Ep 7. A Dash of Bitters

In season 5 episode 7 of Bar Rescue, titled "A Dash of Bitters," Jon Taffer visits a bar in Long Beach, California that was opened as a tribute to the owner's late husband. The bar, called Blacklight District Lounge, has been struggling to attract customers and turn a profit.

Taffer quickly discovers that the bar is poorly managed and that the owner, Renee, has very little experience in the industry. The bartenders are inexperienced and lack basic skills, the kitchen is disorganized and unclean, and the atmosphere is uninviting.

To address these issues, Taffer brings in mixologist Phil Wills to teach the bartenders how to make creative and delicious cocktails using bitters. This adds a new dimension to the bar's drink menu and helps to attract a younger, more trendy crowd.

Taffer also brings in Chef Aaron McCargo Jr. to revamp the food menu. McCargo teaches the kitchen staff how to prepare fresh ingredients and create dishes that are unique, tasty, and reflective of the bar's theme.

Taffer also helps the bar to rebrand itself, changing the name to The Blacklight District Lounge. He encourages Renee to embrace the goth aesthetic of the bar and make it a destination for people who are interested in alternative lifestyles.

Throughout the episode, Taffer faces a number of challenges. The owner is resistant to change, and some members of the staff are defensive and combative. Additionally, the bar is located in a part of town that can be difficult to attract customers to.

Despite these obstacles, Taffer is able to work with the staff to turn the bar around. By the end of the episode, the Blacklight District Lounge is serving delicious food and craft cocktails, has a cleaner and more inviting atmosphere, and is attracting a younger, more devoted crowd.

Overall, season 5 episode 7 of Bar Rescue is an exciting and transformative episode, showcasing Taffer's ability to take struggling businesses and turn them into successful ventures.