Bar on beach to be rescued

Jennifer Rodrigues
Posted 5/7/13

On Sunday afternoon, a crowd of at least 100 people gathered on Oakland Beach Ave. in Warwick to try and get a glimpse of the television crew working inside the local bar, Marley’s On The Beach, …

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Bar on beach to be rescued

Posted

On Sunday afternoon, a crowd of at least 100 people gathered on Oakland Beach Ave. in Warwick to try and get a glimpse of the television crew working inside the local bar, Marley’s On The Beach, and while they were at it get take out at Iggy’s.

The bar has been selected to be on Spike TV’s popular series “Bar Rescue,” and filming for the episode began over the weekend. The show brings Jon Taffer, an award-winning restaurant operator, owner and concept developer with 38 years of experience, to struggling bars and nightclubs across the country to perform a massive renovation in a short period of time. “Renovations” can range from physical repairs to changes in customer service and operations. Even the bar’s menu can be redone.

The production is shrouded in secrecy, yet word got out as trailers, tents and electrical cords were found spilling across Oakland Beach Avenue. Michelle Letourneau, who owns Marley’s with her husband Kevin, and building owner Dave Gravino said they could not discuss the filming or any specifics due to a confidentiality agreement with the network.

While no details are known about the renovations or when the episode may air, social media has been buzzing with news of the bar’s appearance on the show.

Iggy’s Doughboys and Chowder House, which is next door to Marley’s and owned by Gravino, has been posting about a “popular television show” filming in Warwick on their Facebook page, inviting followers to stop by and see what is going on.

Mayor Scott Avedisian is also pleased with the news that the local spot is being featured on a national television show.

“The fact that one of our businesses is being featured on the show Bar Rescue is good news for our community. Bringing attention to the restaurant and hospitality industry in the city is welcome news,” said Avedisian in an e-mail comment. “The more people see Warwick restaurants and Warwick businesses featured prominently on television shows, the more interest gets generated and the more business that our restaurants do.”

There have been three seasons of “Bar Rescue” and full episodes can be found on spiketv.com. Calls to representatives from the network regarding the Marley’s On The Beach episode were not returned.

Comments

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  • RoyDempsey

    A lot of people have watched Jon Taffer do his magic. Avedisian will be sure that the magic won't last. The tax man is the next one through the door.

    Tuesday, May 7, 2013 Report this

  • Partymonster

    They need more attitude adjustment than physical renovations.

    Wednesday, May 8, 2013 Report this

  • khope29

    I am just surprised to see that of all places in Warwick this is the one chosen? I can name a few other bars that could benifit more from this makeover then Marleys.

    Wednesday, May 8, 2013 Report this

  • PatCoughlin

    Jon taffer does amazing renovations, but maybe Scott should have the beach cleaned up before its on national tv. Went there on Monday and the beach was littered with the weekends trash as usuall. It really is a shame.

    Wednesday, May 8, 2013 Report this

  • FASTFREDWARD4

    tell the people from prov to pick up the trash.

    Saturday, May 11, 2013 Report this

  • FASTFREDWARD4

    building insp better be there we need all of the money

    Tuesday, June 11, 2013 Report this

  • DanMurphy

    Better yet, make it cost-prohibitive to all the Providence trash to come to O.B. in the first place. Free parking stickers for all vehicles registered in Warwick, but very high daily/weekend/seasonal rates for non-residents, with heavy no-parking enforcement in the neighborhood.

    But I digress...

    Taffer knows his stuff, and can turn that bar around - but it does need an attitude adjustment. Watch the show - the only ones you see are the ones whose attitude does change radically. So if Marley's On The Closed Beach wants in, they;ll change.

    And no doubt Mayor Fat-Ass will find a way to turn the grand opening into a photo-op that The Beacon will, as always, be there to catch the magic moment.

    Tuesday, June 18, 2013 Report this

  • DanMurphy

    Personally, I'd rather see The Carousel get a makeover, more for its slow service and slipping food quality. Still a great place, but too many people running the show.

    Tuesday, June 18, 2013 Report this

  • warwickfan

    I think it's really rude (whether you like him or not) to call the Mayor of Warwick such names. Come on and grow up will you? I think the improvements at Marley's made the place look much better, and the food and service have improved also. Can't wait to see the show on September 15!

    Tuesday, June 18, 2013 Report this