Latest news with #BarRescue
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'Bar Rescue' Star Jon Taffer Files $50,000 Lawsuit
Jon Taffer is known for his brutal takedowns of bar and restaurant owners on reality television, but his next target is certainly more personal. According to documents obtained by TMZ, Taffer and his lawyer Bradford Cohen are suing a Florida-based man named Vic Caroleo. Taffer and Cohen say Caroleo has traveled around the state impersonating the "Bar Rescue" star since 2017. Taffer filed a lawsuit against Caroleo for the same behavior last year, but the man has refused to drop the act. To make matters worse, Taffer says that Cohen has performed "sexually inappropriate and abusive acts against women" while assuming Taffer's identity. A woman allegedly retained counsel in 2020 claiming that Taffer sexually assaulted her, and after "tens of thousands of dollars in expenses," Caroleo was confirmed to be the offender. Taffer says another woman approached him last year, informing him that Caroleo was impersonating him again. The woman says Caroleo had fake credit cards made to "prove" that he was actually Taffer and gain the trust of potential victims. Caroleo initially agreed to stop impersonating Taffer last year, but it appears that stronger legal action is needed. Taffer is now seeking $50,000 in damages, and he is seeking the assistance of Collier County, Florida in the matter. In the filing, Cohen says that Caroleo "continued to expose Mr. Taffer to ridicule and shame, causing substantial and irreparable damage to Mr. Taffer's personal and professional reputation, and violated his rights, including his right to control his name and likeness." Taffer rose to prominence after "Bar Rescue" premiered in 2011. The show follows Taffer - a former consultant in the food and beverage industry - as he travels to bars and restaurants around the country. Taffer usually gives the owners of the failing establishments he visits ways to improve, and his reactions to employees and owners are the backbone of the show. The show continues to air on the Paramount Network to this day, and Taffer has opened a chain of restaurants bearing his name around the country. We'll see if the latest lawsuit prevents Taffer from being impersonated after repeated attempts to stop Caroleo's efforts. 'Bar Rescue' Star Jon Taffer Files $50,000 Lawsuit first appeared on Men's Journal on May 22, 2025
Newsweek
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Ex-MLB Pitcher's Murder Trial Pauses After 'Shocking' Crime Scene Testimony
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Testimony is underway in the murder trial of former major league pitcher Dan Serafini, with the prosecution providing graphic evidence from the scene of the crime. Serafini, 51, is accused of shooting Gary Spohr and his wife, Wendy Wood, in their Lake Tahoe-area home on June 5, 2021. He has been present in the Auburn, California courthouse for the first two days of the trial, which paused Wednesday. More news: Jury Selection Begins in Murder Trial of Former MLB Pitcher On Monday, Placer County Deputy District Attorney Richard Miller and Serafini's defense attorney, David Dratman, made their opening statements. Dan Serafini #29 of the Colorado Rockies delivers the pitch during the game against the San Francisco Giants at Coors Field on September 5, 2007 in Denver. Dan Serafini #29 of the Colorado Rockies delivers the pitch during the game against the San Francisco Giants at Coors Field on September 5, 2007 in to Sacramento television station KCRA, jurors heard audio of the 9-1-1 call placed by Wood, saw bloody crime scene photos, and heard testimony from Capt. Gary Nelson with the North Tahoe Fire Protection District on Tuesday. Nelson testified that the Homewood, California scene of the shootings was "shocking," per KCRA's Jonathan Ayestas. More news: Former Red Sox Pitcher's Cause of Death Revealed: Report From 1996-2007, Serafini pitched for the Minnesota Twins, Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres, Pittsburgh Pirates, Colorado Rockies, and Cincinnati Reds. His MLB career effectively ended when he was suspended 50 games in November 2007 for failing a performance-enhancing drug test. As a major leaguer, Serafini went 15-16 with a 6.04 ERA (76 ERA+) in 104 career games (33 starts). He went 9-6 with a 5.88 ERA with the Twins from 1996-98, his longest tenure with any one organization. More news: Two-Time American League All-Star Infielder Passes Away Serafini retired after pitching four games as a 39-year-old in the Mexican League in 2013. He struggled financially in the years that followed his playing career. Serafini was featured in an episode of "Bar Rescue" that aired in 2015, which pulled back the curtain on one of his failed investments. More news: Three-Time American League All-Star, World Series Champion, Passes Away Days after the June 2021 shooting in Homewood, investigators uncovered a surveillance video from the Spohrs' home showing a man wearing a hoodie approaching the residence hours before the shooting. Detectives later identified the man as Serafini, who was arrested in 2023. More news: Former MLB Outfielder, World Series Series Champion, Dies From Brain Injury Dratman argued the hooded man in the surveillance video is not Serafini, according to The plausibility of this argument figures to be a key component in the outcome of the trial. Soon enough, Serafini's fate will rest in the hands of the Placer County jurors. According to KCRA, testimony is expected to resume Thursday. For more MLB news, visit Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Jury Selection Begins in Murder Trial of Former MLB Pitcher
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Jury selection has begun in the murder trial of former major league pitcher Dan Serafini. From 1996-2007, Serafini appeared in 104 games for the Minnesota Twins, Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres, Pittsburgh Pirates, Colorado Rockies and Cincinnati Reds. More news: Former Red Sox Pitcher's Cause of Death Revealed: Report Serafini's MLB career effectively ended when he was suspended 50 games in November 2007 for failing a performance enhancing drug test. In the years that followed, his post-playing career took a dark turn. Dan Serafini #50 of the Cincinnati Reds throws a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Great American Ball Park on September 11, 2003 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Dan Serafini #50 of the Cincinnati Reds throws a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Great American Ball Park on September 11, 2003 in Cincinnati, potential jurors gathered in a Northern California courthouse, more than an hour west of where Serafini is accused of shooting Gary Spohr and Wendy Wood Spohr, his father and mother-in-law, at their Lake Tahoe-area home in June 2021. Serafini was arrested in October 2023. More news: Two-Time American League All-Star Infielder Passes Away Opening statements are expected to begin next week, according to KCRA. Serafini's attorney, David Dratman, did not return multiple messages left by Newsweek Sports. Serafini, who is reportedly being held in South Placer County Jail, faces murder and attempted murder charges. According to court documents obtained by ABC 10 in Sacramento, Serafini was having an affair with Samantha Scott, who worked as a nanny for Serafini and his wife, Erin Spohr, at the time of the shootings. Scott has already pled guilty to being an accomplice in the shootings. More news: Hall of Fame Coach, Influential Mentor to Two MLB General Managers, Dies Erin Spohr, with whom Serafini shares two children, is scheduled to testify on her husband's behalf. Serafini, 51, pitched professionally in Taiwan, Mexico, Japan, and Venezuela in addition to the United States across 22 seasons in professional baseball. He also pitched for Team Italy in the 2009 World Baseball Classic, and made two separate stints in the independent Atlantic League. More news: Three-Time American League All-Star, World Series Champion, Passes Away Serafini retired after pitching four games as a 39-year-old in the Mexican League in 2013. As a major leaguer, Serafini went 15-16 with a 6.04 ERA (76 ERA+) in 104 career games (33 starts). Serafini went 9-6 with a 5.88 ERA with the Twins from 1996-98, his longest tenure with any one organization. Serafini struggled financially in the years that followed his playing career. He was featured in an episode of "Bar Rescue" that aired in 2015, which pulled back the curtain on one of his failed investments. Soon his fate will rest in the hands of a jury, far from the site of his peak as a professional athlete. For more MLB news, visit Newsweek Sports.
Associated Press
14-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Craveworthy Brands and Bar Rescue's Jon Taffer Double Down in 'People Business' with New Strategic Venture
Innovative Restaurant Platform to Scale Exceptional Operations and Franchise Program for Taffer's Tavern Founded by Award-Winning Television Host and Executive Producer CHICAGO, May 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Multi-restaurant platform company, Craveworthy Brands ('Craveworthy') and Taffer's Tavern, one of the first full-service pub franchises founded by award-winning hospitality expert, author, and 'Bar Rescue' television host and executive producer Jon Taffer, have established a strategic joint venture to unlock new growth opportunities and further elevate the brand experience nationwide. Built on a mutual commitment to putting people first, the partnership mixes Craveworthy's proven expertise in restaurant growth with Taffer's star-powered market presence to propel its operations and create a bold, joint vision for the future of hospitality. The full-service concept joins Craveworthy's diverse lineup of 17 brands, alongside its recent additions Ndamukong Suh's Kinnamōns and Shaquille O'Neal's Big Chicken. Taffer's Tavern is the quintessential modern-day tavern: a warm, inviting gathering place where old friends can reconnect, and new memories are made. Designed with the charm of traditional 'Old-World' pubs and built for today's dining experiences, Taffer's redefines comfort food and favorite classic cocktails through innovation, flavor, and unmatched hospitality. The pub franchise also features a 'fast-craft' cocktail program, marrying advanced mixology techniques with social-forward presentation to create a high-class beverage experience. Signature cocktails are thoughtfully balanced and visually stunning, backed by a curated liquor list that celebrates both national favorites and regional distilleries. Guests can enjoy a floor-to-ceiling bar stocked with local beer selections, perfectly poured drafts and a wine program tailored to market preferences. In addition to its focus on strengthening restaurant operations, Craveworthy will continue to scale the company's national footprint through a franchise program rooted in a hospitality-first approach, culinary innovation, and operational ease. With proven systems, advanced technology, and a streamlined model, the brand presents a compelling opportunity for other experienced restaurant operators and aspiring entrepreneurs looking to enter the industry. Craveworthy is rooted in operational excellence, and when it comes to standout operators in the bar space, few are more respected than legend Jon Taffer. Blending a modern take on the traditional tavern with a low-overhead design and an exceptional guest experience, the concept is backed by Taffer's Tavern's proven track record and Craveworthy's industry-leading support. Leadership Commentary 'When you meet people who care as deeply about hospitality as you do, you know there's something meaningful cooking. We believe great operations are at the core of Craveworthy's success and when it comes to top-tier operators in this space, no one stands out more than Jon Taffer,' said CEO and Founder of Craveworthy, Gregg Majewski. Majewski continued, 'We're proud to welcome a brand that shares our passion and commitment to cultivating the best-in-class restaurants, paired with a modern approach to growth. That's what drives us, and that's why this feels like such a natural fit.' 'Hospitality isn't just a business — it's personal,' said Taffer's Tavern founder, Jon Taffer. 'After more than 40 years and hundreds of concepts, I created Taffer's Tavern to connect with people at a deeper level — through food, beverage, and environment. That's why partnering with Craveworthy makes so much sense. We share a passion for great food and beverage, exceptional service, and building systems that truly work for operators.' Taffer added, 'With their support and creativity behind us, Taffer's Tavern is positioned to grow faster, smarter, and with the kind of integrity that defines a world-class brand. My entire career has been built on empowering operators to deliver unforgettable experiences to their guests — and that's exactly what this partnership is all about.' 'We always open our doors to concepts that put people at the center of their business, and this one just clicked. It has the kind of true heart, soul, and opportunity that makes it a dream business for entrepreneurs. It's the kind of brand that makes you proud to build with,' said Craveworthy's Chief Business Officer, Josh Halpern. Halpern concluded, 'Our goal has always been to deliver brands that stand out and systems that make ownership achievable. This joint partnership blends personality, performance, and potential in a way that's rare in full-service dining. We're excited to help others bring this vision to life in their own communities.' To learn more about Craveworthy Brands, please visit To learn more about Taffer's Tavern, please visit For more information on franchise opportunities with Taffer's Tavern, please complete the form at: ABOUT CRAVEWORTHY BRANDS Craveworthy Brands, the parent company of Shaquille O'Neal-founded Big Chicken, Bd's Mongolian Grill, Dirty Dough, Flat Top Grill, Fresh Brothers Pizza, Genghis Grill, Hot Chicken Takeover, Krafted Burger Bar + Tap, Lucky Cat Poke Co., Nomad Dawgs, Pastizza Pizza & Pasta, Scramblin' Ed's, Sigri Indian BBQ, Taffer's Tavern by 'Bar Rescue's' Jon Taffer, taim Mediterranean Kitchen, The Budlong Southern Chicken and Wing It On!, is dedicated to invigorating and supercharging legacy brands while nurturing and growing emerging brands. The company brings together diverse, yet complementary brands and an accomplished, veteran leadership team in the growing culinary space. In addition to building and operating leading restaurant brands, Craveworthy Brands is active in the communities it serves and creates exciting career opportunities for its team members. Bridging the distinctive individuality of its concepts with a shared culture and spirit of collaboration, the Company's goal is to create truly unique and craveworthy experiences every day, every shift and at every turn. Learn more about Craveworthy and its brands at ABOUT JON TAFFER Jon Taffer is an award-winning hospitality expert, entrepreneur and thought leader with nearly 40 years of experience in the hospitality, entertainment and nightlife industries. Best known as executive producer and star of Paramount Network's Bar Rescue, a non-scripted reality show that spotlights Jon as he saves failing bars from looming closure now in its ninth season. His latest endeavor is Taffer's Browned Butter Bourbon, a rich, bold bourbon whiskey with notes of vanilla and toffee inspired by his years of cocktail and culinary creations. In 2025, Jon partnered with multi-brand restaurant platform, Craveworthy Brands, to scale his innovative, full-service restaurant franchise concept, Taffer's Tavern, which debuted in Atlanta in 2020. Taffer's Tavern features outstanding signature cocktails, elevated tavern foods and the latest advancements in restaurant technologies. Concurrently, Jon runs Taffer Dynamics, his business consulting firm. Over the years, he has consulted for a range of well-known brands, including the NFL Network, Anheuser-Bush, Ritz-Carlton, TGI Fridays, Buffalo Wild Wings, Famous Dave's Barbecue and Fortune 500 brands such as Hyatt Hotels and Marriott International. In addition, Jon is a best-selling author having written three books: 'Raise the Bar,' 'Don't Bulls*t Yourself' and his newest book 'The Power of Conflict: Speak Your Mind and Get the Results You Want.' For more information, visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Craveworthy Brands
New York Post
10-05-2025
- Business
- New York Post
It's ‘no question' that cannabis drinks are effecting alcohol sales, ‘Bar Rescue' host declares
A head-turning new trend is hitting bars across America, and it is likely to have a major impact on the spirits market, according to 'Bar Rescue' host Jon Taffer. Cannabis-infused drinks are gaining popularity as an alternative for consumers embracing an alcohol-free lifestyle, and although the effects on the market are too early to tell, Taffer asserts there is 'no question' it is shaking up the industry. Advertisement 'There's clearly a trend in that direction… And there's no question cannabis is affecting the spirits industry,' Taffer said Wednesday during an appearance on 'Varney & Co.' CBD-infused beverages are a steadily growing category. In 2021, cannabidiol products generated $5.3 billion and by 2026 are projected to increase to $16 billion, according to Statista. This year, the cannabis market in the U.S. is anticipated to exceed $45 billion. Advertisement However, Taffer noted an existing hurdle, spotlighting that many states do not permit the sale of alcohol and cannabis in the same environment. 'There's clearly a trend in that direction… And there's no question cannabis is affecting the spirits industry,' Jon Taffer, host of 'Bar Rescue,' says. Dasha Petrenko – Cannabis-infused drinks are gaining popularity, and challenging alcohol sales. Dasha Petrenko – Minnesota is one of the few states that currently allows the sale of hemp and low-dose THC beverages at breweries, and in some cases, even offers on-tap options. Advertisement California has taken a strict stance on beverages containing THC. The state's Department of Alcohol Beverage Control issued an industry advisory stating that alcohol-licensed businesses may not carry or sell hemp products. Despite the red tape, some celebrities have hopped into the market, including country music legend Willie Nelson.
