Steve Smith Business is good for Freehold Borough native Steve Smith, who owns two bars in the French Quarter in New Orleans with his business partner Brad Bohannan.
In 2013, Smith and Bohannan were featured in an episode of “Bar Rescue” on Spike TV. Viewers who missed that episode of the show will get another chance to see the transformation of their bar, Spirits on Bourbon, that went from failing to robust sales.
At 9 p.m. Aug. 2, Spike TV will air “Back to the Bar,” in which successes and failures of the show will be highlighted. Smith’s bar will be featured as a success.
“Sales were up over $1 million in the first year” after the bar was rescued, Smith said.
During the show, bar consultant Jon Taffer told the owners what their problems were and helped to turn around the business, which at that time was known as Turtle Bay.
“We were not being as good on keeping up on costs. Sales don’t equal profits unless you are watching costs,” Smith said.
Was saving their business worth dealing with the volatile Taffer?
“Absolutely,” Smith said. “It was an opportunity to work with someone who has done this type of work over and over again for three decades with a great deal of success. If Jon walked through my door right now, I would give him a kiss.”
Increased sales, increased popularity and notoriety on a legendary street known for its bars and entertainment were the result of Taffer’s efforts. Spirits on Bourbon got a signature drink — the Resurrection — and has attained a level of success that was unexpected.
Smith, who attended Freehold High School and Rowan University, wanted to work in the bar industry, so he took that desire to what he called the “bar capital of the nation” — New Orleans.
He began working in the bar business in the French Quarter in 1994 and now owns two bars with Bohannan.
“It’s unbelievable. The combination of where we are located and being on the show put us on the list of places to visit when people come to New Orleans,” Smith said.
Smith said “Bar Rescue” paid for Turtle Bay’s transformation.