The Mix in Anaheim Had Identity Crisis

Status: CLOSED

The Mix in Anaheim, California appeared on Bar Rescue Season 3 in 2013. What Jon Taffer found was a bar that couldn’t decide what it wanted to be – part nightclub, part sports bar, part neighborhood hangout. This identity crisis was killing the business.

Bar interior

The Problems

Owner Brian had opened The Mix hoping to create an all-in-one entertainment destination. The result was a confused mess that appealed to no one. The decor sent mixed signals, the menu was unfocused, and customers didn’t know what kind of experience to expect.

Jon Taffer diagnosed the core issue immediately: “You can’t be everything to everyone.”

The Rescue

Taffer rebranded the bar with a clear sports bar identity. He streamlined the concept, updated the decor to match, and trained the staff on the new direction. The transformation gave The Mix a clear purpose.

Key Changes Made

  • Complete rebrand with sports bar focus
  • New menu centered on game-day favorites
  • Updated TV setup for optimal sports viewing
  • Staff training on sports bar service style

What Happened After

Despite the rescue, The Mix struggled to maintain momentum. The Anaheim bar scene was competitive, and the location faced ongoing challenges. The bar eventually closed its doors.

The Mix is another example of how even a successful Bar Rescue transformation can’t overcome fundamental market challenges.

Last verified: January 2026

Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Author & Expert

Mike Reynolds has been covering reality TV since 2008, starting as a forum moderator for Kitchen Nightmares fan communities. He spent six years working in the restaurant industry before pivoting to entertainment journalism. When he is not tracking down closure updates, he is probably rewatching old Bar Rescue episodes for the third time.

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