The Brass Tap in Lakeland, Florida, is raising a glass to 12 years of success, community engagement and craft beer excellence. At the helm is investor Bharat Chhabria, who is passionate about investing and growing businesses across multiple sectors and markets. With multiple Brass Tap locations across the country, Chhabria brings a unique perspective to franchising.

As he reflects on 12 years of success, Chhabria is thankful to the Lakeland community for welcoming The Brass Tap, and is proud of the strength of his team that has made The Brass Tap a beloved spot for locals. Now, in addition to planning a community-focused celebration, Chhabria is looking forward to the future of Brass Tap in Lakeland, noting excitement to continue innovating, evolving and curating an environment like none other in the area.

Chhabria took the time to chat with 1851 Franchise to discuss all of this and more. Here’s what he had to say:

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?

Bharat Chhabria: I am a venture investor with a strong passion for starting and growing businesses. My journey has taken me through various roles, from leading technology commercialization to working in angel funds, venture capital and Fortune 500 companies. I established Globalogi Venture Partners in 2014 and have successfully led the business through multiple iterations. My heart keeps drawing me back to small businesses and venture financing, where I started my career. I am actively involved in the Tampa technology and incubator community, an engaged member of the CEO Council of Tampa Bay and support multiple non-profits in their missions

1851: What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Chhabria: Before franchising, I was deeply involved in the world of business and investment. My career has spanned various industries. I decided franchising with The Brass Tap was a good fit because I was seeking an industry with strong growth potential, and the craft beer sector was — and still is — on a very positive trajectory.

1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?

Chhabria: I chose The Brass Tap because I was convinced that their operating model effectively catered to the needs of craft beer enthusiasts. 

What truly excites me most about this company is our ability to cultivate a welcoming and neighborly atmosphere for our guests, even though our primary offerings are alcoholic beverages.

1851: What does celebrating the 12-year anniversary of The Brass Tap in Lakeland mean to you?

Chhabria: We’re celebrating a significant milestone. It's a testament to the hard work of our team and the support of the Lakeland community, which has accepted us since day one. We've grown alongside Lakeland, and it's rewarding to be a place where the community feels safe and welcome.

The Brass Tap is not just a place to enjoy a drink; it's a place where people come to connect and have a good time. Our team is focused on providing excellent customer service and ensuring that everyone who walks through our doors has a positive experience. 

1851: What is your approach to leadership and team building? How have you developed both the atmosphere and the team that encourages it?

Chhabria: My approach to leadership and team building is centered on finding the right people. I believe the team is the most important part of any business. If you have the right team, they will grow the business. 

I focus on hiring individuals who are attentive to customers, respect their needs and are committed to the long-term success of the location. 

1851: How has The Brass Tap in Lakeland become a part of the community?

Chhabria: We've become an integral part of the Lakeland community by fostering a welcoming and safe environment. We get very high marks from our customers for cleanliness, safety and a positive, energetic environment. It’s a place where people feel comfortable coming to enjoy themselves. We're honored to be a place where everyone from young people on first dates to community leaders feel welcome.

1851: How will you be celebrating the anniversary with the community?

Chhabria: We'll have a special event on Friday, April 4th! We're planning a memorable celebration where we'll be “Killing Tabs” all night. We’ve done this before, and the guests love it. Every hour, we choose a few tabs and “kill” them; you could have one drink on the tab or 30, but if your tab is chosen, you don’t owe us anything.

We’ll also have specials on drinks like the Chocolate Cake Martini, Paloma and Birthday Cake Shot, as well as live music. We aim to create a fun and engaging atmosphere for our guests to enjoy this special occasion with us.

1851: Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?

Chhabria: I want to emphasize the importance of our connection with the Lakeland community. Over the past decade, Lakeland has experienced significant growth, yet it has maintained its strong community spirit. We have felt like a part of the community since day one, and we deeply appreciate the ongoing support from residents and local leaders.

The Brass Tap was even recently featured when a local movie producer/director shot a scene of his movie at our location. The local Lakeland press was very enthusiastic about it, and it was cool to see such a positive response from the entire community.

1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?

Chhabria: My advice to those considering franchise ownership is to prioritize building a strong team, as they are the key to business growth. Furthermore, it's essential to embrace change and be prepared to adapt, as industries continuously evolve.

ABOUT THE BRASS TAP

The 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 http://thebrasstapfranchise.com/.