Ace's Lounge in west Bradenton hopes to be on Spike TV's 'Bar Rescue'

MANATEE -- A west Bradenton bar owner hopes Spike TV's "Bar Rescue" can repair broken infrastructure, work ethic and relationships.

Ace's Lounge, just off Cortez Road at 4343 Palma Sola Blvd., is a candidate for the next round of "Bar Rescue." Owner Renee Bennett says 25 bars are in the running for the show -- all within a 60-mile radius. She and her employees interviewed with representatives from the show Tuesday afternoon as a final step in the selection process.

"Bar Rescue" sends team members into the bar to order food and drink while hidden cameras, installed ahead of time with the bar owner's consent, capture the transactions.

Host of "Bar Rescue" Jon Taffer then reviews the tape and meets with employees and management to discuss changes to be made in environment, service and food preparation. Taffer will also review financial records to gain an understanding of the bar's operations.

It's apparent Ace's mother-daughter team could make for riveting reality television. Both genuinely want the bar to succeed, but they definitely have their own ideas on how to make

that happen.

The pair said they expect to find out if the bar is selected for the show sometime this week.

Carol Ranallo, Bennett's mother, built the property more than 30 years ago and made it into a Bradenton hole-in-the-wall blues joint. Ranallo, 75, says she's put a lot of work into the property and doesn't want to see it all wasted.

"I got a lot of blood, sweat and tears into this place," Ranallo said. "I've been told so many times how unique this bar is."

Ace's has hosted popular blues acts such as The Jason Haram Group, New Orleans Suspects and Devon Allman, son of one-half of The Allman Brothers Band. Local bands such as The Billy Rice Band, Kettle of Fish and Apple Butter Express perform at the bar, as well.

Ranallo says she's proud of her daughter's ability to book popular bands, but isn't happy with the way she manages money.

"I'd like to see her make her payments. That's the bottom line," Ranallo said.

Bennett, 56, wants to make her payments, too, so there isn't much about Ace's she wouldn't change to bring in more customers and revenue.

She would go as far as changing the name to overcome preconceived notions about Ace's, even though she knows Ranallo wouldn't go for the idea. "Ace" is Ranallo's nickname.

The stress and financial burden of the bar business has effectively destroyed Bennett and Ranallo's relationship. Even though it's her mother's legacy, Bennett said she would think about selling if she hadn't invested her retirement money in the venue.

"There is no relationship with my mother," Bennett said. The two don't speak, Ranallo said, except through Bennett's sister.

Taffer is known for not mincing words with owners and employees. Bennett isn't intimidated by the possible harsh tone and criticism.

"If I can handle that," Bennet said, nodding toward her mother, "I can handle anything."

Ranallo isn't sure if the relationship can be repaired or if "Bar Rescue" could facilitate forgiveness, but she's hoping it can cover the business basics.

She's gone through five chefs in the past year. Each time a new chef is hired, she says, inventory control slips a bit more because each chef oversees the kitchen differently. Managing inventory and reducing waste has always been one of the biggest challenges, according to Bennett.

Chef Ken Gilcrest and Bennett said they are discouraged by the limitations of the small galley kitchen. It's a part of the restaurant they hope to see expand if Ace's is chosen for "Bar Rescue."

"I hope 'Bar Rescue' brings a menu to fit the venue," Bennett said.

Gilcrest began his tenure at the bar in March and said he'd like updates in the front of the house -- customer seating area -- and the back of the house, the kitchen and bar.

"I'd like to see the bar cleaned up," Gilcrest said. "In the back of the house, I would like to see a larger hood so I could have more equipment."

Bartender Kim Newton is crossing her fingers for a remodel, too.

"We don't need all of the room back here behind the bar," Newton said. "And then we'd have more space for the customers."

Ace's business director Greg Jones said he has high hopes.

"Aesthetically, we need help," he said.

Gilcrest has introduced a new menu and is working on nightly themed specials such as steak and cake Saturday, which would include a cut of steak and crab cake, and Taco Tuesday.

"We do great when the bands come in," Gilcrest said. "But they come in at 9. We're trying to fill the dining room earlier."

Gilcrest moved to Florida last year from New Jersey and said a lack of work ethic among Ace's staff is part of the bar's trouble.

"Down here, it's much more laidback," Gilcrest said. "It's hard to find people that don't think it's OK to smoke a joint halfway through their shift."

Gilcrest said he hasn't seen drug problems at Ace's, but has seen enough of it in his 33 years in the business.

Faith in the 12-employee staff drops when Bennett has to fire some for stealing or giving away food and alcohol, she said. She runs her own dental business and doesn't have time to keep a watchful eye over the bar.

"I'm not sure if I was here I could fix it," Bennett said. "I'm not sure I have a strong enough personality to fix it."

Bennett would like to see more staff loyalty and to ramp up marketing efforts to better attract crowds for the bands she books. The bar lacks a budget for substantial marketing and the attendance at shows is "hit or miss," said bartender Geno Dodson.

"If we get on 'Bar Rescue,' there's 99 percent of our marketing taken care of," Gilcrest said.

Ace's also fights a longtime stigma.

"Everybody still thinks it's a biker bar, and I haven't been able to overcome that stigma," Bennett said.

Frequent customer and Bradenton dentist Mark Elfervig said he was at first intimidated by the bar's perceived vibe. After attending a few shows, though, Elfervig is happy he overcame the fear.

"From outside it seems like a biker bar," Elfervig said. "For years I felt that way. I think it's a sense of insecurity and not knowing what you'll get when you get inside. But it's anything but a biker bar."

Overcoming that same fear of the unknown will be key to Ranallo saving the one thing into which she's invested so much of herself.

"I don't really know what to expect from 'Bar Rescue,'" said Ranallo, stamping out a cigarette. "But I feel like this is probably the last ten years of my life. I want to enjoy it and not worry about money."

Janelle O'Dea, Herald business reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7095. Follow her on Twitter @jayohday.

This story was originally published June 10, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Ace's Lounge in west Bradenton hopes to be on Spike TV's 'Bar Rescue'."