**Colorado Springs, a city renowned for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant community, has also been home to a dynamic hospitality scene. Among its many establishments, one particular bar, the Garrison Tavern, captured public attention not only for its cozy atmosphere but also for its dramatic transformation on a popular reality television show. This article delves deep into the story of Garrison Tavern Colorado Springs, exploring its origins, its challenging journey through a high-stakes makeover, and its eventual fate, providing a comprehensive look for anyone curious about this intriguing local landmark.** From its initial identity as Brickhouse Bar and Grill to its rebranded persona, and the subsequent events that led to its closure, we unravel the full narrative, offering insights into the realities of the bar business and the enduring impact of a television intervention. The story of Garrison Tavern is more than just a tale of a bar; it’s a microcosm of the challenges faced by small businesses, the pressures of reality television, and the ever-evolving landscape of local entertainment venues. We will explore the key players, the critical moments, and the ultimate outcome, drawing from available data and accounts to paint a complete picture. Whether you’re a fan of Bar Rescue, a local resident, or simply interested in the ebb and flow of the hospitality industry, join us as we journey through the fascinating history of Garrison Tavern Colorado Springs.
Colorado Springs, nestled at the foot of the majestic Rocky Mountains, is a city that blends natural splendor with a growing urban appeal. Its vibrant downtown area, historic landmarks like the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, and a steady influx of tourists and military personnel create a diverse demographic that fuels a lively bar and restaurant scene. Before the arrival of Jon Taffer and the Bar Rescue crew, establishments like Brickhouse Bar and Grill sought to carve out their niche in this competitive environment. The city's appreciation for local businesses, craft beers, and unique dining experiences sets a high bar for any venue hoping to succeed. This backdrop is crucial to understanding the context in which Garrison Tavern Colorado Springs operated and the challenges it faced. The demand for quality service, delicious offerings, and a welcoming atmosphere is paramount, and any bar that fails to meet these expectations risks falling by the wayside.
Bar Rescue's Arrival: The Story of Brickhouse Bar and Grill
The popular reality show "Bar Rescue," hosted by the no-nonsense hospitality expert Jon Taffer, has a reputation for swooping into struggling establishments and attempting radical transformations. In Season 5, Taffer turned his attention to Colorado Springs, specifically to a bar known as Brickhouse Bar and Grill. This establishment, located at 424 S Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903, was facing significant challenges, prompting its owner to call for Taffer's intervention. The show typically highlights mismanagement, poor service, unhygienic conditions, and financial woes, all of which contribute to a bar's downfall. The episode featuring Brickhouse aimed to address these issues head-on, with Taffer's signature blend of tough love and strategic rebranding. The stakes were high, not just for the business, but for the livelihood of its owner and staff.
Jon Nichols: A Soldier's Journey into Hospitality
At the heart of Brickhouse Bar and Grill was its owner, Jon Nichols. His story is particularly compelling, adding a layer of depth to the Bar Rescue narrative. Nichols was not a career bar owner; he was, in fact, an active soldier, a military hero whose dedication to his country was undeniable. His journey into the hospitality industry was unconventional. After completing college, he enlisted in the army prior to the events of 9/11, serving his nation with distinction. His personal life also saw significant milestones amidst his deployments; he was married in 2010. By the time Bar Rescue arrived, Jon Nichols was divorced and raising a child, adding to the immense pressure he faced as a business owner. This background provided a unique perspective for the show, highlighting the struggles of a veteran attempting to navigate a challenging new career path while balancing personal responsibilities. His commitment to service, both military and civilian, made his story particularly resonant with viewers. **Jon Nichols: Personal Data & Biodata** | Category | Details | | :---------------- | :----------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Name** | Jon Nichols | | **Occupation** | Active Soldier, Former Bar Owner (Brickhouse Bar and Grill) | | **Military Service** | Joined Army prior to 9/11 | | **Marital Status** | Divorced | | **Children** | Has one child | | **Business Owned** | Brickhouse Bar and Grill (later Garrison Tavern) | | **Location** | Colorado Springs, Colorado |
The Taffer Transformation: From Brickhouse to Garrison Tavern
Jon Taffer's approach on Bar Rescue is always multifaceted, addressing not just operational issues but also the very identity of the bar. For Brickhouse Bar and Grill, the transformation was comprehensive. The most significant change was the renaming of the establishment to Garrison Tavern. This new name was a deliberate nod to Jon Nichols' military background, aiming to create a brand that resonated with his personal story and potentially attract a broader clientele, including the significant military population in Colorado Springs. Beyond the name, the physical space underwent a dramatic overhaul. The decor was polished up, shifting from its previous iteration to embrace a Colorado theme. This included the incorporation of outdoor sporting photos, reflecting the state's natural beauty and recreational opportunities. New furniture was brought in, designed to create a cozier, more inviting feeling for patrons. The goal was to transform a struggling, perhaps dated, bar into a welcoming local haunt known for its comfortable atmosphere and selection of craft beers. The expectation was that these changes would not only improve the bar's aesthetics but also its functionality, service flow, and overall customer experience, leading to increased revenue and a sustainable future for Garrison Tavern Colorado Springs.
Garrison Tavern: A Brief Glimpse of Its Operation
Following the Bar Rescue makeover, Garrison Tavern opened its doors with a renewed sense of purpose and a fresh look. Initial feedback from patrons, as reflected in various online reviews, indicated a positive reception to the changes. Many reviewers found the service to be fine, suggesting an improvement in staff training and operational efficiency. A recurring compliment was directed towards the hospitable staff, indicating that the human element, often a critical factor in a bar's success, had improved significantly. The bar also became known for its selection of craft beers. For instance, a patron named Cole was noted to be drinking a golden lager by Colorado Native at Garrison's Tavern, even earning a "Lager Jack (level 49)" badge, highlighting the availability of local brews. This focus on quality beverages, combined with the welcoming atmosphere, positioned Garrison Tavern as a favorite spot for patrons to unwind and socialize in Colorado Springs. Based on user feedback on Google, the place deserved a respectable 4.2 rating, which is a strong indicator of customer satisfaction shortly after the rescue. The hope was that this positive momentum would carry Garrison Tavern to long-term success.
The Unforeseen Closure: Why Garrison Tavern Shut Its Doors
Despite the positive initial feedback and the significant investment from Bar Rescue, the story of Garrison Tavern Colorado Springs took an unfortunate turn. The bar, formerly Brickhouse, shut down sometime in late July or early August 2017, less than a year after its grand reopening on the show. This closure was confirmed by multiple sources; its Facebook page was taken down, and the bar was listed as 'closed' on Yelp. Someone who had appeared on the show even reached out to confirm the closure. The reasons behind the closure were multifaceted and complex. The data indicates that Garrison Tavern (which was renamed Brickhouse Bar and Grill *before* its closure in 2016 due to a fire and a lawsuit, and then *re-renamed* Garrison Tavern by Bar Rescue) had a troubled past even before Taffer's intervention. The information provided states: "It was renamed brickhouse bar and grill, but it closed in 2016 after a fire and a lawsuit." This suggests a pre-existing pattern of difficulties. While Bar Rescue gave it a new lease on life as Garrison Tavern, the underlying issues or new challenges proved insurmountable. The bar was listed for sale shortly after the Bar Rescue makeover for $148,000, indicating that the owner might have been looking to exit the business even after the rebrand. Ultimately, despite the efforts to revitalize it, Garrison Tavern was unable to sustain its operation.
The Aftermath: What Replaced Garrison Tavern?
The closure of Garrison Tavern Colorado Springs marked the end of one chapter, but the location at 424 S Nevada Ave in Colorado Springs didn't remain vacant for long. In the cyclical nature of the hospitality industry, new ventures often emerge from the ashes of old ones. A new gastropub, named The Bench, eventually opened in the same location. This new establishment adopted a distinct theme, featuring skateboarders and dirtbike riders on its walls, catering to a different segment of the Colorado Springs community. This swift transition highlights the dynamic real estate market for commercial properties in popular areas. While The Bench offers a fresh concept and a new identity, the history of the site as Brickhouse and Garrison Tavern remains a part of its legacy, a testament to the continuous evolution of urban spaces and the entrepreneurial spirit that drives the opening of new businesses.
Bar Rescue's Legacy in Colorado: A Broader Perspective
The story of Garrison Tavern Colorado Springs is just one of many tales from Jon Taffer's extensive work across the United States. Colorado, in particular, has seen a significant number of Taffer's interventions. As of 2025, Jon Taffer has visited 13 bars in Colorado, making it a state with a notable presence on the show. These episodes span various cities and types of establishments, each presenting its own unique set of challenges and, often, dramatic transformations. The Bar Rescue Colorado episode map, often available as an interactive Google Maps feature, allows viewers to browse all the bars Taffer has visited in the state, providing a geographical overview of his impact. While some rescued bars find lasting success, others, like Garrison Tavern, ultimately close their doors, underscoring the inherent difficulties of the bar business, even with expert intervention. The show offers a fascinating, albeit often dramatized, look into the operational and human elements that dictate a bar's fate.
A Look at Other Colorado Bar Rescue Episodes
Beyond Garrison Tavern, Colorado has hosted other memorable Bar Rescue episodes. For example, St8 Pub (pronounced State Pub), located in Englewood, Colorado, was also featured in Season 5 of Bar Rescue. This bar was later renamed Downstairs Bar + Kitchen. These episodes collectively contribute to the statistics of Bar Rescue's success rate and offer insights into common pitfalls faced by bar owners. Each narrative, whether ending in triumph or closure, provides valuable lessons on business management, customer service, and the importance of adapting to market demands. The variety of bars and their unique stories showcase the diverse challenges within Colorado's hospitality industry.
Navigating the Past: Finding Former Bar Rescue Locations
For fans of Bar Rescue or those simply curious about the fate of bars featured on the show, tracking their current status can be a fascinating endeavor. Information on former Bar Rescue locations, including Garrison Tavern, is often available through online resources like Yelp, Google Maps (where businesses are marked 'closed'), and dedicated fan sites that provide updates. These platforms allow individuals to learn what happened next, whether a bar is still open in 2022, or if it has been replaced by a new establishment. The closure of Garrison Tavern Colorado Springs, for instance, was quickly updated across these platforms, demonstrating the power of community-driven information.
The Enduring Impact of Bar Rescue
The legacy of Bar Rescue, despite its mixed success rate, continues to resonate within the hospitality industry. The show not only entertains but also educates, highlighting critical business principles, the importance of a strong concept, and the necessity of effective management. While not every rescue results in a permanent success story, the show undeniably brings attention to the challenges faced by small businesses and the dedication required to run a profitable establishment. The story of Garrison Tavern Colorado Springs, from its hopeful transformation to its eventual closure, serves as a poignant reminder of these realities.
The Future of Hospitality in Colorado Springs
The Colorado Springs hospitality scene continues to evolve, with new establishments constantly emerging to meet the demands of a growing population and a vibrant tourist industry. While the Garrison Tavern chapter has closed, the space it once occupied now hosts The Bench, a testament to the city's dynamic nature. The lessons learned from the challenges faced by past venues, including those featured on Bar Rescue, contribute to a more informed and resilient business community. For residents and visitors alike, Colorado Springs remains a fantastic place to explore diverse dining and drinking experiences, ensuring that the spirit of hospitality thrives. **Conclusion** The journey of Garrison Tavern Colorado Springs, from its origins as Brickhouse Bar and Grill to its dramatic Bar Rescue transformation and eventual closure, is a compelling narrative that encapsulates the highs and lows of the hospitality industry. We've explored the dedication of its owner, Jon Nichols, the ambitious rebrand by Jon Taffer, and the brief period of positive customer feedback before its unforeseen shutdown in late July/early August 2017. The location has since found new life as The Bench, continuing the cycle of business in the vibrant Colorado Springs area. This story serves as a valuable case study, illustrating that even with expert intervention and a fresh start, the complexities of running a successful bar can be immense. It underscores the importance of sustained operational excellence, financial stability, and adaptability in a competitive market. The legacy of Garrison Tavern, like many other Bar Rescue establishments, reminds us of the precarious balance between vision and reality in the world of small businesses. What are your thoughts on the fate of Bar Rescue establishments? Have you visited any of the bars featured on the show, either before or after their transformation? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below! And if you found this deep dive into Garrison Tavern Colorado Springs insightful, consider sharing this article with fellow Bar Rescue fans or anyone interested in the local history of Colorado Springs' bar scene. You might also be interested in exploring our other articles on local businesses and their unique stories.
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