Ep 18. Loose Lips Loose Tips

In Bar Rescue season 5 episode 18, titled "Loose Lips Loose Tips," host Jon Taffer is called to fix a failing bar in Kansas City, Missouri. The bar, called the Redneck Riviera, is owned by two business partners, Sea Jay and Tracy. Despite their efforts to keep the bar afloat, they are struggling to make ends meet and are losing money every month.

When Taffer arrives, he is immediately taken aback by the bar's poorly kept appearance, which he believes is driving customers away. The floors are dirty, the furniture is old and worn out, and the bar is in dire need of a deep clean. Taffer also notices that the staff is inexperienced and improperly trained, leading to slow service and unhappy customers.

To make matters worse, Taffer discovers that Sea Jay and Tracy have been taking money out of the till to cover their personal expenses, a practice known as "skimming." Taffer confronts the owners and informs them that their actions are illegal and could land them in jail. He advises them to stop immediately and to focus on running the bar more efficiently.

Taffer begins his renovation by bringing in a team of experts to help clean and update the bar. They remove the old furniture and replace it with new, comfortable seating, and give the walls a fresh coat of paint. They also install a new sound system and lighting fixtures, creating a more welcoming atmosphere for customers.

Next, Taffer turns his attention to the menu. He believes that the bar's food offerings are lackluster and unappealing, so he brings in Chef Jason Santos to revamp the menu. Together, Taffer and Santos create a new menu featuring Southern-inspired dishes such as pulled pork sandwiches and fried catfish. They also introduce a variety of signature cocktails and craft beers to the drink menu, hoping to attract a wider range of customers.

Taffer also focuses on training the staff, teaching them the proper techniques for making drinks and providing excellent customer service. He encourages them to be more attentive to patrons and to engage with them in conversation, creating a more welcoming and friendly atmosphere at the bar.

Throughout the episode, Taffer works to improve the relationship between Sea Jay and Tracy, who have been struggling to communicate effectively. He encourages them to work together and to be more open and honest with each other, in the hopes of building a stronger business partnership.

In the end, Taffer presents the newly renovated Redneck Riviera to Sea Jay and Tracy, along with a revamped menu and a staff that is better trained and more customer-focused. The owners are impressed with the changes and are grateful for Taffer's help in turning their struggling bar around. With a renewed sense of energy and enthusiasm, they look forward to a more successful future for their business.