Latitudes Island Bar & Grille - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Denver, North Carolina to rescue Latitude's Bar & Grill.  The bar was opened in 2019 by Patti and Steve Merkel.  Patti always dreamed of opening a business and Steve was able to help fund it due to a sale of his previous cookie business. Patti is at the bar 7 days a week, while Steve tries to stay away as much as possible. Their son Travis takes on a lot of roles at the bar and butts heads with Patti.  Steve has put about $275,000 into Latitude and the bar is supposedly losing $3,500 a month.

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

Dave's Firehouse (Firehouse Sports Pub) - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Nampa, Idaho to rescue Firehouse Sports Pub.  The bar was opened in 2008 by Dave Olsen, who used his retirement savings to open the pub.  The fireman theme was created because his younger brother and friends are firefighters.  Dave has had to step away from the bar, so he hasn't been there a lot to oversee operations. The bar is supposedly losing $3,000 a month, Dave is in $300,000 worth of debt, and the bar is in danger of closing in two months.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer decided to change the name of Firehouse Sports Pub to Dave's Firehouse. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Dave's Firehouse since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

VFW Post 9644 - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Sheridan, Colorado to rescue VFW Post 9644.  This episode is meant to coincide with Memorial Day in the United States. VFW Post 9644 has seen membership decrease like many other VFW's around the country and they are hoping to turn things around.  There will be a new post commander and they would like to satisfy the older members of the VFW while bringing in some new younger members.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer obviously didn't change the name of VFW Post 9644. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for VFW Post 9644 since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

Bullseye Sports Bar & Kitchen (Strikers) - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Meridian, Idaho to rescue Strikers.  The bar is located inside a bowling alley and is owned by Andy Propst who bought it in 2017.  Andy had no bar experience and doesn't even drink, but bought the bar because he wanted to give back to the community. He hired Roger as the general manager and he has a lot of experience with the bowling portion of Strikers, but not much with running bars.  Andy has over $3 million invested and is struggling to earn a profit.  

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

Country Barn (Corner Cafe) - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Horseshoe Bend, Idaho to rescue Corner Cafe Bar & Grill.  In July 2021, financial investor David Johan purchased the Corner Cafe because he thought he was getting good value for his investment.  He bought the bar for about $450,000 and he is currently losing about $5,000 a month.  The bar is supposedly six months away from closing, so they called in for help from Bar Rescue. 

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer decided to change the name of Corner Cafe Bar & Grill to Country Barn Corner Cafe and the bar has kept the name. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Country Barn since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

Layla's Pizza Pub (Papa Joe's Sports Bar) - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Moreno Valley, California to rescue Papa Joe's Sports Bar.  The bar was opened in 2012 by restaurateurs Joe Naim and Raja Batchon.  The bar was initially a success and Joe took a back seat as an owner to somewhat retire from the bar. Then Raja passed away and Joe had to become more involved.  The hope is that Raja's kids can take over the bar, but right now Joe is supposedly losing about $5,000 a month and is supposedly over $200,000 in debt.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer decided to change the name of Papa Joe's Sports Bar to Layla's Pizza Pub, but the bar changed their name back to Papa Joe's Sports Bar and also refers to themselves as PJ's Sports Bar. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Papa Joe's Sports Bar since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

Gateway Pub & Grill (Corner Pocket II) - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Hickory, North Carolina to rescue Corner Pocket II.  The bar is owned by former college football player Carlos Walker who bought the bar in 2009.  He is an absentee owner and the bar is falling apart and needing repairs.  There are also issues with cleanliness as there is moldy cheese and bugs in the kitchen.  The bar is supposedly losing $5,000 a month and Carlos is supposedly $150,000 in debt. 

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer decided to change the name of Corner Pocket II to Gateway Pub & Grill and the bar has kept the name. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Gateway Pub & Grill since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

CJ's Patio Grill - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Loveland, Colorado to rescue CJ's Patio Grill.  In 2019, the current owner Fadil Astafaj purchased the bar after being in the restaurant industry for most of his life. Fadil is overworked and at the bar 16 hours a day and has trouble delegating work to others. He is supposedly $500,000 in debt and a few months from closing.

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

Colorado Champions Sports Cafe (Blue Sports Grill) - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Loveland, Colorado to rescue Blue Sports Grill.  Duane Farnum bought the bar in 2018 using his retirement savings with hopes his son would eventually take over. The bar is suffering from an identity crisis and is causing issues with Duane's marriage with Sarah. The bar is losing $4,000 a month and Duane and Sarah are supposedly $300,000 in debt.  Blue Sports Grill is supposedly two months from closing, so they called in Jon Taffer to help save their bar and their marriage.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer decided to change the name of Blue Sports Grill to Colorado Champions Sports Cafe and the bar has kept the name. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Colorado Champions Sports Cafe since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

JB Taco from Bar Rescue Has Closed

JB Taco in Richardson, Texas which appeared on season six (3rd set) of Bar Rescue has closed.  The bar was originally called Harbor Point Club & Grill before Bar Rescue did the renovations and changed the name to JB Taco.  The bar did not keep the name or concept of JB Taco and actually changed their name to something totally different - Rocket's Sports Bar & Grill.  Here is the detailed update from when the episode aired that goes through all these details. 

The JB Taco episode aired in July 2019 and the makeover happened in March 2019.  The bar closed in early 2020, so they didn't make it too much longer after their episode aired.  There is now a bar named Good Vibes Bar & Grill that is operating in that location and they opened later in September 2020.

The Harbor Point Club & Grill/JB Taco episode is one of the more popular episodes of the show due to the drama with the owners Bert and John and how they got emotional on the show. On his Facebook page, Bert mentions that he misses owning a bar sometimes, so it appears he is no longer in the bar business. 

JB Taco/Harbor Point Club & Grill has been marked as 'Closed' on the Bar Rescue Updates page.

Valerie's Brewhouse (Colorado Cork & Keg) - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Castle Rock, Colorado to rescue Colorado Cork & Keg.  Colorado Cork & Keg is owned by Ed and Valerie Komperda and they purchased the bar in 2021 despite not having restaurant experience.  They are now $30,000 in debt and the bar is losing $4,000 a month.  If things do not change, they could be closed within three months, so they have reached out to Bar Rescue for help.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer decided to change the name of Colorado Cork & Keg to Valerie's Brewhouse and the bar has kept the name. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Valerie's Brewhouse since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

Rio Ultra Lounge (360 Lounge Reloaded) - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Charlotte, North Carolina to rescue 360 Lounge Reloaded.  The bar is owned by Napoleon Isom who is a mechanical engineer who invested $50,000 to purchase the bar.  Napoleon has no training program and the bar is supposedly losing up to $20,000 a month and is a month from closing. 

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer decided to change the name of 360 Lounge Reloaded to Rio Ultra Lounge and the bar has kept the name. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Rio Ultra Lounge since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

Hideaway Bar & Grill - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Meridian, Idaho to rescue Hideaway Bar & Grill.  Hideaway Bar & Grill is owned by Dwayne Fulbright and has been open at its current location since 2017. The bar is having staffing issues and Dwayne has been drinking while at the bar. The Hideaway went from making $25,000 a month to losing $6,000 a month and is supposedly 6 months away from closing.  

During the Bar Rescue makeover, the name of Hideaway Bar & Grill remained the same and all signs point to Jon Taffer walking out on the bar. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Hideaway Bar & Grill since Bar Rescue visited. (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

Bar Retro (Rockabillies) - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Arvada, Colorado to rescue Rockabillies Bar & Grill.  The bar is a retro 1950's bar owned by Virginia Nigg.  Her ex-husband Jim helped out financially to open the bar, but he continually drinks at the bar without paying his tabs. The bar is supposedly losing $15,000 a month and could close in six months. 

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer decided to change the name of Rockabillies to Bar Retro, but the bar has gone back to the name Rockabillies. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Rockabillies since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

JJ's Sports Cafe (JJ's Sports Bar & Grill) - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Highland, California to rescue JJ's Sports Bar & Grill.  The bar is owned by Joe and Jackie Swidan who bought the bar in 2017 using their life savings. JJ's Sports Bar & Grill started out as a success, but the pandemic caused them to shut down.  When the bar reopened, they struggled to regain what they once had.  Joe is drinking too much at the bar which is impacting both the customers and employees. The bar is supposedly losing up to $30,000 a month and the owners are about $175,000 in debt.  JJ's Sports Bar & Grill is supposedly two months away from closing unless things turn around.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer decided to change the name of JJ's Sports Bar & Grill to JJ's Sports Cafe, but it seems like they still use the old name. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for JJ's Sports Cafe since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

The Loft (Cerealholic Cafe & Bar) From Bar Rescue Has Closed

The Loft in Ybor City, Florida which appeared on season 8 (2nd set) of Bar Rescue has closed. The bar closed at the end of August 2022, which was just about three months after appearing on the show.  The Loft posted the following message on their Facebook page to announce their closure:

"As many of our Cerealholic and Loft family and friends know, we are a family owned and operated business. We have had our struggles and great achievements. Our time in this community has been the most honored feelings for all of us. Given we are a family business, we have had some family issues that require full attention. This is a very difficult decision, which we have contemplated and reviewed for some time now. With a very heavy heart, we have decided to move on from our wonderful, amazing business. We took painstaking measures to ensure we find a business to take over our place in this community and honor the rich history and community we have become to be a part of. We have the deepest gratitude to all of our followers and fans. You have enabled us to move on with amazing support. So many of you have become like family and we (I) will always be grateful and miss all of you so much. As I review all of the pictures, events, posts, etc, it becomes clear how much it will be very difficult to move on. However, our family is first and foremost to us. We have some great events for the rest of August. We will be closing out August and turn our vision over to the new business....In addition we resume our posted hours for the final month. Please come by and see us. Please feel free to reach out to us anytime. XOXO"

They did find another business to take over the space and a new bar called SpookEasy Lounge is operating there. SpookEasy Lounge has also taken over The Loft Facebook page.  

The Loft was originally named Cerealholic Cafe & Bar until Bar Rescue came and did the makeover.  The Bar Rescue makeover to turn Cerealholic Cafe into The Loft happened in February 2022 and aired on TV in May 2022 (here is the update for that episode).  Cerealholic Cafe & Bar opened in early 2021, so the bar didn't last a full 2 years and closed just three months after appearing on the show.  The Loft has been marked as 'Closed' on the Bar Rescue Updates Page. 

Crowne Irish Pub (Forge Irish Pub) From Bar Rescue Has Closed

Crowne Irish Pub in Brandon, Florida, which appeared on season 8 (2nd set) of Bar Rescue has closed.  The bar closed in July 2022 and posted the following message on their Facebook page:

"To all the amazing guests at the Crowne Irish pub, formerly the Forge, past and present. It has been an experience of a lifetime to be a member of the community and serve you all. Unfortunately, due to a series of events, not really worth getting into, our doors will close for the last this Sunday night. The concept of the bar was to bring a neighborhood atmosphere, music, food, and a drink or two. A place where you could relax, unwind, and feel safe. With that being said from the bottom of my heart thank you all again for supporting small businesses, employees current and past, musicians and vendors I couldn’t have done it without you. I was hoping for more time for my employees’ sake, so before any Facebook warriors complain we have lined them up with jobs. Blessed to have such a great network of small business owners who all have each other’s backs.

Slainte (cheers), Patrick"

Their Facebook page has been removed since they closed and it appears nothing has opened in the location of the bar yet.

The bar was originally named Forge Irish Pub, but was renamed during Bar Rescue to Crowne Irish Pub.  Here is the detailed update from the episode and the reviews were pretty mixed.  

Crowne Irish Pub appeared on Bar Rescue in May 2022 after being rescued in March 2022.  This means Crowne Irish Pub closed just a few months after their episode aired.  Crowne Irish Pub has been marked as 'Closed' on the Bar Rescue Updates Page.

The Prime Bar (WildeFire Bistro) From Bar Rescue Has Closed

The Prime Bar in Aurora, Colorado which was featured on season 6 (3rd set) of Bar Rescue has closed.  Their Facebook page has been taken down and the bar is marked as 'Closed' on review sites.  Also a new bar called Events at Piney Creek has opened in its location.  Based on when the new bar opened, it seems that The Prime Bar closed around the middle of 2021.

The Prime Bar was originally named WildeFire Bistro until their Bar Rescue makeover which changed the name to The Prime Bar.  The makeover happened in May 2019 and the bar was already sold before the episode aired in September 2019.  The new owners did keep the name of The Prime Bar until it closed and here is the full update for the bar when the episode aired.

The Prime Bar was listed as 'Sold' on the Bar Rescue Updates Page and it will now be changed to 'Closed' as it is no longer operating.

The Stampede Saloon (Whiskey Girl Saloon) From Bar Rescue Has Closed

The Stampede Saloon in Fort Worth, Texas which appeared on season 6 (3rd set) of Bar Rescue has closed.  The bar stopped posting on its Facebook page in late 2021 and it appears they closed around the same time.  The bar is also marked as 'Closed' on all of the online review sites.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Whiskey Girl Saloon was renamed to The Stampede Saloon and the update for the episode can be found here.  The episode originally aired in July 2019 and you may recall that when the episode for The Stampede Saloon, the bar was closed.  They did reopen again though and stayed open until 2021.  

A new bar has opened in The Stampede Saloon location called Rhinestone Saloon, but nobody from the Bar Rescue episode is involved.  However, in looking at The Stampeded Saloon owners (Rick Roundhouse and Fred) Facebook pages, they are planning on opening another bar in Fort Worth, Texas called Koe Wetzel's Riot Room that will open in early 2023.

The Stampede Saloon has now been marked as 'Closed' on the Bar Rescue Updates page.