On tonight’s episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew visit Sanford, Florida to try to save Rockin’ Rhonda’s Lounge from total collapse – literally.
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During the late May, early June 2017 makeover, Taffer decided to tame down Rockin’ Rhonda’s by giving it a more inviting name, calling it Rhonda’s – A Neighborhood Bar. The name has stuck.
Rockin’ Rhonda’s, now known as Rhonda’s A Neighborhood Bar is owned by Rhonda Pahlka.
During tonight’s episode, entitled “Rickety Rockin’ Rhonda’s,” Taffer has his work cut out for him with ice machines, work stations and the beer cooler all in need of desperate repair. But Taffer’s biggest challenge – a collapsing floor with structural issues – will have him questioning his ability to move forward with the rescue.
A Closer Look
Rhonda’s is charging $10 to reserve a seat for the episode viewing party taking place during the night of the broadcast on Sunday (Now sold out). The $10 fee will not only not only gets you in the door, it will also be applied to your bar tab during the special event night.
Back in July 2016, Rhonda’s best friend and former employee, who had been missing for a few days in Sanford, was the victim of a homicide, according to this article published by WESH Orlando.
- Here’s the Facebook page for bar owner Rhonda Pahlka
- Rhonda’s A Neighborhood Bar is active on Facebook, and Instagram. It also has a fresh new website, but the bar’s Twitter account has been inactive for about a year.
Rhonda posted the following message to friends on her Facebook account the day after the big reveal night on June 2, 2017:
I wish I could hug each & everyone of you that stood in line last night to celebrate the grand opening of our new bar. Even my mom from California waited over 3 hours in the rain! Please accept my sincerest apologies to those that left disappointed not able to get in. It was beyond my control. Bar Rescue did an AMAZING JOB! Thank you Jon Taffer!! And THANK YOU TO ALL MY LOYAL CUSTOMERS WHO BELIEVED IN ME AND STILL DO!!
The film crew has left and we will reopen the doors at 8 pm tonight. Let’s try this again!! I LOVE YOU ALL!!
P.S. Thank you for your patience & understanding!! Xoxo
I wish I could hug each & everyone of you that stood in line last night to celebrate the grand opening of our new bar….
Posted by Rhonda Pahlka on Saturday, June 3, 2017
Back in February Rhonda was excited about a call she received from Bar Rescue:
BAR RESCUE CALLED TODAY!!! They’re coming to interview me!!!!!!!!!!!!
BAR RESCUE CALLED TODAY!!! They’re coming to interview me!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Rhonda’s A Neighborhood Bar on Tuesday, February 7, 2017
The Reviews Are In
We always like to scan through online reviews from websites like Yelp and others like Google Reviews to gauge the success of bars since Taffer’s rescue. In the case of Rhonda’s, reviews are decidedly positive. Here’s a sample of what people are saying:
Positive Reviews
- Wow, great and friendly service, drinks are tasty and priced right. Good singing really fun place
- Newly renovated and now non smoking karaoke bar. Jackson is a great host and the bartender is awesome. Had great time hope to come back soon.
- We were pleasantly surprised by the friendly service, great band (Rusty Lung,) that played many of our favorite 90s hits, and friendly and diverse clientele!
- If you are looking for the best bar in Sanford…look no further! Rhonda is one of the best persons you will ever meet!
- The sound is extraordinary. Staff is great great drinks. Great honest atmosphere
- Great place! Cold draft beer. Rhonda is so cool and welcoming. Can’t wait to come back. A must stop. Bikers welcome
Negative Reviews
Judging by the lack of negative reviews, it’s clear, Rhonda’s and Rhonda herself are both well liked – if not loved.
Rickety Rockin’ Rhonda’s Episode Promo Video
Image – Rhonda’s