Ep 40. Boss Lady Blues

In this episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and his team visit Boss Lady Blues, a blues bar located in Clive, Iowa. The bar has been struggling financially for years, and the owner, Sheri, has been pouring her life savings into keeping it afloat. Sheri is a no-nonsense woman who opened the bar after retiring from her job as an executive, and she's determined to make it work.

When Jon and his team arrive, they quickly realize that Sheri is in over her head. The bar is outdated and uninviting, with a bleak interior and a lackluster menu. There is no clear concept, and customers have been staying away due to the poor atmosphere.

Jon sits down with Sheri and explains that her business needs a complete overhaul. He tells her that she needs to find a specific theme for the bar, and stick to it. Sheri is initially resistant to the idea, but with some convincing, she agrees to let Jon and his team take over.

The Bar Rescue team gets to work, and they begin by redesigning the interior of the bar. They brighten up the space with a fresh coat of paint and add some new furniture and decorations. They also install a stage for live music, something that Sheri had been hesitant to do in the past.

Next, they focus on the bar itself, revamping the menu and training the staff on how to properly mix drinks. They add some new signature cocktails, including a custom mixed drink named after Sheri. They also create a menu featuring traditional southern dishes, including gumbo and jambalaya.

Throughout the episode, tensions run high as Sheri struggles to relinquish control to Jon and his team. She clashes with the designers and staff, but eventually realizes that she needs to trust the experts she hired to turn her bar around.

In the end, the grand reopening of Boss Lady Blues is a huge success. The bar is now a vibrant, welcoming space, with a clear concept and a great drink and food menu. Customers are flowing in, and Sheri is thrilled with the results. She thanks Jon and his team for their hard work in turning her dream into a reality.

Overall, the episode is a great example of how a struggling bar can be turned around with a little bit of hard work and expertise. It's also a testament to the importance of trusting the experts and being willing to let go of control to improve a business.