Dave Flier in Rockin' Dave's Bistro & Backstage Lounge in Bend.

Although the building that housed Rockin’ Dave’s Bistro & Backstage Lounge for nearly 17 years on Bend’s Greenwood Avenue is under contract, the brand is not for sale.

Dave Flier is still Rockin’ Dave. And next, he hopes to rock his way to Hollywood.

The bistro known for its boiled bagels and hearty breakfasts brought Flier many things, but it came at a cost: freedom.

Flier would lie awake worrying about who would staff the restaurant the following day. Making plans for a few months in the future, such as a summer rafting trip, was out of the question.

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“It makes me cry a little bit to say that I could actually have a job —if this works out —that I show up and I freaking help people with their restaurant.”

When he officially closed the doors to his bistro Jan. 21, Flier felt at ease.

“I was ecstatic because it was just such a relief of not worrying about who’s going to show up, not going show up, what kind of problems they’re going to have,” he said.

Flier’s TV pitch

Now, Flier wants to grant restaurant owners what he wishes he had during his tenure at Rockin’ Daves Bistro — the ability to confidently step away and take a vacation.

He envisions consulting at restaurants around the country. And he plans to pitch the idea to Guy Fieri of the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” along with other TV networks, he said.

Flier’s pitch involves dropping a restaurant owner off at the airport and then taking care of everything from open to close. While the owner enjoys a much-needed break, Flier would draw up a proposal for improvements such as a new point-of-sale system, new smokers or a refreshed menu.

“It makes me cry a little bit to say that I could actually have a job — if this works out — that I show up and I freaking help people with their restaurant,” Flier said.

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Ready to rock

Flier was inspired by Fieri’s concept when Rockin’ Daves was featured in episode 14 of season 34 of “Diner’s Drive-ins and Dives.” He plans to take a similar approach with the added component of offering professional advice to benefit restaurant owners.

At the end of the show, viewers would be left wondering if the business owner will accept the suggestions, Flier said.

“I feel like my personality is ready for TV and my heart is ready for this program,” he said.

But with or without Hollywood, Flier plans to do some consulting, lending his wealth of lived experience to restaurant owners in the industry.

“I’m ready to rock this,” he said.

More stories on Rockin’ Daves

• Bend businesses in their prime go on the market
• Owner of Dave’s Rockin’ Bagels found opportunity, creativity in the pandemic
• Dave’s rockin’ it: a Backstage Lounge is just around the corner for the popular Bend cafe