1851

For Hely and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/hiral-patel-3b28b622b/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=brass-tap-franchise-pasadena-maryland-hely-hiral-patel-2729580" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Hiral Patel</a>, opening a&nbsp;<a href="http://thebrasstapfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=brass-tap-franchise-pasadena-maryland-hely-hiral-patel-2729580" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Brass Tap</a> franchise isn’t just a business move — it’s the realization of a long-held dream. The husband-and-wife team has spent the past 20 years working side by side in the restaurant industry, building their portfolio with Subway locations, the first Tropical Smoothie Cafe franchise in Maryland, and a handful of rental properties. But a sports bar was always the goal, and when they discovered&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/brasstap/info">The Brass Tap</a> while visiting family in Florida, the concept instantly clicked.“We liked the concept — all the taps were very overwhelming in a good way,” Hely said. “It was entertaining, and my husband and I love watching sports. We thought it would be a great, family-friendly place where people could come watch games, grab a drink and enjoy themselves.”Now, the couple is bringing that vision to life in Pasadena, Maryland, with plans for additional locations already in motion. Their first Brass Tap is currently in development, and they’ve signed a multi-unit agreement to expand the brand across the state. For the Patels, this next chapter is all about combining experience with passion — and giving their community a place to relax, connect and enjoy the game.1851 Franchise sat down with Hely to discuss her franchising journey with her husband, what drew them to The Brass Tap, and what they hope to build with the brand. Here’s what she had to say:1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?&nbsp;&nbsp;Hely Patel: I started working with my husband Hiral in business 20 years ago. We've both been in the restaurant business ever since. We were always passionate about opening a sports bar, so when we got the opportunity with The Brass Tap, we decided to move forward.1851: What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Hely: My husband’s background is engineering. I did my engineering, and after we got married, he was already in the business. I started working with him so we could grow together. He opened a Subway restaurant in 2002 — that was our first franchise — and then we took over a few locations after that.We’ve been in the franchise business for a long time. I opened the first Tropical Smoothie Cafe franchise in Maryland back in 2011. We also manage rental properties here in Maryland.1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?Hely: My family back home in India has a business background — my father, my brother — everyone is involved in the food industry. I grew up with that mindset. When I came to this country, I thought franchising was a great opportunity to do something for yourself.Now that I’m in it, I still believe that. If you're passionate and willing to work hard, it pays off. Every day isn't going to be the same — weather changes, traffic patterns change — but if you're ready for that and you keep trying, you’ll succeed.1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?&nbsp;&nbsp;Hely: We visited The Brass Tap years ago in Florida while visiting family. We liked the concept — all the taps were very overwhelming in a good way. It was entertaining, and my husband and I love watching sports. We thought it would be a great, family-friendly place where people could come watch games, grab a drink and enjoy themselves.It was kind of our dream. We visited the corporate office about two years ago, started inquiring about the brand, and then began looking for the right location.1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?&nbsp;Hely: We’re planning to open more, but our main focus right now is making this first location successful. It's a neighborhood spot — somewhere people can come after work, grab a beer, relax, and have a good time. Once that’s in place, we’ll move on to the next one.We’ve signed a multi-unit agreement, so we do plan to open more locations in Maryland — possibly in Gaithersburg, Germantown, White Marsh and Columbia.1851: Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?&nbsp;&nbsp;Hely: I think that’s pretty much it. I was always very passionate about this industry. We came across this franchise, and now we’re looking forward to making it successful.1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?&nbsp;&nbsp;Hely: You can definitely grow. It’s hard work in the beginning, but it pays off if you're passionate. I always tell people to go ahead and find what they love. If you do that and work hard, you’ll get there.ABOUT THE BRASS TAPThe Brass Tap is a Tampa-based craft beer bar and entertainment venue known for its extensive localized brewery offerings, specialty cocktails and premium wines paired perfectly with a select menu of upscale shareables. Every location provides a unique space for social gatherings and entertainment, with an unparalleled atmosphere created through live music, trivia, sports, exclusive beer tastings and tap takeovers. For more than 10 years, The Brass Tap has offered franchise opportunities to qualified operators, continuing to grow its family of 50+ bars in 16 states. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://thebrasstapfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=brass-tap-franchise-pasadena-maryland-hely-hiral-patel-2729580" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://thebrasstapfranchise.com/</a>.

Hely and Hiral Patel Bring Their Longtime Dream to Life With The Brass Tap

Brass Tap Franchise Opens in Pasadena, MD | Hely & Hiral Patel’s Story

1851 Franchise

After two decades in the restaurant industry, the husband-and-wife team is opening their first sports bar franchise in Pasadena, Maryland, with more locations to come.

brass-tap-franchise-pasadena-maryland-hely-hiral-patel

Children's Lighthouse

Children’s Lighthouse Ramps Up Growth in First Half of 2025 With Strategic Expansions, Franchise Signings, and New Headquarters

childrens-lighthouse-ramps-up-growth-in-first-half-of-2025-with-strategic-expansions-franchise-signings-and-new-headquarters

Right at Home

Right at Home® Named a 2025 Top Franchise Brand for Multi-Unit Owners by Entrepreneur Magazine

right-at-home-named-a-2025-top-franchise-brand-for-multi-unit-owners-by-entrepreneur-magazine

Dog Training Elite

Dog Training Elite -Tips-to-Ease-Dog Anxiety-for-4th of July- July-2025

Dog Training Elite Shares Tips To Ease Dog Anxiety for 4th of July

tips-to-ease-dog-anxiety-fireworks-4th-of-july

Melting Pot

Photo of interior of Melting Pot restaurant

Lexington Herald Leader: This Restaurant Chain Eyes a Return to Lexington After 10 Years

melting-pot-return-to-lexington

Keke's Breakfast Cafe

Keke's Breakfast Cafe - John and Kimberly Ehrhard - 1851 Franchise

Empowering Leadership, One Pancake at a Time: How John and Kimberly Ehrhard Are Building a Franchise Legacy with Keke’s Breakfast Cafe

john-kimberly-ehrhard-kekes-franchise

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Drone Delivery Takes Flight in QSR: The Future of Franchise Operations?

drone-delivery-takes-flight-in-qsr-the-future-of-franchise-operations

Chick-fil-A Tops Customer Satisfaction Rankings for 11th Year as Challenger Brands Gain Ground

chick-fil-a-tops-customer-satisfaction-rankings-for-11th-year-as-challenger-brands-gain-ground

Technomic Releases Annual Ranking of the Top 15 Fast-Food Chains in the U.S.

technomic-releases-annual-ranking-of-the-top-15-fast-food-chains-in-the-us

Rising Jobless Claims Could Signal Challenges — and Opportunities — for Franchising

rising-jobless-claims-affect-franchising

Hardee’s Lawsuit Highlights the Risk of Going Off-Model in Franchising

hardees-franchise-lawsuit-paradigm-investment-group

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise Built on Heart and Community

paris-baguette-franchise-rockaway-new-jersey-vishal-junjea

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Raj Pingili and Paris Baguette logo

How a Family Vacation Inspired Raj Pingili to Bring Paris Baguette to Towson, Maryland

how-a-family-vacation-inspired-raj-pingili-to-bring-paris-baguette-to-towson-maryland

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Juan & Whitney Fernandez & family, BIGGBY COFFEE logo

From Chiropractic to Coffee: These BIGGBY® COFFEE Franchisees Are Brewing Something New in Troy, Ohio 

biggby-coffee-franchise-coming-to-troy-ohio

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Sean Phelan & Caring Transitions logo

From Tech to Transitions: Why This Caring Transitions Franchisee Left the Corporate World To Help Families Navigate Life’s Hardest Moves

Hely and Hiral Patel Bring Their Longtime Dream to Life With The Brass Tap

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS