The Spike TV show “Bar Rescue” focuses on watering holes that need a new spin – something to give them another chance at life, and bring in a newer clientele.

Sometimes it works, as in the case of Jersey City’s Laguna Lounge, now redubbed “Tres Cuartos” – and other times the newer, shinier version doesn’t hold a candle to the former’s atmosphere.

Cases in point.
Ivan Arroyo, owner of Laguna Lounge in JC needed something to bring his ailing bar some new life – this after alienating his wife and two sons. Not to mention the element he was bringing in.

According to a report on NJ.com, Ivan Arroyo is the owner of the bar Tres Cuartos at 1007 Summit Ave. in Jersey City, just recently featured on the Spike TV series, Bar Rescue."

Originally dubbed Laguna Lounge, the business took its toll on Arroyo, eventually costing him his marriage, his relationship with his sons, and problems attracting the kind of clientele that would keep the business afloat.

His new digs, Tres Cuartos, now has basically the same age group, but he says his customers are more mature, and don't bring with them the drama that the old clientele did.

He claims the host of the show, Jon Taffer, is a "genius."

However there are times when the newer version just won't do.

Two examples of that are in Philly where a joint called Lickety Split became Alleged Pizza, and in Glenside where the Plush Nightspot became Osteria Calabria. In both cases, the original motif had been restored - in one, the original bar was reinstalled and in the other a TV blaring ESPN was put back in place.

Owners are now happier, as is the clientele.

Some joints, albeit shabby looking, have something a new coat of paint just won’t replace.

Atmosphere.

For Ivan, one can only hope his new “Tres Cuartos” works out. If not, he can always bring back the “Laguna.”

Do you have a favorite Jersey dive bar?

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