Midtown Pub (Coaches Pub) - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Houston, Texas to rescue Coaches Pub.  The bar doesn't maintain standards and cannot make basic drinks properly.  The kitchen is a mess, there are fruit flies in the bar, and the owner is drinking while at the bar.  The owner Robbie is supposedly $230,000 in debt and the bar is supposedly months away from closing.

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

The Pour Station (The Wagon Wheel) - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Phil Wills and Danny Trejo are in Cleveland, Texas to rescue The Wagon Wheel.  The bar is owned by a pair of friends and the bar is ruining their friendship.  During recon, they find that the bar has filthy fans and cockroaches and the bartenders cannot make the most basic and popular drinks.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Bar Rescue decided to change the name of The Wagon Wheel to The Pour Station, but the bar still goes by The Wagon Wheel. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for The Wagon Wheel since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

Kingwood Neapolitan Kitchen & Bar (Nico's Bar & Grill) - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Kingwood, Texas to rescue Nico's Bar & Grill.  The owners have neglected both the bar and the staff over the years. While Jon is doing recon, he finds the owners hanging out at the bar and drinking.  If they want Jon to makeover their bar, they will have to stop drinking or he will leave.  The bar also doesn't have a cocktail menu and the tables are wobbly and sticky.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer decided to change the name of Nico's Bar & Grill to Kingwood Neapolitan Kitchen & Bar and the bar uses the names interchangeably. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Kingwood Neapolitan Kitchen & Bar since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

Big W Cattle Co. (Uncle Albert's Pub) - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, the show is in Houston, Texas to rescue Uncle Albert's Pub.  This is another episode where Jon Taffer will not be involved and Phil Wills will be in charge of the rescue with the help of Danny Trejo.  Uncle Albert's Pub is owned by Les and Rebecca Weaver and they are supposedly $123,000 in debt.  When doing recon, they find that the bar is not following cleaning procedures and Les is drinking while at the bar.  Les also doesn't like how the show is treating everybody which causes an argument.  The bar is supposedly losing about $3,000 a month and is months away from closing.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, the show decided to change the name of Uncle Albert's Pub to Big W Cattle Co. and the bar has kept the name. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Big W Cattle Co. since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

Dr. Philgoods Laboratory Bar & Grill (Dr. Philgoods Sports Bar) - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, which is the 250th episode, Jon Taffer and crew are in Pompano Beach, Florida to rescue Dr. Philgoods Sports Bar.  The bar is owned by Carl Johnson and they do not even have a drink menu available during recon.  The bartenders also cannot make standard drinks such as an Old Fashioned or a Manhattan.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer decided to slightly change the name of Dr. Philgoods Sports Bar to Dr. Philgoods Laboratory Bar & Grill. It seems they mostly use "Dr. Philgoods" but they seemed to have gone back to Dr. Philgoods Sports Bar. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Dr. Philgoods Sports Bar since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

Gold Rush Saloon (Tumbleweed Grill) - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, the show is in Apache Junction, Arizona to rescue Tumbleweed Grill.  Jon Taffer will not be there for this rescue and has appointed hospitality expert Dustin Drai to do this rescue. During recon, they find that the bartenders cannot make basic drinks such as an Old Fashioned and have to Google recipes.  The owners have no experience in operations, design, or service, so Dustin will have to teach them these skills in hopes of turning the bar around.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, the show decided to change the name of Tumbleweed Grill to Gold Rush Saloon and they quickly changed it back to Tumbleweed Grill. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Gold Rush Saloon/Tumbleweed Grill since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

Don Marcos Cantina (Cielo Restaurant and Lounge) - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Port St. Lucie, Florida to rescue Cielo Restaurant and Lounge.  During recon, the owners are just standing around and doing nothing.  Also, the bartenders cannot make basic drinks and do not have a proper service well.  The training standards for the staff are non-existent and the owners are supposedly $150,000 in debt. Jon will need to get the owners to regain their confidence and show them how to properly run a bar.

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

Shore's Bar + Kitchen (Inland Tavern) - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, they are in San Marcos, Florida to rescue Inland Tavern.  This is another episode where Jon Taffer is not there and Phil Wills is in charge of the rescue. During recon, they see that the bartenders cannot make basic drinks and they are not trained properly.  The owner Pete is supposedly $800,000 in debt and Inland Tavern is supposedly less than a year from having to close.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, they decided to change the name of Inland Tavern to Shore's Bar + Kitchen and the bar has kept the new name. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Shore's Bar + Kitchen since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

Jerzy's Sports Pub (Gerri's Sports Pub) - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Margate, Florida to rescue Gerri's Sports Pub.  Gerri's Sports Pub is a dive bar and during recon the team thinks its way to dirty even for a dive bar.  The bar allows smoking and everything in the bar is stained yellow from the smoke.  Despite being a sports bar, the TV's for showing games are way too small.  The bar is supposedly losing $2,000 a month and in danger of closing before it can be passed down to family.

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

VFW Post 1689 - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Jacksonville, Florida to rescue VFW Post 1689.  While Jon is doing recon, he finds that the bartenders do not know how to make basic drinks such as a dirty martini. He also finds a building that is falling apart and beer taps that do not function properly.  He will need to find a way to turn things around and increase the membership numbers at the bar.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer decided to keep the name of VFW Post1689 like he has for all other VFW rescues. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for VFW Post 1689 since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

Three Tides Restaurant & Bar (Los Cocos) - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer is once again absent and Ashish Alfred is in charge of the rescue.  The Bar Rescue crew is in Port Saint Lucie, Florida to rescue Los Cocos Restaurant.  The bar is a family run business owned by Evens Latortue and  brothers Eddy, and Carl.  There are no systems in place or basic standards and the stress of the failing business is having an impact on the family's relationship.  The bar is supposedly losing $8,000 a month and the brothers are almost $300,000 in debt.

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

Boca Luna Luxe Lounge (One11 Boca) - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer is back and they are in Boca Raton, Florida to rescue One11 Boca.  One11 Boca is owned by Jay Joseph who designed the entire layout of the bar.  During recon, Jon says it is one of the worst layouts he has ever seen and there is no flow to the bar. Also, the bar is dirty, the furniture is falling apart, and Jay is supposedly $800,000 in debt.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer decided to change the name of One11 Boca to Boca Luna Luxe Lounge and the bar has kept the name. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Boca Luna Luxe Lounge since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

Epic Live (Epic Lounge) - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer is once again absent and his crew are in Downey, California to rescue Epic Lounge.  Epic Lounge is a live music venue that is supposedly struggling after years of neglect and mismanagement. During recon, the bar doesn't have enough menus, the kitchen is filthy, and they can't make basic drinks such as a ranch water.  

During the Bar Rescue makeover, they decided to slightly change the name of Epic Lounge to Epic Live and it seems they still use both names.  Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Epic Live since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

Playoffs Sports Lounge - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer is back and they are in Desert Hot Springs, California to rescue Playoffs Sports Lounge.  The 20-year-old bar is owned by Eric and Ann-Sofie Pontius and the episode description says it has failed to ever make a profit.  The bar is outdated and it has no systems in place such as a POS system. While Jon is doing recon, they find that the bartenders are making drinks that are way too strong and are keeping tabs by hand.  

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

La Perla Sports Club (Cantina) - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, the show is in Glendale, Arizona to rescue La Perla Sports Cantina. This is another episode this season where Jon Taffer is not present, and Dustin Drai is in charge of rescuing La Perla Sports Cantina.  During recon, the bartenders cannot make basic drinks such as spicy margaritas.  Also, the owner Mark is buying rounds for everybody while being supposedly $750,000 in debt. He is treating the bar as a personal hangout instead of a business.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, the show decided to slightly change the name of La Perla Sports Cantina to La Perla Sports Club and the bar has kept the name. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for La Perla Sports Club since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

47 Social (Finesse Lounge) - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Banning, California to rescue Finesse Lounge.  The bar is owned by AJ Cabral and the failing bar is causing a rift between him and his sister. While Jon is doing recon, he finds that AJ and the employees do not know how to use their own POS system correctly.  Jon needs to help them find a way to save the bar and AJ's relationship with his sister.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer decided to change the name of Finesse Lounge to 47 Social, but it seems they have gone back to using Finesse Lounge. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Finesse Lounge since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

Arnold's Lounge - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in St. Augustine, Florida to rescue Arnold's Lounge.  The bar has been open for many years, and Philip Smith who bought the bar in 2022 is the most recent owner.  The bar is supposedly struggling and when Jon Taffer is doing recon, he finds that the bartenders cannot make the most basic drinks correctly.  The bar is supposedly losing $20,000 a month and months away from closing while Philip is $3.5 million in debt.

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

Cinco Cantina (High 5 Grille) - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Tucson, Arizona to rescue High 5 Grille.  The bar is owned by Cathy Whaley, who has owned it since 2019. While doing recon, Jon finds that the walk in cooler does not work properly and it is about 85 degrees in the cooler. There is beer and food being stored in there, so Jon does not want anybody eating the food.  He also finds that the bar hasn't served draft beer in about a month because of the walk in being broken.  

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer decided to change the name of High 5 Grille to Cinco Cantina and the bar did keep the name, however they closed before the episode ever aired. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Cinco Cantina since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

The Foxy Ox (Thirsty Ox) - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, the show is in Oxnard, California to rescue The Thirsty Ox.  Rony Ortega and his wife Gaby bought the bar in 2021 to fulfil his lifelong dream of owning a bar.  Despite it being Rony's dream, Gaby is the one that is there every day running the bar.  The Thirty Ox is supposedly losing up to $4,000 a month causing Rony and Gaby to be about $50,000 in debt.  The bar is supposedly six months away from closing and is causing Rony and Gaby to put having kids on hold.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Bar Rescue decided to change the name of The Thirsty Ox to The Foxy Ox, however the bar has switched back to The Thirsty Ox.  Lets take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for The Foxy Ox since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

Skybox Ultra Sports Lounge (Hogwash Saloon) - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Fountain Hills, Arizona to rescue Hogwash Saloon.  In February 2023, Jason Reinke decided to buy the bar he was patronizing for years.  Now that he is the owner, he is still acting like a patron and doesn't know how to run the bar. Hogwash Saloon is supposedly losing $3,000 a month and Jason is in danger of losing the bar and his friends.

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

Bay Street Sports Grill (Wildkat Records Bar & Grill) - Bar Rescue Update

In this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Jacksonville, Florida to rescue Wildkat Records Bar & Grill.  The bar is owned by Julian Garbaccio who bought the bar in 2015. The bar was initially a success but Julian's job relocated him to Texas, which pulled him away from the bar.  Without Julian around, sales started to decline and he brought in a managing partner Kyle.  Kyle was the one who changed the name to Wildkat Records Bar & Grill and Julian thinks that is part of the reason for the decline.  Julian is now supposedly $300,000 in debt and the bar is in danger of closing.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer decided to change the name of Wildkat Records Bar & Grill to Bay Street Sports Grill and the bar has kept the name.  The bar was previously named Bay Street Bar & Grill when Julian purchased it, so the name change was not too drastic. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Bay Street Sports Grill since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

Natalie's Bar and Grill (Skip and Jan's) - Bar Rescue Update

Photo - Facebook

In the season 9 premiere episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Gilbert, Arizona to rescue Skip and Jan's Sports Grill.  The bar is owned by Natalie Phyllis who originally worked at the bar and then decided to purchase it with her husband. Natalie had to step away from the bar for a bit due to a divorce and the bar has gone downhill with no leadership.  During recon, Jon thinks the kitchen is one of the worst he has ever seen.  The fryers are filthy and there are cockroaches in the kitchen.

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

Oak Tavern (Bullpen) Owner from Bar Rescue Charged With Murder - Bar is Closed

Danny Serafini, who appeared on season 4 (3rd set) of Bar Rescue was arrested in October 2023 and charged with the murder of his father-in-law.  There was a shooting in 2021 that left his father-in-law dead and his mother-in-law severely wounded.  The case went cold for a few years until police arrested Danny Serafini and Samantha Scott who was his former nanny.  Video surveillance of the father-in-law's home showed a hooded man wearing a face covering and a backpack prior to the killing.

Danny and Samantha waived their right to a speedy trial and the preliminary hearing is not set to begin until May 2024.  It is not clear what additional evidence the police have against the two, but that will be revealed in court and a judge will decide if the case should move forward.  Many assume money was a motive, but we will have to see what the evidence reveals. Both Danny and Samantha have pleaded not guilty in the case.

Danny's wife Erin and her sister Adrienne have apparently been battling in court over the family inheritance. Erin has accused Adrienne of elder abuse and claimed that she manipulated their mother when she was vulnerable after the shooting.  Adrienne filed a wrongful death lawsuit accusing her sister Erin of involvement in her parents' deaths, along with Danny.  It appears this is a messy situation overall and we will have to see how everything plays out.

You may recall from the Bar Rescue episode that Danny was a former MLB pitcher and was once suspended 50 games for testing positive for steroids. During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer renamed his bar from The Bullpen at Aspen Glen to Oak Tavern and the bar did keep the name (link to detailed update).  Oak Tavern appeared on the show in 2015 and it appears they closed sometime around early 2022 based on online reviews.  Oak Tavern has been marked as 'Closed' on the Bar Rescue Updates Page. 

This is now the 2nd time an owner that has appeared on Bar Rescue has been charged with murder.  The owner of Pit and Barrel was convicted of murder after shooting somebody in his bar (Link).  The murder happened shortly before the Pit and Barrel episode was to air and Spike TV tried to remove the episode, but mistakenly aired the encore episode.

Leia's (The Grant Bar) From Bar Rescue Has Closed

Leia's (formerly The Grant Bar) in Tracy, California, which appeared on season 7 of Bar Rescue has closed. The bar closed in May 2022 when Tracy City Council voted to revoke the permit that allowed Leia's to stay open after 11pm.  Rather than operate a bar that had to close at 11pm, owners D.J. Miller and Tammy Ramirez decided to close.

Tracy City Council voted 4-0 to revoke the license citing a bar where there were always fights and bouncers used excessive force. In a local article, the police department listed incidents that included: "one where a patron was hit in the face with a sharp object, requiring 140 stitches, people injured in fights or while being ejected from the bar after causing trouble, and a 2020 incident that involved a man reportedly stabbing others, including a bar employee, during a fight at the bar. He was pursued to a nearby hotel by another patron and was beaten to unconsciousness. The victim was taken to a hospital and later succumbed to his injuries." The police officer at the council meeting said, "That is a homicide. That’s about as serious as it gets."  The suspect in that case plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter (Link). 

The police also found footage that showed a security guard working at the bar firing his firearm while trying to disperse an unruly crowd. This wasn't reported to police and was only discovered while reviewing surveillance video for another investigation.

Leia's owners D.J. Miller and Tammy Ramirez agreed there was trouble at their bar, but thought it was nothing out of the ordinary for a place with crowds and alcohol. They said they always cooperated with police and their bouncers were never charged with anything.  However, this did not sway the Tracy City Council in their vote.

The Grant Bar first appeared on Bar Rescue in April 2020 and the bar was renovated by the show in September 2019 where it was renamed Leia's (Link to update).  The bar did keep the new name up until it closed in May 2022.  The Leia's website and Facebook page have been deactivated and Leia's has been marked as 'Closed' on the Bar Rescue Updates page. 

New Season of Bar Rescue Starts February 25th

It was announced today that new Bar Rescue episodes will return to Paramount Network on Sunday, February 25th with season 9 of the show starting.  Jon Taffer made the announcement on social media and Variety also had an article about the upcoming season.  Some of the locations for the upcoming season include Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan, Missouri, Texas, and Wisconsin.  A preview of season 9 of Bar Rescue is below:

As always, I will have updates for each of the bars that appear on the show, so make sure to visit the website after each episode airs.