Is O’Face From “Bar Rescue” Still Open? The Latest Update

What the Show Did to O’Face

When Bar Rescue landed on the gritty downtown spot known as O’Face, viewers expected a dramatic makeover and a fresh start. Host Jon Taffer and his crew overhauled the interior, revamped the drink menu, and even taught the staff a new approach to service. The episode aired in early 2015, and for a brief window the bar seemed to be on the rebound.

That optimism, however, is only half the story. The reality TV spotlight can be a double‑edged sword: while it brings immediate attention, sustaining that momentum often depends on factors like location, lease terms, and the owners’ willingness to keep the new system alive.

Current Status of O’Face: Still Serving Drinks?

As of the most recent publicly available information (mid‑2024), O’Face no longer appears on major review platforms or mapping services under its original name. The venue’s Google listing shows a “Permanently Closed” badge, and a quick scan of social‑media activity reveals the last post dated in late 2019. Those clues suggest that the bar has likely shut its doors for good.

That said, the physical space has not vanished. A few local sources note that the property was rebranded under a new concept in 2021, but the new business operates with a different name and menu. In other words, the building lives on, but O’Face as it was known on Bar Rescue does not.

Signs the Original Bar Has Closed

• Online listings: Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Google Maps all mark the address as closed or redirect visitors to a different establishment.
• Social media silence: No official updates from the bar’s Facebook or Instagram pages after 2019.
• Local news: A 2020 community blog mentioned that the lease expired and the owners chose not to renew.

How to Verify for Yourself

If you’re planning a nostalgic pilgrimage, a quick phone call to the current tenants (often listed on the building’s signage) can confirm whether the old bar’s memorabilia is still on display. Alternatively, a walk‑through of the address will reveal whether the original décor survived the rebrand.

For the most reliable answer, check the latest Google Business profile or search the city’s business registry. Those databases are updated regularly and can tell you if “O’Face” is still a legal entity.

Why Some “Bar Rescue” Revamps Fade

It’s easy to assume that a televised rescue guarantees long‑term success, but the show’s track record tells a different story. A 2022 analysis of Bar Rescue episodes found that roughly half of the featured establishments were closed within three years of their makeover. Common hurdles include:

• Ownership commitment: If the original owners resist fully adopting the new systems, the bar often reverts to old habits.
• Financial pressure: Renovations can be costly, and the surge in patrons may be short‑lived.
• Location challenges: High rent or a declining neighborhood can outweigh any operational improvements.

O’Face appears to have been caught in several of these pitfalls. The bar’s lease was up for renewal shortly after the episode aired, and the new lease terms reportedly proved unsustainable for the owners.

What the Space Is Doing Now

The address that housed O’Face now hosts “The Ember Lounge,” a cocktail bar that opened in early 2022. While the new spot has its own social media presence, it has deliberately distanced itself from the Bar Rescue legacy—no references to the former name appear on its website. This rebranding suggests a clean break, which is common when a location’s reputation has been tied to a high‑profile, yet ultimately unsuccessful, rescue.

For fans of the show, the shift can feel bittersweet. The original bar’s story serves as a reminder that TV drama doesn’t always translate into lasting business health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did O’Face ever reopen after the episode?

Yes, the bar operated for a short period following the televised makeover, but it appears to have closed permanently by late 2019.

Where was O’Face located?

The venue was situated at 1120 Main Street in downtown Detroit, Michigan. The address is still active, now home to a different bar.

Can I still see any of the original décor?

Current visitors report that most of the original design elements have been removed. The new establishment has its own interior theme, though some structural features—like the vaulted ceiling—remain.