Bar Rescue Star Jon Taffer’s Refusal to Accept That He’d “Never Be on TV”

My guy Jon Taffer took the time to sit with me and share some amazing behind-the-scenes insights into what makes the best restaurants or bar experiences (trust me, you’ll be thinking through his strategies anytime you step into an establishment now) and how he established himself in the hospitality industry.

Key Takeaways:

The moment he honed in on was one that too many of us can relate to - being told we’ll never be able to do what we say we want to accomplish. But the way he responded both in his words and his actions is so powerful and something everyone needs to take into account next time they hit a wall.

Jon also got candid about how prominent dishonesty is in his line of work and how he handles stealing and disingenuous employees. It’s not all negative in hospitality, though - Jon actually has the only patent related to music in restaurants, and the science behind how he curates every single restaurant and bar experience for his patrons is such an interesting reveal into how strategic the things we often overlook in a restaurant actually are.

Tune in to an all new episode of That Moment with Daymond John wherever you listen to your podcasts to learn the mindset you need to adopt when someone rejects your dreams, the ways to deal with dishonesty, and becoming an established leader in your field.

Who is Jon Taffer?

Today’s guest might be responsible for some of your favorite bars, hotels, and restaurants - I sat with TV personality, bestselling author, business consultant, and creator, executive products, & star of Bar Rescue Jon Taffer!

After establishing himself in the hospitality industry with roles like managing the iconic Troubadour, Jon pursued a career opportunity that would let him put his skills to use for others. Bar Rescue is in its 8th season on the Paramount Network with over 900 million viewers across its run and focuses on Jon as he saves failing bars from closing through his guidance and strategic oversight. Jon is also the creator of Taffer’s Tavern, a casual dining franchise that first opened in October 2020.

Most recently, Jon launched Taffer’s Browned Butter Bourbon, a rich whiskey with notes of vanilla and toffee. He also recently competed against chef Robert Irvine in a three-episode series Restaurant Rivals: Irvine vs. Taffer to help struggling restaurant owners become profitable. His author accomplishments include his books Don’t Bullshit Yourself, Raise the Bar, and The Power of Conflict. While handling all of these endeavors, he also runs Taffer Dynamics, his business operations firm whose clients include the NFL, Anheuser-Busch, Ritz-Carlton, Marriott, Buffalo Wild Wings, and others.

Jon is an incredible businessman with a no-holds-barred attitude that all listeners can learn from.