When Jon Taffer walked into a failing Las Vegas rock-themed joint called The Underworld Grill and Bar, he found a business losing thousands of dollars every month, plagued by poor management, toxic distrust between owners and staff, and soggy pizzas. Featured on Season 3 Episode 22 of Bar Rescue—originally aired in October 2013—the venue underwent a dramatic transformation into a post-apocalyptic zombie bar rebranded as The End. While the episode captured an inspiring turnaround, the long-term reality of the bar paints a different picture of what happened after the cameras stopped rolling.
The State of The Underworld Before Taffer
Musicians Jazz Bender and Kris Kaos purchased the horror-themed bar in 2011, hoping to blend a gritty rock aesthetic with a dedicated pizza menu. Instead, the business slid toward financial ruin. The venue suffered from severe operational flaws that made survival nearly impossible:
- Atmosphere and Decor: The interior looked like a cheap, year-round Halloween pop-up shop rather than an immersive destination.
- Menu Failures: Despite specializing in pizza, the kitchen produced soggy, unappetizing pies.
- Staff Friction: Owners monitored cash registers obsessively, creating an environment of mutual distrust where owners and employees openly accused each other of lying and theft.
- Inventory Issues: The bar lacked popular liquor brands and proper draft beer setups, while leaking profits through unrecorded giveaways.
By the time Taffer arrived, the business was bleeding roughly $2,500 a month and sat just weeks away from permanent closure.
The Makeover: Birth of The End
To overhaul the venue, Taffer brought in expert mixologist Russell Davis and pizza master Tony Gemignani. Following a chaotic stress test that exposed severe bottlenecks in service and drink preparation, Taffer confronted the owners about their management style and forced both sides to reconcile.
The 36-hour renovation completely scrapped the tired Underworld brand in favor of a high-concept post-apocalyptic zombie theme called The End. Upgrades included custom apocalyptic murals, a striking backlit exterior sign, professional point-of-sale systems, and streamlined signature cocktails like The Antidote and Lost Vegas. During the relaunch, sales surged and customer feedback turned overwhelmingly positive.
What Happened After Bar Rescue?
Shortly after the episode aired, the bar faced a major physical hurdle. Due to structural issues and roof damage at the original Decatur Boulevard location, the business relocated just around the block to a strip mall space on Spring Mountain Road.
Moving meant the owners lost the majority of Taffer’s structural interior renovations, though they retained the equipment and branding concept. For a time, the bar attempted to maintain the zombie theme, host karaoke nights, and capitalize on its Bar Rescue fame. However, over the next couple of years, local reviews noted a steady decline in atmosphere, with some patrons reporting that management toned down the zombie elements and struggled to maintain consistent crowds.
Is The End Bar Still Open Today?
No, The End is permanently closed. The bar officially shut its doors in early 2016, roughly two and a half years after its television debut. The closure stemmed from a combination of lease complications, the disruption caused by having to relocate shortly after the remodel, and the recurring challenge of sustaining profitability in Las Vegas's hyper-competitive nightlife market without sticking strictly to the operational disciplines taught on the show.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owned The Underworld Grill and Bar?
The bar was owned by former rock musicians Jazz Bender and Kris Kaos, who purchased the establishment in 2011.
What was the original name of the bar before Bar Rescue?
Before Jon Taffer renamed it The End, the business operated as The Underworld Grill and Bar.
Why did the bar relocate after the show?
The bar had to move from its original Decatur Boulevard address to Spring Mountain Road due to building issues, specifically a compromised roof, which forced them to abandon many of Taffer's physical renovations.
Where can I watch the original Bar Rescue episode?
The episode is titled "Jon of the Dead" (Season 3, Episode 22) and is available for streaming on platforms like Paramount+ or via major digital purchase storefronts.
