Ep 11. Back to the Bar: Delusional Owners

In Bar Rescue season 6 episode 11, titled "Back to the Bar: Delusional Owners," Jon Taffer returns to some of the bars he's previously rescued to check up on them and see how they're doing. This time around, he's focusing on owners who have been particularly difficult to work with in the past - ones who refused to take his advice or implement his changes.

First up is The Bungalow in Massachusetts, owned by sisters Faye and Brenda. When Jon first visited the bar, it was failing due to its outdated decor and lackluster menu. Jon gave the sisters a complete overhaul, including a new name ("The Black Water Bistro") and a much-needed focus on craft cocktails and elevated bar food. However, the sisters didn't keep up with the changes, and the bar quickly reverted back to its old ways. Jon confronts them about their lack of effort and tells them they need to step up or shut down.

Next, Jon heads to Austin, Texas, to visit The Recovery Room - a bar owned by Kyle and Lauren. When Jon first arrived, he found a dirty, dingy dive bar that was full of patrons who had clearly had too much to drink. Jon implemented a strict "last call" policy, which caused some initial backlash from the regulars, but ultimately led to a safer and more pleasant environment for all. However, when Jon checks in on the bar, he finds that the owners have reverted back to their old ways - they're letting people drink well past the legal cutoff time, and the bar has become rowdy and dangerous once again. Jon delivers an ultimatum: either they get back on track, or he'll revoke his rescue and walk away.

The third bar Jon visits is Blue Frog 22 in Chicago, owned by Jesse and Tiffany. When Jon first met the couple, they were struggling to keep their bar afloat due to a lack of vision and poor management. Jon helped them streamline their menu and focus on craft beer, which led to a significant increase in profits. However, when Jon returns, he finds that the couple has once again fallen into old habits - they're serving cheap, watered-down drinks and neglecting their responsibilities as owners. Jon doesn't hold back in his criticism, telling them they need to shape up or lose everything they've worked for.

Finally, Jon heads back to Piratz Tavern in Maryland, which he famously rescued (and then un-rescued) in a particularly explosive episode from earlier in the series. The bar's owner, Tracy, had created a problematic theme and an unwelcoming atmosphere that turned off customers. Jon tried to implement a change, but Tracy pushed back hard - eventually leading to a heated argument and Jon walking away from the rescue. When Jon returns, he finds that the bar is still open - but under new ownership. The new owners have done away with the pirate theme and created a much more inviting environment, but they're still struggling to make ends meet. Jon offers them some advice and encouragement, hoping they'll be able to succeed where Tracy failed.

"Back to the Bar: Delusional Owners" is a sobering reminder that even the most well-intentioned rescues can fail if the owners aren't willing to put in the effort to sustain them. Jon Taffer's tough love approach may be hard to swallow, but it's clear that it often leads to positive results - as long as the owners are willing to listen.