Ep 39. Scary Mary's

Bar Rescue Season 3 Episode 39, titled Scary Mary's, is an exciting show that focuses on a bar that serves as a popular neighborhood joint with a loyal customer base. However, the bar is in a dire need of some help as it's underperforming financially and lacks the sophistication and atmosphere that would attract a wider range of customers.

Enter Jon Taffer, a renowned bar and nightclub consultant who uses his expertise to help struggling establishments get back on their feet. His team will revamp the bar's design, menu, and management style in an attempt to help the bar become profitable again.

Scary Mary's is run by a man named Mark, who built the bar as a commemoration to his late wife, Mary. However, Mark's emotional attachment to the bar has caused him to lose sight of the bottom line and how important it is to keep the bar growing. It is up to Jon and his team to help him recognize the need for change and transform the outdated bar into a place that attracts a broader clientele.

The episode begins with Jon and his team arriving at Scary Mary's, which is shrouded in darkness and uninviting to potential customers. Mark greets them, and they immediately start their assessment of the bar. The team quickly identifies areas of improvement that would increase the bar's appeal to a wider audience, including updating the bar's decor, menu, and management style.

One of the most significant issues that the team uncovers is the bar's poor hygiene and lack of organization. They observe that there is mold in the ice machine and expired food behind the bar, which is hazardous to the customers' health. Jon is disgusted by the blatant disregard for health code violations and confronts Mark about the issue.

Another crucial issue that the team tries to address is the bar's weak drinks. They discover that the bartenders are making drinks with the bare minimum amount of alcohol, which is a turnoff to customers who like their drinks strong. The team teaches the bartenders how to make drinks with a standard pour, which increases the drinks' potency, making the customers happy.

The team also addresses the bar's lack of music and entertainment, which makes it dull and uninviting. They bring in a DJ and update the bar's sound system, which transforms the bar into a lively spot, with people coming in from the street to enjoy the music and vibe.

Furthermore, Jon and his team teach Mark and his staff the importance of upselling, which they find is a significant source of missed revenue. They introduce a system for the bar to create signature drinks, stimulating the customers' taste buds while increasing revenue. Jon also insists that the bartenders master the art of customer care and relationship management, ensuring that guests have an enjoyable experience while at Scary Mary's.

As the episode progresses, the team implements several other changes that help make Scary Mary's more profitable, including introducing a new logo, addressing the staff's dress code, introducing a rewards program for the bar's loyal customers, and restructuring the menu to include more appetizers and bar-friendly food items.

The biggest challenge faced by the team is convincing Mark to embrace the changes and move beyond his emotional attachment to the bar, which has kept it stagnant for so long. As the episode concludes, Mark expresses his gratitude to Jon and his team and commits to keeping the momentum going, improving the bar's bottom line while continuing to honor Mary's memory.

In conclusion, Bar Rescue Season 3, Episode 39, is an excellent watch for anyone interested in how a struggling bar can be transformed into a vibrant, appealing space that attracts a broad clientele. The show highlights the importance of incorporating demographic research, knowledge of current trends, and expert advice into the process of revamping a business. It emphasizes the significance of proper hygiene and organization in the hospitality industry. Finally, it shows how a business owner's emotional attachment to his establishment can sometimes hinder growth and expansion.