Ep 17. Back To The Bar: Brick & Barley Above Water

In the series "Bar Rescue" season 8, episode 17 titled "Back To The Bar: Brick & Barley Above Water," renowned bar expert Jon Taffer returns to two bars he previously rescued to see if they have been able to maintain their success. Both Brick and Barley and Above Water had serious issues that were preventing them from thriving, and Taffer wants to check in on their progress.

At Brick and Barley, located in Prescott, Arizona, the owners were struggling with infighting and poor communication which was leading to a toxic work environment. Additionally, their menu was lacking creativity and failed to attract new customers. Taffer initially had to step in and offer solutions such as revamped marketing tactics, kitchen equipment updates, and the creation of a new menu to help them stand out in the local scene. In this episode, Taffer checks in to see if the new management is sustaining the improvements and takes on any potential new problems.

The second bar featured in this episode, Above Water, is situated in Brooklyn, New York. Taffer was called in to rescue the bar after the owner, Vinny, went through a difficult divorce that left him unable to handle anything at work or at home. The bar was on the edge of bankruptcy and wasn't able to get over the hump. Taffer had to work with Vinny to reignite his passion for the business and develop new systems to enhance the customer experience. With a fresh lease on life, Vinny was able to take on the job again, but Taffer wants to make sure that he is still running Above Water effectively.

In the episode, Taffer will observe how Brick and Barley are faring. He'll use secret shoppers to provide updates on the bar's current state and decide whether the owners are following operation manuals properly. Taffer will also be guiding the staff in various areas, such as cocktails, kitchen management, and customer service. As the show progresses, it will show whether he is happy with the improvements or if there are more steps to be taken to get the bar back on track.

With Above Water, Jon Taffer will be helping Vinny by providing more comprehensive training to the staff to ensure that it can meet the expected service level and then brings in additional customers. He will also provide a new marketing plan that can reignite the local's enthusiasm for the bar. Overall, Jon Taffer is committed to helping Vinny overcome the personal struggles that led to his bar's near-collapse, and the episode is expected to show this progress.

Throughout the episode "Back To The Bar: Brick & Barley Above Water," Taffer will demonstrate the importance of sticking to required training and operations manuals, fostering teamwork, incorporating fresh ideas, and reviewing progress continuously. This episode exemplifies how difficult but essential it is to turn around a troubled bar. Brick and Barley and Above Water are just two samples of the many struggling bars that Taffer has helped over the years, giving viewers a glimpse of how a failing bar can be saved with the appropriate attitude adjustment and course correction.