Ep 4. Mystique or Murder?

In Bar Rescue season 2 episode 4 titled "Mystique or Murder?", Jon Taffer, a bar consultant, heads to a bar located in Oklahoma City called Mystique Lounge. The bar, owned by Sam, who is also the head bartender, is struggling to keep up its business due to its complicated menu and poor management. Taffer suspects that the bar may have an overall negative environment that deters customers from returning, and decides to investigate before he implements any changes.

Upon arriving at Mystique, Taffer notices the dimly lit environment that gives off a gloomy and uncomfortable vibe. The bar's extensive list of cocktails adds to the confusion, as customers often spend too much time trying to decipher the menu. Taffer then orders a drink from the bar and witnesses Sam's terrible customer service skills, which includes making an incorrect drink and refusing to remake it.

As the investigation unfolds, Taffer meets with the employees and discovers the rift between them caused by Sam's attitude. She takes her position for granted and often belittles her staff, which prompts them to be uncooperative and lazy. The episode then takes an interesting twist when Taffer receives a call from Mystique's landlord, who informs him that one of the bar's customers was recently murdered a few meters from the establishment.

Concerned about the safety of the customers, Taffer takes a closer look at the bar's security measures, which he finds lacking. The bartenders are not attentive to their surroundings, and the cameras are not correctly positioned to capture any incidents that may occur within the bar's premises. Taffer also questions Sam's capability to handle the stress that comes with owning a bar, especially considering that the bar is located in a high-crime area.

With the information he has gathered, Taffer decides to put his plan in motion and bring in his team to start implementing changes. He instructs his staff to renovate the bar and create a more welcoming environment by using brighter colors and replacing the dark furniture with lighter ones. Taffer also reduces the drink menu to a few specialty cocktails, which will be easier for the bartenders to handle.

As the renovation progresses, Taffer trains the staff on customer service, emphasizing the importance of being attentive and friendly to customers. He also hires a security consultant to fix the flaws in the bar's security measures, such as installing more cameras and teaching the employees how to recognize potential dangers.

The final reveal shows the Mystique Lounge has undergone major renovations, with a bright and welcoming atmosphere. The smaller drink menu is easier for the bartenders to handle, and Taffer has even brought in new equipment to upgrade the bar's serving capabilities. The security measures have also been improved, with more cameras and security experts on site.

In conclusion, Bar Rescue season 2 episode 4 "Mystique or Murder?" exposes not only the issues found at the Mystique Lounge but also the importance of providing a safe environment for customers. With the right changes implemented, the bar can now attract more customers and make even more profits.