Status: CLOSED (May 2018)
Blue Frog 22 (later renamed The Local) was a Chicago, Illinois bar that appeared on Season 1 of Bar Rescue in August 2011. The bar closed in May 2018 after seven years of post-rescue operation – a respectable run by industry standards.
The Bar Rescue Episode
When Jon Taffer arrived at Blue Frog 22 on E Hubbard Street in Chicago, he found a bar struggling with its identity. The episode, titled “The Blue Frog Sings The Blues,” documented a familiar set of problems: unfocused concept, operational issues, and an owner (Mimi) who was struggling to keep things together.
Taffer’s intervention reshaped the bar’s identity and renamed it “The Local” to better reflect its neighborhood positioning. The rescue focused on creating a clearer concept and improving operations.
Seven Years of Operation
Unlike many Bar Rescue subjects that close within months, The Local survived for seven years after filming. That’s a genuine success story, even if it eventually ended in closure.
During those years, the bar built a loyal customer base and maintained the improvements Taffer implemented. The owners stayed committed to the standards set during the rescue.
Why It Closed
The Local closed in May 2018 when owner Mimi decided to retire from the business. The closure wasn’t a failure in the traditional sense – it was a business owner choosing to exit after a long run.
External factors contributed to the timing. Construction at a neighboring property had prevented the bar from opening its patio, leading to losses of over $120,000. Sometimes circumstances beyond an owner’s control make closure the right decision.
What’s There Now
The location at 22 E Hubbard St in Chicago has remained vacant since the closure. Commercial real estate listings have shown the space available for around $11,000 per month – steep rent that may explain why it hasn’t found a new tenant.
Legacy
Blue Frog 22/The Local represents a qualified Bar Rescue success. Seven years of operation post-rescue is longer than most bars survive even without appearing on television. The closure due to retirement rather than failure is an ending many bar owners would envy.
Last verified: January 2026
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