Latest news with #Taffer
Miami Herald
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
One-of-a-kind brewery, taprooms closing, no bankruptcy
If you watch "Bar Rescue," the Paramount Network show hosted by veteran bar operator John Taffer, you learn a few things very quickly. First, a lot of people open bars who have no business opening bars. Maybe they always dreamed of operating a bar, or just really like drinking in bars. But most of them never appear to have read a book on bar operation, Googled "how to run a bar," or even watched a few episodes of "Bar Rescue." Related: Starbucks unveils huge store updates amid turnaround plan What Taffer also teaches is that the more specialized you make your bar, the more you limit your clientele. In a crowded market, it might make sense to offer a market-appropriate concept that doesn't yet exist but that serves the market well. In most cases, however, a specific concept can limit your business. A full-on sports bar, for example, suffers on the nights and weekends when there's not major sports to watch. One of the most famous "Bar Rescue" episodes featured Taffer visiting a Pirate Bar. They dressed as pirates, served grog, and had the full over-the-top theme, despite being in a business district. The only people who enjoyed the bar worked there, and it was the wrong concept for probably anywhere, but certainly for where it was. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter Taffer gave the place a makeover, and it seemed poised for success. The owners, however, seemed more into having their own fun than running a successful business, and they turned it back into a pirate bar soon after. That's often the case with heavily themed bars on "Bar Rescue," but not with one popular group of taprooms and an associated brewery. TRVE was the rare bar that had a specialized concept, but was also incredibly welcoming. The company was built around the owner's love for beer and heavy metal, but not at the expense of alienating non-metal fans. The Denver location, for example, hosted a weekly game night. "Every Tuesday we're stoked to host anyone who wants to roll dice, sling spells, allocate resources, or get a crescent wrench out of an incredibly sensitive (and apparently non-anaesthetized) patient. Call your pals, bring your games, and treat yourself to some hot chicken and cold beer," the taproom and brewery chain shared on its website. Owner and founder Nick Nunns shared his mission when he opened in an Instagram post. More bankruptcy: Iconic auto repair chain franchise files Chapter 11 bankruptcyPopular beer brand closes down and files Chapter 7 bankruptcyPopular vodka and gin brand files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy "In 2011, with a mediocre business plan, no professional brewing experience, and way less money than I needed, I opened TRVE with no grander machinations than making some good beer and listening to the music I liked," he wrote. The Asheville location of TRVE also hosted a game night, and both locations had a busy calendar that was not just heavy metal-driven. Nunns shared the surprising decision to shut down in the same July 4 Instagram post. "It is with a heavy heart that I'm announcing that this is the end for the TRVE taprooms. It hasn't been an easy choice, but this brewery has run its course, and for a huge number of reasons, it's the right time to send this thing off into the lake trailed by a fiery arrow," he wrote. Nunns made sure to thank the many people who helped on his nearly 15-year journey. "I cannot have done any of this alone; my sincerest and deepest thanks to everyone who made their indelible marks on TRVE. From the maniacs in the brewery to the masochists behind the bar, you were all such an immense part of why this place was what it was. I always wanted so much more for you all," he added. The founder and owner also saluted his regulars. "Equal thanks go out to all the patrons who called this place home. Heavy Metal Cheers it certainly was. Y'all kept the lights on, hell or high water," he added. The company's taprooms will close July 12, but the fate of its beer-making operation, which operates out of New Image Brewing, remains unclear. The news, however, does not appear to be good. "I constantly say that our beer got good when I stopped making it. So much of our notoriety is largely thanks to Zach, who truly made our beer program what it is today. I am so sad that we are having to do this when the beer coming out of Asheville is some of the best you've made in your career. I hope your continued quest for perfection in your art never ends," Nunns added. Fans of TRVE were devastated by the news. "There would be no Blood Of Gods without the spirit and inspiration of TRVE to lead the way. The joy in celebrating craft and creativity reverberates through eternity," wrote BloodofGodZine, a magazine TRVE supported. Related: Popular restaurant chain closes all locations, no bankruptcy InnovationBeer gave the TRVE brand a proper send-off. "I remember visiting the Denver location with my teenage sister and 70-something dad, cool it was for me to watch both ends of the age & otherwise spectrum enjoy the environment there. How I love(d) your beer and your bartenders so much," it posted. The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'Bar Rescue' Star Jon Taffer Files $50,000 Lawsuit
Jon Taffer is known for his brutal takedowns of bar and restaurant owners on reality television, but his next target is certainly more personal. According to documents obtained by TMZ, Taffer and his lawyer Bradford Cohen are suing a Florida-based man named Vic Caroleo. Taffer and Cohen say Caroleo has traveled around the state impersonating the "Bar Rescue" star since 2017. Taffer filed a lawsuit against Caroleo for the same behavior last year, but the man has refused to drop the act. To make matters worse, Taffer says that Cohen has performed "sexually inappropriate and abusive acts against women" while assuming Taffer's identity. A woman allegedly retained counsel in 2020 claiming that Taffer sexually assaulted her, and after "tens of thousands of dollars in expenses," Caroleo was confirmed to be the offender. Taffer says another woman approached him last year, informing him that Caroleo was impersonating him again. The woman says Caroleo had fake credit cards made to "prove" that he was actually Taffer and gain the trust of potential victims. Caroleo initially agreed to stop impersonating Taffer last year, but it appears that stronger legal action is needed. Taffer is now seeking $50,000 in damages, and he is seeking the assistance of Collier County, Florida in the matter. In the filing, Cohen says that Caroleo "continued to expose Mr. Taffer to ridicule and shame, causing substantial and irreparable damage to Mr. Taffer's personal and professional reputation, and violated his rights, including his right to control his name and likeness." Taffer rose to prominence after "Bar Rescue" premiered in 2011. The show follows Taffer - a former consultant in the food and beverage industry - as he travels to bars and restaurants around the country. Taffer usually gives the owners of the failing establishments he visits ways to improve, and his reactions to employees and owners are the backbone of the show. The show continues to air on the Paramount Network to this day, and Taffer has opened a chain of restaurants bearing his name around the country. We'll see if the latest lawsuit prevents Taffer from being impersonated after repeated attempts to stop Caroleo's efforts. 'Bar Rescue' Star Jon Taffer Files $50,000 Lawsuit first appeared on Men's Journal on May 22, 2025
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Craveworthy Brands and Taffer's Tavern link for growth opportunities
American TV star Jon Taffer has entered a joint venture with Craveworthy Brands for national expansion of his full-service pub franchise, Taffer's Tavern. The collaboration aims to combine Craveworthy's capabilities in restaurant growth with Taffer's footprint in the market to enhance brand experience and unlock new growth opportunities. The partnership will leverage Craveworthy's diverse portfolio, which includes 17 brands and recent additions such as Shaquille O'Neal's Big Chicken and Ndamukong Suh's Kinnamōns. Craveworthy CEO and founder Gregg Majewski stated: "When you meet people who care as deeply about hospitality as you do, you know there's something meaningful cooking. We believe great operations are at the core of Craveworthy's success and when it comes to top-tier operators in this space, no one stands out more than Jon Taffer. "We're proud to welcome a brand that shares our passion and commitment to cultivating the best-in-class restaurants, paired with a modern approach to growth. That's what drives us, and that's why this feels like such a natural fit." Taffer's Tavern brings its blend of old-world pub and modern dining experience, featuring a "fast-craft" cocktail programme and a selection of local and national liquors. Guests can expect a floor-to-ceiling bar, offering local beer options and a wine programme. Craveworthy is set to enhance the brand's restaurant operations and scale its national presence through a franchise programme. This presents an option for experienced restaurant operators and entrepreneurs eager to enter the sector, backed by advanced systems, technology and a business model. Jon Taffer stated: "After more than 40 years and hundreds of concepts, I created Taffer's Tavern to connect with people at a deeper level — through food, beverage and environment. That's why partnering with Craveworthy makes so much sense. We share a passion for great food and beverage, exceptional service and building systems that truly work for operators. "With their support and creativity behind us, Taffer's Tavern is positioned to grow faster, smarter, and with the kind of integrity that defines a world-class brand. My entire career has been built on empowering operators to deliver unforgettable experiences to their guests — and that's exactly what this partnership is all about." The joint venture follows Craveworthy Brands' previous strategic move in November 2024, when it partnered New Summit Capital Advisors to form Global Taste Brands. "Craveworthy Brands and Taffer's Tavern link for growth opportunities" was originally created and published by Verdict Food Service, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
New York Post
10-05-2025
- Business
- New York Post
It's ‘no question' that cannabis drinks are effecting alcohol sales, ‘Bar Rescue' host declares
A head-turning new trend is hitting bars across America, and it is likely to have a major impact on the spirits market, according to 'Bar Rescue' host Jon Taffer. Cannabis-infused drinks are gaining popularity as an alternative for consumers embracing an alcohol-free lifestyle, and although the effects on the market are too early to tell, Taffer asserts there is 'no question' it is shaking up the industry. Advertisement 'There's clearly a trend in that direction… And there's no question cannabis is affecting the spirits industry,' Taffer said Wednesday during an appearance on 'Varney & Co.' CBD-infused beverages are a steadily growing category. In 2021, cannabidiol products generated $5.3 billion and by 2026 are projected to increase to $16 billion, according to Statista. This year, the cannabis market in the U.S. is anticipated to exceed $45 billion. Advertisement However, Taffer noted an existing hurdle, spotlighting that many states do not permit the sale of alcohol and cannabis in the same environment. 'There's clearly a trend in that direction… And there's no question cannabis is affecting the spirits industry,' Jon Taffer, host of 'Bar Rescue,' says. Dasha Petrenko – Cannabis-infused drinks are gaining popularity, and challenging alcohol sales. Dasha Petrenko – Minnesota is one of the few states that currently allows the sale of hemp and low-dose THC beverages at breweries, and in some cases, even offers on-tap options. Advertisement California has taken a strict stance on beverages containing THC. The state's Department of Alcohol Beverage Control issued an industry advisory stating that alcohol-licensed businesses may not carry or sell hemp products. Despite the red tape, some celebrities have hopped into the market, including country music legend Willie Nelson.
