Ep 27. Back to the Bar: Brick & Barley Above Water

Back to the Bar: Brick & Barley Above Water is the twenty-seventh episode of the fifth season of the popular reality TV show, Bar Rescue. The episode follows host Jon Taffer as he revisits the Brick & Barley bar, which he had previously rescued in the show's third season.

Located in Grand Forks, North Dakota, Brick & Barley was struggling with outdated decor, poor management, and a stale menu when Taffer first arrived on the scene. With the help of his team, Taffer was able to revamp the bar's interior, develop a new menu, and train the staff to provide better customer service. In the end, the bar was transformed into a profitable business that was well-received by customers and critics alike.

Now, two years after the initial Bar Rescue episode aired, Taffer returns to Brick & Barley to see if the changes he made have stood the test of time. He finds that the bar is doing well financially, but that there are still some issues that need to be addressed.

One of the main problems Taffer observes is that the bar has become too reliant on its regulars. The staff has developed a habit of providing special treatment to these customers, while neglecting newer patrons. Taffer reminds the staff that every customer is important and urges them to focus on providing excellent service to everyone who walks through the door.

Another issue Taffer notices is that the bar has become complacent with its menu. While the new menu created during the third season of the show was a big improvement, it seems that the bar has not made any updates since then. Taffer works with the kitchen staff to create a new menu that features more seasonal options and updated dishes to keep customers coming back for more.

Throughout the episode, Taffer also works on improving the bar's marketing and social media presence. He highlights the importance of having a strong online presence in today's digital age, and encourages the staff to engage with customers on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. By creating a more active online community, the bar can attract new customers and strengthen its relationship with existing ones.

The episode also features a segment where Taffer shows off some of the tools and tricks he uses to evaluate bars. He demonstrates how he analyzes pour costs, inspects the cleanliness of the kitchen, and assesses the overall vibe of the establishment. This segment provides viewers with a behind-the-scenes look into the methods Taffer uses to determine what changes need to be made to rescue struggling bars.

Back to the Bar: Brick & Barley Above Water is an engaging episode of Bar Rescue that showcases the successes and challenges of rescuing a struggling bar. It's a reminder of the hard work that goes into turning a business around, and the importance of continued improvement to maintain success.