Embarking on the captivating journey of watching the first season of Bar Rescue episodes in consecutive order has been both enlightening and immensely enjoyable, especially since I have already seen all the episodes (except one) and have a strong understanding and appreciation of the show. Revisiting early episodes highlighted aspects of Jon and Bar Rescue that I had forgotten or missed or that were not originally important to me. Because this viewing was unique, I culled a list of personal favorites across various categories to showcase the elements that resonated with me most.

Favorite Quote: “Makes my work all worth it.”

Jon’s mission to turn around the fortunes of struggling bars is not just about business; it’s a heartfelt endeavor to change people’s lives for the better. His oft-stated sentiment at the end of episodes, “Makes my work all worth it,” encapsulates the essence of hope and potential that makes Bar Rescue a unique blend of entertainment and life improvement. As someone whose career also focuses on making a positive impact, I have a special connection to Jon’s commitment and the show’s overall message of transformation.

Favorite Episode: S1E7 “Bad to the Bone”

I think this episode is perfect for understanding Jon better because it highlights his wide-ranging disposition. This episode vividly showcases Jon’s adeptness in handling complex human dynamics and his ethical stance on business operations. The engaging confrontations with bar owner Bill over changing the name of The Chicken Bone and running an unsanitary kitchen reveal Jon’s unwavering resolve and his ability to enforce change, especially when his principles are involved. Jon casually reveals his high level of self-awareness when he openly admits to Bill that he can be “one aggressive asshole” when he wants to be. Then, he demonstrates an enormous amount of emotional maturity and grace by welcoming Bill’s apology and moving forward. Finally, we get to see Jon out on a field trip, trying to connect Bill to an entrepreneurial program, promote Samuel Adams, and create a real, personal connection with Bill, showcasing just how effective Jon can be at accomplishing multiple goals and mixing business and pleasure at the same time.

Favorite Descriptor: “Shit hole”

One of the big draws of the show for me originally—and still to this day—is Jon’s unwavering ability to not only assess the truth of what’s happening in a situation but also to speak forthrightly about it. Jon’s blunt assessment of failing establishments with terms like “shit hole” brings a raw and powerful imagery to my mind, effectively highlighting the dire states of these bars and the monumental task at hand in transforming them. Plus, there is something uncharacteristically exhilarating to me when I hear Jon try to wake up a negligent bar owner by calling their life-long dream a shit hole when it actually is.

Favorite Scene: “This guy’s a joke.”

The scene in S1E4: “Beach Bummer” where Carlos insults Jon’s expertise, calling him “a joke,” stands out to me. Jon’s professionalism in the face of disrespect showcases his commitment to the rescue process, underlining the challenges he faces in changing perceptions and turning bars around as well as his high level of self-esteem. Hearing Carlos say that hurt my heart, and I couldn’t believe Jon didn’t say a word, just kept on talking to Allie like a true professional who doesn’t take anything personally. I did not like Carlos at all, and his challenging of Jon’s expertise was so disrespectful it impelled me to want to fight. I cannot imagine having seen this episode when it originally aired and not really knowing much about Jon. Maybe it wouldn’t have had the same impact as it has now that my admiration is in full force and I’ve repeatedly seen every episode of Bar Rescue and Marriage Rescue, read all three of Jon’s books, and listened to around 90% of his podcasts and interviews? Naw. I still would have gotten defensive on Jon’s behalf and yelled “Fuck you, Carlos!” at my screen.

Favorite Employee: Matt the Cook, S1E5 “Swanky Troubles”

Matt was the cook for Swanky Bubbles, and his skepticism and departure from the bar rescue scene are a realistic portrayal of the resistance to change often encountered in Jon’s interventions. Matt’s experience represents the everyday challenges employees face when confronted with sudden, transformative expectations that they cannot buy into. He quits, and Jon tries to shame him into staying; but Matt has resolve, just like Jon, and on his way out the door, when Jon calls him a quitter, Matt brushes it off like a pro, just like Jon. Matt stands up for his principles, calls Jon out for shaming him, and leaves when the situation finally becomes untenable. In the short time he was on Bar Rescue, Matt reminded me of Jon, so for that reason, Matt was my favorite employee in Season One.

Favorite Owner: Renee Vicary, Angel’s Sports Bar/Racks Billiards and Bourbon

Renee’s professionalism and genuine concern for her establishment set her apart as an exemplary bar owner. Her willingness to accept and implement Jon’s advice, despite its difficulty, showcases her trust in Jon’s professional opinion. She turns the tables on him a little, too, by making him be the boss he said he was going to be for the five-day rescue and fire her GM Wayne because she couldn’t do it. I think she was the perfect choice of owners for the first episode because she was pleasant, engaged, and grateful. Her issues seemed to stem from burnout and lack of knowledge as opposed to drunk and unruly behavior, yet the show had enough drama to get me back—a perfectly fitting result for Jon.

Favorite Expert: Chefs Josh Capon and Brian Hill

Choosing my favorite expert from Season One was difficult. It is a tie between Chefs Josh Capon and Brian Hill. Both chefs bring a unique blend of personality, expertise, and professionalism to the show. Chef Capon is in several episodes, and I like his personality. He seems more jovial than most experts, which adds a nice counter to Jon’s no-nonsense and intense approach to everything. Chef Hill, however, gets on the list for the opposite reason. His personality reminds me of a slightly scaled back version of Jon. He’s intense, professional, knowledgeable, and a little scary.

Favorite Bar Science: 41 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit

The show’s exploration of bar science, especially regarding food safety and market demographics, is both educational and interesting. These segments provide viewers with a deeper understanding of the intricacies involved in owning and working at a successful bar. My favorite bar science information from this season was learning more about the effects of cold temperatures on food and beverages. Before Bar Rescue, the extent of my knowledge was knowing the correct temperatures to cook different proteins for them to be done the way I want and safe to eat. Now I know more about refrigeration to prevent bacteria and beer foam, which came in handy when I discovered my household refrigerator power was out and was able to check the inside thermometer to determine if the food was still cold and safe to eat.

Favorite Oddity: S1E7 “Bad to the Bone” Cab Arrival

Jon’s arrival at The Chicken Bone in a distinctive green and white cab had me in stitches. This is likely because I’ve repeatedly watched 200+ episodes of Bar Rescue, and Jon’s black reconnaissance SUV turned Command Center is iconic. Suddenly seeing Jon and Nicole in a cab in an empty and overgrown city parking lot across from a suburban bar adds a touch of humor and humanity to the show, reminding me of the humble beginnings and personal journeys that characterize everyone’s success, even Jon’s.

Favorite New Concept: “The Local”

The introduction of “The Local” as a new bar concept in S1E4: “The Blue Frog Sings the Blues” exemplifies Jon’s talent for revitalizing bars in a way that resonates with the local community, demonstrating a keen understanding of market needs and the essence of meaningful connection to the target audience. I had no idea about where Jon was going to take The Blue Frog so this concept surprised and delighted me. This is a bar I’d like to go to, and not just so I could smack Mimi, but so I could hang out in an upscale place with a homey feel.

Conclusion: Season One Favorites

I hope you have enjoyed reading about the aspects of Bar Rescue that were my favorites this season. I didn’t have a category that captured the fascination I had with the “early days” aspect of this season. Jon was fresh-faced, extremely professional, and centered around his principles, knowledge, and trust in himself and others to be successful. I was able to note the origins of many elements that eventually become staples of the show and some elements that are unique to this season and Bar Rescue as a whole. Most importantly, I was also able to note a plethora of new examples of Jon’s illustriousness, and that, in the words of my favorite hospitality expert, “makes my work all worth it.”

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I invite you to consider and share your answer in the Comments: What is your favorite aspect of Season One of Bar Rescue?