The Roost (True Grit Tavern) - Bar Rescue Update

 In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Maricopa, Arizona to rescue True Grit Tavern.  In 2015, Ralph Skrzypczak borrowed $150,000 from his father to open True Grit Tavern.  The bar started off well and was eventually doing $100,000 to $120,000 a month but is now supposedly $500,000 in debt.  

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

The Billy Bar (County Line Lounge & Grille) - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Tucson, Arizona to rescue The County Line Lounge & Grille.  In 2018, bartender Denise Maley and her fiancé Billy decided to buy the bar to fulfil Billy's lifelong dream of owning a bar.  They got help from Billy's best friend Paul who agreed to buy the bar for 49 percent of the business.  Three months after purchasing the bar, Billy tragically passed away.  Now Denise is more focused on drinking at the bar than running the business and for this year, the bar has currently lost $48,000.

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

Ninja Karaoke - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are once again in Las Vegas to rescue Ninja Karaoke.  Ninja Karaoke is a karaoke bar owned by married couple Steve Corral and Mami Kanemitsu who bought the bar in 2017.  The bar was flourishing with popular events until the pandemic hit and then the bar was losing thousands per month. The struggles at the bar have caused Steve and Mami to put their goal to start a family on hold. 

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

Griff's Las Vegas - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are once again in Las Vegas, Nevada to rescue Griff's Las Vegas.  Griff's Las Vegas is a premier billiards hall owned by Mark Griffin that is struggling after having to close during the pandemic.  Mark missed some time at the bar due to health reasons and he felt that his manager Gary didn't do enough to step up while he was gone.  When Jon Taffer is there, he also finds that the general manager Gary may be part of the problem at Griff's.

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

VFW Post 10054 Pahrump - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Pahrump, Nevada to rescue VFW Post 10054.  VFW Post 10054 opened in 1979 and is a staple in the community for the veterans that go there and for the locals who go there to gamble.  Marty Aguiar is the post commander and says the pandemic has had a big impact on the VFW Post.  Also, his wife is facing a battle with cancer and he will soon have to step aside to help her. With the amount of visitors down, the VFW Post is wondering if they will be able to stay open. 

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer obviously kept the name of VFW Post 10054.  Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for VFW Post 10054 since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

Badlands Saloon - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are once again in Las Vegas, Nevada to rescue Badlands Saloon.  Badlands Saloon is one of the oldest gay bars in Las Vegas and has been around for about 30 years.  The current owners bought the bar in January 2019 and they flourished at first. Then the pandemic hit, and the bar had to close for six months and the staff was furloughed.  Badlands Saloon was losing $5,000 to $10,000 a month and they were unable to have their normal entertainment due to capacity restrictions. 

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

Nevada Brew Works - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are once again in Las Vegas, Nevada to rescue Nevada Brew Works.  Nevada Brew Works is a family-owned brewery that was forced to open during the pandemic.  The owner Jason is supposedly over $700,000 in debt and at risk of losing his house as it was used for collateral.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer decided to keep the name of Nevada Brew Works like all bars so far during this season. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Nevada Brew Works since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

La Casona - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are once again in Las Vegas, Nevada to rescue La Casona.  La Casona is a Mexican bar/restaurant that has a 40-year history and was purchased during the pandemic.  Parents Victor and Claudia got their daughter Febe to put her name on the mortgage, which is putting her future in jeopardy. The family is struggling to pay their staff and were recently evicted from their home, so they are currently living above the bar.  This is also the 200th episode of Bar Rescue.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer decided to keep the name of La Casona like all bars so far during this season. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for La Casona since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

Cork & Thorn - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in once again in Las Vegas, Nevada to rescue Cork & Thorn.  Cork & Thorn is a wine bar and floral emporium owned by Randi Garrett.  She has run a successful floral business for decades and decided she could parlay that success into a successful bar.  Her concept was working until the pandemic hit, and now she finds herself about $200,000 in debt. 

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer decided to keep the name of Cork & Thorn like all bars so far during this season. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Cork & Thorn since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

Champagne's - Bar Rescue Update (2nd Visit)

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are once again in Las Vegas, Nevada to rescue Champagne's.  This is the second time that Jon Taffer has visited Champagne's because he did a makeover of the bar in 2016.  

As Champagne's was already on Bar Rescue, there will not be the normal update.  You can visit the other update done for the bar to see all of the links for the bar and reviews. Champagne's still uses the name of Champagne's Cafe and they put up their old sign, but they seem to use Champagne's and Champagne's Cafe interchangeably.  Here is a preview video of the episode if you are interested. 

Champagne's posted on their Facebook page about the upcoming episode, "Check out our second (yes second) Bar Rescue remodel.  They did a great job....again.  In addition to the remodel, we have another new drink menu and panini menu.  Thanks to Jon Taffer for committing the entire next season to  the Vegas bar industry surviving Covid!"

So, it appears they are happy with the makeover and are happy that Jon Taffer came to the bar again. 

One recent update for Champagne's is that a bartender (one that wasn't featured on Bar Rescue) died after an assault at the bar just a month ago.  Here is the link for that story.

Capo's Restaurant & Speakeasy - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are once again in Las Vegas, Nevada to rescue Capo's Restaurant & Speakeasy.  Capo's Restaurant & Speakeasy is a mob-style restaurant with a speakeasy theme that is owned by Nico Santucci.  Capo's was forced to shut down for months due to the pandemic and Jon Taffer is attempting to save Capo's Restaurant and bring it back to its pre-pandemic success.

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

Paradise Cantina - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Las Vegas, Nevada to rescue Paradise Cantina.  Paradise Cantina is owned by Ronnie Pellegrino who had immediate success and took in $1.2 million in his first year in business in 2019.  The year 2020 started out well too and there were plans to open additional locations until the pandemic hit and disrupted everything.  Now Ronnie is supposedly $750,000 in debt and has lost his life savings.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer decided to keep the name of Paradise Cantina which may be a common theme this season.  Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Paradise Cantina since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

Bartender From Bar Rescue's Champagne's Dies After Assault at Bar

On Saturday April 24, 2021 a bartender at Champagne's in Las Vegas, Nevada died after an assault at the bar.  According to Fox5, bartender Mark Heilman refused to serve an intoxicated customer, who then jumped behind the bar and assaulted him.  Mark ended up having a heart attack and later died at the hospital.  

A customer helped stop the assault, but Mark had a heart condition and his heart couldn't take the struggle.  

Champagne's appeared on Bar Rescue during season 5 in 2016 (update here) and will also be featured in the upcoming season that is filmed entirely in Las Vegas.  Mark was not on the first episode in season 5, but it remains to be seen if he will be involved in the upcoming episode.  

Owner Greg Sims has set up a GoFundMe to help cover Mark's funeral expenses and other financial needs. 

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has not made any arrests yet and everything is pending a coroner's investigation into the cause of death.

The Brixton (Rocket Room 6) From Bar Rescue Has Closed

The Brixton in Austin, Texas which appeared on season three of Bar Rescue has closed. During their Bar Rescue episode, Jon Taffer decided to rename The Brixton to Rocket Room 6.  The bar changed their name back to The Brixton and kept that name until they closed. 

The Brixton closed in March 2020, and Eater reports that The Brixton co-founders Tim and Sarah Lupa sold their shares to other co-founders Tyler and Emily Brooke Van Aken.  Tyler and Emily paired with other investors to open a new bar at the same location called The Low Down Lounge.

Tim and Sara Lupa were the owners featured on Bar Rescue and they also own a few other bars/cocktail lounges in Austin.  The Brixton had positive reviews and stayed open for a long time after Bar Rescue visited (2013), so this seems like a case of owners moving on to other things.

The Brixton (Rocket Room 6) has now been marked as 'Closed' on the Bar Rescue Updates page. 

Gaslamp Social From Bar Rescue Has Closed

Gaslamp Social in San Diego, California which appeared on season 7 of Bar Rescue has closed.  The bar had to shut down during the pandemic and in August of 2020, their landlord served them with a 3-day eviction notice.  The owner Phil Paccione reached out to the mayor and the San Diego city attorney hoping the city's eviction moratorium would help save his business, but that didn't work out.  A judge ruled in favor of the landlord, who plans to redevelop the building and build a luxury hotel,

In a local news article, the company who owned the building wrote a letter which said, 

"The Sheriff conducted the lockout today, April 20, 2021 at 8:30 this morning. A copy of Jolt’n Joe’s eviction notice is attached. Unfortunately, this tenant has had a long history of non-payment of rent, lease defaults and non-performance of lease obligations. All of these defaults existed long before, and unrelated to, the pandemic. In a 2020 agreement the tenant was required to perform certain obligations before it went into effect, which he did not perform, therefore, the agreement became null and void and the eviction process began.

The judge in this case ruled that the tenant did not perform as required under the lease, granted Judgment in favor of the landlord and ordered possession of the property returned to the landlord. The court ruled that this was a lawful eviction action because the case was already pending when the San Diego ordinance went into effect on February 1, 2021 so the ordinance’s eviction moratorium does not apply to this case.

We are sorry that this tenant’s business failed. We have all been deeply impacted financially by the pandemic. But this tenant’s failure was not attributable to the pandemic.

There have been two distinct moratoriums in place in the City of San Diego. The first ordinance expired on September 30, 2020. The second one, enacted on January 26, 2021, went into effect on February 1, 2021. The court found that the tenant was not protected by either ordinance, therefore the landlord prevailed at trial.”

So, it appears Gaslamp had issues with payments before the pandemic hit and there was no way to apply the moratorium to help extend the lease.

Gaslamp Social was originally called Jolt'n Joe's before the Bar Rescue makeover, which happened in January of 2020.  The bar was closed for some time during the pandemic and is now officially closed for good after the court's decision in April 2021.  Gaslamp Social is marked as 'Closed' on the Bar Rescue Updates Page. 

The Roc Bar & Nightclub From Bar Rescue Has Closed

The Roc Bar & Nightclub in San Francisco, California which appeared on season 5 of Bar Rescue has closed. This one has been closed for some time and it appears the bar closed in the middle of 2019.  I thought I posted an update on this bar, but apparently not.

The Roc Bar & Nightclub was originally named Fort One before the Bar Rescue makeover and the show was filmed in July 2016.  The reviews for The Roc Bar & Nightclub were pretty negative with a lot of 1-star reviews on Yelp before they closed.

One thing of note for The Roc Bar & Nightclub episode is that Ashley Clark was a bartender for the bar and she later became a Bar Rescue expert on future episodes.

The Roc Bar & Nightclub has now been marked as 'Closed' on the Bar Rescue Updates Page.

New Season of Bar Rescue Starts May 2nd

The wait for new episodes of Bar Rescue is finally over with the show announcing that new episodes will start on Sunday, May 2nd.   Due to the pandemic, this is the first new episode of Bar Rescue to air since September 2020.  

The new season will makeover bars that are all located in Las Vegas, Nevada and there will be ten new episodes.  The new episodes will still air on Paramount Network despite reports that Bar Rescue would move networks with the Paramount channel rebrand.  COVID related issues pushed back a lot of filming of planned miniseries and television movies for Paramount, which has delayed the rebrand.

Below is the announcement made for the upcoming season:

It should be interesting to see how this season is filmed as packing a bar for a stress test will probably not be an option.  With bars and restaurants all over the country struggling due to the pandemic, we will also see if Jon Taffer is any less dramatic.  

As always, I will have bar updates for each of the new Bar Rescue episodes that air.  I also have updates for some bars from the show that have closed and I will get those out before the season starts.