Spike TV’ show unveils new look for The Royal Oaks

By BRANDON KLEIN AND KALEA HALL

news@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

Royal Oaks Bar Rescue

Gallery

Royal Oaks bar owners and bartenders were among the first to enter the newly renovated bar that was apart of the Spike TV show Bar Rescue.

Just a few days after film crews from SpikeTV’s “Bar Rescue” rolled into Youngstown, a cherished dive bar on the city’s East Side has had its makeover.

The makeover was revealed Thursday night as production crews filmed some of its final scenes with the bar.

Subtle changes were made to the exterior of the Royal Oaks, 924 Oak St. A warm orange-glowing neon sign hangs above the entrance. It still has its painted mural on the side of the brick building with the addition of “Established in 1934” added above. And it still has its outward funky charm that has created a following of “Loyal to Royal” regulars from professionals to hipsters and neighborhood residents.

Fred D’Amico of the Youngstown Film Commission has worked with the production crew to help secure different necessities for production of the show here. D’Amico was able to secure a few jobs for Youngstown State University students and others. The commission also helps with finding locations, equipment and lodging.

“This is going to create a tourist attraction for years,” D’Amico said of “Bar Rescue” coming to the Oaks.

He has been inside and tells everyone to “keep an open mind and be happy.”

The Oaks is considered the oldest operating bar in Youngstown. Although it is popular and busy, it was in need of some repair.

“Bar Rescue,” starring bar and nightlife management expert Jon Taffer, visits struggling bars and gives them a physical makeover and also identifies and reverses poor business practices.

A second bar in Youngstown will also be rescued, D’Amico said. Sources have said that bar is Martini Brothers Burger Bar located at 110 W. Federal St.

On Thursday night, production crews were filming at Imbibe Martini Bar, located at 124 W. Federal St., downtown. The bar was utilized for the mixology part of the filming where local bartenders are taught by mixologists.

Other local companies have been utilized for the reality show production from hotels and restaurants to electricians and vehicle rental companies, D’Amico said.

“This week we will have the crew out on their off day,” D’Amico said.

“It’s a good bar,” said Mayor John A. McNally, who made an appearance for a ribbon-cutting ceremony of the newly renovated bar.

He watched from afar as the production crew filmed the reaction of the owners and bartenders – who arrived blindfolded – to their new home outside of the bar. People who came out to see the new bar were still waiting into the night to enter the bar at about 10 p.m.

“Hollywood moves at it own pace,” McNally said. “It’s been a great atmosphere.”

The Mahoning Valley Old Car Club was also invited to display their cars in the lot next to the bar. When filming, Taffer came on scene in a classic automobile, connecting it with the bar’s history.

“I’m just glad Youngstown is being recognized,” said Rich Posivak, a member of the car club.

Bernadette Hoffman of Boardman, who was waiting in line, said she was at the bar during taping night Monday.

“It was different,” she said. “I hope they keep the vibe.”