Crowne Irish Pub (The Forge): Bar Rescue's Brandon, FL Failure? [Update]

Prof. Sylvia Flatley 21 May 2025

Ever wonder if a television makeover can truly save a struggling business? The story of The Forge, later known as Crowne Irish Pub, offers a sobering glimpse into the realities of bar rescue and the challenges of the hospitality industry.

Located in Tampa/Brandon, Florida, The Forge was featured on Season 8 of the popular television show "Bar Rescue." The episode, intended to revitalize the establishment, aired in May 2022, although the actual filming with Jon Taffer and his crew took place in March of the same year. The bar, owned by Patrick and Mariely Crowne, had initially found success after opening in 2019. However, like many businesses, the COVID-19 pandemic dealt a significant blow to its financial stability. Hoping to turn things around, the Crownes sought assistance from "Bar Rescue." During the makeover, Jon Taffer decided to rebrand the bar, changing its name from Forge Irish Pub to Crowne Irish Pub. The transformation included a revamped interior, designed to evoke a modern Irish pub atmosphere. Wood detailing, a green color scheme, and a stained-glass window featuring Patricks family crest were all incorporated to enhance the ambiance. The bar also received new equipment, including a Manitowoc ice machine, a SkyTab POS system, a subscription to Partender, and a PathSpot device. Kim, presumably a member of the kitchen staff, even received a new chefs jacket. Despite these efforts, Crowne Irish Pub ultimately closed its doors in July 2022, just a few months after its "Bar Rescue" episode aired.

Category	Information
Bar Name (Original)	The Forge Irish Pub
Bar Name (After Rescue)	Crowne Irish Pub
Location	Tampa/Brandon, Florida
Owners	Patrick and Mariely Crowne
Opening Year	2019
"Bar Rescue" Episode	Season 8 (aired May 2022, filmed March 2022)
Closing Date	July 2022
Key Changes from "Bar Rescue"	Name change, interior redesign, new equipment (ice machine, POS system, etc.)
Reference Website	Paramount Network - Bar Rescue

The closure was announced on the bars Facebook page with a message expressing gratitude to past and present patrons. The post did not elaborate on the specific reasons for the closure, but the short timeframe between the episode airing and the bar shutting down suggests that the "Bar Rescue" intervention was ultimately unsuccessful in achieving a sustainable turnaround.

Crowne Irish Pub's story is documented by "Bar Rescue Updates," a website dedicated to tracking the fates of bars featured on the show. This resource provides detailed updates on whether these establishments remain open or have closed. Reviews of Crowne Irish Pub after the "Bar Rescue" makeover were reportedly mixed. Some customers appreciated the updated decor and the attempts to improve the menu and service, while others remained critical. The closure of Crowne Irish Pub adds to the growing list of "Bar Rescue" transformations that have failed to achieve long-term success. While the show aims to provide struggling bars with the tools and expertise they need to survive, various factors can contribute to their ultimate demise, including pre-existing debt, management issues, market conditions, and the challenge of sustaining the initial boost in business that often follows a television appearance.

As of 2025, Jon Taffer has visited 27 bars in Florida as part of "Bar Rescue." While some of these establishments have thrived after their makeovers, others have faced similar challenges to Crowne Irish Pub, ultimately leading to their closure. The story of The Forge/Crowne Irish Pub serves as a reminder that even with the assistance of a high-profile television show, turning around a struggling bar is a complex and difficult undertaking. The bar and restaurant industry is notoriously competitive, and success requires more than just a new name, a fresh coat of paint, and updated equipment.

Other Irish pubs exist in Florida, and even elsewhere, that strive for success. For example, Grafton Street Pub & Crown Alley is located in Lake Mary, Florida. This relaxed Irish restaurant and pub aims to serve the Lake Mary community with a fun lifestyle, offering a large patio with two bars. They focus on local musicians, a bright sign, a social media presence, word of mouth, and authentic Irish recipes as key ingredients to success. Similarly, consider the broader landscape of Irish pubs around the world. In Trapani, Italy, there's the Irish Pub The Rose'n Crown Trapani, a historical locale known for its cultural impact on the city's nightlife since the mid-1990s. Closer to the UK, one finds establishments such as a grade II listed Victorian building on Cricklewood Broadway, first built by the architects Shoebridge & Rising in 1899. This pub is now a part of the reputed London regional inventory of historic pubs.

The story of Crowne Irish Pub highlights the difficulties inherent in the bar and restaurant industry and raises questions about the long-term effectiveness of reality television interventions. While "Bar Rescue" can provide a temporary boost and valuable insights, lasting success depends on a multitude of factors, including strong management, a solid business plan, and the ability to adapt to changing market conditions.

Beyond the story of Crowne Irish Pub, the broader context of "Bar Rescue" and its impact on the hospitality industry warrants further examination. The show, while entertaining, presents a highly condensed and often dramatized version of the challenges faced by struggling bar owners. The transformations depicted on the show typically involve not only cosmetic changes but also significant overhauls of the menu, staff training, and overall business strategy.

One of the key elements of Jon Taffer's approach is his emphasis on creating a unique and compelling concept for each bar. This often involves identifying a specific target audience and tailoring the bar's offerings and atmosphere to appeal to that demographic. In the case of The Forge/Crowne Irish Pub, the Irish theme was intended to capitalize on the popularity of Irish pubs and create a distinct identity for the establishment. However, simply adopting an Irish theme is not enough to guarantee success. A successful Irish pub needs to offer an authentic experience, with a well-curated selection of Irish beers and whiskeys, traditional Irish dishes, and live music that reflects the culture.

Another important aspect of Taffer's approach is his focus on efficiency and profitability. He often implements changes to streamline operations, reduce waste, and increase revenue. This can involve anything from redesigning the bar layout to optimize workflow to implementing new inventory management systems to track costs and prevent theft. However, these changes can be difficult to implement and sustain, especially if the bar's staff is resistant to change or lacks the necessary training. Furthermore, simply cutting costs is not always the best strategy for long-term success. A bar needs to invest in quality ingredients, skilled staff, and effective marketing to attract and retain customers.

The story of Packy's Pub, which was renamed Campbell's Irish Pub and closed in April 2022 after being sold, provides another perspective on the challenges of running a bar. The fact that it was put up for sale for $350,000 in December 2017 and sold in April 2022 highlights the financial pressures that many bar owners face. The bar and restaurant industry is characterized by high startup costs, low profit margins, and intense competition. Many bars struggle to generate enough revenue to cover their expenses and pay off their debts.

In contrast to struggling establishments, some bars manage to achieve remarkable success. The Heart & Crown, for example, boasts 30 years of live music, amazing food, and a vast selection of local and international beers and spirits. This longevity suggests that the bar has found a winning formula and is able to consistently deliver a positive experience for its customers. The key to success for bars like The Heart & Crown often lies in a combination of factors, including a strong brand identity, a loyal customer base, and a commitment to quality and service.

Other pubs like Canyon's Crown Restaurant & Pub create inviting environments for sports fans, encouraging patrons to watch their favorite teams on numerous TVs throughout the bar. This focus on creating a sense of community and shared experience can be a powerful draw for customers, particularly during major sporting events. Delicious draft beer, whiskey or ale are essential to create an experience, but these additions are not the sole factor. A romantic atmosphere with live music can also play a key role for establishing regular customers, as these elements can appeal to a broad range of tastes.

Ultimately, the success or failure of a bar depends on a complex interplay of factors, many of which are beyond the control of the owners. Economic conditions, changing consumer preferences, and unforeseen events like pandemics can all have a significant impact on a bar's financial performance. While "Bar Rescue" can offer valuable assistance and guidance, it is not a magic bullet. The bars that thrive in the long run are those that are able to adapt to change, innovate, and consistently deliver a high-quality experience for their customers. Thanks to a sales member at Q105, MJ was able to contact the owner of the Crowne Irish Pub on Tuesday.

For those interested in exploring the world of "Bar Rescue" further, there are numerous resources available online. "Bar Rescue Updates" provides comprehensive information on the fates of bars featured on the show. Additionally, many of the bars that have appeared on "Bar Rescue" maintain active social media presences, allowing customers to stay up-to-date on their latest news and events.

While some former "Bar Rescue" establishments have struggled, there are instances where the show's intervention has led to lasting success. Three bars formerly known as AJs on the River (now Jerrys Dockside), The Forge (now the Crowne Irish Pub), and Jimmys (now JF Kicks) all received help from "Bar Rescue," but their fates have diverged. The contrasting outcomes underscore the unpredictable nature of the bar and restaurant industry and the many factors that can influence a bar's long-term viability. According to the guests' opinions, waiters might serve good lemonade, but this is ultimately a secondary element. The primary success drivers remain consistent quality in food and drinks, combined with excellent customer service.

Menu information for the Crowne Irish Pub can be found online, offering insights into the types of dishes and drinks that were available. User-generated content, such as menus added by users on various dates, provides a snapshot of the bar's offerings at different points in time. These details, while seemingly minor, can contribute to a more complete understanding of the bar's history and its attempts to adapt to changing customer preferences.

Searching for a comprehensive list of all the "Bar Rescue" Florida episodes can be a valuable exercise for those interested in learning more about the show's impact on the state's hospitality industry. As of 2025, Jon Taffer has visited 27 bars in Florida, and each episode offers a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities faced by bar owners. This post aims to list every single Florida "Bar Rescue" episode and share an update for each bar, including whether or not its still open in 2025.

Business after "Bar Rescue" had improved 74%. This statistic, while promising, should be interpreted with caution. While a 74% improvement in business is undoubtedly a positive sign, it does not necessarily guarantee long-term success. The initial boost in business that often follows a "Bar Rescue" appearance can be difficult to sustain, and many bars struggle to maintain that level of growth over time. Its important to note that the mentioned pubs are not located at 6958 east tanque verde road , tucson.

Crowne Irish Pub Bar Rescue Update (The Forge) Still Open Today?

Menu of The Crowne Irish Pub in Brandon, FL 33511

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Crowne Irish Pub (The Forge): Bar Rescue's Brandon, FL Failure? [Update]

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