Bar Rescue – Fort One Renamed The Roc Bar And Nightclub, San Francisco

Bar Rescue - Fort One Renamed The Roc Bar And Nightclub, San Francisco
Bar Rescue - Fort One Renamed The Roc Bar And Nightclub, San Francisco

This week on Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in San Francisco to try to rescue Fort One Bar & Lounge. During the makeover, Jon changed the name of the bar from Fort One to The Roc Bar & Nightclub. It’s now an Alcatraz themed bar and event space in the Fisherman’s Wharf of San Francisco near Pier 39. The makeover and rescue happened at the end of July, 2016.

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The Fort One Bar & Loungenow The Roc Bar & Lounge is owned by Jason Wanigatunga. Jason was given the bar as a gift from his wealthy father. When Jason originally took control of the bar it was pulling in $100,000 a month. But things quickly went downhill with the bar eventually losing $200,000 a month. Jason’s management style, or lack thereof put the business in danger of going under with his father was placed in the position of having to sell off his most prized possessions – cars and real estate – to keep the bar afloat.

Speaking of Jason’s father. It appears Daruka Wanigatunga owned Club Cocomo, a popular salsa club in San Francisco’s Dogpatch neighborhood for several years – but was evicted for reportedly not paying rent for at least a year. You can read all about the court case and other details here. You can check out the Cafe Cocomo liquor license here. Daruka is also listed as a licensee on Fort One’s California liquor license.

According to The Roc’s website: “The Roc Bar & Lounge is San Francisco’s top nightclub and party spot by evening, and a North Beach Neighborhood Sports Bar during the day.”

The Roc Bar & Lounge features Happy Hour and sports games from 11a – 8p on a daily basis, and transforms into San Francisco’s premier nightlife experience after the games are over.

A Closer Look

The Reviews Are In

As always, we like to take a look at online reviews of bars featured on Bar Rescue to get some kind of idea how the bars are doing post rescue. We took a look at some Yelp reviews of The Roc Bar & Nightclub since the makeover, and overall, reviews are generally very positive. In contrast, Fort One reviews on Yelp prior to the rescue are absolutely horrible. It goes without saying that things at The Roc have definitely improved since Jon Taffer’s intervention.

Positive Reviews

  • I heard this place was on Bar Rescue. Came on a Thursday night to try their new cocktails. They didn’t disappoint. Staff was friendly. Band played all old school soul covers. Had a great time!
  • This spot is awesome. Ray is an excellent bartender and ringmaster. The crowd is upbeat and fun.
  • We saw the great reviews for this place so we decided to stop in for a few drinks. We will definitely come back the next time that we are in San Francisco!
  • Best bar in this area hands down. Laid back, great drinks, lounge furniture, dance floor and huge bathroom to boot!
  • The Roc is a great bar on Fisherman’s Wharf! They offer happy hour from 2-7 p.m.! $5 draft beers, $5 bottled beer and $5 well drinks!

Negative Reviews

  • Great location. Not much of a beer selection. No local brews. Should probably cut the cocktail waitress off
  • No dress code, no ambiance. But when I showed up I was told I couldn’t wear my jersey (Green Bay packer, after the Niners lost).

Episode Promo Videos

San Francisco’s Fort One Is Under Siege

Health Hazards Galore At Fort One

Images – YouTube – The Roc

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