Ep 39. Unnecessary Toughness

Episode 39 of season 4 of Bar Rescue is titled "Unnecessary Toughness." In this episode, bar and nightlife expert Jon Taffer sets his sights on a sports bar in a small town that's struggling to stay afloat. The bar, called the Joint, is owned by a father and son duo who have put their heart and soul into their business but are still not seeing the success they had hoped for.

Taffer arrives at the Joint and immediately notices a few things that are going wrong. The bar is too dark, the music is too loud, and there is no clear focus on what the bar should be. Taffer starts to talk to the staff and quickly learns that the father and son have created a culture of unnecessary toughness in the bar. The staff are afraid to speak up and make suggestions, and the customers are intimidated by the atmosphere.

Taffer knows that in order for the Joint to turn things around, he needs to break down this culture of unnecessary toughness. He starts by working with the father and son to create a clear vision for what the bar should be. They decide that they want the Joint to be a place where people can come and relax, watch some sports, and have a good time. Taffer then turns his attention to the staff and works with them to create a more customer-friendly environment.

One of the biggest problems at the Joint is the lack of food options. Taffer brings in a chef who helps to create a new menu that features classic bar food with a few unique twists. The new menu is a hit with the customers, who start coming back to the bar more frequently.

Taffer also works on updating the decor of the bar. He brings in new lighting and artwork that help to create a more welcoming atmosphere. He even gives the bar a new name, calling it the Arena. The new name and updated decor help to bring in new customers who are attracted to the fresh new look of the bar.

Throughout the episode, Taffer emphasizes the importance of creating a positive work environment for the staff. He helps the father and son to see that their tough-guy personas are not doing the bar any favors and that they need to soften their approach in order to create a better atmosphere for their customers.

In the end, Taffer is able to turn the Arena around and help the father and son to create a more successful and customer-friendly bar. The staff are happier and more motivated, and the customers are enjoying the new menu and updated decor. Overall, it's a successful turnaround for the Joint, now known as the Arena.