bar rescue

[McRib]

Im fuggen addicted. Ive had a bar idea for a loooong time but have zero money to do it up. this show has givin me even more idea every time I watch an episode. Anyone else watch?

 

[RVRKID]

Yep it is a great show!!

 

[Patyacht]

Me too. I love when he tells it like it is. No BS.

 

[Outdrive1]

Yep. Love that show.

 

[Gelcoater]

That guy can be kind of an asshole.


I think it's why I like watching it

 

[ONE-A-DAY]

He did canyon inn here in Anaheim hills, owner changed it all back and it's still a shithole.

The way the show works is that after 90 days you have to pay for the improvements once you see that they work, or else the stuff like tap systems, pos computers etc, get yanked.

 

[Gelcoater]

He did canyon inn here in Anaheim hills, owner changed it all back and it's still a shithole.

The way the show works is that after 90 days you have to pay for the improvements once you see that they work, or else the stuff like tap systems, pos computers etc, get yanked.

At one time I remember hearing the Canyon had some killer biscuits and gravy on the weekend mornings.
Any idea?

 

[linus3]

They also did "On The Rocks" bar off of the 5 fwy and Crown Valley. Some know it as "The dive off the 5". Changed the name to "The Plant". Its all back to the way it originally was, a shit hole.

 

[ROBINSON]

Great show, I wonder if the owners are that stubborn and change it back or if they can't afford to pay for the changes and the stuff gets yanked.??

 

[bunkrepair]

Im fuggen addicted. Ive had a bar idea for a loooong time but have zero money to do it up. this show has givin me even more idea every time I watch an episode. Anyone else watch?

I'm in the same boat!

 

[waterhorse]

Im fuggen addicted. Ive had a bar idea for a loooong time but have zero money to do it up. this show has givin me even more idea every time I watch an episode. Anyone else watch?

Yep, count me in. I've always thought a bar with a theme would work. Keep it simple with good food and friendly staff. Sounds easy on the outside looking in but I'm sure a lot of work. Like any successful venture. Maybe ROC will give some thoughts on the show and an owner perspective.
Greg

 

[Parker Dreamin]

They did a bar on the Redondo Beach Pier, it is now closed. (I forget the name)

Wonder how many he does that stay open and shine?

 

[McRib]

According to a handful of sites ive looked at there have been 37 bars rescued so far. Out of that 8 have closed their doors or reverted to their old ways changed back to their original themem/names or a combo thereof. Looks like out of the 8 3 just down right failed. There are alot of egos for sure. Sundays newest episode was the worst yet. The marine that had a bar near ft bragg. That dude was somethin else. I just love the fight then how docile they become over night. Scripted??? Maybe.... its still one of the better shows on right now imo.

 

[Mr. C]

Kilkenny's or breakwall?

I can't understand how somebody who is 100k + in dept and has a chance for a new beginning turns around and goes back to wasn't working. Makes just no sense to me.

They did a bar on the Redondo Beach Pier, it is now closed. (I forget the name)

Wonder how many he does that stay open and shine?

 

[Paul65k]

Kilkenny's or breakwall?

I can't understand how somebody who is 100k + in dept and has a chance for a new beginning turns around and goes back to wasn't working. Makes just no sense to me.

It's crazy huh??...........On the other hand if they were thinking logically and rationally they probably wouldn't have gotten in trouble in the first place :rolleyes

 

[charlyox]

He did canyon inn here in Anaheim hills, owner changed it all back and it's still a shithole.

The way the show works is that after 90 days you have to pay for the improvements once you see that they work, or else the stuff like tap systems, pos computers etc, get yanked.

I saw that episode. The owner is a jerk.

 

[OutCole'd]

Yes, definately a fan of the show. I wonder how many really do grow afterwards.

 

[Mr. C]

It's crazy huh??...........On the other hand if they were thinking logically and rationally they probably wouldn't have gotten in trouble in the first place :rolleyes

I'm guessing most probably think ...It's a bar, how hard is it make some drinks and serve some food(even though they have no business experience) then they get into it and keep putting good money over bad into it thinking it will just magically change. Then someone comes in and gives them a second chance, but their ego gets in the way or their just to stubborn to change.


Mystery Diners is another one that i find interesting

 

[ductape1000]

People who own a shithole only know how to own a shithole. Their regulars like the shithole and the owners are loyal to their regulars. Most of them don't understand that their place is such a shithole. People don't change that easily.

<------- brother owns a shithole.

sent from a van at the waters edge.

 

[Mr. C]

Is brothers shithole losing 2 to 4k a month? and if he is would he be willing to change and keep it changed for the good of the bar? Just asking is all.

People who own a shithole only know how to own a shithole. Their regulars like the shithole and the owners are loyal to their regulars. Most of them don't understand that their place is such a shithole. People don't change that easily.

<------- brother owns a shithole.

sent from a van at the waters edge.

 

[McRib]

Kilkenny's or breakwall?

I can't understand how somebody who is 100k + in dept and has a chance for a new beginning turns around and goes back to wasn't working. Makes just no sense to me.

I dont think its that hard if the new brand is a success. If the reported numbers after the fact are true then it wouldn't take long to get rid of the debt. One bar went from bleeding 4k a month to making 10k a week or some shit like that. Those numbers could get someone out of debt id like to think.

 

[was thatguy]

It's crazy huh??...........On the other hand if they were thinking logically and rationally they probably wouldn't have gotten in trouble in the first place :rolleyes

Exactly.
It's the same with Ramsey, Tabitha, etc.

The bar show seems more realistic though.

 

[Mr. C]

What's more disturbing to me is the way some places are kept clean or not clean i should say. Just fucking gross, makes me wonder about places when I'm just out eating. You know is the ices maker as disgusting as some on the show, did they just dust off the rat shit from the plate before putting my food on it. How do they get past inspections?(pay offs?)

 

[McRib]

What's more disturbing to me is the way some places are kept clean or not clean i should say. Just fucking gross, makes me wonder about places when I'm just out eating. You know is the ices maker as disgusting as some on the show, did they just dust off the rat shit from the plate before putting my food on it. How do they get past inspections?(pay offs?)

Id bet only 20% of restaurants get inspected regularly. Def at opening but then never again unless there is a complaint or a random. There are not enough inspectors to cover all the places in so cal. Ive been in many places with no ratings. (Sometimes the best food comes from these joints) you are soo right though. Seeing these places with the roaches and the kitchen's that haven't been cleaned in 19 yrs is crazy and def makes you wonder.

 

[PVHCA]

My buddy owns a local bar near my shop, "The Eden East", the name goes back 40+ years here in Upland when his mom and dad owned the original. His uncle also owns one in Detroit. He's a lucky bar owner that has a grandfathered license so he does not have to serve food, these licenses are not issued new anymore and when they come up for sale they are BIG BUCKS!!

Andrew if you really want to own a bar of your own, I'll take you to visit Randy, he'll explain the REAL life of a bar owner. Call DIRECTV and ask how much service is? Ask them how much the NFL PKG. is? When you find out that an ordinary Joe can buy booze cheaper at Costco than you can through your distributor I'd imagine your BP would start too simmer. Randy's bar is not small but not big, his space is roughly 2500SQFT and it isn't cheap, add in the A/C bill and other utilis., it get's crazy expensive for a small place. I believe he told me one weeks gross covers his rent, utils and other bills, not employee cost that comes from another weeks gross. Remember he doesn't have food cost either. ROC is the man to explain that being a bar owner and a restaurateur is not all glamour.

IMO passion is a must to make this type of business work, of course understanding the entirety of the food industry is important as well but you must love the food/hospitality end of it to even have a chance.

 

[TPC]

Bar Rescue is in it's third year and get's better each year.
Seems like a different Liquor company is featured each episode as sort of a infomercial that picks up the tab for improvements and it works.

Two weeks ago Bar Rescue was taping at a failing bar in Canoga Park called the Stovepiper. It's hey day was back when Aerospace industries were king in LA.

It has no kitchen and at one time relied on a pass through window with Brents Deli next door for food.
It was a popular feature. It brought in business. Lots of business.
Owner of the bar had a falling out with Brent and the window dealio was stopped quite some time ago.
Then seedy low income apartment buildings went up, the neighborhood turned to crap, Aerospace left,,, on and on.

A friend of mine Chris is a lawyer that represents and defends bar owners in labor disputes. He has a beer and plays lotto every morning at the Sugar Suite bar in Granada hills.
If ya sit with him and listen to the legal bullshit bar owners go through with employees I can't imagine anyone wanting to own a bar.
Seems real popular now for bartenders and waitress' to sue the owner for all kinds things from sex harassment, to labor violations, to tipping policy,, and the legal tab is ample.

All bartenders steal according to my bar owner friends, and the stories are endless on the ways they do it.
Fucking amazing the shenanigans employees concoct to steal cash.

I can't imagine any bar not having cameras recording every transaction the employees do.
Services that monitor your cameras for employee theft are a up and coming business. The guy that owns the Sugar Suite has an app on his phone and watches damn near every pour.

Roland at Roc's was one of the early first to get a multi-system in place to monitor his biz. Every drop of booze, item of food and penny is accounted for. It ain't cheap to do that.

The owner of the 2nd st grill told me theirs about .75 cents of various taxes paid in each drink he pours.

The cost of purchasing, operating and repairing a couple 600lb ice machines alone is staggering.
It's just the beginning.
Ya really have to know what you are doing.

But, having said all that,, a bar who's business is on fire can make some good money.
Like someone said earlier in the thread,, some people only know how to run a shit business.
They have no clue how to do any better.

 

[PVHCA]

Bar Rescue is in it's third year and get's better each year.
Seems like a different Liquor company is featured each episode as sort of a infomercial that picks up the tab for improvements and it works.

Two weeks ago they were taping at a failing bar in Canoga Park called the Stovepiper. It's hey day was back when Aerospace industries were king in LA.

It has no kitchen and at one time relied on a pass through window with Brents Deli next door for food.
It was a popular feature.
Owner of the bar had a falling out with Brent and the window dealio was stopped quite some time ago.

Isn't Brent's in WLV?

Love that place!!!

 

[Bobby V]

He did canyon inn here in Anaheim hills, owner changed it all back and it's still a shithole.

.

They didn't change it all back. The interior is still the same. But they did repaint the outside and change the name back to the Canyon Inn. Also Johnny didn't like the new menu that the show came up with. I heard the kitchen wasn't set up for it. But its a nicer shithole now.

At one time I remember hearing the Canyon had some killer biscuits and gravy on the weekend mornings.
Any idea?

Yes they still have killer biscuits and gravy on Sat. and Sun. All there breakfast items are good. :thumbup:

 

[McRib]

My buddy owns a local bar near my shop, "The Eden East", the name goes back 40+ years here in Upland when his mom and dad owned the original. His uncle also owns one in Detroit. He's a lucky bar owner that has a grandfathered license so he does not have to serve food, these licenses are not issued new anymore and when they come up for sale they are BIG BUCKS!!

Andrew if you really want to own a bar of your own, I'll take you to visit Randy, he'll explain the REAL life of a bar owner. Call DIRECTV and ask how much service is? Ask them how much the NFL PKG. is? When you find out that an ordinary Joe can buy booze cheaper at Costco than you can through your distributor I'd imagine your BP would start too simmer. Randy's bar is not small but not big, his space is roughly 2500SQFT and it isn't cheap, add in the A/C bill and other utilis., it get's crazy expensive for a small place. I believe he told me one weeks gross covers his rent, utils and other bills, not employee cost that comes from another weeks gross. Remember he doesn't have food cost either. ROC is the man to explain that being a bar owner and a restaurateur is not all glamour.

IMO passion is a must to make this type of business work, of course understanding the entirety of the food industry is important as well but you must love the food/hospitality end of it to even have a chance.

Yeah ive heard the horror stories of costs from multiple bar owners. I know over head is a mother fucker. ROC has shown me is audio visual stuff and vaguely educated me on cost. All I will say is WOW. If me owning a bar ever came about im pretty sure it would not be a sports bar type. Maybe more of a dinner spot that would become a night club of sorts. Kinda like toby keiths bar but smaller scale and not country. Idk. I also know id need to cater to the area and demographic.

 

[TPC]

Isn't Brent's in WLV?

Love that place!!!

A small chain I believe. Great Sandwiches.

 

[hav19]

But, My Front Girl (CSR) worked at the "Olive Pit" in Orange CA. when they changed that bar over (she was the cook "walking menu" if you recall), on TV they showed the owner of the Olive Pit drinking at the bar and grabbing/touching some of the bar tenders, they convinced him to stop & retire so his daughter could take over daily operations of the bar. Well, according to her that was just a TV stunt, same owners/bosses, they even changed the TV food menu back within a few weeks of the TV shoot.....Fun To Watch On TV Though.....The Name was changed to the 'OP' which stuck so I guess they got something out of the whole ordeal???

 

[River Lynchmob]

I liek the show as well...it really is amazing how dumb some people really are!

 

[ductape1000]

Is brothers shithole losing 2 to 4k a month? and if he is would he be willing to change and keep it changed for the good of the bar? Just asking is all.

What's more disturbing to me is the way some places are kept clean or not clean i should say. Just fucking gross, makes me wonder about places when I'm just out eating. You know is the ices maker as disgusting as some on the show, did they just dust off the rat shit from the plate before putting my food on it. How do they get past inspections?(pay offs?)

He's not losing, but he's not winning either. They struggle every month to keep it together. That's part of the shithole problem. He doesn't make enough money to do any real remodeling. The bathrooms are old and need to really be redone. They clean them constantly, but they always smell like the are dirty. They try hard, but things just seem to stay the same. The regulars like it and they continue to pay the bills the way it is, so they keep going to work and keep fighting the fight. Its not a business I would be willing to spend my money to get into, or spend my time trying to make a go of. Cleaning adult puke is only something I'm willing to do if its my own!!

sent from a van at the waters edge.