Ep 16. Characters Assassination

Bar Rescue is a popular reality show that revolves around saving struggling bars and nightclubs. In season 3, episode 16, titled Characters Assassination, the host of the show, Jon Taffer, takes on another challenging rescue mission.

The episode starts with Jon and his team visiting Characters Sports Bar, located in the heart of the entertainment district of Pomona, California. Characters started out as a successful bar, but in recent times, the business has been hit with a series of challenges. The owners, Nick and Patrick, have a strained relationship, which has affected the smooth running of the bar. Additionally, the staff members are inexperienced and lack proper training.

Jon and his team observe that Characters has a cluttered and unclean environment, outdated décor, and an overall negative vibe. The menu is confusing, and the drinks are poorly made, leading to a dip in sales. The lack of leadership and camaraderie among the staff is also affecting the customer experience.

To start with, Jon decides to test the bartenders to see if they can make quality drinks in a timely manner. As expected, the bartenders fail the test, indicating a lack of proper training. Jon believes that the key to turning the bar around is to fix the staff, starting with the bartenders.

The solutions provided by Jon include remodeling the bar and improving the menu to make it simpler and more customer-friendly. Characters also needs a new brand identity to increase its appeal to customers. Jon takes charge of training the staff, teaching them how to make quality drinks and handle customers professionally.

One of the major challenges Jon encounters in this episode is the delicate relationship between the two owners, Nick and Patrick. Their constant bickering and lack of collaboration has led to numerous problems within the business. Jon has to step in to act as a mediator between the two.

In addition to training the staff, Jon also introduces a new concept to the bar - a game called "Gangsta Spoons." This is a fun game that involves removing spoons from a bowl without letting any of the other spoons fall out. The game increases customer engagement and creates a lively atmosphere in the bar. The new concept also helps in rebranding Characters as a fun, upbeat place to be.

At the end of the episode, Jon and his team unveil the new and improved Characters Sports Bar. The remodeled bar has a sleek, modern look with new lighting, furniture, and a revamped menu. The staff has been trained to make quality drinks and interact with customers professionally. The game "Gangsta Spoons" has also been introduced, creating a vibrant and fun atmosphere for customers.

Characters Assassination is a memorable episode of Bar Rescue that highlights the importance of proper staff training and leadership in any business. The episode also emphasizes the importance of collaboration and communication between business partners, as this can make or break a business. With Jon's guidance, the owners of Characters Sports Bar were able to come together and create a stronger, more profitable business.