Ep 2. Jon of the Dead

In season 4 episode 2 of Bar Rescue, titled Jon of the Dead, Jon Taffer takes on a zombie-themed bar located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The bar, named The Lab, was once a popular spot in the area but has since lost its luster and is struggling to stay afloat.

The owner of The Lab, James, is a former Marine who has struggled with alcohol addiction and is currently sober. However, he lacks management skills and his lack of focus has caused the bar to suffer. Taffer is concerned that the zombie theme is not working in James' favor and decides to rebrand the bar to appeal to a wider audience.

Upon arriving, Taffer is greeted by a cluttered and disorganized space. The bartenders are untrained and the drinks are poorly made. Taffer discovers that there is no system in place for inventory and ordering, leading to a waste of resources and loss of profits.

To help James turn his bar around, Taffer brings in his team of experts to help with the various aspects of the business. Chef Ryan Scott is tasked with revamping the menu, creating food items that are appealing to a wider range of customers. Mixologist Phil Wills focuses on creating innovative drinks that are delicious and visually appealing. And, of course, there's Taffer's right-hand man, Russell Davis, who helps retrain the staff and sets up a new inventory system.

Throughout the episode, Taffer struggles to get James to take ownership of the problems within his bar. James is resistant to change and is hesitant to let go of his zombie theme. Taffer must push him out of his comfort zone and make him realize that the bar needs a complete overhaul in order to be successful.

The episode culminates in a stress test, where the newly trained staff must handle a rush of customers. The stress test proves to be a challenge for the bartenders, but they get through it with the help of Taffer and his team. The grand re-opening of The Lab is a success, with a completely new look and feel. Taffer's rebranding efforts have paid off, and the bar is once again thriving.

Overall, Jon of the Dead is an entertaining and informative episode of Bar Rescue, showcasing Taffer's skills in turning around struggling businesses. The episode is a reminder that even the most unique and creative concepts can fail without proper management and organization.