‘Bar Rescue’ Has Been on a Roll Saving Several Wisconsin Bars

People who know me and faithful readers don't need an introduction on how much I love Jon Taffer and the long-running reality TV series Bar Rescue. Beyond the fascinating science of bar/restaurant management coupled with the hospitality industry as a whole, one of the best aspects of the series is that, with over 250 episodes, there's a good chance even a super-fan like myself hasn't seen whatever episode happens to be on TV.

Over the last year, I've not only gotten to chat with Jon Taffer personally, but also several of his hand-picked experts and luminaries, like Chef Ashish Alfred and Phil Wills. During our conversation, Taffer said he intends to return to states like Iowa, where he hasn't spent a great deal of time, and others in future seasons of Bar Rescue.

He's kept that promise because the new, ninth season of the hit Paramount Network show has had him frequenting multiple bars in Wisconsin!

Interlude II: Bar & Grill in Kenosha, WI (S9, E23):

The first stop Jon Taffer made while in Wisconsin (or at least the first one we got to see on the show) was a Kenosha bar known as Interlude II: Bar & Grill. Interlude II is a family-owned bar, and has been that way since 1965. When Taffer visited the Kenosha establishment, sales were severely slumping, service was lackluster, and everything from the interior to the menu options was dated.

Taffer and his team worked to give Interlude II a completely new makeover, and per TMJ4, the owners are saying that business has been solid since the episode premiered. Their next goal is focused on customer retention.

Check out Interlude II: Bar & Grill on Facebook.

Top Shelf Sports Bar & Grille in Fond Du Lac, WI (S9, 25):

Over the last year, since becoming friends with the legendary Don Gorske, I've spent some time in the quiet, idyllic town of Fond Du Lac, WI. From all that I've seen, it's a lovely community in which to live and raise a family. Of all places, it was a stop for Jon Taffer on Bar Rescue this season when he visited Top Shelf Sports Bar & Grille.

Special guest Donnie Wahlberg of Wahlburgers helped Taffer with recon for the episode. Top Shelf had multiple tribulations and setbacks when opening, including launching right in time for COVID-19 to shut down the hospitality industry, and the owners' son passing away from a car accident. Taffer helps pull the family together and revive the sluggish restaurant.

He changed the name to Blue Line Tavern, named after the city's local hockey rink, and gave the establishment a fresh start after multiple calamitous circumstances. Check out Blue Line Tavern on Facebook.

Daq Shack in Milwaukee, WI (S9, 27):

The last episode of Bar Rescue to air this past weekend (on March 23rd) was set at Daq Shack, a New Orleans-themed daquiri bar in Milwaukee, WI. The grungy interior, relatively cheap-looking setup, and lackadaisical service were all major critiques from Taffer and his respective team of experts.

They worked their Houdini-magic and rebranded the bar as Royal Street, an upscale establishment that offers customers cocktails like Sazerac and the Clarified Hurricane as well as signature dishes like authentic po' boys.

Check out Royal Street on Facebook.

With season nine of Bar Rescue still ongoing, time will tell if Jon Taffer pays a visit to anywhere else in Wisconsin, or perhaps nearby states like Iowa and Illinois. In the meantime, take a listen to my interview with Jon Taffer of Bar Rescue from 2024 below, and stream the show on Paramount+!