Ep 13. Two Flew Over The Handlebars

Two Flew Over The Handlebars is the thirteenth episode of the third season of Bar Rescue. In this episode, Jon Taffer heads to a biker bar called Handlebar Cafe in Youngstown, Ohio. The bar is owned by two motorcycle enthusiasts, Rick and Joni, who invested $900,000 in the bar, but have not seen a profit in over 5 years. Handlebar Cafe is struggling to stay afloat due to its uninviting atmosphere, unorganized staff, and lackluster drinks.

Upon arriving at the bar, Jon is immediately confronted with a defiant and difficult owner, Rick. Rick is reluctant to take responsibility for the state of the bar, arguing that he has done everything he can to make it successful. However, Jon quickly realizes that there are many issues that need to be addressed in order to turn Handlebar Cafe around.

Jon immediately begins his assessment of the bar by sending in his recon team to evaluate the service and drinks. The team is disappointed with the lack of energy and passion exhibited by the staff. They also find that the drinks are poorly made and unappetizing. Jon uses this information to develop a plan for the bar's renovation.

First, Jon addresses the lack of energy in the staff by instituting a mandatory training program. He brings in a mixologist to teach the bartenders how to create new and exciting drinks that will attract customers. Jon also identifies a lack of organization as a major issue at Handlebar Cafe. To address this, he creates a new system for ordering and inventory.

Next, Jon focuses on the atmosphere of Handlebar Cafe. He realizes that the bar's biker theme is not resonating with the local community. He decides to change the decor to create a more welcoming and inviting atmosphere for all customers, not just those who ride motorcycles.

Throughout the episode, Rick proves to be a difficult and challenging owner. He is reluctant to accept Jon's advice and makes it clear that he is not willing to make any significant changes. However, Jon remains persistent and continues to push Rick to make the necessary changes to turn Handlebar Cafe around.

In the end, Jon's hard work pays off. The new training program and updated drink menu attract more customers to the bar. The changes to the decor create a more inviting atmosphere that appeals to a wider range of customers. Rick even admits that he was wrong to be resistant to Jon's advice and expresses gratitude for the help he received.

Two Flew Over The Handlebars is an exciting episode of Bar Rescue that emphasizes the importance of embracing change and being open to new ideas. Jon's renovation of Handlebar Cafe shows that with the right changes and a willingness to adapt, any struggling bar can become successful.