Jon Taffer seeking franchisees to expand latest concept

Jon Taffer, the star of the television series, "Bar Rescue," is known as a no-nonsense hospitality expert, who helps small business owners turnaround their struggling concepts, but he can add franchisor to his resume. His latest restaurant, Taffer's Tavern, has signed its first multi-unit franchise agreement with Five Guys Taverns to bring five locations to Georgia. 

"Taffer's Tavern is my solution to the inefficiencies and pain points associated with the restaurant industry that I have witnessed over the years," Taffer said in a company press release. "By reimagining traditional operations and eliminating the need for costly hood and ventilation systems, Taffer's Tavern will disrupt the industry, enable franchisees to maximize their investment and deliver a first-rate dining experience."

The brand's streamlined kitchen design and advanced food preparation methods requires less space and fewer employees than traditional casual dining restaurants, making it operate more like a fast casual brand, which will offer carryout and possibly delivery through third-party services.

"By utilizing advanced sous-vide food preparation methods, Taffer's Tavern is able to produce chef-quality food without a traditional vent, fryers and grills — all of which take up valuable kitchen space," Taffer said in an interview with FastCasual. "This enables franchisees to operate at a higher volume in less square footage with fewer employees, lowering rent and opening costs.

Franchisee Hemant Suri of Five Guys Taverns said he was drawn to the idea of "tavern dining" and creating a gathering place for people that provides unique, superior menu items at an affordable price.

"Jon has managed to engineer a restaurant concept that streamlines operations without compromising the food quality, and we are thrilled to be the first franchisees for this break-out brand," he said.

The menu
Taffer's Tavern will provide all-day dining offerings sandwiches, whiskey wings, stuffed meatballs, cheese fries and other Tavern specialties. Signature items will include an Onion Tavern Tower and signature beer battered Tavern Fish and Chips made with house-made lager, according to Taffer.

A variety of cocktails will also be available via a Chill-Rite draft beer system with an LED temperature display, as well as a Smart Brew System that will provide house-brewed signature beers. All drafts will be served with a "Beer Chip," a giant potato chip made in-house, and customers mays also order Taffer signature cocktails, shots and products seen on "Bar Rescue" as well as Taffer's "Table Infusion Cocktails," which allows guest to infuse the cocktail right at the table using a coffee press.

Lastly, guests with a sweet tooth may order "Caketails," a pound cake infused with liqueur, cream, ice cream and fresh berries.

To facilitate growth for the emerging brand, Taffer has partnered with Fransmart and is seeking experienced franchisees to bring the concept to the 50 largest media markets throughout North America