Danny "The Count" Koker isn't just a guy who likes cars. He’s an obsession. If you spent any time watching History Channel during the mid-2010s, you know the drill: Danny spots a classic ride in a parking lot, pulls over his bike, and offers the owner a stack of cash on the spot. It was lightning in a bottle. But lately, the TV cameras have dimmed, and people are scratching their heads wondering what happened to Counts Kustoms and if the Las Vegas landmark is even still breathing.
The short answer? It’s very much alive. But it's not the same place you saw in 2012.
The reality of reality TV is that it's rarely "real" for long. Counting Cars debuted as a spin-off of Pawn Stars, and for ten seasons, it dominated the automotive space. Then, the world changed. The shop didn't go bankrupt, and Danny didn't lose his passion for velvet waistcoats, but the business had to pivot away from being a television set and back into being a functioning custom shop and tourist destination.
The Reality Check After the Cameras Stopped Rolling
Let's be honest about something. Reality TV fame is a double-edged sword for a blue-collar business. On one hand, you get millions of dollars in free advertising. On the other, you can't actually get any work done because there are 500 tourists standing in your driveway trying to get a selfie with Kevin Mack.
What happened to Counts Kustoms was a necessary evolution. When Counting Cars slowed down its production schedule—and eventually moved into that "indefinite hiatus" territory—the shop had to rely on its actual reputation rather than cable ratings. The shop is still located at 2714 S Highland Dr in Las Vegas. If you go there today, you’ll see the famous showroom. You’ll see the rows of choppers and the psychedelic paint jobs. But the day-to-day operations have shifted significantly toward high-end, private commissions and maintaining Danny’s personal collection.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that the shop closed because the show ended. It’s actually the opposite. The show ended because the logistical nightmare of filming a "reality" show in a working garage became unsustainable. It’s hard to justify taking six months to build a bike for a TV episode when you have a two-year backlog of paying customers who don’t care about camera angles.
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The Loss of Scott Jones and the Internal Shifts
You can't talk about the history of the shop without mentioning Scott Jones. Fans remember him as the firm, slightly grumpy bookkeeper who constantly clashed with Danny’s "buy everything" mentality. When Scott disappeared after the second season, the internet went into a frenzy.
The truth wasn't nearly as dramatic as the rumors of embezzlement or massive lawsuits that floated around Reddit for years. Scott simply moved to Tennessee. He wanted to be closer to family and start his own business. No big blowup. No cinematic exit. Just a guy who was tired of the Vegas heat and the pressure of being the "bad guy" on a hit show.
After Scott left, Kevin Mack took on more of the managerial weight. This change shifted the vibe of the shop. It became less about the "conflict" of the budget and more about the artistry of the builds. While that made for slightly less dramatic television, it probably saved the business. Danny is a creative. He needs someone to handle the grit, and Kevin has stayed by his side through the thick of it.
Is Danny Koker Still in Charge?
Yes. Danny is still the boss, but his empire has expanded way beyond just turning wrenches on 1967 Mustangs. He’s a businessman with a hand in everything.
- Count’s Vamp’d Rock Bar & Grill: This is Danny’s secondary home. If he’s not at the shop, he’s probably here. It’s a legitimate rock venue that survived the 2020 lockdowns and is still a staple of the Vegas local scene.
- Count’s 77: Danny’s band. They still tour. They still play classic rock. For Danny, the music was never a side hustle; it was always equal to the cars.
- Count’s Tattoo Company: Located at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, this is another branch of the brand that keeps the "Count" name in the public eye even when he's not on a TV screen.
Honestly, the shop has become a bit of a museum. They offer tours, and they are free—which is a rarity in Vegas. They make a killing on merchandise, which is the secret sauce for any reality TV business. You might come for the cars, but you leave with a $40 t-shirt. That’s how you keep the lights on when the network checks stop coming in.
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The Challenges of the Custom Car Industry in 2026
The world of custom cars has changed. We aren't in the era of West Coast Customs or Orange County Choppers anymore. The "over-the-top" fabrication era has been replaced by a demand for "restomods"—classic looks with modern Tesla motors or reliable LS swaps.
Count’s Kustoms has had to adapt to this. While Danny loves his old-school carbureted engines, the market wants drivability. The shop has faced the same supply chain issues that hit everyone else. Getting parts for a 1970s Cadillac isn't as easy as it used to be. Prices for "project cars" have also skyrocketed. Danny’s old trick of finding a "diamond in the rough" for $500 is basically impossible now because every person with a rusted-out shell in their backyard thinks they have a gold mine thanks to the internet.
Why People Think the Shop Disappeared
The "disappearance" is mostly an illusion of the media cycle. In the 2020s, if you aren't on a major streaming platform or trending on TikTok, people assume you’ve gone under.
The shop’s social media presence is active, but it’s not flashy. They post finished builds. They post shots of the showroom. It’s a "steady as she goes" business model. They aren't chasing clout; they're chasing quality. Also, the cast has aged. Danny is in his 60s now. The high-octane energy of a 22-episode TV season is grueling, and most of the crew seems content with a slower, more deliberate pace of life.
The Legal and Financial Reality
Contrary to some of the clickbait you might see on Facebook, Count's Kustoms hasn't been buried in lawsuits. There was a notable legal issue back in 2017 involving a former employee, Joseph "Front End Joe" LaRive, regarding unpaid wages and some workplace disputes, but that’s standard fare for any mid-sized business that’s been around for decades. It didn't sink the ship.
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Financially, the "Count" brand is diversified. By owning the property, the bar, the tattoo shop, and the brand rights, Danny Koker insulated himself from the "TV curse." Most reality stars go broke when the show ends because they didn't own the underlying assets. Danny owned the garage before History Channel ever showed up, and he owns it now.
What to Expect if You Visit Today
If you're planning a trip to Vegas and want to see what happened to Counts Kustoms firsthand, here is the deal.
The showroom is open to the public. You can walk in and see some of the most famous cars from the show, including Danny’s "Horny Mike" projects and his personal Cadillacs. You probably won't see Danny. He’s usually in the back or at the bar. But the atmosphere is still very "Count." It’s loud, it’s chrome, and it’s unapologetically old-school Vegas.
The shop still takes on projects, but be prepared to wait. And be prepared to pay. This isn't a "budget" shop. They are specialized artists. If you want a Count’s original, you are paying for the name, the history, and the fact that the guy painting your flames has been doing it since the 80s.
The Legacy of Counting Cars
Ultimately, what happened to Counts Kustoms is that it became a legacy brand. It moved past the "fad" stage of reality TV and settled into being a pillar of the automotive community.
Danny Koker proved that you could be a "character" without losing your integrity as a builder. While other TV shops burned out in spectacular fashion (looking at you, American Chopper), the crew at Count's stayed relatively tight-knit. They survived the transition from cable TV stars to local business owners once again, and in the volatile world of Las Vegas business, that’s the biggest win you can get.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Car Enthusiasts
- Visit the Showroom: If you are in Las Vegas, the showroom at 2714 S Highland Dr is free. It’s one of the few high-value free attractions left in the city. Go on a weekday morning to avoid the largest crowds.
- Check the Gig Calendar: If you want to actually see Danny, don't hang out at the shop. Check the schedule for Count’s Vamp’d. He frequently performs there with his band, Count's 77, and he's known to be very approachable with fans at the venue.
- Verify the Build: If you’re looking to buy a car with a "Count's Kustoms" pedigree on the secondary market, always ask for the documentation. Because of the show's fame, there are many "tribute" cars out there that were never actually touched by Ryan Evans or the rest of the crew.
- Support Local Custom Shops: The lesson of the shop's longevity is diversification. If you run a small business, look at how Danny expanded into food, music, and apparel to protect himself from the fluctuations of his primary trade.
The shop is still there. The engines are still loud. The "Count" is still "The Count." It just doesn't need a film crew to prove it anymore.