The Brass Tap and Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Announces New Chief Development Officer

FSC Franchise Co., LLC, parent company of leading sports pub franchise Beef ‘O’ Brady’s and rapidly growing craft beer bar The Brass Tap*, is advancing its push for brand innovation and strategic growth with the addition of industry veteran Jean Baudrand as Chief Development Officer. Baudrand joins The Brass Tap and Beef ‘O’ Brady’s as the two brands mount an aggressive new push for market share in 2017.

Baudrand has cultivated a long, successful career in brand development, both domestically and internationally. After spearheading domestic development and real estate for Burger King Corp., he was promoted to London in 1994 to lead Burger King’s European, Middle Eastern and non-traditional development efforts. He then joined Yum! Brands in 1998 as Vice President of International Development in Europe, and progressively extended his responsibilities to the Middle East and Latin America. By 2009, after consulting for companies like Arby’s, Applebee’s and Quizno’s Subs, Baudrand accepted an invitation to join TGI Friday’s as Vice President of International Business Development, a position he held for the last eight years.

“As I contemplated the next step in my career, I realized I wanted to work with brands with tremendous potential and help take them to new heights,” Baudrand said. “Beef ‘O’ Brady’s and The Brass Tap have two very different brand stories, but equally incredible growth opportunities. Beef’s has a track record of success dating back more than three decades, and the community ties the brand has developed in its markets are among the strongest in the industry. The Brass Tap, on the other hand, is a younger, hipper brand with strong millennial appeal. Our goal is to leverage each of the brands’ unique strengths as they grow. By further highlighting the elements that make them great, I believe we can spur rapid expansion for both brands in new markets across the country.” 

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s is already an attractive prospect for experienced restaurant franchise operators, but Baudrand intends to boost the franchise opportunity even further as the brand amplifies what already sets it apart: its role as an important community gathering place. By enhancing both the dining room and bar experience, ensuring that color schemes are more contemporary and that the menu becomes a part of the celebration, Baudrand plans to further differentiate the Beef’s experience from competitors.

“Our existing franchisees have recognized how important community involvement is to running their thriving businesses. They are successful because they are truly at the center of their community. This means creating a space that’s not only family-friendly, but also a place where adults can go to enjoy a beer and delicious food at a great price. These changes will refocus the brand on its original and wining promise, bringing a more contemporary, fresh feeling to Beef’s, while boosting the neighborhood vibe that’s made the brand so successful for so long,” Baudrand said.  

At The Brass Tap, Baudrand plans to accentuate the brand’s appeal to a younger demographic. To do this, The Brass Tap development team will focus on diversifying the guest experience by offering a larger, more varied drink list in an atmosphere that projects both an urban feel and a warm, inviting space to relax, spend time with friends and watch sports.

“The Brass Tap is a place where people come at the end of the day to relax, recharge and catch up with friends. By further expanding our great list of craft cocktails, wine and quality food, we’re prompting guests to make The Brass Tap their go-to spot. We’re celebrating what makes the concept so unique: an unparalleled modern craft beer bar experience,” Baudrand said.

In order to accelerate growth in 2017, both The Brass Tap’s and Beef ‘O’ Brady’s will increase focus on experienced multi-unit operators. By targeting franchisees who have a genuine interest in growing alongside these brands through multi-unit development, Baudrand is confident that record growth is quick to follow.

“We couldn’t be more excited to have Jean join the FSC Franchise team to continue the momentum and positive growth,” Chris Elliott, CEO of FCS Franchise Co. LLC., said. “Both of these brands have very strong foundations in place, and we’re confident that with Jean’s expertise and skill, we have many even more prosperous years ahead.”