Ep 14. Don't Tell Mom the Bar is Dead

In season 8 episode 14, titled "Don't Tell Mom the Bar is Dead," Jon Taffer travels to a bar in Sacramento, California called The Abandoned Little Village. The establishment is run by a young woman named Ashley, who inherited the bar from her mother after she passed away. Ashley has no experience running a bar, and it shows in the lackluster service and outdated decor.

The bar has a unique theme, as it is located in an abandoned village and has several buildings on the property, each with its own atmosphere. However, the potential of the bar has not been realized, and it is struggling to attract customers.

Ashley's brother, who helps her run the bar, is not pulling his weight and often disappears during work hours. The staff is poorly trained and unmotivated, leading to a lack of customer engagement. The bartenders are inconsistent in their drink-making and often forget orders, causing frustration and dissatisfaction in customers.

In addition to the staff and service issues, the bar's kitchen is not up to par. The chef is not properly trained, and the food lacks flavor and creativity. The menu is outdated and does not reflect the unique atmosphere of the bar.

As Jon observes the bar's operations, he discovers that Ashley is carrying the weight of the business on her shoulders. She is overwhelmed, exhausted, and unsure of how to turn things around. Jon confronts Ashley about her lack of leadership and encourages her to take charge of the situation.

Throughout the episode, Jon works with Ashley to revamp the menu and train the kitchen staff. He also addresses the staff's lack of motivation and provides training on how to engage with customers and upsell. Jon presents Ashley with a new business model that emphasizes customer engagement and creates a more unified team.

On the night of the relaunch, the staff is energized and motivated. The drinks and food are being made with more precision and deliciousness. The decor has been updated, providing a welcoming and unique atmosphere to welcome the customers. Ashley is showcasing her leadership skills, and the staff is working as a cohesive team.

Customers are thrilled with the changes at The Abandoned Little Village and are enjoying the new menu items and drinks. The energy in the bar is electric, and Ashley is overjoyed to see her business flourishing.

Overall, season 8 episode 14 of Bar Rescue, "Don't Tell Mom the Bar is Dead," is a compelling episode in Jon Taffer's journey to revamp bars across America. With heartwarming and challenging situations, the episode gives viewers an insight on how to run a bar in an engaging way.