Hely and Hiral Patel knew they wanted their next business to reflect something they’d always talked about — a relaxed, community-focused sports bar they could build together. After spending more than two decades growing with Subway and Tropical Smoothie Café, they were ready for a concept that matched their long-term vision. When they came across The Brass Tap during a family trip to Florida, they immediately recognized it as the kind of environment they had hoped to bring to their own community.
“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 preparing to bring that experience to Pasadena, Maryland. Their first Brass Tap is currently in development, with a multi-unit agreement already signed to expand the brand across the state.
Franchising has been central to the Patels’ professional life since the beginning of their marriage. Both trained as engineers, but once they began exploring entrepreneurship, franchising offered them a path to independence that matched their drive and teamwork.
"[Hiral] opened a Subway restaurant in 2002 — that was our first franchise — and then we took over a few locations after that," said Hely. "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."
After years of running other franchises together, they felt ready to take on a new challenge that tied their experience in business to their shared love of hospitality. Hely says that mindset comes naturally — it’s something she’s seen her whole life.
“My family back home in India has a business background — my father, my brother — everyone is involved in the food industry,” said Hely. “I grew up with that mindset. When I came to this country, I thought franchising was a great opportunity to do something for yourself.”
The Patels describe The Brass Tap as the perfect combination of entertainment, community and comfort. The energy, the atmosphere and the focus on craft beer all felt aligned with what they envisioned for a neighborhood gathering place.
“It was kind of our dream,” Hely said. “We visited the corporate office about two years ago, started inquiring about the brand and then began looking for the right location.”
They were drawn to The Brass Tap’s mix of local personality and reliable franchise support. To them, it was a way to run a strong business while giving their community a place to gather and enjoy good company.
Hely and Hiral are focused on getting it right before expanding further. "Our main focus right now is making this first location successful," Hely said. "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."
Future locations are already in the works, with plans to bring The Brass Tap to other parts of Maryland, including Gaithersburg, Germantown, White Marsh and Columbia.
The Patels’ drive to grow together — both in business and at home — is at the center of everything they do.
“You can definitely grow,” said Hely of franchise ownership. “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.”
For more information on franchising with family, check out the following 1851 Franchise articles:
The Brass Tap
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The Brass Tap stood out for its atmosphere, flexibility and neighborhood appeal — qualities Hely and Hiral Patel couldn’t find in any other concept.
Hely and Hiral Patel knew they wanted their next business to reflect something they’d always talked about — a relaxed, community-focused sports bar they could build together. After spending more than two decades growing with Subway and Tropical Smoothie Café, they were ready for a concept that matched their long-term vision. When they came across The Brass Tap during a family trip to Florida, they immediately recognized it as the kind of environment they had hoped to bring to their own community.
“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 preparing to bring that experience to Pasadena, Maryland. Their first Brass Tap is currently in development, with a multi-unit agreement already signed to expand the brand across the state.
Franchising has been central to the Patels’ professional life since the beginning of their marriage. Both trained as engineers, but once they began exploring entrepreneurship, franchising offered them a path to independence that matched their drive and teamwork.
"[Hiral] opened a Subway restaurant in 2002 — that was our first franchise — and then we took over a few locations after that," said Hely. "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."
After years of running other franchises together, they felt ready to take on a new challenge that tied their experience in business to their shared love of hospitality. Hely says that mindset comes naturally — it’s something she’s seen her whole life.
“My family back home in India has a business background — my father, my brother — everyone is involved in the food industry,” said Hely. “I grew up with that mindset. When I came to this country, I thought franchising was a great opportunity to do something for yourself.”
The Patels describe The Brass Tap as the perfect combination of entertainment, community and comfort. The energy, the atmosphere and the focus on craft beer all felt aligned with what they envisioned for a neighborhood gathering place.
“It was kind of our dream,” Hely said. “We visited the corporate office about two years ago, started inquiring about the brand and then began looking for the right location.”
They were drawn to The Brass Tap’s mix of local personality and reliable franchise support. To them, it was a way to run a strong business while giving their community a place to gather and enjoy good company.
Hely and Hiral are focused on getting it right before expanding further. "Our main focus right now is making this first location successful," Hely said. "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."
Future locations are already in the works, with plans to bring The Brass Tap to other parts of Maryland, including Gaithersburg, Germantown, White Marsh and Columbia.
The Patels’ drive to grow together — both in business and at home — is at the center of everything they do.
“You can definitely grow,” said Hely of franchise ownership. “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.”
For more information on franchising with family, check out the following 1851 Franchise articles:
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