Bar Rescue - Yvonne and I visit The Public House / Black Sheep

Mike Mercury · 09-02-2012, 2:40pm

last Sundays Bar Rescue show was about a bar in Cheviot Ohio, about 45 minutes drive. So Yvonne and I decided to visit this "reformed" bar out.

The principal owner was there and we got a chance to chat with him in detail about the Bar Rescue experience.

First; I have to comment about the food. IT WAS FANTASTIC !!! The bar owner kept John Taffer & Chef Brian Duffy's recipes. Yvonne had the Bratwurst Reuben; I took a few bites and it was absolutely scrumptious. It was the best tasting reuben I have ever had.

I ordered the Guinness Burger, with Guinness-braized onions and Irish Stout Cheddar;
yum... yum... yum !

Get this though; neither of us bought any alcohol !!! Though we thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
here is their new menu:
The Public House

interesting that some of the bars existing menu items were still on the new menu. Not everything from the bars past was thrown out. Since Yvonne and I were wanting to try some of the Chef Duffy items, we asked the waitress to point out which menu items were Duffy's recipes.

full episode here:
Bar Rescue | Nightlife Expert Jon Taffer Fixes Bars, Clubs | Spike | Broke Black Sheep | Season 2 | Free Full Episodes | Spike

Here are some of the behind-the-scenes info we found out:
*the application process to get the Bar Rescue "treatment" took six months; from the first written application - to when the crew showed up. One of the reasons the bar owner took out those expensive credit card company loans was to stay afloat during that six months.

*the shows crew totaled about 45 people total. The Black Sheep Pub (later to be renamed The Public House) had a downstairs party rental room; the production crew filled the entire with equipment.
space

*The trip to Ireland and the Guinness factory - didn't happen until 2 months later. Taffer said that they could of gone right then & there; and the trip would be two days total. But if the bar people were willing to go a few months later, they would make a week long trip out of it; and that's what they decided on. The cook didn't have a passport, and if they had gone immediately as shown, someone else would of had to go instead.

*The principal owner said that business was up a solid 20% right after the grand opening (back in late March of this year); and business is up an additional 200% since the show aired last Sunday. He knew that the 200% jump is temporary though... and will smooth-out in time. He seemed very gratefull about having the Bar Rescue'd.

The principle owner, Scott Scherpenberg, is a Captain on the Cheviot Fire Department. I work with police and fire/EMS people every day at work.... and they can develop BIG EGO's... especially if they are in a command position. I must say that Scott was an extremely nice guy. If he had an ego... he no longer does; apparently John Taffer can humble a guy out - pretty quick

.
Scott seems to be a great person; I'm certain the bar will do well.

I know we'll be back; not to drink.. but to have another chance at the great food ! We asked Scott to be in a picture with us; and he presented us with an official Guinness beer glass.

69camfrk · 09-02-2012, 2:52pm

Cool! Did you bring us any leftovers???? Sounds good!

99 pewtercoupe · 09-02-2012, 2:53pm

Cool. I watch that show from time to time.
If it takes 6 months from initial application I sometimes wonder how some of those places lasted that long

73sbVert · 09-02-2012, 3:05pm

Never heard of it, what is Bar Rescue'd?

Who is Taffer and Duffy? The hosts? The sponsors? If so, what qualifications do they have that justify somebody actually doing what they suggest?

ConstantChange · 09-02-2012, 3:08pm

I like watching Bar Rescue. Jon Taffer seems like a no bullshit kind of guy that knows what he's doing.

What amazes me is how crappy these places are initially. A little common sense would fix 50% of the problems. Keeping the place clean isn't rocket science. I also like how people with no business/bar/restaurant experience buy these places and think they can be successful.

I'd like to see them revisit these places in 3-5 years when the new wears off. I'd bet 75% of them will be right back where they started.

Allan · 09-02-2012, 3:11pm

Watch the show frequently. Of course I missed this episode. It appears Taffer knows his stuff.

Wonder what his background is.

ConstantChange · 09-02-2012, 3:11pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by 73sbVert

Never heard of it, what is Bar Rescue'd?

Who is Taffer and Duffy? The hosts? The sponsors? If so, what qualifications do they have that justify somebody actually doing what they suggest?

The show is called Bar Rescue and it's on Spike.
Bar Rescue | Nightlife Expert Jon Taffer Fixes Bars, Clubs | Spike

Taffer is the main guy who is the expert overseeing the entire project.

Duffy is a chef who Taffer brings in to fix things in the kitchen.

Bio for Jon Taffer...
"Jon Taffer is an internationally recognized, award-winning restaurant operator, owner and concept developer. He's a respected industry "voice" with nearly 30 years of hands-on experience. In January of 2010 he was appointed by Questex Media Group LLC the president of its Nightclub & Bar Media Group, which includes the Nightclub & Bar Convention and Trade Show, Nightclub & Bar magazine and related digital media products.

Taffer has an impressive background in the restaurant, bar and nightclub industries, and most recently served as chairman of Taffer Dynamics where he acts as a consultant and development adviser to the restaurants, nightclubs and hotels around the world."

Mike Mercury · 09-02-2012, 3:16pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by 73sbVert

Never heard of it, what is Bar Rescue'd?

it's one helluva show:
Bar Rescue | Nightlife Expert Jon Taffer Fixes Bars, Clubs | Spike

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wiki-pee

Bar Rescue is an American reality series that premiered on Spike TV on July 17, 2011. It stars Jon Taffer, a nightclub consultant, who offers his services to failing bars in hopes of turning their fortunes around.

The series is from The Biggest Loser producers JD Roth and Todd A. Nelson for 3 Ball Productions/Eyeworks US. Spike announced picking up ten episodes of Bar Rescue in January 2011. The show began shooting in April 2011. It was renewed on September 14, 2011 for a second season in the summer of 2012. Spike has announced a third season of 20 episodes to start in the first quarter of 2013.

Taffer is also the Predsident of the Nightclub & Bar Media Group.

He is confident; but for a reason. He does know which he speaks.

Season 1

1. Fallen Angels - Biker Bar Corona, California
2. Downey's and Out - Irish Pub Bar Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
3. Shabby Abbey - Legendary Chicago Abbey Pub and Music Theatre Chicago, Illinois
4. Beach Bummer - Irish Pub Redondo Beach, California
5. Swanky Troubles - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
6. The Blue Frog Sings The Blues - The Blue Frog 22, Chicago, Illinois
7. Bad to the Bone - Chicken Bone - Boston, MA
8. Chumps - Champs Burbank, CA
9. Bar Fight Canyon Inn
10. Hogtied Ham's - Angry Ham's Garage

Season 2

1. Yo-Ho-Ho and a Bottle of Dumb - Piratez Silver Spring, MD
2. Tiki Curse - The Bamboo Beach Tiki Bar
3. Murphy's Mess - J.A. Murphy's Pub Fells Point, Maryland
4. Mystique or Murder? - Mystique Lounge West Palm Beach, Florida
5. Bottomless Pit - The Olive Pit Orange,CA
6. Broke Black Sheep - Black Sheep Cheviot, Ohio
7. Weber's of Lies - 09/09/2012 will air

73sbVert · 09-02-2012, 3:33pm

That explains why I've never seen the show, don't really care for that whole format of "reality" shows.

Oh well. Glad you had fun Tim!

SteelCityBlue · 09-02-2012, 3:35pm

That would be neat to see. Thanks for the pics.

Jeff '79 · 09-02-2012, 3:37pm

We like that show.....

Allan · 09-02-2012, 8:05pm

Damn. that episode just played!

Friday is R8C day.

May have to stop on the back from BG, just to "donate" a few $$ to the "hosejockey."

Mike Mercury · 09-02-2012, 9:38pm

We really like this show !

I have done a lot of internet searching about it; here's some things of interest:

* the renovation budget limit is around $250k per location. That includes money spent on promotions, printing of new menus; donated items value, $250k max... or so - that's what I read on the internet...

* If you noticed, the show tends to "freshen-up" the bar - and doesn't move things around very much within the building. This is because they only have 4 days - and there's no time to get permits, and then pass inspections. That's why the work done to remodel is carefully chosen as to avoid having to get permits in the first place.
Only one episode so-far has there been permits required, and that was the Murphy's Mess - J.A. Murphy's Pub Fells Point, Maryland episode where the main floor beam was rotted. They spent an additional 10 days at that location.

*the applications are carefully screened to weed out bar owners that simply just want to get a free renovation. Applicants must show financial statements that prove the bar is near total failure.

Here's John Taffer discussing the episode:
Yo-Ho-Ho and a Bottle of Dumb - Piratez Silver Spring, MD

Quote:

"It was probably my most difficult episode, no question about it," Taffer said. "I was working with a bunch of people who'd rather starve and be pirates than make money and not be pirates. It was far from your typical business situation."

"Bar Rescue" host Jon Taffer has an important question about one of the D.C. area's most quirky businesses, an establishment that revolted against the Spike TV host's best make-over efforts.

"If you had a pirate concept that had failed for five years and had a new concept, would you go back to the concept that failed for five years or try something new? It defies logic that someone would go back to a concept just because they don't like the new name."

The second season of "Bar Rescue" startedwith an episode profiling Piratz Tavern, a pirate-themed bar on Georgia Avenue near Silver Spring's Red Line Metrorail station.

Viewers of the show witnessed a drastic renovation. What was once a pirate-themed tavern was transformed into the "Corporate" bar and grill. But not for long.

Soon after the filming was complete, the renovations and rebranding were tossed aside to let the pirates back in.

Taffer told The Huffington Post that he disagrees with the bar's decision to revert to its pirate roots.

"I think it defies logic. Whether one likes the asthetic or concept I created, there are certain logical, indisputable points that one can't argue with."

"I built them a business, and they wanted to go play in the sandbox," Taffer said. "I hope they have a great time playing pirates."

island14 · 09-03-2012, 1:14am

I wonder if your food was prepared by the show cook, or if the new cook will be able to keep the great quality you enjoyed.

island14 · 09-03-2012, 9:54am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Mercury

The Bar Rescue crew was there for 4 days - back in March.

that particular episode just aired August 26th.

If you haven't... check out the episode:
Tiki Curse - The Bamboo Beach Tiki Bar
I think you'll like it; and the one blonde (not the one that was fired) is extremely hawt !!

I would like to check it out, but only get two local channels on our TV here.

If it can been seen somehow on the net let me know K?

Mike Mercury · 09-03-2012, 10:04am

Quote:

Originally Posted by island14

I wonder if your food was prepared by the show cook, or if the new cook will be able to keep the great quality you enjoyed.

The Bar Rescue crew was there for 4-5 days total - back in March.

that particular episode just aired August 26th.

If you haven't... check out the episode:
Tiki Curse - The Bamboo Beach Tiki Bar
I think you'll like it; and the one blonde (not the one that was fired) is extremely hawt !!

Mike Mercury · 09-03-2012, 10:30am

Quote:

Originally Posted by island14

I would like to check it out, but only get two local channels on our TV here.

If it can been seen somehow on the net let me know K?

the cameras also show some ranking slims in bikinis

island14 · 09-03-2012, 10:30am

Found it on youtube..

Watching it now, thanks for the recommend.

I kinda like the chic wearing the dark lipstick that is hard to wash off your junk..

island14 · 09-03-2012, 10:36am

I don't think this is the show...

Mike Mercury · 09-03-2012, 11:28am

Quote:

Originally Posted by island14

I don't think this is the show...

Bar Rescue S:1 | Tiki Curse E:2 | AfterBuzz TV AfterShow - YouTube

that is an after-show discussion presentation. Apparently there is one after each new episode.

the full episodes are available online on Spike.com

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