Ep 15. I Know What You Did Last Summit

Bar Rescue season 8 episode 15, "I Know What You Did Last Summit" focuses on a bar owner who is struggling to keep his business up and running. Jon Taffer, the expert in the industry, comes to the rescue as he tries to save the struggling bar. Taffer has been called in to help this owner before and this time, he is determined to turn things around once and for all.

The bar, Summit, is located in Colorado and specializes in craft beer. The owner, Curtis, has a passion for beer and a desire to be successful in the industry. However, he lacks the necessary skills to run a business successfully. Not only is the bar in disarray, but the staff is also unmotivated and disengaged. The team at Summit lacks the necessary customer service skills to create a welcoming environment.

As Taffer rolls up to the establishment, he is greeted by the staff who are dressed in inappropriate attire and are not ready for the evening's business. As he takes a walk around the bar, it becomes clear to him that the issue is not just the staff's lack of skills, but also the lack of communication between the management and staff. There is no clear leadership structure, and everyone is just doing their own thing.

Taffer takes a deep dive into the bar's finances and discovers that Curtis has been taking money from the business to pay for his personal expenses. This discovery is a turning point for Taffer as he realizes that he has to get the bar back on track before it's too late. He sets out to work with Curtis to identify the root cause of his behavior.

Taffer begins by addressing the staff's dress code, bringing in a wardrobe consultant to help them choose more appropriate outfits. The staff is also given intensive training on customer service skills, including how to deal with difficult customers. Taffer works with the bartenders to create new signature drinks, which are both visually appealing and delicious.

Over the course of a week, Taffer works with Curtis and the rest of the crew to transform Summit. He changes the name of the establishment to Mountain Top Brewing and revamps the interior design to create a more welcoming atmosphere. The menu is revamped to include delicious, locally sourced food, and the beer selection is expanded.

As the much-awaited launch day approaches, the staff is anxious about how the customers will react. However, as the doors open, the customers begin pouring in, impressed by the changes that have been made. The new menu and drinks are a hit, and the customer service skills of the bartenders have greatly improved. The new name, Mountain Top Brewing, is an instant hit with the customers.

As the episode comes to a close, Taffer sits down with Curtis to give him some much-needed advice on how to run his business and avoid the mistakes he's made in the past. Taffer emphasizes the importance of transparency, teamwork, and leadership in running a successful business. The episode ends on a high note as Mountain Top Brewing begins a new chapter in its history, with a bright and profitable future ahead.