Bar Rescue - Rhonda's A Neighborhood Bar (Rockin' Rhonda's) Update

On tonight's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Sanford, Florida to rescue Rockin' Rhonda's. Rockin' Rhonda's is owned by Robin Pahlka, hence the name of the bar.  The bar is dirty and has structural issues to the point where Jon Taffer isn't sure he will be able to pull off the rescue with the amount of time they have.  The floor is the main concern as it seems to be crumbling.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer slightly changed the name of Rockin' Rhonda's to Rhonda's A Neighborhood Bar and the bar has kept the name. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Rhonda's since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

Positive Reviews:

• "This is the best bar in town in Sanford I would not go to any else bar but this one Rhonda you're the best I love the band I love the music and I thank you for everything you are doing love you Rhonda"
• "This is the best bar in town I totally love the renovation Jon Taffer did really good job congratulations Rhonda and I really love being there in the bar for the grand opening"
• "Newly renovated and the decor makes it feel like home, the new staff is very fast and friendly. Don't miss out on the biscuits and gravy either they are the best in town!!!"
• "Last month I went on a girls trip that turned in to a bar crawl all over Sanford, we went to at least 10 bars. Each one was take one shot or drink one beer and leave. Rhonda's was the only one we liked enough to stay for 4 rounds. We met the owner who was awesome!! The locals were friendly, inviting and really made our night. We will be returning in the near future!"
• "This place is absolutely amazing feels like you're right at home Rhonda is by far one of the most sweetest ladies I have ever met and she even kept the bar open for another two hours and sat there and played her guitar for us and we just listened reminds me of just a small compact town back where I am from! Love ya Ronda!!"
• "For many years the place has been an awesome establishment. Rhonda is one of the most caring owners/operators I've ever come across. The enviroment is great and the drinks are very reasonably priced."
• "Glad they made it non smoking inside. U can smoke only outside. Wish they left the pool tables the way they were."
• "People, i have been coming here for a long time. And yes the place changed and its for the better. And if you want a dive then go to another place. Bar is clean and comfortable. Drinks are the right price and rhonda is still the bomb."
• "Rhonda herself is always there working and rubbing off good vibes! Went with a few friends last night and absolutely loved the makeover. You can't smoke inside anymore but even as a smoker it is nice and I don't mind walking out back."
• "Awesome new digs!! Bar rescue did great job on it and bartenders are awesome!"
• "Love the makeover! A great place to hang out with friends, listen to music and have a hand-crafted cocktail. The menu is awesome as well. Rhonda truly rocks!"
• "Was at the unveiling of the NEW RHONDA'S last night! I loved the place before, but now it looks even better. It was so great to see the support Rhonda received with over 300 loyal patrons waiting in the rain to see what Bar Rescue did to our neighborhood bar! Same great staff was there!!! Can't wait to go back!!!"
• "If you are looking for the best bar in Sanford...look no further! Rhonda is one of the best persons you will ever meet! The new renovated place is rockin'! This place will alway be Rockin' Rhonda's to me! Love you Rhonda!"
• "Rhonda welcomed us with a huge smile! You def feel welcome here. Friendly place where everyone is welcome. No smoking inside which i liked. We'll definitely be back."

Negative Reviews:

• "No smoking and drinks are way to high priced!!!!!!"
• "Owner is rude and greedy. No smoking and no atmosphere at all!"

*Reviews from Yelp, Facebook, Google

Other News and Links:

• The Bar Rescue makeover happened in late May/Early June 2017.
• Here is a preview video of the episode from the Spike TV website. 
• Here is the Rhonda's Facebook Page and website.
• Rhonda's website says the bar "is geared to host live music outside by the tiki bar, karaoke inside, open mic, along with acoustic jams & BBQs on the weekends.Rhonda's has something for everyone; corn hole, horse shoes, pool and a full liquor bar."
• Rhonda and the bar have been pumping up their appearance on Bar Rescue and the watch party at the bar sold out in advance.
• Here are the Facebook pages of Rhonda (owner), Tara (bartender), Jasmine (bartender), Jack (bartender), Jackson
• Rhonda says she loves her new bar on her Facebook page and posted this right after the makeover,  "I wish I could hug each & everyone of you that stood in line last night to celebrate the grand opening of our new bar. Even my mom from California waited over 3 hours in the rain! Please accept my sincerest apologies to those that left disappointed not able to get in. It was beyond my control. Bar Rescue did an AMAZING JOB! Thank you Jon Taffer!! And THANK YOU TO ALL MY LOYAL CUSTOMERS WHO BELIEVED IN ME AND STILL DO!!The film crew has left and we will reopen the doors at 8 pm tonight. Let's try this again!! I LOVE YOU ALL!!  P.S. Thank you for your patience & understanding!! Xoxo"
• Bar Rescue began interviewing Rhonda in February 2017 for the show. (Link)
• Here are some past restaurant inspections for Rhonda's. (Link)
• All of the reviews for Rockin' Rhonda's before Bar Rescue were positive with a 5 star average out of 5 on Yelp (10 reviews) and 4.8 stars out of 5 on Google (77 reviews).  All of the Facebook reviews were positive as well.
• Rhonda's recently added 4 32" smart TV's behind the bar to get ready for the Bar Rescue viewing party and for football season. (Link)
• Here is Rhonda singing "Let the bodies hit the floor" at her bar in 2016 if you are interested. (Link)

Conclusion:

Rhonda's - A Neighborhood Bar has kept the name given to them by Bar Rescue and the reviews since the makeover are pretty much all positive.  People think Bar Rescue did a great job with the makeover as there are many comments about the decor and vibe.  Rhonda herself has also said how much she loves the makeover and that she is glad Bar Rescue came.  Customers also seem to be big fans of the owner Rhonda both before and after the makeover.  Rhonda's has always had good reviews, so perhaps this makeover was done more for the structural problems.  The only negative reviews seem to be from regulars who are upset they are not allowed to smoke inside anymore. 

UPDATE - A few days after airing, Robin posted this on Facebook, "Just so you all know, this rescue was NOT because of Hurricane Matthew. The stucco was blown off part of the building & my canopies were torn apart. That's it. The REAL people know the real story. As for the rest of you & your disgraceful comments...thank you for showing your TRUE COLORS. Great publicity for me & you! I never applied & no one referred me to Bar Rescue. It was a blessing...."

*To see how all of the bars from Bar Rescue are doing, go to the Bar Rescue Updates page, and also Like us on Facebook or Follow Us on Twitter to stay up to date with all things involving Bar Rescue.