Friday, October 11, 2019

[EXCLUSIVE] Bar Rescue Star to Launch New Concept Taffer's Tavern in Alpharetta

In case you missed the news earlier this spring, Jon Taffer, host of Paramount Network's Bar Rescue, is launching his own chain of restaurants.  Taffer's Tavern, which promises to be a "groundbreaking concept," will launch next summer in metro Atlanta.  Hemant Suri of Five Guys Taverns, LLC signed a five unit development deal with Fransmart, a franchise development company, to expand the budding brand in metro Atlanta.

“Taffer’s Tavern is my solution to the inefficiencies and pain points associated with the restaurant industry that I have witnessed over the years,” said Taffer in a release announcing the deal with Five Guys Taverns, LLC. “By reimagining traditional operations and eliminating the need for costly hood and ventilation systems, Taffer’s Tavern will disrupt the industry, enable franchisees to maximize their investment and deliver a first-rate dining experience. Georgia is a prime market for the first Taffer’s Tavern concept and I look forward to working with Five Guys Taverns, LLC to bring my vision to Atlanta – and beyond.”

Well placed sources tell ToNeTo Atlanta that the first local outpost of Taffer's Tavern will open at 33 Main Street in Downtown Alpharetta.  The restaurant will be 2,500 square feet and be located across from the new Alpharetta City Center.

“Taffer’s Tavern is a smart, new casual concept poised to address the multiple pain points that I see frequently across the industry,” Taffer said. “Our vision is to create exciting, first-rate menu items in a setting that doesn’t require a traditional range hood and ventilation system, which allows for tremendous versatility in scouting preferred locations and streamlining restaurant operations."

Bar Rescue, which premiered in 2011, is currently in its seventh season.  To date, the show has featured just one Georgia restaurant, Tucker's Barlow's, during season 3 in 2013.  The restaurant, which Taffer renamed "Comeback Bar & Grill," closed in late 2017. 

A native of Great Neck, New York, Jon Taffer currently lives in Las Vegas, and after working in various bars and restaurants, has built a career out of "saving" failing establishments.  Taffer's Tavern is the byproduct of his decades of experience managing and consulting on businesses owned by others.

Suri, who is also expanding the Indian quick-serve franchise Curry Up Now in metro Atlanta, previously owned Midtown Tavern on Piedmont Avenue in Midtown.  Suri opened the first of his five planned Curry Up Now locations this past July in Decatur with plans to open later this year at Madison Yards in Reynoldstown and next year at The Interlock in West Midtown.

The release announcing the concept indicates that Taffer, along with Fransmart, are seeking experienced franchisees to bring the Taffer’s Tavern concept to the 50 largest media markets throughout North America, with a priority focus in Las Vegas, Washington D.C., and similar trade areas.  It's unclear if Atlanta was chosen to be first or if Suri simply was the first to pull the trigger.  

Taffer has a knack for simplifying processes and increasing profitability.  He is credited with conceptualizing the NFL Sunday Ticket programming package and often features NFL players in episodes of Bar Rescue.  It will be interesting to see how he is able to leverage his relationships to position Taffer's Tavern for success.  His connection to the concept alone adds a certain bit of celebrity to the tavern, but those looking to see him yelling at owners and staff may be disappointed.  

Are you a fan of Bar Rescue?  Do you think Taffer's Tavern will find success in metro Atlanta and beyond?  If you are looking forward to Taffer's Tavern, where else would you like to see them open?

Please share your thoughts below  

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Jon Taffer is a clown.

Anonymous said...

This will be interesting. He knows the business very well and has been an innovator. His persona on the show is obviously exaggerated to drive interest and viewers. Can’t wait to check out the restaurant to see if it is managed well or will just be normal and drive traffic due to his brand.

Anonymous said...

Will it be next door to Smokejack, as the photo implies?

Anonymous said...

I really hope that there is a butt funnel!!!

Unknown said...

Would love to see one in Little Rock or Hot Springs National Park Arkansas!!!

Anonymous said...

The salient detail being "first-rate menu items in a setting that doesn’t require a traditional range hood and ventilation system". Hmmmm.... first rate menu items and no traditional cooking appliances? Smells like frozen food to me as he has showcased that Turbochef machine that heats up frozen food. I'll pass.

Unknown said...

Jon I have a location in Cochrane, WI that we can franchise into a Taffer Tavern. The area around here needs a destination venue to add glitz to this dying village of 450.

Unknown said...

This is the right thing to do. To many bar owners don't get it right. Just looking for the easy buck and forgetting about their customers. Food and drink menus nerd improvement. Also good for NFL customers. Mr Dyer, Florida.

Anonymous said...

Interesting quotes. Seems more like a push to change the industry with different ventilation equipment than having a restaurant brand with longevity.

Wanting to be in all major markets make me think this is more about being a showroom for restaurant equipment over a place interested in attracting actual customers.

215Qdeezy said...

Hopefully it doesn't end up like his first business, that is collapsing causing a lot of injury and even death!

Unknown said...

This is exciting news! Jon Taffer is a quintessential expert in his field. I wish him all thethe succ in the world.

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