How The Federal Is Doing After Bar Rescue - Mashed (2024)

ByGabriela Izquierdo/

The aptly named Martini brothers called on "Bar Rescue" to help revive their struggling Youngstown, Ohio bar. Martini Brothers Burger Bar began as a sports bar and a relatively successful one at that. The second bar venture for the Martini brothers, Dan and Joey, went from making $60,000 a month to $600,000 in debt(via RealityTVRevisited). The brothers revealed to Jon Taffer that the burger bar was in disarray as their landlord Jacob, who has a stake in the business, wanted to turn it into an artistic hub.The bar-turned-art-gallery was on the brink of closing by the time Jon Taffer arrived on the scene in episode 32 of the 4th season entitled "Sour Lemons and Bitter Business" (via IMDb). With only six months left until they have to close, the Martini brothers are a little more than shaken.

For struggling drinking establishments to receive Taffer's expertise, they must adhere to aset of "Bar Rescue" rules. And, Taffer came to the Martini Brothers Burger Bar's rescue by transforming the wannabe art gallery with a confusing name into a sports bar with a simple moniker. The bar bucked the odds after Taffer worked his magic; it was renamed The Federal and still open to this day, judging by recent posts on their Facebook.

The Federal and fraud

However, it hasn't all been in great spirits. In 2015, the front-of-house manager and one-half of the bar brothers, Dan Martini, pleaded guilty to domestic fraud alongside three other residents of Valley, Ohio. At the time, it was the biggest case of domestic fraud on the popular e-commerce site, eBay (via WFMJ). The group of fraudsters Martini was in cahoots with swindling 25,000 people out of $2 million with phony autographed sports memorabilia. In a 2017 WFMJ update on the case, Martini pleaded guilty, was placed on probation, and sentenced to community service. Martini's involvement in the scheme played out by allowing his friend (Clifton Panezich) to use his eBay account afterPanezich had maxed out his own transactions.

Putting Dan Martini's fraud aside The Federal was ultimately a Jon Taffer and "Bar Rescue" triumph.However, some of the bars on the show were establishmentsthat Jon Taffer couldn't rescue.

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How The Federal Is Doing After Bar Rescue - Mashed (2024)

FAQs

Who pays for Bar Rescue remodels? ›

Taffer and his team go into each bar and completely remodel it, giving it new lighting, glassware, hardware — the works. But who pays for it all? According to Reality TV Updates, Taffer and his sponsors pay for the entire renovation. After that, "The TV network covers many of the high-level costs.

What is the most successful bar after Bar Rescue? ›

Spirits on Bourbon (New Orleans, LA): This bar saw a revenue increase of 300% after Jon Taffer's intervention, becoming a popular nightlife destination and receiving positive reviews for its atmosphere, drinks, and service.

Is the federal still open from Bar Rescue? ›

The bar bucked the odds after Taffer worked his magic; it was renamed The Federal and still open to this day, judging by recent posts on their Facebook.

What percentage of Bar Rescue bars actually make it? ›

While over 100 of them have remained afloat, 99 have shut their doors. That is an average success rate of 50%, which may not sound great, you have to consider that almost all of them would have certainly close had Jon not come to the rescue to keep them open and give them a fighting chance to succeed.

Does John Taffer get a percentage? ›

It is commonly believed that Taffer takes a percentage of the businesses he rescues; however, this is totally untrue. All renovations and improvements are paid for by sponsors, with no cost to the businesses.

Is the show Bar Rescue real or fake? ›

From allegations of encouraging bad behavior to dressing the set to appear dirtier, Bar Rescue is considerably more fake than viewers may think. Audiences want to see drama with employees and bar owners acting outlandish. Unfortunately, it isn't always reality.

How much does John Taffer charge for Bar Rescue? ›

In addition to the cost of renovations, Bar Rescue also pays for Jon Taffer's consulting fees. Taffer's fee is not publicly known, but it is estimated to be in the six-figure range. The average cost of a Bar Rescue renovation is around $100,000.

Do the bar owners pay for Bar Rescue? ›

Do you cover the cost of the renovations and upgrades or do the bar owners have to pay some of it back? My sponsors and I pay for everything. The owner doesn't pay one dime. We even leave them with food & beverage inventory, along with plates, silverware, glassware, and everything they need.

How many bars has Bar Rescue walked out on? ›

Of the bars featured, Taffer has left four without remodeling (O Face Bar, an intended re-rescue of Second Base Bar & Grill, Black Light District Rock and Roll Lounge, and Hideaway Bar & Grill) and one without a grand re-opening (The Dugout).

What episode of Bar Rescue was removed? ›

"Bar Rescue" Music City Mess (TV Episode 2013) - IMDb.

Why did the prime bar close? ›

The Primebar located in The Shops at Wiregrass had to stop serving food and close its doors on Monday, October 9 after inspectors found over 35 live and dead roaches throughout the kitchen including in the dish area, behind the ice machine, near the dish machine, bar entrance, under the bar top, inside the liquor ...

What is the best episode of Bar Rescue? ›

  • 8 Quick-Sandtown Rescue. ...
  • 7 Desi, You Got Some 'Splainin' To Do. ...
  • 6 Breaking Brandon. ...
  • 5 Things That Go Pahrump In The Night. ...
  • 4 A Commander And His Post. Season 8, Episode 8. ...
  • 3 Operation Puerto Rico. Season 6, Episode 15. ...
  • 2 Punch-Drunk & Trailor-Trashed. Season 3, Episode 31. ...
  • 1 Second Base Third Strike. Season 4, Episode 11.
Dec 4, 2023

Do people on Bar Rescue have to pay for the remodel? ›

Do you cover the cost of the renovations and upgrades or do the bar owners have to pay some of it back? My sponsors and I pay for everything. The owner doesn't pay one dime. We even leave them with food & beverage inventory, along with plates, silverware, glassware, and everything they need.

How much does Bar Rescue spend on renovations? ›

The average cost of a Bar Rescue renovation is around $100,000. However, the cost can vary depending on the size and location of the bar, as well as the extent of the renovations that are needed.

Who pays for renovation shows? ›

These policies are commonplace for HGTV home renovation shows. According to the network, "Homeowners have to come up with the money for the projects. While HGTV doesn't front the bill...the network does, at times, contribute construction funds to help enhance and speed up projects for television."

Who pays for the renovations on George to the rescue season? ›

“George to the Rescue” producers select “deserving people” for home renovations, pay for their lodging during construction, and film a reveal scene in which the family returns to their home to see the final product for the first time.

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