Ep 20. Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Fatballs

The show Bar Rescue, which is in its ninth season, features host and nightlife expert Jon Taffer as he travels the country to help struggling bars and restaurants turn their businesses around. In episode 20, titled "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Fatballs," Taffer visits a sports bar in Denver, Colorado, that is on the verge of bankruptcy.

The bar, called Fatballz, was started by two friends, Tony and Mark, who had no prior experience running a bar. Despite their lack of expertise, they opened the bar and began serving up pub food like burgers, wings, and of course, their signature dish, the Fatball. The Fatball is a deep-fried ball of macaroni and cheese with bacon bits, jalapenos, and cheddar cheese inside. It became so popular that the bar was featured on local news stations and the Travel Channel.

Despite their early success, Tony and Mark soon ran into trouble. They had trouble managing their finances, keeping their kitchen clean and following health department regulations. Their staff was untrained, and their customer service was poor. The bar had become a hangout for rowdy sports fans who were often over-served and caused fights.

When Taffer arrives at the bar, he finds a dark, dingy, and cluttered space that needs a complete renovation. The kitchen is unorganized, with expired food in the fridge and dirty dishes piled up. Taffer also observes that the bartenders are pouring excessive amounts of alcohol into each drink, which is costing the bar a significant amount of money. Additionally, Taffer learns that Tony and Mark are at odds with each other, and their communication has broken down to the point that they are not speaking.

To turn the bar around, Taffer begins by holding a meeting with the staff and helps them understand the importance of customer service and the impact it can have on the business. He then instructs them on how to pour standard-sized drinks, which will save the bar money on liquor costs. Taffer also brings in a team of experts to renovate the bar, including a designer who gives the space a more modern and inviting look.

In the kitchen, Taffer hires a consultant to help create a new menu with more appetizing and healthier food options. They also clean out the fridge and get rid of expired food. Taffer then teaches the kitchen staff how to prepare each dish correctly and efficiently.

To address the issues between Tony and Mark, Taffer holds a meeting with the two of them and has them open up to one another about their frustrations. Taffer also helps them establish better communication protocols and assigns them specific roles and responsibilities within the business. This helps to create a clear chain of command and stops employees from playing the two bosses off against each other.

Finally, Taffer holds a stress test, where he invites a large group of customers to Fatballz to test the bar's new menu, service, and atmosphere. Despite some initial hiccups, the bar receives positive feedback from the customers, and the stress test is a success.

In the end, Fatballz has a new lease on life, thanks to Taffer's intervention. The bar is now cleaner, more organized, and serves better-quality food. The staff is more professional and attentive to customers, and Tony and Mark are working together more effectively. The bar's future looks bright, and it has a renewed sense of optimism and energy that it was lacking before Taffer's arrival.

In summary, "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Fatballs" is an exciting episode of Bar Rescue that exemplifies the show's core themes of problem-solving, teamwork, and transformation. By addressing the many issues plaguing Fatballz and providing the owners and staff with new tools and strategies, Taffer demonstrates his expertise as a bar expert and business consultant. This episode is a must-see for fans of the show and anyone interested in the restaurant and bar industry.