St. Louis has always been a beer city, and Kush and Prapti Patel recognized a golden opportunity to bring something new to the local dining and bar scene. With a strong family background in liquor stores and real estate, Kush had already been immersed in the beverage industry, while Prapti’s corporate experience in information technology and restaurant background gave her a business-oriented approach to hospitality.

After getting married, the couple decided to explore franchise opportunities that aligned with their expertise and interests. The Brass Tap stood out — not just as a beer-focused concept, but as a full-scale experience that offers craft beer, cocktails and a robust dining menu. With five locations planned, the Patels are excited to grow The Brass Tap’s presence in Missouri, starting with their first opening this summer.

1851 spoke with the duo to learn more about their backgrounds, what drew them to the franchise and their plans for the future. 

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

Kush Patel: My family has been in the liquor business for nearly 30 years, primarily running liquor stores. I started working in the business a few years ago, and over time, I began to see opportunities to build on what we had and find new ways to grow and innovate within the industry.

Prapti Patel: I have experience in restaurants and have been working in corporate America in IT for a while. After we got married, we started looking into businesses we could open together — something that combined both of our backgrounds. We liked the idea of getting into the bar and restaurant space, and with family investors on board, we felt franchising was the best route. We did our homework and reached out to The Brass Tap.

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?

Kush: Before becoming franchisees, we saw franchising as a way to step into business ownership with a proven model instead of starting from scratch. Now that we’re in it, we really understand how valuable that structure and support system are. The FSC team has been there every step of the way, making the whole process so much smoother. Franchising isn’t just about following a formula—it’s about having a solid foundation and a team that sets you up for success.

Prapti: We always saw franchising as a smart way to lower risk when starting a business, and being in it has only reinforced that. Having a proven framework and ongoing support has made such a difference. It’s not just about owning a business—it’s about having the right tools and people to help you navigate challenges and grow with confidence.

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

Kush: We knew we wanted something beer-focused. St. Louis has such a strong beer culture — it’s a big deal here. But we didn’t just want a bar; we wanted a place with a full dining menu that appealed to a wide range of customers. The Brass Tap had everything we were looking for.

It’s not just a bar; it’s a gathering place for everyone. Even families with kids can come here and enjoy the experience. That was really important to us.

1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?

Kush: We have five locations planned, but we’re taking it one step at a time, ensuring each one is done right. Our goal is to make The Brass Tap a staple in St. Louis, providing a great experience for people here. We really want it to feel like home, with a strong focus on local beers to give guests a true taste of the community. It’s about creating a place where people can relax and enjoy what St. Louis has to offer.

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

Prapti: One of the biggest things we learned is how important communication is. When we reached out to The Brass Tap, we weren’t just looking for a business — we were looking for a partner.

The brand wasn’t just trying to sell us something. They weren’t pushing a sales pitch; they genuinely cared about whether we were the right fit for their system, and that was a huge green flag for us. It has to go both ways — if you’re looking at a franchise, make sure you’re entering into a real partnership, not just buying into a business.

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/.