Jon Taffer Biography

Energetic and commanding television star, businessman, author and orator extraordinaire, Jon Taffer is the famed host of Spike TV's highest rated show Bar Rescue, a Wall Street Journal best selling author of Raise The Bar and host of the new hit Spike program Hungry Investors. An internationally recognized, award-winning restaurant operator, owner and concept developer, Taffer is the leading industry voice with over 30 years of hands-on experience in the restaurant, bar and nightclub business, having consulted for over 800 business in his career. As one of only six inductees into the Nightclub Hall of Fame, Taffer is also the holder of such distinctions as "Pub Master," "Operator of the Year" and winner of "Property of the Year."

The host of Spike TV's Bar Rescue, Taffer gives failing nightlife establishments one last chance at success. Over the course of 3 seasons, one bar per week is transformed in cities across the country and Taffer delves into every aspect of running a bar including creating a profitable drink/food menu, music selection, managing crowds and dealing with disgruntled employees. Bar Rescue exhibits Taffer tapping into his vast experience along with his in-your-face style, helping transform outmoded bars into vibrant and profitable establishments. He leaves no stone unturned in his efforts to help revitalize venues. According to Forbes Magazine, "Bar Rescue is full of crucial business strategies and meaningful life lessons."

In Hungry Investors, Taffer leads his team of celebrity chefs John Besh and Tiffany Derry to help "diamond in the rough" restaurants failing to meet their potential. In each episode, two struggling restaurants are put to the test in a head-to-head competition, with the enterprise showing the most promise of turning things around earning significant cash investment. Both establishments seek to prove to the expert team that the only thing keeping them from financial fortune and success is finding an investor who believes in them.

Taffer is the Wall Street Journal best selling author of Raise the Bar: An Action Based Method For Maximum Customer Reactions, his book which distills the secrets to running a successful enterprise with Reaction Management, a strategy and philosophy Taffer developed and uses in his business and on Bar Rescue. It works whether you're running a storefront operation or a web-based company, whether you're manufacturing widgets or providing a service. Taffer's overarching philosophy is this: All business is about creating the right reactions in your customers. Even better: You can control those reactions to a very large degree. Raise the Bar is the definitive manual on transforming a company with actionable, proven strategies for immediate impact.

Born in New York, Taffer's entrepreneurial spirit started at a young age. When he was 12 he started his first business while at summer camp, employing 8 campers for basic services that he provided to counselors for whatever tasks they needed done. When it was time for Taffer to attend college, he decided on majoring in political science and got a bartending job on the side. It was then that he realized that making people smile for a living was what he wanted to do. His first management job was at the late Doug Weston's legendary West Hollywood bar and music venue the Troubadour, where he learned a life-changing lesson: Even a famous, jam-packed bar can be losing money. He then went on to manage the iconic Barney's Beanery in West Hollywood before he started consulting and then owned his first bar by 1989. At one point Taffer owned 17 different establishments at the same time.

Prior to joining the Neighborhood Marketing Group, Taffer served as president of Innovative Hospitality Concepts, Inc. - a world renowned, award winning creator and operator of innovative restaurant and nightclub concepts. A member of many boards, Taffer serves on Nightclub & Bar Magazine, Tradeshow and Convention's board, Restaurant Marketing Magazine and is a past member of NFL Enterprises' board of directors.

In January of 2010, Taffer was appointed by Questex Media Group LLC the president of its Nightclub & Bar Media Group, which includes the Nightclub & Bar Convention and Trade Show, Nightclub & Bar Magazine and related digital media products. He is a founding member of the Nightclub & Bar Advisory Board, and has been intimately involved with the Nightclub & Bar Convention and Trade Show and Nightclub & Bar Magazine since its inception, and has been integral to its growth through the years. Taffer's position with Questex is designed to further the synergies and natural connections between the Nightclub & Bar Convention and Trade Show and Nightclub & Bar Magazine. Taffer served as chairman of Taffer Dynamics where he acts as a consultant and development adviser to the restaurants, nightclubs and hotels around the world. His clients read as the who's who of the hospitality industry.

As a highly sought after keynote speaker, Taffer taps into his vast experience that spans the entire spectrum of the food and beverage, hotel and hospitality arenas. He delivers expertise in the creation, development and management of casual restaurants, entertainment venues, nightclubs, bars, stadium/arena food service, resort facilities, and large theme restaurants. When Taffer isn't busy in front of the camera or in the boardroom he can be found traveling the country with his wife Nicole Taffer in their customer built tour bus.

As a renowned expert and highly sought-after speaker, Jon Taffer's expertise is in high demand. To book Jon Taffer for your next event, conference, or workshop, please contact our speaker booking agency. Our experienced team will work closely with you to understand your specific needs and help secure Jon Taffer's participation. With our professional guidance and seamless booking process, you can ensure a memorable and impactful experience for your audience. Don't miss the opportunity to engage your audience with Jon Taffer's compelling insights and inspire positive change within your organization. Fill out the booking request form to take the first step in securing Jon Taffer for your next speaking engagement.