Ep 20. Barely Above Water

Bar Rescue is a reality television series that follows renowned bar and nightclub consultant Jon Taffer as he travels the country, rescuing failing bars and nightclubs. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Taffer brings his expertise and no-nonsense approach to bars struggling to stay afloat.

In season 3, episode 20, titled "Barely Above Water," Taffer heads to New Orleans to help a bar that's in danger of sinking for good. The episode begins with a quick overview of the bar, called Mo Dailey's, which is located on North Peters Street in the historic French Quarter. The bar has been open since 2003 and is owned by married couple Michael and Liz Daly.

Taffer arrives at Mo Dailey's and immediately notices a few issues. The first thing he observes is that the outside of the bar is dirty and uninviting. Taffer says that the exterior of a bar is crucial because it's the first thing potential customers see. He tells the owners that they need to clean it up and add some signage to draw people in.

Once inside, Taffer finds a bar that's cluttered and disorganized. He also meets the bartenders, who he describes as "overworked, under-trained, and drunk." Taffer runs a few tests and discovers that the bartenders aren't pouring the correct amounts of alcohol, which is costing the bar money. He also notes that the bar's liquor inventory is a mess, with bottles haphazardly stored all over the bar.

The next morning, Taffer meets with Michael and Liz to discuss his findings. They're defensive at first, but ultimately agree that they need to make some changes. Taffer starts by implementing new house rules, which include no drinking on the job and no more free drinks for regulars. He also has the bartenders undergo intensive training so they can learn to pour the correct amount of alcohol and master their craft.

Taffer also brings in a mixologist to help create some new drinks for the menu. He wants to make sure the bar stands out in a city known for its cocktails. Together, they come up with some innovative and unique drink creations that Taffer is confident will draw in customers.

One of the biggest challenges Taffer and the owners face is the bar's location. While it's in a high-traffic area, most of the foot traffic is tourists who are only in the French Quarter for a few days. Taffer decides to focus on the locals, who are the bread and butter of any neighborhood bar. He recommends that the owners reach out to nearby hotels and businesses to let them know about happy hour specials and other promotions.

As the renovations continue, Taffer notices that Michael and Liz seem to be struggling with their roles as owners. They're exhausted and burned out from the stress of running the bar, and Taffer worries that they'll fall back into old habits once he's gone. He brings in a business consultant to help the couple delegate tasks and create a plan for the future.

The renovation at Mo Dailey's is one of the most extensive Taffer has ever done. He completely transforms the space, adding new lighting, seating, and decor. He also revamps the bar's menu, which he says was previously "all over the place." The new menu features classic New Orleans dishes as well as some inventive twists on traditional bar food.

The episode ends with a reveal of the new and improved Mo Dailey's. Taffer brings in a crowd of locals to check out the renovations and sample the new drinks and menu items. The owners are ecstatic and grateful, and Taffer leaves feeling confident that the bar has a bright future ahead.

Overall, "Barely Above Water" is a typical episode of Bar Rescue, with Taffer utilizing his expertise to help a struggling bar turn its fortunes around. It's a fascinating look at the behind-the-scenes workings of a bar and the challenges owners face when it comes to running a successful business. The episode is both entertaining and informative, and is sure to be a hit with fans of the show.