The Brass Tap

TAMPA, FL —&nbsp;<a href="https://fscfranchiseco.com/franchise?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=fsc-franchise-co-celebrates-milestone-year-as-it-closes-out-2024-and-looks-ahead-to-2025-2728253" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">FSC Franchise Co.</a>, the parent company of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.beefobradysfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=fsc-franchise-co-celebrates-milestone-year-as-it-closes-out-2024-and-looks-ahead-to-2025-2728253" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Beef ‘O’ Brady’s</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://thebrasstapfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=fsc-franchise-co-celebrates-milestone-year-as-it-closes-out-2024-and-looks-ahead-to-2025-2728253" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The Brass Tap</a>, is celebrating a milestone year as 2024 draws to a close. Both brands earned prestigious spots on the 2024 Franchise Times Top 400 list, marking their first appearance on the ranking of the largest U.S.-based franchise systems.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/beefobradys/info">Beef ‘O’ Brady’s</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/beefobradys/beef-o-bradys-earns-no-231-spot-on-2024-franchise-times-top-400-list-2727586#stories">claimed the No. 231 spot</a>, while&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/brasstap/info">The Brass Tap</a> was&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/brasstap/the-brass-tap-earns-no-409-spot-on-2024-franchise-times-top-400-list-2727585#stories">ranked at No. 409</a>.“As we continue to expand, it’s truly an honor to be recognized alongside some of the largest and most successful franchise brands in the world,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-elliott-7365a6b/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=fsc-franchise-co-celebrates-milestone-year-as-it-closes-out-2024-and-looks-ahead-to-2025-2728253" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Chris Elliott</a>, CEO of FSC Franchise Co. “This achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our franchise partners, corporate team, and loyal fan base, both in our established markets and those new markets that are quickly embracing our brand. We’re excited for the continued success and growth ahead.”The Franchise Times Top 400 ranks brands based on systemwide sales, utilizing company reports and Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs). To qualify, companies must be legally franchised, headquartered in the U.S., or have at least 10% of their total locations within the country, with a minimum of 15% of total units franchised.Throughout 2024, FSC Franchise Co. demonstrated its commitment to innovation and growth across its brands. Beef ‘O’ Brady’s launched a new steak menu, which Elliott said “exceeded our expectations.” He explained, “We promoted a 12-ounce strip and a 10-ounce ribeye throughout the fall, and that’s what consistently drove sales. And we’ve been positive every week since we started promoting steak, except for the hurricane weeks and Thanksgiving.” This success has led to plans to include steak on the menu permanently in 2025.For The Brass Tap, the rollout of the 4.0 initiative brought significant operational improvements and menu upgrades, attracting a broader customer base. “We stepped back and got away from trying to appeal to just the craft beer drinker and decided to pivot to appeal to anybody that drinks beer,” Elliott said. “The best-selling beer on our tap wall right now is Michelob Ultra, and that was added as part of this initiative.”The company’s development pipeline is robust heading into 2025, with Elliott noting that The Brass Tap signed 30 new deals in 2024, bringing its pipeline to nearly 100 locations. “Between all three brands [including&nbsp;<a href="https://newks.com/franchise/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=fsc-franchise-co-celebrates-milestone-year-as-it-closes-out-2024-and-looks-ahead-to-2025-2728253" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Newk’s Eatery</a>, which was&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/beefobradys/fsc-franchise-co-approaches-2024-with-40-signings-11-openings-and-newks-acquisition-2724513">purchased by FSC Franchise Co. last year</a>], we’ll probably open 20-plus stores,” he said. “You’ll see menu innovation and facility innovation in all three brands.”Beef ‘O’ Brady’s and The Brass Tap are also making strategic moves to strengthen their existing market positions while exploring adjacent markets. “A lot of our franchisees are coming back to the table with plans for new locations,” Elliott said. “There’s a lot of optimism in the air and that’s a great sign for our long-term growth.”As FSC Franchise Co. looks ahead, the company’s focus remains on delivering value and innovation. “The best way we’ve found to stay relevant is by listening to what our customers want and delivering it in a way that stands out,” said Elliott. “Our brands are positioned to do just that as we move into 2025.”ABOUT FSCFSC Franchise Co. is the industry-leading franchisor behind Beef ‘O’ Brady’s and The Brass Tap, with over 180 locations across the United States. Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, with 143 locations in 21 states, is a family sports pub concept that provides the perfect atmosphere for friends and families to watch the game and grab a bite. The Brass Tap, a craft beer bar and entertainment venue with 40 current locations in 16 states, is known for extensive localized brewery offerings, specialty cocktails and premium wines paired perfectly with a select menu of upscale shareables.&nbsp;ABOUT BEEF 'O' BRADY’SBeef ‘O’ Brady’s is a franchise of family sports pubs that provides the perfect atmosphere for friends and families to watch the game and grab a bite. With a focus on providing value without sacrificing quality, the Beef ‘O’ Brady’s menu features delicious family favorites like award-winning wings, fresh Angus burgers, crisp salads, USDA Choice Cut sirloin, and grilled salmon, along with a kids’ menu and a full bar for the adults. Beef 'O' Brady's is strongly dedicated to community involvement through ongoing partnerships with local schools, youth sports leagues and other community groups. Beef 'O' Brady's currently operates 140 locations in 21 states. For more information about franchising opportunities, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.beefobradysfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=fsc-franchise-co-celebrates-milestone-year-as-it-closes-out-2024-and-looks-ahead-to-2025-2728253" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.beefobradysfranchise.com/</a>.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=fsc-franchise-co-celebrates-milestone-year-as-it-closes-out-2024-and-looks-ahead-to-2025-2728253" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://thebrasstapfranchise.com/</a>.

FSC - EOY Wrap-Up Press Release - December - 1851 Franchise

FSC Franchise Co. EOY 2024 — Celebrating Growth and Innovation

1851 Franchise

With Beef ‘O’ Brady’s and The Brass Tap both debuting on the Franchise Times Top 400, parent company FSC Franchise Co. has a lot to celebrate this year.


This brand page has been paid for by THE BRASS TAP. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

FSC Franchise Co. Celebrates Milestone Year as It Closes Out 2024 and Looks Ahead to 2025

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The Brass Tap and Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Move Up in the Ranks on 2025 Franchise Times Top 400 List

The Neighborhood Bar Reimagined: Why The Brass Tap Is the Destination for Drinks, Sports, Food, and Community

Inside The Brass Tap's Recipe for Record-Breaking New Store Performance

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When a new restaurant opens strong, it isn’t by accident. At&nbsp;<a href="https://thebrasstapfranchise.com/">The Brass Tap</a>, the 50-plus-unit American tavern franchise, early success is tied to a clear identity, active local ownership and a playbook that starts well before the doors open.The brand has built its reputation as an upscale community sports bar, a place that blends craft beer, handmade cocktails, elevated food and a social atmosphere into one experience. New locations are designed to feel familiar quickly, while still offering something a step above the typical neighborhood bar.Karl Waller, who owns The Brass Tap Marina in California’s Monterey Bay area, says community involvement has been the foundation of his growth.“Before we opened, I spent a lot of time getting to know our leadership within the city of Marina,” Waller said. “I know the mayor and all the city council members, the police chief and the fire chief.”That effort did not stop with local officials. Waller also supported youth groups, churches and nonprofit organizations to introduce himself and the brand to residents.“People know us personally,” Waller said. “They know we give back to the community and that word of mouth has helped our business a lot.”This type of local visibility reflects what&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/brasstap/info">The Brass Tap</a> calls its “Mayor of the Market” philosophy. Franchisees are encouraged to be present, recognizable and engaged in their markets. The brand is also rolling out operator story elements in stores to reinforce that each location is locally owned and operated.<h2>High Volumes Built on a Broad Guest Appeal</h2>Strong community ties are only part of the equation. The Brass Tap’s concept is built to drive higher check averages and repeat visits. With an average ticket of $39.72, the brand leads its portfolio in revenue per guest. That performance is supported by an offering that goes beyond beer alone.Waller noted his location offers a full bar, a large food menu and extensive TV coverage for sports, which brings in a wider range of guests throughout the day and week. “We feature up to 60 beers on tap, but I wanted to position us more than a craft beer bar,” he said.&nbsp;At the system level, growth mirrors that momentum. With 56 stores in development, The Brass Tap currently has the largest pipeline within the FSC portfolio. Locations are designed with appropriately sized footprints that avoid the oversized builds seen in some competing concepts, helping maintain healthy economics while still producing strong volumes.<h2>A New Store Playbook Designed for Early Momentum</h2>The Brass Tap’s opening strategy places heavy emphasis on preparation, marketing and operational readiness. Waller says much of his early success came from work done months before opening.“I invested a lot upfront,” he said. “As the building was being built, I was already out marketing, networking, making sure people knew about us.”On the operational side, franchisees receive guidance around site selection, efficient buildouts and kitchen design. Support continues after opening as well.“We were selling so much food we couldn’t keep up with the volume, and they immediately sent out a team after our fifth week to assess our kitchen operation,” Waller said. “They made some recommendations, and we’ve been able to handle the volume since those improvements were implemented.”The combination of a defined brand position, local ownership engagement and a repeatable opening process has created a model that consistently produces strong starts. For The Brass Tap, that formula is turning new locations into busy community hubs and setting the stage for long-term performance.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/brasstap/info.">https://1851franchise.com/brasstap/info.</a>&nbsp;

A community-first operating mindset, paired with an elevated sports bar experience and a disciplined opening strategy, is helping The Brass Tap generate strong early results for new locations.

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In a bar and sports pub segment packed with national chains and local independents, standing out has become harder than ever. Many concepts lean heavily on game-day traffic, oversized footprints or national marketing campaigns to drive volume.<a href="https://thebrasstapfranchise.com/">The Brass Tap</a> has taken a steadier approach. The brand has worked to define itself as an upscale community sports bar, supported by disciplined site selection and a more intentional operating model. That strategy is what drew&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-ridley-5b856b32/">Mark Ridley</a> to the brand after retiring from a 29-year career in government service.“As an NCIS agent, I moved 11 times to places all over, from California to North Carolina to Florida to Japan and Hawaii,” he said. “So one of the big things for me about getting into this business was that it was kind of cool to finally be a part of a community, because I hadn’t really been part of one my whole life.”Nearly nine years later at his National Harbor, Maryland, location, Ridley says the local ownership focus continues to set the concept apart.<h2>Defining an Upscale Community Sports Bar</h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/brasstap/info">The Brass Tap</a> did not set out to reinvent the sports bar. Instead, the concept evolved by paying attention to how people actually use the space. Guests come in for an extensive beer selection, creative cocktails, approachable but elevated food and an atmosphere that feels social without being overwhelming.Rather than competing purely on volume or game-day spikes, the brand aims to be a place people return to regularly. That mindset puts it in the same general category as concepts like Duffy's Sports Grill, Buffalo Wild Wings, World of Beer and Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux, while leaning more heavily into a local, premium feel.The Brass Tap has also adjusted how it thinks about growth. Leadership watched other bar brands struggle under the weight of oversized footprints, including Bar Louie. The lesson was clear. Large spaces are expensive to build and harder to operate consistently.Today, the brand prioritizes right-sized locations with efficient layouts and buildouts that make sense for daily operations. That discipline reduces risk and supports more stable, long-term performance.<h2>Local Ownership That Feels Personal</h2>Ridley spent nearly three decades working in government and serving as an NCIS agent. After retiring, he began exploring franchise opportunities and looked closely at several concepts before landing on The Brass Tap. “The thing that attracted us to The Brass Tap was the fact that their royalties were a lot lower,” Ridley said. “And they seemed to be really engaged.”Now approaching nine years in business at National Harbor, Ridley says the brand’s emphasis on owner involvement has been central to its success. The Brass Tap encourages franchisees to become what it calls the “mayor of the market.”Located at National Harbor, a destination that sits at the intersection of Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia, Ridley’s location serves a mix of locals, convention traffic and military and government organizations. While the area brings built-in visibility, Ridley says repeat business comes from connection, not convenience.“We're kind of like the ‘Cheers’ of the National Harbor,” he said. “We're that local bar.”That approach shows up in the numbers. The brand reports an average guest frequency of 2.4 visits per month and the highest average ticket in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fscfranchiseco.com/">FSC Franchise Co.</a> portfolio at $39.72. Guests are not just stopping in. They are coming back.The Brass Tap is also leaning into that loyalty by using its storefronts as recruitment tools. Plans include highlighting owner stories, reinforcing the locally owned message and directing interested guests to franchise information. It is a strategy designed to turn regulars into potential owners.<h2>A Franchise Model Built to Scale</h2>The Brass Tap is currently the fastest-growing brand within the FSC portfolio. The company has 56 stores in development, the largest pipeline across the platform, with 12 more planned this year.For franchisees, growth does not have to stop at a single unit. Operators have access to centralized support and the option to expand into additional units or even other concepts within the portfolio.“They told us they would help us get started. They told us they'd help us get our staff trained. They said they'd stay with us along the way, and they've done all of those things,” Ridley said. “If something breaks or something goes wrong or I experience something that I haven't experienced before, I can call my franchise consultant and within minutes I'm getting closer to a solution."Operationally, the model is designed to be manageable. Locations are intentionally right-sized. Systems are established. Additional revenue streams like online ordering, delivery and catering provide room to grow without adding unnecessary complexity.At National Harbor, Ridley continues to expand private events and catering while benefiting from a steady flow of convention traffic. Growth, he said, feels natural rather than forced.In a segment often defined by sameness, The Brass Tap has found traction by staying focused on community, discipline and local ownership. For operators looking for a bar concept that values consistency over flash, that difference matters.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/brasstap/info">https://1851franchise.com/brasstap/info</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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By pairing an elevated sports bar experience with smarter real estate decisions and hands-on local ownership, The Brass Tap is carving out a sustainable path in a crowded category.

A Better Way to Build a Bar: Why The Brass Tap Is Gaining Ground

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<a href="https://thebrasstapfranchise.com/">The Brass Tap</a> is built for operators who want to be visible in their business, invested in their neighborhood and actively shaping the culture of their local market.Positioned as an upscale community sports bar,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/brasstap/info">The Brass Tap</a> blends a premium beer and beverage program with elevated bar food and a welcoming, social atmosphere. Combined with a right-sized real estate strategy and a corporate platform focused on long-term franchisee success, the brand continues to attract community-minded entrepreneurs who want to build a business that feels personal and profitable.&nbsp;<h2>Empowering the “Mayor of the Market” Operator</h2>The Brass Tap targets what it describes as engaged entrepreneurs. These owners are polite, coachable, hospitality-driven and locally connected. They want to be present in their restaurants and known in their communities.For Baltimore-based franchise owner&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/barry-lowenthal-b117a7264">Barry Lowenthal</a>, that philosophy starts with how he views his role inside the four walls of his location.“The way I look at myself is I’m the public face of a strong team,” Lowenthal said. “It’s my responsibility to be the first person to greet anybody who comes in the door when I’m here and, when I’m not here, to make sure my team is ready to greet and make folks feel welcome.”That mindset extends well beyond daily operations. Lowenthal and his team work closely with nearby universities, elementary schools, middle schools and high schools to support fundraisers, offer teacher discounts and participate in local initiatives. He also pointed to a recent example when a neighboring restaurant closed abruptly after 30 years and his team raised money to support the displaced employees.It all comes back to making sure everyone feels welcome.“The most important thing that we can do as an organization is to make sure that people feel welcome here no matter who they are,” Lowenthal said. “People feel more comfortable where they feel seen.”That is what the brand means when it talks about being the “mayor of the market.” The owner is not behind the scenes. They are visible and connected to the people who walk through the door.Many franchisees start out as regular guests. They know the brand, they enjoy the experience and they can picture bringing that same atmosphere to their own market.<h2>Positioned as the Upscale Community Hub</h2>The Brass Tap occupies a differentiated niche as an upscale community sports bar. Rather than competing solely on volume or game-day traffic, the brand emphasizes an extensive beer selection, better bar food and a warm, social vibe that encourages guests to stay longer and return often.Lowenthal credits that positioning, paired with a welcoming environment, as a major reason his location has developed strong regulars and repeat business.“The biggest compliment that I’ve ever received is when somebody says that this place feels like home,” he said.Inside the restaurant, the brand reinforces the locally owned and operated message through storytelling elements and localized touches that highlight the operator behind the business. The goal is to deepen emotional connection and remind guests that each location is rooted in its own neighborhood.The strategy is designed to drive consistent visit frequency, not just one-time traffic. Guests come in to watch games, meet friends, grab a drink after work or enjoy a meal without needing a special occasion. That everyday relevance is a key part of the concept’s staying power.<h2>Designed for Strong Unit Economics</h2>From a real estate standpoint, The Brass Tap avoids overly large footprints that can strain buildout budgets, rent and labor costs. A typical location is around 3,000 to 3,200 square feet, which Lowenthal says plays a direct role in profitability.“First and foremost, it just keeps the cost down,” Lowenthal said. “From the buildout costs to the monthly occupancy cost to the operating costs.”Smaller footprints also support the atmosphere the brand is trying to create. A tighter layout keeps the room feeling connected rather than spread out, which naturally encourages conversation and longer visits.“For a bar, coziness is really important,” he said. “We can create a pretty cozy environment pretty easily because of the size and the footprint. In the bar business, it’s all about hanging out. I would much rather people hang around and have one more drink or a dessert and a drink afterwards than get up and go.”At the brand level, The Brass Tap has also evolved alongside consumer preferences. While craft beer was once the primary focus, many locations now see strong sales across liquor, cocktails and food. Development leadership has shown flexibility in adjusting the concept to reflect those shifts while maintaining the brand’s core identity as a beer-forward bar.<h2>Built on a Platform Focused on Franchisee Success</h2>Lowenthal said what originally sold him on the brand was the message he heard at Discovery Day. The vision of the organization was centered on 100% franchise success.“That is a very different vision than a lot of franchisors have,” he said. “What I found over the intervening 10 and a half years is that that is a motto that is lived up to. The support that we get from corporate is incredible, and the amount of money we have to spend is right in line with the value we get.”That philosophy shapes how the brand approaches growth. Rather than prioritizing rapid expansion, The Brass Tap focuses on placing the right operators in the right markets and supporting them with a scalable corporate infrastructure.As part of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fscfranchiseco.com/company">broader FSC Franchise Co. platform</a>, qualified owners can also pursue multi-unit and even multi-brand growth over time, giving ambitious entrepreneurs a pathway to scale while staying within a familiar system.For candidates who want to be hands-on, community-driven and backed by a brand that values sustainable economics, The Brass Tap offers a franchise opportunity built around local leadership and long-term viability.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/brasstap/info">https://1851franchise.com/brasstap/info</a>.

image of the brass tap interior, resturaunt franchise

How The Brass Tap attracts hands-on, community-first operators with a neighborhood-driven model, right-sized footprint and a corporate platform built for sustainable, long-term growth.

The Brass Tap: A Local Neighborhood Bar Franchise Designed for Engaged Entrepreneurs

brass-tap-franchise-opportunity

Why The Brass Tap Is One of the Fastest-Growing Craft Beer Franchises, With 43 in Development

FSC Franchise Co. Celebrates Milestone Year as It Closes Out 2024 and Looks Ahead to 2025

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