlike the guy from last week who blew it, twice!"
Both she and him are double time failures who refuse to follow up on the changes given to them to succeed.
The way you write and your avatar, you sound like Lonnie's sock puppet.
ReplyDeleteNo doubt this place is spiraling down and will be out of business.
ReplyDeleteCould you repeat all that? I wasn't listening.
ReplyDeleteThe idiot woman who ran Pirates Bar did the same thing..after the show went on spending thousands to make that bar high class /beautiful in a PRIME location..the idiot woman & her "pirate crew" decided they wanted to go back to playing -ala Johnny Depp's acting skills in Pirates & went right back to looking like they're wearing Halloween Costumes
ReplyDeleteSadly a fool & their money are soon parted. Lonie is a 1960's Hippie Drop Out that the former Flower Children left behind when they grew up & became ADULTS...or died from drug overdoses.
ReplyDeleteLonie got what she wanted which was a glamorous bar & showed her appreciate by wiping her feet on John Taffer & staff...& oh yes, her SON.
Lonie won't accept the fact the party was over long ago, she still thinks she's an enchantress who can beguile the audience with her tasteless self centered egotistical behavior & talentless musical renditions...much to the embarrassment of her SON.....too sad.
LOL, This is totally lonnie
ReplyDeleteTL;DR. You are obviously lonnie. I liked Jordon. Hope you aren't screwing over your own son.
ReplyDeleteTL;DR Lonnie. You aren't changing anyones opinion of you.
ReplyDeleteTo hell with that hippie liberal bitch. That sorry wigger son of hers will suffer for her stubborn lucacy. #gimmemyfreeshit
ReplyDeleteNo doubt. She probably had a sweet deal on her prior lease. The neighborhood has changed in the last 25 years and there was no way she could have matched her prior lease. Moving to a 2 floor space was a bad move as that basement will never generate revenue like the 1st floor.
ReplyDeleteHoly Christ that was funny. She got her stern African American rogering. You mentioned the glory word and I immediately conjured up hole. Yes she seems very old and randy.
ReplyDeleteThe similarities were incredible. And pirates bar closed 6 months later. Ahargggg
ReplyDeleteWhen you are a half mil in debt regardless of if the show is staged or not, you are getting 80k free stuff and you complain? Seriously I was going to visit the place. That is a TRUTH. However, you can't fix stupid even if John didn't do it the way STUPID wanted it. Her son is wanting it to make money so he can have his time with his child. Take a look at it Loni YOU CAN'T SING, hell I can't sing either I am sure your water goes off in the shower just like mine does. Oh, wait you signed an agreement did you break that? Half mil in debt and then break that agreement? What is that going to cost you? Sad situation. Sometimes the professionals need to be listened to and our ego put away no matter how hard that can be. If that is done at least the grandkids can be taken care of. At least think of them
ReplyDeleteYou never got angry watching this? The pirate episode? The vegas gay bar? Oh man there have been more than a handful of undeserving assholes...
ReplyDeleteWhat expenses did the production have? Most of it came from advertisers/vendors, who got their money's worth. An episode was produced, it got ratings, so no injury there. Pretty sure that there are no damages, and so no claim.
ReplyDeleteAmen, that woman needs to come back down to fricken earth. Times have changed. Wake up. Jon fixed the bar and this is the thanks you give him!? I would sue the shit out of her for breaking the contact and close that bar down for good. No one now days can keep their f-n word.... It's sad! :(
ReplyDeleteYep, this place is doomed,
ReplyDeletehttp://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20150217/river-north/river-north-barkeep-after-bar-rescue-i-wouldnt-treat-my-dog-that-way
Haha omg and she's the lunatic, search my name and guess what, you'll easily find I live in a little town called Kelowna, BC. Yay! I don't know Lonie at all outside of the TV Show, I also came here because of the "contract." Feel stupid now?
ReplyDeleteShe's only a first time failure on the show though, I know and have seen tons on undeserving dreams achieved. Hotel Hell with Ramsey, the rich guy who married for money and got it after she died, then stopped paying the employees. And as far as I saw, she only changed the name, not everything else but really who cares? I mean the rent is 18K, when you're the one paying it you're going to want to decide the name, right? The name Clear Bar, was a bad name anyways. At first, I should've caught on because he kept repeating "Clear" this and that. But I didn't until I saw it, and it was a let down. You still have not said if you know her for real or just from the show. So lets assume you don't actually know her, TV paints people not always as who they are but who they want the viewer to see, so moocher 'cause she borrowed money? That's everybody who's not rich and started a business. Also, you realize she cried after the remodel, right? You could see the anguish in her face from knowing she needed help. Like yeah she got all this stuff, but her son got a chance at a new future that was what mattered. The other guy here who played there said, what? The only thing wrong now was, the size of the stage. Not the food, drinks, name, staff, owner, ect..
ReplyDeleteI'll take, "I agree with your content." :-D
ReplyDeleteHow dare you hate on my avatar, it's cute, and totally me. Stuck in front of a computer since 1995 :-) I don't know Lonie, though I'm pretty sure it's spelled with 1 N and not 2... If you'd searched my user name, you'd find me, *gasp* The Horror! ;-)
ReplyDeleteIs Jordon her son? I didn't even catch his name, 'cause he kinda looks like my ex, minus the dreads. Every time he was on screen, I ignored him sowwie :-) Psst: Still not Lonie "that is SO funny!!"
ReplyDeleteAgree, mostly. But bacon? Yes please! Nom nom bacon! :-)
ReplyDeleteThis is just hilarious! You actually need to be convinced that a total stranger would defend someone they don't know? Riiiight... 8-D
ReplyDeleteMore confirmation based on a lifetime of experience that quite a few "peace, love and dope" hippies are, when you strip away a very thin veneer, some of the most vindictive, awful, selfish, horrible people you can imagine.
ReplyDeleteCrony capitalism is a term describing an
ReplyDeleteeconomy in which success in business depends on close relationships
between business people and government officials. It may be exhibited by
favoritism in the distribution of legal permits, government grants,
special tax breaks, or other forms of state interventionism.
This woman Lonie clearly has a mental issue.
ReplyDeleteYour profile doesn't show you are a Dr or that you've examined Lonie other than what you've seen on a heavily edited "reality" show. If men like Bruce Jenner were declassified as a mental issue then no one has mental issues.
I didn't completely agree with the concept Taffer had for the bar. But I also think if so much time hadn't been wasted on her petulant attitude, immature antics, unwillingness to cooperate, they might of had more time to discuss something that might of worked well for both of them. Maybe something that could be shared between her and her son. I know I can't trust editing, but if even 1/16 of what was portrayed was true, she would truly be a selfish, reckless, immature person. You have to know what this show is about to ask for help from John Taffer, and to have your own son beg for you to work together to help make things better financially for all of you. Then blatantly disregard all of that to just put yourself back on the same track you were before is immature and selfish.
ReplyDeleteLonie is one the most stubborn, stuck in her ways person around. Taffer may be stubborn, stuck in his ways, loud and offensive, but at least he knows what he's talking about.
ReplyDeleteLonie violated the name change contract. That's probably going to bite her in the ass. Hard. And then her business is going to fold because they've already started screwing everything up again.
who was the band that played at the re-launch/end of the episode, anyone know? I really liked their sound and would love to be able to look them up.
ReplyDeleteYou have to realize something Cassacacia. She is running a BUSINESS for PROFIT. If it is a labor of love, fine. Move to a different location with lower rent where your friends and family can come and watch you. I did a little research and this was not their original location. The original location was smaller and the rent was cheaper. The owner sold the building so they moved into a venue which was far to expensive for them to support. Not only that but the clientele required a change. The bleeding heart stuff is immaterial.
ReplyDeleteI am a business owner. I have struggled with quite a few things. I am somewhat successful. I wish I had more capital but I do not. I do know this; I would never get that deep in debt. She is totally delusional not to want to change or to think that her way is better, like it or not. If you want I am sure she would take donations.
"'They targeted me as incompetent and out to pasture,' Walker said." Boy, those editors can do anything.
ReplyDeleteThumbs up to your wife dropping a massive deuce in the women's shitter. LOL
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't call my grandmother mentally ill for liking older music but I would call her f*cking DUMB for paying 18k/month to like it/play it for others who don't want to hear it.
ReplyDeleteIn order to pay taxes you need to make money. It's cheaper to sit on her ass at home and do nothing.
ReplyDeleteYou are a COMPLETE IDIOT Loni!! You should walk away and let the smart one of the family, who obviously didn't do a lot of drugs, run the Clear Bar!! Your a hippie stuck in the 80's and I feel so sorry for your son and his young family, never mind all the employees who count on YOU! If I were them? I would call for a mutiny! Let me see your biz work then!! You don't appreciate anyone!!!!! Shame on John for wasting his time!! I hope he sues your ass for breach of contract!!!
ReplyDeleteThis women is an ungrateful nut job. And she can't sing.
ReplyDeleteToo many joints over the years will do that to you. I mean, on top all of that LSD she clearly has enjoyed. What a stubborn, egotistical hippy freak. Sorry, I'll go ANYWHERE else to NOT patronize that ATTITUDE.
ReplyDeleteThe hippie would rather play with CRAYONS at the age of 60 than actually SUCCEED at a business. TOTAL disrespect for people brought in to HELP her. Wow.
I'm 90% positive that this bar fits that definition just like O'Face Bar, Amy's Baking Company (Kitchen Nightmares), and Rotting Woodstock (Hotel Impossible).
ReplyDeleteTHE best comment. NAILED it. But the term is LIBTURD. There ain't no cure for that either.
ReplyDeleteI feel sorry for her son who's got the most to lose from her stupidity. I don't have to personally know her. I've done enough research to know that she's an all-time jerk who gives hippies a bad rap.
ReplyDeleteObviously you've never been to the Rogers Park neighborhood. which is WAY cheaper than River North, and a total hippy enclave. (Ravenswood and West Lakeview are good alternatives too)
ReplyDeleteTaffer does not dislike venues with music(Jordan mentioned to Lonnie that Jon had done music venues before, including Chicago's own Abbey) he seemed really excited about America Live(too bad the asshole landlord screwed the owner and manager out of the place).
ReplyDeleteNo she's just an idiot, true liberals are disgusted with people like her.
ReplyDeleteYou're an idiot.
ReplyDeleteI was appalled at how incredibly rude and ungrateful she was to Jon, I don't think people are being unreasonable by judging her, she signed a contract that she broke, so I have zero sympathy for that crazy woman.
ReplyDeleteYou're a total effing moron you know that, there's no cure for stupidity for idiots like you that drool every single bogus story on Faux news.
ReplyDeleteThe owner that pissed me off the most so far was Steve from headhunters, what a POS that guy was.
ReplyDeleteOkay, I must admit: I HATE when Taffer comes to my town and into a neighborhood I work in and talks like he knows Chicago so well. Yet sounds like he's reading bullet points off cue-cards written by marketing execs using Wikipedia! First, when Hippy-Chick opened the bar over 25 years ago, River North was an artistic enclave known more for petty crime than condos (the fact she didn't change with the times, or move her bar to another cheaper hip neighborhood was her problem). Second, that "31-y.o. hip" crowd Taffer kept referring to don't live there. They live in the West Loop, Wicker Park, Bucktown, Lakeview neighborhoods. They don't have the money to hang out in River North. River North has, what we called in the restaurant biz here, the "white-wine-and-cocaine" crowd. It's why most of the expensive restaurants are there. It's why when celebrities show up they hang in River North. It's why even dive bars (like Boss) are expensive. They ONLY reason that woman survived this long was that $18,000/month for that space is CHEAP! (she must have had rent-control or multi-year lease or something) Last: This is Chicago, baby -- not New York! Flat breads are popular, yes. But we don't pay premium price for one that's the size of a large cookie. And that highball drink? I bet the show edited out all the Chicagoans who held it up and said: "This ice is half the size of the drink. I ain't paying $14 for half a drink!"
ReplyDeleteIt's not about her being weird, it's about her being incredibly rude and ungrateful to Taffer and his experts, being weird does not automatically give her an excuse to be disrespectful and do nothing except bitch and moan the whole time, she deserves to fail, I hope her son finds another job far away from her.
ReplyDeleteWe're just saying she should've kept the name like she agreed to when she signed the damn contract, but I guess that was too much to ask.
ReplyDeleteWhen you're over 500,000 dollars in debt, you don't have the luxury of pursuing your dream anymore, you have to worry about staying in business.
That flatbread looked pretty good even if it wasn't authentic Chicago style, I don't get what the big deal is about Bacon though, anyways who says they'd prefer it over sex is crazy.
ReplyDeleteIs that you Lonnie?
ReplyDeleteNo they are not you idiot.
ReplyDeleteAs an Illinois resident myself I have to say he really does what the hell he's talking about.
ReplyDeleteI hope this bar goes bankrupt--This lady is delusional--She needs to take her act somewhere else..not Jon's fault she opens up a joke of a bar that cost 18k a month for rent....show or not she is joke...
ReplyDeletetotally agree
ReplyDeleteAlight out of everything you've said I'll reply to this thread. I didn't really see her being rude to Jon, even when he full on screamed in her face. On the show, she wasn't like "Omg this is horrid, I hate it, why'd you do this that, whatever." She actually said she liked things he had done The Count Room, the lights ect, so.. The name. It was not really a good choice, Clear Bar? Meh, Don't we want a packed house not an empty space? The contract like I said, it probably wasn't legally binding and the episode was filmed in October, I think. On one of the links above it's discussed that she was relieved she didn't have to stick with it, so she changed it back. I don't think either name is awesome, nor do I even feel like this place is really a "bar." Seems more like an artist's lounge or Starbucks with booze. I agree with the other guy above if less time was focused on her then the concept probably would've been better. It really wasn't that awesome though. Also, the bar has tons of different bands and talent so it's not "just" Lonie and her band playing all the time. Again though, being resistant IS normal. Everyone does it, old habits wrong or not are hard to break. It's not like she entirely reverted every single thing right back, she did keep some things. And if everyone feel so bad for her son, why would they want this to fail? Doesn't that mean HE would fail too? You're right, people need this place, it pays for their living, it goes everyone loses, not just her. Lastly, do you really need be convinced as well that I'm not Lonie? I mean, really? 'Cause THAT is lunacy and if you read the post above you can CLEARly find me online.
ReplyDeleteIf you feel sorry for her son, then you'd want her to succeed or move over so he can. The bar failing would affect a lot of peoples lives not just hers.. Also, I mostly disagree because anything you see or read is not necessarily fact. Reality TV does like to create villains. It's well known, Russell - Survivor, Spencer & Heidi - Big Brother, ect. How many times have you seen a scene where it shows something big and bad is totally gonna happen, and then it doesn't turn out at all like they make us believe. Every single ending to Hell's Kitchen goes like this "Next time on HK, you don't want to miss it, craziest ever, outrageous, thrilling!!" Next episode, someone drops a napkin, ooh thrilling!
ReplyDeleteShe's not the only band that plays there though, and if I ever said that to my, unfortunately deceased grandmother, I'm quite sure she'd beat the snot out of me :-) Also, we don't actually know how much debt she's in, TV likes to exaggerate to make us believe in the worst circumstances. Not saying she isn't in debt, most businesses are, but at least she's being somewhat productive.
ReplyDeleteI do realize that, also they mentioned the move at the beginning of the episode. It's a shame she had to move and couldn't purchase the old bar. But, life isn't fair. Millions of people today are running in the opposite direction of progress or profitability, not because they don't want it, but because they believe they're doing the right thing. It's good for you that you've been able to avoid such massive debt. But I know exactly how fast that can change. Look at the couple recently who bought travel insurance, planned ahead and are now over 1 million dollars in debt for their child because their planning fell through the cracks. I truly felt like she was sad on the show, especially during the reveal. Because she felt like a failure. I mean who wants that? To feel like you're letting everyone down. No one wants that. But this place isn't just failing because she's a bad singer, it's failing because of that rent cost. Eventually it will collapse, which is sad because then there will be even more people out of work. There isn't enough jobs as it is now. My tl thoughts :-)
ReplyDeleteIf you go on their Facebook page maybe you could find a flyer for that night, or search online to see if you can find the filming dates through the local newspapers or, you could just ask them. I thought they were pretty good too :-)
ReplyDeleteBoth Lonie and Jordan "baited and hooked" Bar Rescue in order to receive debt/credit alleviation, necessary renovations and upgrades, for free. Their ruse providides a temporary solution for keeping the realities of enormous debt and business failure at bay. Lonie and Jordan performed their roles exquisitely, they now have more than enough time to plot their next endeavor. The episode offers a credible record so that they may be deemed eligible for Local, State and Federal government assistance and forgiveness programs.
ReplyDeleteLonie and Jordan are con-artists, that's the only kind of art they truly support.
https://www.facebook.com/odemusic The band :-)
ReplyDeleteSuch a joke of a bar! Taffert killed it in this episode. Best name yet....Earthy crunchy chick destroyed it. Good for you dummy, you'll be closed sooner than later
ReplyDeleteBetween CGI and voice looping, those evil editors can make anyone appear as nuts as they want.
ReplyDeleteIt's called reality. The market place is telling her her concept doesn't work. As Taffer said, if she wants to do that, move to a less expensive part of town and do it. Her issue is that if you want to cover $18k a month in her current location, she NEEDS to be marketable, and fill a lot of tables, and sell a lot of drinks. It's business plain and simple. The problem with her, is she is not a business person obviously. All the crayons and hugs in the world won't save her business unless she realizes that she actually needs to make money. If I build a surf shop in the middle of the desert and it goes under, it's not because surfing is bad..it's because I'm a moron trying to sell snorkels to a cactus.
ReplyDeleteI agree.! Still living in the 70's and unwilling to change with the times.
ReplyDeleteI can't get over how selfish and ungrateful this woman is after all Jon did for her. Most restaurants would love expert advise for their business.
She would rather be stuck in her old ways and see her son and grandchildren suffer than make the changes to make her business successful.
Selfish mother.!
It was fairly obvious. Anyone who has had a senile grandparent would recognize it. However we knew to take the keys away from grandma before she could run over the neighborhood kids with the car. Someone should have done this to her a long time ago. Honestly I feel bad for her, and her son. The whole time I watched it I almost felt like it was time for her to go to the home, and no one was paying attention.
ReplyDeleteI looked you up on Wikipedia. It redirected to Sock Puppet.
ReplyDeleteI can see you really didn't get the point of my post. It really doesn't matter and I have no more time to waste. Good Luck to you and to them.
ReplyDeleteSo what is the status of the agreement Lonie and her son signed to keep the name for at least a year? Will there be legal action since Taffer's reputation is on the line?
ReplyDeleteSo does signing an agreement that states you won’t change
ReplyDeletethe name for one year, then violating that agreement (almost immediately) hold
no consequences? Taffer has had this type of agreement signed on other episodes…
I would love to know what if any action is taken??
She knew what Taffer's showis like. The batshit crazy hippie wanted Taffer's money to fix up the joint and the publicity his appearance generates. I doubt she ever wanted to make any changes to her narcissistic venue. Wildly ungrateful woman. I feel sorry for her son.
ReplyDeleteHe SHOULD walk out of some of these places when the owner is mentally ill or just a prick. They can fill the rest of the show documenting the total failure in the months to come and eventual demise.
ReplyDeleteIf it never mattered you wouldn't have bothered in the first place. There is also, no sense in talking to someone who claims I missed any of their points, when that's bs. I addressed nearly everything you said, line by line, and avoided most of the "bleeding hearts," stuff because I agreed it was "immaterial." in regards to running any enterprise. Perhaps I extended the conversation beyond the subject, but that's usually how conversations go, cheers
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fn7BH4k4s8E
ReplyDeleteOkay I am a person of a free soul also. Believe to each their own with great respect. However, I can't respect a person that tells someone something not to hold the peace but to pull the wool over on someone. One, a signed agreement not to change name for one year. No biggy. Keep the name as agreed and then change after a year/ Nothing was said they had to keep the menu or the fact music venues couldn't change. If you are a Vegan then of course you like things of your belief but does that mean everyone coming to your business is of your belief, Furthermore, is it posted Vegan Menu Only? No. I was in the 60's when things were of free souls, this is a new age. Deal with it or live your son and grandchild out in the cold...... Ask you son if he didn't say on TV that he was not sure how he would care for his child if the place went under. Shame on you Grandma!
ReplyDeleteCan someone explain how Taffer made them agree to keep the name for a year, the rescue was Oct 2014 and it's Feb 2015 and the old name is back?!?
ReplyDeleteI Disagree, if we are able to take the past into consideration, then for 21 years the owner of Wonder-Bar was a success. It is therefore likely that her " problems " are twofold ; one she is in a completely new market ( one she does not understand) and two she is unwilling or unable to change. the bar has a chance, but i think that it will probably fail if she holds on to the perception that her dream is more important than her business... Yes she was a bit nutty or seemed that way, but I saw no indication of mental illness. as for her political affiliations or any other non related issues -- grow up you only show that you are ignorant, childish and every bit as foolish as she is. Success is born with hard work and dedication, knowing your market and is not a fools errand
ReplyDeleteSome people if they had a dead horse out in the backyard would be out twice a day floggin' it.
ReplyDeleteA hippy enclave?? Do humanity a favor and nuke it from orbit
ReplyDeleteGod, I fucking hate hippies.
ReplyDeleteBut Axel, I thought she recently moved to North River, and didn't start out there 25 years ago. Even if $18,000 might be cheap for the area, I still don't see how she's making even that rent. And I assumed Taffer was talking about 31-year olds who happened to be an also affluent crowd.
ReplyDeletethanks for the link. Can't wait to read the update here about it shutting down
ReplyDeleteman, this owner is insufferable. my sister lives in Chicago and at first I thought about asking her to go there and check it out, but after watching this episode a couple times, I definitely do not want to subject her to that owner lol
ReplyDeleteput the music downstairs AT THE UNDERGROUND WONDER BAR, let money be made upstairs at CLEAR BAR
ReplyDeleteThe only reason why Taffer did this is cause the crazy lady will bring ratings :)
ReplyDeleteyou have fun playing while the owner loses her business
ReplyDeleteYou are saying the government is somehow keeping these establishments in business? Details, please.
ReplyDeleteWhat an ungrateful, spoiled bitch. Taffer should've just left that mess as it was. Apparently, her son is going to follow her right into bankruptcy. Unless she passes away before then and then he gets screwed and sued trying to deal with everyone that she owes money to. "There are none so blind as those that will not see."
ReplyDeleteThink maybe she should have opened a daycare instead. Name was not that bad but crayonsand design of place was very childish . Its a bar not a family restaurant. If 31 is average age of your customers then its not the way to go. Music can be popular, but has to be the right kind for customers. Also have to have drinks and food to fit different people not just ones you think they should eat.
ReplyDeleteTrue however I'm more considered about higher end crony capitalism like the CEO of GE Jeffrey Immelt being our so called jobs czar while he spends more time helping the job market in china and GE hasn't paid a dime of taxes since comrade obama has been disgracing the white house. Needless to say I boycott GE not that they make it easy,
ReplyDeleteMost unlikely small businesses have no value to career criminals I mean politicians so easy to get that confused lol. They don't bring in enough money for them to extort or enough employees to strong arm and brainwash during elections.
ReplyDeleteIt's sad to watch an owner who is obviously crazy. Too bad she's determined to bring down the bar, her son, and the employees.
ReplyDeleteI hate liars and users like Lonie. The poor me act isn't cute.
ReplyDeleteIf it wasn't for the son and workers, I'd hope for the bar to crash and burn.
Just watched this episode. I really don't get these people. Obviously your business is failing.. And you can't appreciate when someone comes in and helps out the problems. That music was god awful and she needs to really embrace the changes.
ReplyDeleteThe creativity was there. It was the progression that was halted
ReplyDeleteLonnie isn't interested in owning/ managing a bar. She wants everyone to pay attention to her. Get a stage at your house and play live music there. Lonnie is immature and childish.
ReplyDeleteNice try but its the boonies. They need more customers and more freaky people. Thus the city.
ReplyDeleteWell said!
ReplyDeleteThat lady was crazy. I bet she has voodoo dolls at home. I love John and the work he does. He is a brillant man.
ReplyDeleteYes you are crazier than anyone can imagine and your tag line says it all about you. "Deal with it".
ReplyDeleteFucking moron.
ReplyDeleteAre you fucking kidding me? she was playing with freaking crayons and not even bothering to try and pay attention to Jon when he was trying to talk to her, if that's not rude I don't know what is.
ReplyDeleteThe name was just fine, even if it wasn't legally binding, the owner not honoring showed exactly what kind of person she was.
It's not at all lunacy to believe you're her when you're defending every single bad decision she's made.
I agree with you, she comes off as shallow.
ReplyDeleteI spent over 20 years habitating the Underground WonderBar in all states of mind and although I've moved to another state I will always cherish my memories of the place. It's the only place that I've ever been in that caters to EVERYBODY. Leather Jackets and jeans partying with Tuxedeo's, tourists of all types; consertives, liberals, squares and hipsters, young and old. Every race, creed and color - even visitors from other planets. I swear I've seen them there. I will visit Chicago again someday, and The Underground Wonderbar is tops on my list. Let those that dig who dig be dug!
ReplyDeleteDerp
ReplyDeleteWhat the actual fuck are you talking about??
ReplyDeleteShe has insane rent to pay every month, is heavily in debt, and yet she won't listen and try to adapt to changing times? Not even for her son? Did not this bar once close already, then relocate? I had a hard time watching this. Lonie was too rude and set in her ways. Still, I do wish them success. Just remember, times change. You have to roll with the tide sometimes, too.
ReplyDeleteYou're retarded.
ReplyDelete"no father was ever mentioned"... ho ho. You think she knows who that was? ("Well, I mean, there were just many of them... The orange sunshine had just come on, and they were so big and ebony and...you wouldn't believe how fulfilled I was...") %---}
ReplyDeletethank you for making my point by showing off your mental disorder
ReplyDeletethank you for making my point by showing off your mental disorder.
ReplyDeleteThank you for proving what a total shithead you are.
ReplyDeleteI see you are the typical liberal. Just call people names and try to belittle people when they dont agree with you. Because when logic proves you wrong you resort to this type of behavior that is classified in DSM-5 and the type of behavior you have displayed in you last two posts shows that you do indeed have this mental disorder. The sad part is you wont care, call another name and just act like a child. At least someone told you!
ReplyDeleteshe said she would change the name back at the end of the show...all I could think was that she acted like a 5 year old who wanted brownie instead of ice cream. Still got something awesome but had to complain anyway because they aren't mature enough to really function on their own.
ReplyDeleteThe music from the show was awful but that could be that they tried to make it awful and to be fair I dont like that style of music.
Lonie makes the owner of Piratz almost seem sane. Funny thing is, I noticed Taffer asked her a similar question as he of the owner of Piratz.
ReplyDeleteYou are right in your assessment that she wasn't an alcoholic, or let the bar fall into neglect in regards to cleanliness. But she was neglectful in a couple of ways.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, she's neglectful in the fact of the changed circumstances of the new location, and its attendant astronomical overhead, necessitates doing something to drive in more business. From what I gathered, this bar was more or less successful at its previous location. Jon even said it himself during the recon, that he could see her being more successful in a smaller location, paying only $2000 in rent. But when she moved to her current place, she kept on doing the same old, and I'm guessing it brought in more or less the same level of business, but with the higher overhead, that didn't cut it anymore.
Second of all, she was neglectful in that the bar was there for her to live her fantasy, and not to make money for all involved. Don't get me started on "Art vs. Money", as there are ways to do both. But, inasmuch as she "ran" the place, she was far more interested in her performances than anything else.
I used to love bar rescue in the beginning when Jon actually concentrated on the science and less on creating drama. Now all the show gets are bar owners looking for a free remodel at the expense of their dignity. Only to switch back to their original bar concept. Jon should ask the owner what type of concept they are willing to own and then fix the operational and management issues.
ReplyDeleteHe frequented the place and misses it. Made sense to me.
ReplyDeleteAfter thinking about it would have been better to make the downstairs the Underground bar and let the owner sing down there and the upstairs the Clear Jazz Bar run by the son with a DJ, making both mother and son happy
ReplyDeleteWe visited the Clear Bar last weekend on Friday evening (Saint Patrick's Day weekend) and was horribly disappointed. We were unaware of the Bar Rescue episode until after we visited. We walked out after one drink. The drinks were not as described on the menu, the underground area was closed, no specialty ice as described, the music was horrible, and the highest cover of all the spots visited in the evening. Would not recommend to anyone. after now viewing the episode and learning that "we" are the targeted demographic (30-34 $100,000+/year) it was even more disappointing.
ReplyDeleteWatching this episode with throw-back hippie Lonnie reminded me of "stupid is as stupid does".
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately for her son, he is riding along on the losing train wreck that remains his mother's sad, self-centered (bad) dream - the "Underground Wonder Bar."
Were I John Tapper, I would SUE mom and son for violating the one-year agreement prohibiting the change of the bar's name from "Clear Bar" back to pos.
The fact of the matter is that many narrow spaces like this one are simply NOT conducive to live music (except for the softest of smooth jazz music for background atmosphere).
ReplyDeleteLonnie is too stupid, self-centered and inept business wise to understand that basic fact of bar life.
Lonnie deserves to fail and bankrupt her creditors.
Perhaps her son will take what he learned from Jon and try it elsewhere. Maybe not.
Why? Debt owed to CREDITORS.
ReplyDeleteLonnie's old bar was not a business, rather it is her private music (SIC) venue entirely.
Resistant to change; certainly you can tell that given her decades of nasty, UNCUT hippie hair
ReplyDeleteYour user icon reveals all there is to know about your love (SIC) for UWB (actually a hard-on for Lonnie). You and she are foolish tools.
ReplyDeleteJohn Taffer's initial reactions to walk out of the bar and get them to sign an agreement to not change their bar name was the right idea. This old hag Lonnie acts like the stereotypical washed up red diaper doper baby complete with ingratitude, and I hate men complex. Their bar as is a crappy take on a Grateful Dead hippy bar. John at least brought them a reasonable concept that if executed properly, could have led to a successful concept.
ReplyDelete