LUBBOCK, TX – The Brass Tap, the award-winning upscale American tavern franchise with more than 50 locations nationwide, has named Lubbock, Texas franchisees Robert and Becky Samaniego its 2026 Franchisee of the Year.

The recognition comes just two years after the Samaniegos opened The Brass Tap Lubbock location in September 2024. Neither had prior restaurant ownership experience when they joined the franchise system.

"I spent the last 20 years working in the hospital," Becky said. “My husband has always wanted to own a bar, and he actually found The Brass Tap after visiting one of the locations. He went during a Halloween bingo event and just loved the atmosphere. I was looking to get out of the hospital after COVID, and we thought this would be a good journey for us to start together. He believed it would do well here in Lubbock, and so far, he's been right.”

When the Samaniegos first opened their doors, they had to learn an entirely new industry. They leaned heavily on The Brass Tap's franchise support team to navigate everything from restaurant operations and financial management to technology and staff development.

"I wouldn't have made it without corporate," Becky said. "They taught me everything I know. I didn't know what ‘cost of goods sold’ or operating margins were. They were there every step of the way, and even their IT department has been incredible whenever we've needed help."

As they gained experience, the Samaniegos focused on building a restaurant that reflected Lubbock's character.

"Lubbock is a really big small town," said Becky. “Everybody knows somebody. You start talking to people and realize you have mutual friends or family. The Brass Tap fits that because it feels like a place where people can feel at home. You have to connect with your guests, and you have to connect with your team. At the end of the day, we're all just people. It's all just wings and beer. People want to come in, relax and have a good time. We genuinely want people to have a memorable experience, and I think they can tell.”

"Robert and Becky represent exactly what we look for in our franchise partners," said Chris Elliott, CEO of FSC Franchise Co. “In just two years, they've taken a concept that was completely new to them and built a business centered on genuine hospitality, strong relationships and community connection. Their willingness to learn, embrace the support of our franchise system and put their guests and employees first is what makes them so deserving of this recognition. We're proud to name them our 2026 Franchisee of the Year and excited to see what they accomplish next.”

The couple credits much of their success to the support of their family, the corporate team and the Lubbock community. "My family has been incredibly supportive," Becky said. “I have four girls, and everybody stepped up while I was learning. I didn't realize how much I relied on them until we started this business. It's been amazing to see how much the community wants us to do well. People have really embraced us.”

For Becky, Franchisee of the Year recognition is another milestone in a journey that has transformed her career and revealed a side of herself she never expected to discover.

"I've learned so much about myself, I've been able to do this alongside my family, and we've been able to give something back to our community," said Becky. “We're just getting started, and I'm excited to see what's next.”

With more than 50 locations nationwide, The Brass Tap continues to grow by partnering with entrepreneurs who are passionate about hospitality and building meaningful connections in their communities.

ABOUT THE BRASS TAP:

The Brass Tap is a Tampa-based American tavern and entertainment venue known for its extensive local and regional 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/.

ABOUT FSC FRANCHISE CO.:

Founded in Tampa, Florida, FSC Franchise Co. is a leading multi-brand franchisor driving growth and innovation across three dynamic restaurant concepts — Beef 'O' Brady's, The Brass Tap and Newk's Eatery. With more than 250 locations nationwide, FSC brings together decades of expertise in hospitality, franchising and community engagement under one unified platform. Beef 'O' Brady's, with 120-plus family sports pub locations, serves up classic comfort food and community spirit in a neighborhood-friendly setting. The Brass Tap is a 50-plus-unit craft beer bar and entertainment venue that offers an extensive menu of drinks and food in a vibrant atmosphere. Newk's Eatery, a 100-unit fast-casual brand founded in Jackson, Mississippi, brings fresh, handcrafted food to guests with a focus on quality ingredients, digital convenience and hospitality. Together, FSC's brands are redefining what it means to grow a scalable, community-driven restaurant portfolio, offering franchisees the opportunity to diversify within a powerful ecosystem of proven concepts. To learn more, visit https://www.fscfranchiseco.com/.