Campbell’s Irish Pub, formerly known as ‘Packy’s Pub’, gained a slew of fans after a tumultuous appearance on Bar Rescue.
This beloved boozer, located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was once a hit with customers – until things took a turn for the worse.
When was Campbell’s Irish Pub featured on Bar Rescue?
Season 4, episode 10 of Bar Rescue showcased the troubled establishment, with Jon Taffer stepping in to save the day back in 2014.
The episode was aptly named ‘Irish Eye’s Aren’t Smiling’.
What happened to Campbell’s Irish Pub?
Originally co-owned by Patrick “Packy” Campbell, who moved from Ireland in 1986 with friend Guppy, the once-thriving Irish bar began experiencing financial turmoil when Packy stepped back from management and handed control over to staff.
Initially, the bar saw a booming $20,000 weekly revenue. Unfortunately, things took a sharp downturn, leaving Packy devastated when he was told the business would only survive for another three months.
With the Bar Rescue crew’s help, including Jon Taffer, Gerry Graham, and Gavan Murphy, Campbell’s Irish Pub began to turn things around.
Despite the challenges, the venue saw a 74% sales increase – a $90,000 raise since the Bar Rescue visit. However, after 22 years in operation, the pub is sadly closing down, as reported by urbanmilwaukee.
The establishment was put up for sale in 2017 and has now been sold to Guaves Homes LLC’s agent, Hector Espinoza, for $325,000. It is set to be turned into El Paraíso Restaurant Bar, a seafood eatery, under the ownership of Ma Guadalupe Cabral Villarreal and Adolfo Pasillas, who also own a restaurant in the area.
Expected to open in February, El Paraíso Restaurant Bar is set to breathe new life into the once-beloved spot. The addition of a seafood eatery holds promise for the future of this establishment and the local community.
How many businesses on Bar Rescue have closed?
Out of 229 bars saved, 122 have closed, equating to a 47% rescue success rate. Bar Rescue, an American reality television series airing on Paramount Network, sees Jon Taffer tackle struggling bar owners, providing them with advice, renovation help, and financial assistance.
The dramatic series features undercover surveillance at the beginning of each episode, uncovering the real problems faced by the bars. With confrontations, guidance, and fresh hope, the show delivers a compelling and emotional journey for both the businesses and their patrons.
