Ep 8. Swinging from the Rafters

Bar Rescue season 5 episode 8, titled Swinging from the Rafters, follows expert Jon Taffer as he attempts to help a bar in Louisiana improve. The episode starts off with Jon and his team arriving at the White Rooster, a rowdy bar with a reputation for wild parties. As they walk in, they notice the place is packed with people and the atmosphere is frenzied.

Jon starts off by talking to the bar owner, Willis, who admits that he doesn't have any control over his bar. Willis runs the White Rooster with his wife, who is often too drunk to manage the staff and patrons. Jon soon discovers that many of the staff are related to Willis and his wife, which creates a tense dynamic and makes it difficult to enforce discipline.

Throughout the episode, Jon observes the bar's issues, which range from poor inventory management to unsafe practices. In one scene, he discovers that the bar has been pouring excess alcohol down the drain to avoid paying taxes. In another, he watches as a patron swings from the rafters and injures himself. Jon immediately intervenes and bans the dangerous behavior.

One of the biggest challenges Jon faces is convincing Willis and his wife to let go of their family members working at the bar. He explains that having relatives on staff creates conflicts of interest and makes it hard to run the business professionally. After much debate, Willis agrees to let go of his relatives and hire new staff.

Throughout the episode, Jon also helps the bar update its decor and menu. He brings in a mixologist to revamp the bar's drink offerings, and works with the kitchen staff to create new food items that are both tasty and profitable. He also advises the team on how to better manage their inventory and reduce waste.

By the end of the episode, the White Rooster is transformed into a safer, more profitable establishment. The new staff has helped create a more professional atmosphere, and the updated menu and decor have attracted new customers. Willis and his wife are grateful for Jon's help and seem genuinely committed to maintaining the changes.

Overall, Bar Rescue season 5 episode 8 is an engaging and informative episode that demonstrates the value of professional expertise in the restaurant industry. Through Jon's intervention, the White Rooster is able to overcome its challenges and become a better-run, more successful establishment.