In my most favorite Bar Rescue episode ever, Jon answers the question he says people most frequently ask him, “Are you as big an asshole as you come off on television?” with a resounding “no” and unveils his true colors as a seasoned consultant. In this very early episode, Jon has not yet embraced his crazy, and we can watch him showcase his genuine expertise in the industry as he works with the Looney family to revitalize their dual-venue pub and concert establishment, The Abbey, in Chicago. The episode showcases Jon’s professionalism and expertise while working with a well-established, family-owned business where the owners willingly take responsibility for their failings. This approach offers viewers a more documentary-like glimpse into the intricacies of revitalizing this struggling bar instead of the more typical chaos-laden story-telling present in later seasons.

The Looneys grapple with internal family tensions, particularly between brothers Pat, the former General Manager, and Tom Jr., who stepped into the role without prior experience. There is a moment where Tom Jr. attempts to bullshit Jon with excuses for his behavior, but Jon swiftly dismantles the façade and shuts it down. In an unusual twist, Pat rightfully has Jon’s back and calls his brother out as well.

In his book, The Power of Conflict, Jon asserts the more owners shirk accountability, the more confrontational he becomes. The dynamics in this episode demonstrate the opposite is also true. The more the Looneys embrace responsibility for their actions and openly acknowledge their failures, the more lenient and understanding Jon becomes. This gives us a broader view of Jon’s skills and highlights his nuanced approach to conflict resolution which transcends the expected confrontational style witnessed in most later episodes.

Amidst the comparatively weak familial tensions and Jon’s tempered demeanor, a couple moments stand out. Jon challenges Tom’s leadership by urging him to fire a wayward server, Peter, and Bridget Looney injects a little drama into the episode with her animated reactions to relatively nothing. She exclaims, “I am getting premature hot flashes, I am so excited” before the reveal, and then later screams in a fit of joyous rapture, “Oh my God! The fridge is gone!” At the end of the episode, Jon seems to lament that he originally thought this would be a tough rescue, but it wasn’t. Still, Jon is the G.O.A.T. of the hospitality industry, and we get to see him at his professional best. That alone is impressive TV.

I invite you to consider and share your answer in the Comments: What differences do you see in Jon’s approach to bar rescues over the years?