TV show gives Katy-area bar new look

The Wildcatter Saloon owner Jeff Simon passes the truck where food is prepared for the bar. The business was just revamped during a "Bar Rescue" episode on Spike TV. The Wildcatter Saloon owner Jeff Simon passes the truck where food is prepared for the bar. The business was just revamped during a "Bar Rescue" episode on Spike TV. less The Wildcatter Saloon owner Jeff Simon passes the truck where food is prepared for the bar. The business was just revamped during a "Bar Rescue" episode on Spike TV. The Wildcatter Saloon owner Jeff Simon ... more Photo: Â Tony Bullard 2014, Freelance Photographer Photo: Â Tony Bullard 2014, Freelance Photographer Image 1 of / 114 Caption Close TV show gives Katy-area bar new look 1 / 114 Back to Gallery

The bar at 26913 Katy Freeway used to have a bad reputation.

Not only was Bryant's Ice House difficult to find, but some customers were disappointed with what awaited their arrival - a biker bar with no-thrills service and a limited menu.

Now, thanks to an overhaul courtesy of Spike TV's "Bar Rescue," the place has been renovated, re-energized and renamed "The Wildcatter Saloon."

Owner Jeff Simon said the popular television show gave his business a much-needed second chance.

Simon bought the bar in 2012. "And we've been struggling along ever since," he admitted.

Bryant's had been around for decades and Simon was a longtime customer with a 30-year career as an accountant and a culinary degree.

"I bought the land and the building and I thought I could make a go with it," Simon said. "I wanted to do something different. The opportunity came up, and I grabbed it."

His dreams, however, fell short. "I didn't realize the shape the bar was in," Simon said. "I got to a point where it couldn't grow anymore. It just wasn't profitable."

That's when bar consultant and television personality Jon Taffer came in. He had a list of 3,000 bars to choose from - all candidates for the new season of "Bar Rescue."

Simon's story captured Taffer's interest.

More Information If you go What: The Wildcatter Saloon Where: 26913 Katy Freeway, 77494 Hours: Open 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Thursday through Saturday Call: 281-392-2337 Email: wcspremiereevents@gmail.com Web: www.wildcattersaloon.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/thewildcattersaloon

"Jeff is such a good guy and he was in a bad place," Taffer said. "I had to help him out."

Simon was the kind of character an audience would want to support, Taffer added.

"We try to find a story you want to hear," he said. "We want an owner the audience will root for."

Plus, Bryant's offered Taffer the ultimate challenge. "It's in the middle of nowhere," Taffer said. "It really is off the beaten path, on a dark road full of potholes. It would have to become a destination."

On Jan. 5, Spike TV showed up at the bar with 56 crew members who began a 36-hour remodel of the space. They completely shut down the bar to redesign the interior.

"They did some remodeling and painting," Simon said.

Chef Eric Regan also came by to revamp the food menu - which is cooked and served from a food truck parked on the property. Russell Davis was the expert mixologist.

"It's an actual kitchen on wheels," Simon said. "It's all made fresh right there."

Taffer expanded the appeal of the place - making it less of a "biker bar" and more of a neighborhood tavern.

The new name "Wildcatter" drew from Houston's history in the oil business. Taffer said the term also is slang for someone who ventures into a risky business with a can-do attitude and sense of wild adventure.

"The name has a symbolic meaning," Taffer said. "It's a hats-off to the history of Katy and to Jeff's wildcatter spirit. He took a major risk."

Taffer's main goal was to help Simon feel empowered. "Giving him the motivation and the will to succeed is a large part of my job," Taffer said. "If he's inspired now, he should do well."

Simon admitted that the journey was difficult. "It was the most emotional week I've ever had," he said. "It was definitely rough."

But he said the results were well-worth the effort.

"Then they gave me the keys," Simon said. "Would I do it again? Absolutely."

He said he has learned a lot from Taffer.

"Jon really is a genius," Simon said. "I became more of an operator than just an owner. I believe I've taken on a bigger role."

The icehouse has been transformed into a full bar - complemented by the fried pork chop, beef steak and turkey meatloaf sandwiches coming from the gourmet sandwich food truck.

Bands are scheduled every Saturday night - and Sundays are dedicated to "Blues and Brews."

Visitors can have a mixed drink and listen to music on the bar's four-acres - and if they want to know the behind-the-scenes story, they can watch it all transpire on April 13, when the Wildcatter Saloon makeover will be featured at 8 p.m. on Spike TV.