Did they save the best for last? Lake Norman bar featured in ‘Bar Rescue’ season finale
A year ago the future looked bleak for Latitudes Bar and Grill, often referred to as a “little hidden gem up on Lake Norman,” owner Patti Merkel said.
It could have been another Covid catastrophe, but Merkel and team decided to shoot for the stars by reaching out to “Bar Rescue,” a Paramount Network show that helps struggling bar owners save their failing businesses before it’s too late.
And true to the show’s name, TV crews swooped in, did their magic and transformed the Denver restaurant located about a mile from the lake into a rejuvenated, thriving business. You can watch it all unfold in the June 11 season finale.
“When the producers told me I’m going to be the finale, I thought to myself: ‘Either we’re that bad or they saved the best for last,’” Merkel told CharlotteFive.
Latitudes is a family business
Latitudes is a family affair for Merkel, who co-owns the business with her husband, Steve. Her son, Travis Sloan, is the manager. Prior to 2020, it was a breakfast and lunch café, formerly known as Sweet Destinations. Just before the onset of the pandemic, Merkel decided to tap into her 30 years industry experience to turn the business into a lunch and dinner operation with a full bar.
“Then Covid hit fast. We tried to stay afloat, working with a skeleton staff and finding creative ways to stay in business. But financially, we couldn’t keep up because people were just not going out,” Merkel said. “On top of that, no one wanted to work, and the rising cost of food and products doubled, sometimes tripled our expenses.”
‘Normally … I sit there and yell at the TV’
That’s why she turned to “Bar Rescue.” Hosted by veteran nightclub expert Jon Taffer, the reality show delves into every facet of the business – from the science of the perfect pour to creating new menu items to setting a brand that best fits the restaurant.
“I’ve never done anything like this in my life,” Merkel said. “Normally when I watch the show, I sit there and yell at the TV during the episodes.”
It was a bit surreal, she said, to be on the other side of the screen.
Merkel can’t reveal much about what happened on the show. “We definitely have a lot going on, but you’ll have to watch to see.”
She did offer a few teasers on the new food options. In addition to the staples customers have come to love over the years such as half pound, hand-pattied, Certified Angus Beef burgers, new freshly-made menu items include Caribbean jerk chicken pot pie, grilled and blackened Mahi bites, Cajun pasta with shrimp and Langostino lobster and Waikiki salad piled with plenty of fruit and grilled chicken, among other selections.
Over at the bar, customers will find plenty of local craft beers, a wide selection of wine and several craft cocktails including the new espresso martini and pineapple jalapeno margarita.
And three more quick teasers from the makeover:
They added “Island” to the name, which will be revealed on the show as Latitudes Island Bar and Grill.
They enhanced the outdoor seating area with a fire pit, more tables, corn hole and a lawn area.
They’ll introduce themed party nights with DJs, karaoke, costume contests and more.
“We’re very happy with all the changes that are in place,” Merkel said. “We’re doing really great now.”
Latitudes is the third North Carolina bar to be featured on the show this season. Rio Ultra Lounge, formerly 360 Lounge Reloaded, and Hickory’s Gateway Pub & Grill were featured March 19 and April 23, respectively.
Latitudes Island Bar and Grill
Location: 2495 S North Carolina 16 Hwy, Denver, NC 28037
Instagram: @latitudes_denvernc
