Ep 24. Mother Doesn't Know Best

Jon Taffer, a renowned bar consultant and expert in the industry, travels to San Antonio, Texas to rescue a struggling bar named The Recovery Room. The bar has been open for over 35 years, but with the lack of upkeep and the inability to keep up with modern trends, it has fallen on hard times. The owner, Dana, inherited the bar from her mother and has been running it for over 10 years. Her mother, a former owner and now a bartender at the bar, believes that she knows what is best for the bar and refuses to change, causing tension between the two.

Upon arrival, Taffer notices that the exterior of the bar is uninviting and unappealing, with outdated signage and decorations. The interior is cluttered and disorganized, with mismatched furniture and a general lack of cleanliness. The bar also has a reputation for being unsafe, with several incidents of fights and brawls occurring on the premises.

Taffer decides to bring in two experts to assist with the transformation of the bar. Chef Plum, a culinary expert, helps revamp the menu, while mixologist Jen Queen focuses on improving the quality of drinks and creating a signature cocktail for the bar.

During the stress test, where the bar is filled with customers to test the staff's ability to handle the rush, chaos ensues. The bartenders struggle to keep up with the influx of orders, while the kitchen experiences long wait times and burnt food. Taffer confronts the owner and the mother about their lack of cooperation and communication, emphasizing the need for a united front.

After witnessing the struggles during the stress test, Taffer and his team begin the transformation of the bar. The exterior is updated with new signage and a fresh coat of paint, while the interior is decluttered and rearranged to create a more inviting atmosphere. The menu is revamped with a focus on local ingredients, and the signature cocktail is created.

On the relaunch night, the bar is transformed into a modern and inviting space. The staff is trained on the new menu and drinks, and the kitchen is organized to improve efficiency. The bar is filled with happy customers, and Taffer and his team witness the improvements firsthand. The mother and daughter are able to put their differences aside and work together for the success of the bar.

In the end, The Recovery Room is transformed into a thriving business, with a newfound sense of unity and growth. Taffer leaves satisfied, knowing that he was able to rescue another struggling bar.