In this Bar Rescue episode, Jon Taffer visits VFW Post 1689 in Jacksonville, Florida.
VFW Post 1689 was established in the 1920s.
It is one of the oldest VFW posts in the country.
The branch is run by Pete Lacomb, who has been an officer for 49 years.
He volunteered with his friend Jeff to run the post in 2023.
They had the aim of attracting younger veterans.
The place had been running at a loss and had struggled through the pandemic.
The place is too old and in shambles.
In its current state it won't attract the younger crowd.
They have everything on the line and need help.
Jon arrives with expert mixologist Derrick Turner and expert chef Anthony Lamas.
He gives them the low down of the post and introduces the volunteer managers.
Behind the bar is a massive space.
They are working with residential equipment in the kitchen and the food looks sad.
Two veterans who frequent VFW posts are sent in for recon and they order basic cocktails.
The bartender makes it very strong and the drink is too sweet.
The spies do not like the drinks but connect with the other marines quickly.
They soon find a bug in their drink and it has to be remade.
Jon points out all they need to do, then he talks with the post-commander Pete.
He has a productive conversation with them as they know what is wrong with the space itself.
No one mentions the lack of staff training.
Jon leaves to return in the morning and they are grateful Jon is there to help.
Jon returns and talks to a few of the members.
They tell Jon why they come but do not want to eat or drink.
They can see the poor state that the post is in.
Jon gets emotional promising to help them fix the place so Veterans have a place to go for support.
Jon meets with the staff , they are all volunteers and some are not even veterans.
Jon gives them feedback he heard from the members.
They all say they do not see the place as a fun place.
The experts are brought in and introduced.
Derrick trains the staff on the basics of making cocktails and making a classic martini.
Anthony Lamas talks them through making Tacos properly.
They have a Taco Tuesday that used to bring in customers.
The staff love the taste of the new drinks and the Tacos.
The members are brought in for the stress test.
All of the seats are occupied, which scares the volunteers at first.
Jon explains this stress test is not about the staff making money.
It is about getting training and practising their skills to get better.
They soon see the inefficiencies in the paper tickets, which slows the process.
The bartenders are advised to make drinks three at a time to be more efficient.
The fryers are not working properly so the food is taking too long, they need new ones.
Lots of orders have not been taken and there is a bottleneck at the POS system.
There is definitely an equipment problem and Jon shuts the bar down.
The experts talk with Jon and they agree on the equipment and process.
The staff also need more training.
The next morning, Derrick trains them on making a Manhattan.
Jon and his team clear out the space and discuss design changes to maximise the space.
They also talk about getting new bar and kitchen equipment.
Jons team work on the bar for two days.
They are soon gathered outside to unveil a new exterior.
It is brightly lit with a new mural.
Inside, they have a new paint job that gives it a better atmosphere.
There are new furnishings and equipment.
The difference is night and day.
Jon shows them that they have all the new bar products they would need.
There are new mixers, 2 new workstations and POS systems.
There is a new video and audio system, new bar and kitchen equipment.
They also have a new keg system and a new fire system.
There is a lot of new hardware and the staff are shocked but ecstatic.
The members are let in and cannot believe how nice it looks.
The volunteer bartenders are happy making drinks.
The kitchen is less of a mess with new equipment and the POS system giving correct tickets.
The customers love the food and drinks and the staff are quicker in service.
The bar celebrates with a cake.
What Happened Next at VFW Post 1689?
Six weeks later, sales have improved by 25% each month.
Hall rentals have increased dramatically.
The membership has risen by 10% over the past few months.
VFW Post 1689 is open.
Reviews are mostly positive.
The reviews highlight that the post has improved since being visited by Bar Rescue.
Click for more Bar Rescues
Previous episode - Los Cocos / Three Tides
Next episode - Gerri’s Sports Pub
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