When Jon Taffer rolled into Las Vegas during season three of Bar Rescue, he targeted a failing heavy metal dive called The Underworld Grill and Bar. Run by musicians Jazz and Kris, the establishment was bleeding money, plagued by internal distrust, and failing to capture the lucrative local tourist market. Taffer's gamble involved rebranding the dark, unwelcoming venue into a post-apocalyptic, zombie-themed hotspot named The End. This deep dive unpacks what happened during that high-stakes episode, whether the gamble paid off, and the ultimate fate of the venue.
The Core Problems at The Underworld Grill and Bar
Before Taffer's intervention, The Underworld was suffering from classic hospitality failures. The owners didn't trust their staff, and the employees reciprocated that resentment. Operational systems were nonexistent: orders weren't written down properly, inventory management was a disaster, and popular items like draft beer and recognizable liquor brands were missing entirely.
- Management Friction: Owners kept a suffocating watch on workers, breeding active hostility.
- Operational Chaos: Bartenders struggled with basic pours, and the kitchen was entirely unorganized during peak rushes.
- Identity Crisis: A niche dark metal aesthetic failed to attract a broad enough crowd to sustain rent in Las Vegas.
The Transformation Into The End
Taffer brought in cocktail expert Russell Davis and pizza specialist Tony Gemignani to overhaul the menu and operational flow. During the stress test, the bar completely collapsed under the weight of customer demand, running out of glassware, change, and basic ingredients.
Recognizing that the original concept lacked broad appeal, Taffer implemented a radical re-branding strategy:
- The Rebrand: Changed the name from The Underworld Grill and Bar to The End, leaning into an apocalyptic, zombie-themed identity that fit Las Vegas's appetite for experiential entertainment.
- Atmosphere Upgrades: Installed eye-catching exterior backlighting to draw traffic from the street, alongside post-apocalyptic murals and unique prop elements.
- Process Restructuring: Introduced modern POS systems, streamlined drink recipes, and high-quality cheese for elevated pizza offerings.
Did The Gamble Pay Off Long-Term?
The immediate post-rescue phase showed immense promise. Crowds packed the venue during the grand reopening, impressed by the fast service and immersive theme. However, sustaining momentum in the brutal Las Vegas hospitality market requires rigorous consistency—something the owners struggled to maintain.
Shortly after the episode aired, property lease complications forced the business to relocate to a nearby space on Spring Mountain Road. While they retained some equipment, the move stripped away many of the structural build-outs and custom physical elements provided by the show. Over the following months, customer reviews noted a decline in atmosphere, citing generic pop music over rock playlists, inconsistent staffing, and a fading commitment to the zombie theme.
Permanent Closure
Despite the initial lifeline provided by spike TV, internal operational slip-ups and external pressures caught up with the business. The End officially closed its doors for good. The closure cemented a common lesson from the series: external interventions and creative themes can spark a temporary renaissance, but long-term survival depends entirely on disciplined, day-to-day management.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was The End originally called on Bar Rescue?
The bar originally operated under the name The Underworld Grill and Bar before Jon Taffer changed it.
Why did the bar have to relocate?
Issues with the original building's lease forced the owners to move to a new suite down the road shortly after production wrapped.
Is The End still open today?
No. The bar permanently closed its doors and is no longer in business.
Who were the experts featured in this episode?
Jon Taffer brought in mixologist Russell Davis and pizza expert Tony Gemignani to overhaul the venue's food and beverage programs.
