Ep 2. Close, But No Cigar

In season 9 episode 2 of Bar Rescue, entitled "Close, But No Cigar," Jon Taffer visits a struggling bar in Tucson, Arizona called The Original Hideout.

The Original Hideout is a sports bar that has been run by two friends for more than a decade. Despite the bar's prime location near the University of Arizona, it has been losing money and struggling to attract customers. The owners, Jeff and John, are stuck in their old ways and unwilling to make changes, which is why they reached out to Jon Taffer for help.

Upon arriving at the bar, Jon is disappointed to see that The Original Hideout is dark and uninviting. The decor is outdated and the bar itself is cluttered and unorganized. There is a lack of energy and communication between the staff, which leads to slow service and unhappy customers. Despite the bar's numerous TV screens, the viewing experience is subpar due to outdated technology and poor placement.

After conducting his initial assessment, Jon realizes that the owners are not equipped to make the necessary changes without his help. He proposes a series of renovations and updates to the bar, including a complete overhaul of the decor, installing new technology for the TVs, a revamped menu, and retraining the staff.

While the changes Jon proposes are significant, Jeff and John are hesitant to make such drastic changes. They are reluctant to give up their old ways, but Jon knows that the bar will continue to decline if they don't make changes.

As usual, Jon's team gets to work on the renovations immediately. They repaint the entire interior and create a new logo for the bar, giving it a fresh and modern look. They also install new TVs and reposition them for optimal viewing. Jon brings in a mixologist to create a new cocktail menu and trains the staff on how to make them properly. Additionally, Jon hires a new chef to create a new menu that is both delicious and affordable.

The most significant change, however, is the complete rebranding of the bar. Jon renames it to Coyote Ugly, after the famous bar and movie of the same name. This rebranding helps to create a new identity for the bar that is fresh and exciting, and helps to attract a younger crowd.

Throughout the renovation process, tensions run high between Jon and the owners. They are skeptical of his changes and are often resistant to them. However, as the renovations near completion and customers start returning to the bar, Jeff and John begin to see the positive impact that Jon's changes have made. They begin to understand that if they want to save their bar, they need to embrace change and be open to new ideas.

By the end of the episode, the transformation of Coyote Ugly is complete. The bar is now lively and energetic, with happy customers and a motivated staff. Jeff and John are now enthusiastic about the changes and are committed to making their bar flourish again.

In summary, "Close, But No Cigar" is an episode of Bar Rescue that shows the importance of being open to change. Jon Taffer helps to revitalize a struggling bar by making significant renovations and rebranding. While the owners are initially resistant to the changes, they ultimately recognize the positive impact that they have on their business. The episode serves as a reminder that sometimes drastic changes are necessary to save a struggling business.