ORLANDO, Fla. — When Jon Taffer walks into your bar, you better be on your A-game. Otherwise, he’ll call you out and quickly show you why your business is failing.
Now, Orlando is getting the “Bar Rescue” star’s own restaurant concept.
1. Taffer’s Tavern is celebrating grand opening week at Pointe Orlando. Ahead of its official Oct. 15, 2025 launch, Spectrum News landed and exclusive with Taffer himself.
2. Taffer is a hospitality expert, with 40 years’ experience. He’s known as an entrepreneur and thought leader and, of course, the host of 9 seasons of Paramount Network’s “Bar Rescue.” “[It’s] making people smile,” Taffer said. “A great restaurant operator says ‘I’m doing this because I want that smile. I’m going to fight for that smile. I’m going to do all of this to create that smile. And if I don’t get that smile, it’s going to bother me so much that I’m going to design that drink 10 times until I do.’”
3. Taffer’s Tavern is designed with traditional Old World taverns in mind. His new Orlando tavern, the first in Florida, emphasizes “bold, elevated comfort food with a modern twist.” That means spirit-forward sauces that infuse classic dishes with innovative flavor.
4. He knows the science behind a successful bar and restaurant. That means layout, positioning, inventory accountability, cleanliness, proper management… you name it. “So let’s say I was single, you were single, and you’re sitting at the corner and I want to make eye contact with you. If there’s a dead end, I have to go and turn around and feel like an idiot.”
5. New and signature menu items include the Bourbon Burger ($17.95), Hangover Wings ($12.95), Whiskey Business Burger ($18.95), Salted Caramel Triple Chocolate Brownie (13.95). Taffer’s Tavern is located at 9101 International Dr #1204, Orlando.