Our Bar Rescue Story
Yes, We really were on Bar Rescue!
IN 2013….
A Horse really did walk into the bar… season 3 episode 9! A lot has changed since then.
Our Story
Many people know Chilleen's on 17 from our appearance on Bar Rescue in 2013. While the show brought incredible publicity and gave our team valuable training, the reality is that television alone did not save our business.
At the time, our family was facing significant financial challenges. The recession had impacted sales, and despite the renovations and national exposure from Bar Rescue, the property was still headed toward foreclosure. The future of the restaurant remained uncertain.
After investors stepped in to help keep the doors open, the Chilleen family continued fighting for the business we loved. In 2016, Aleah Chilleen secured an SBA loan and purchased the restaurant back from the investors, bringing the business back into family ownership and preserving a family legacy that has been part of Arizona's restaurant industry for more than 20 years.
Over the past decade, Chilleen's on 17 has transformed into much more than a restaurant. What started as a roadside steakhouse has grown into a destination for great food, live music, community events, weddings, celebrations, and unforgettable experiences.
Along the way, we've renovated spaces, expanded our offerings, launched new ventures, and welcomed hundreds of thousands of guests through our doors. We've celebrated milestones, weathered challenges, and continued investing in our community and our team.
Today, Chilleen's on 17 stands as proof that perseverance, hard work, and a commitment to hospitality can overcome even the toughest obstacles.
To everyone who has dined with us, celebrated with us, recommended us to a friend, or supported our family over the years—thank you. Your support has helped write the next chapter of our story, and we couldn't be more grateful.
We're excited for what comes next.
The Truth About Bar Rescue
In 2013, Chilleen's was selected to appear on Bar Rescue. We were told by Jon Taffer's team that we were one of only two bars being considered for the episode. Whether that was true or not, we weren't about to take any chances. We knew our business was struggling, and we were willing to do whatever it took for an opportunity to save it.
Like any reality television show, there was definitely some production involved. The crew encouraged drama and knew exactly which storylines would make good television. They certainly didn't shy away from highlighting Scott and Donna's drinking habits and other challenges within the business. But at the same time, if a bar didn't have real problems, it wouldn't need rescuing in the first place.
What viewers saw on television was an exaggerated version of some very real struggles our family and business were facing.
Over five days, the Bar Rescue team renovated the restaurant, trained the staff, revamped operations, installed new equipment, and introduced Chilleen's to a national audience. The publicity was incredible and gave us opportunities we never would have had otherwise.
What many people don't realize is that the show did not magically solve our financial problems. Even after the episode aired, foreclosure was still looming and the business remained in serious trouble. The cameras left, but the hard work was just beginning.
Ultimately, it took investors stepping in, years of dedication, and a community that continued supporting us to keep the doors open. In 2016, Aleah Chilleen secured an SBA loan and purchased the restaurant back from the investors, returning Chilleen's to family ownership.
Today, Chilleen's is considered one of the success stories to come from Bar Rescue. We have continued to grow, evolve, and serve our community more than a decade after the episode aired.
We are incredibly thankful to Jon Taffer and his team. While the show didn't save us from foreclosure, it gave us exposure, training, a fresh perspective, and an opportunity. For that, we will always be grateful.
The truth is that Bar Rescue opened the door. Our family, our employees, and our community walked us through it.