The Brass Tap

Tim Dean and Kimberly Button have been friends for over 20 years and have kept each other motivated in their respective careers all the while. Now, they are joining forces as franchisees with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/brasstap">The Brass Tap</a> and look forward to opening five locations surrounding the Tampa Bay area where they both grew up:&nbsp;Ruskin, Wimauma, Parrish, Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota, Florida.1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us.&nbsp;What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Dean:&nbsp;I have mainly worked in retail management since I was 15 years old, managing several different places. I was always very successful but felt bound by corporate laws, so I started thinking about ways to branch out and actually own a business and have my own employees. My goals were to simply treat employees really well and build a community presence serving the people around me.&nbsp;After doing some research and looking at several other places, I found&nbsp;<a href="https://thebrasstapfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=lifelong-friends-team-up-as-brass-tap-franchisees-bring-the-upscale-craft-beer-bar-to-tampa-bay-2724154" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The Brass Tap</a>. It was exactly what we were looking for as far as being local and smaller but still on the path towards growth.Button:&nbsp;Most recently, I was administrative staff, and I have over 20 years of restaurant management experience. When I started with a pizza restaurant, I was allowed a pretty wide range of responsibility to implement improvements that I saw could be made. I was promoted pretty quickly because I was hired as an office assistant, and before I knew it, they had given me full control over the company. Over a three year period, we grew from seven locations to having 22 in the works. I figured that if I'm already doing all the work of a franchisee, I might as well do it and make the income for myself.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?Button:&nbsp;We were originally deciding between going with an established franchisor or creating our own brand, but we really enjoyed the support from the corporate team and the hard work that everybody put into the foundation that was laid before us. We liked the proven model, and it seemed like the best option.Dean: We also thought the brand recognition was something that would really help us find success. If there is a commercial or a coupon in a newspaper, people will notice and recognize the brand, which makes it a lot easier than starting something new. We also were really drawn to the support the brand provides as far as the systems they have in place, including an established menu, back office support and relationships with vendors.1851:&nbsp;What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Button:&nbsp;Most of all, we love that&nbsp;it's a local brand because we're from the Tampa Bay area.&nbsp;Dean:&nbsp;As kids when we would play sports, we would always go to Beef O Brady's afterwards, and then the Brass Tap came under the same umbrella. We've both been to the original Brass Tap. We watched as Beef O Brady's grew from one store up to hundreds. The community loves it; it's the community bar, but it's still large enough to be able to be marketed and have wide-spread recognition.&nbsp;1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?&nbsp;Dean:&nbsp;We signed up for five locations, but we don't really plan on stopping there. We want to be as hands-on as possible. Obviously, as you grow larger and larger, you have to enlist some people to help you out, but at the very beginning, when the first one opens, it'll be me and Kim and the general manager, meeting everybody and getting feedback.We want to take that feedback to the table for the next location and also make adjustments as needed to that first location. Central Florida continues to develop. There's all different areas around here that have the kind of communities we would like to join.&nbsp;Button:&nbsp;We really are looking forward to being a part of the community. That’s the main reason we decided to go for it. Tim graduated from Gaither High School, I graduated from Manatee High School and we both went to USF together. We're very rooted in the area.1851:&nbsp;What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?&nbsp;Button:&nbsp;&nbsp;We've been friends for over 20 years. We actually worked in our very first jobs together. It's been a lifelong friendship. We've also both experienced different levels of management. As business partners, we are going to compliment each other very well.Dean:&nbsp;We have always kept each other motivated. She has some really useful experience in the restaurant business, and I have management experience, so we compliment each other. We are always bouncing different ideas off each other, seeing ideas from different perspectives, creating a plan together, just executing it and finding success.&nbsp;1851:&nbsp;What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming a franchise owner?Button: I was raised by my dad who was an entrepreneur. He passed away when I was young but those values are still instilled in me, so I've worked my way up. I've been in every position from a server to bartender to manager to supervisor, and now I’m a franchise owner. Both of us have held multiple jobs at a time and worked hard to get promotions, and we were very frugal with our money. We did a lot of self-sacrificing.&nbsp;My advice is that you don’t need a lot of family money. You can do it yourself; it just takes hard work and dedication to achieve it.&nbsp;Dean:&nbsp;If you have a dream of being a franchisee, research the heck out of it and understand what you're getting into, but it's possible for anybody.&nbsp;ABOUT THE BRASS TAP&nbsp;Founded by Jeff Martin in Tampa, Florida in 2008, The Brass Tap is an upscale craft beer bar with 60 taps and 200 varieties of local, national and international beers. The restaurant also features craft cocktails, a premium selection of wines and a food menu designed around community and sharing. The Brass Tap has a unique vibe that is upbeat, high energy and casual all at the same time. You will also find live music, social events, high-definition televisions to view all the sporting action, as well as an open-air patio. With more than 35 locations currently open and 50 in development, The Brass Tap is positioned to quadruple in size in the Southeast and beyond. In June 2012, FSC Franchise Co. LLC acquired the rights to franchise The Brass Tap. For more info, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.thebrasstap.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=lifelong-friends-team-up-as-brass-tap-franchisees-bring-the-upscale-craft-beer-bar-to-tampa-bay-2724154" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.thebrasstap.com</a>.&nbsp;

Lifelong Friends Team Up as Brass Tap Franchisees; Bring the Upscale Craft Beer Bar to Tampa Bay

1851 Franchise

Button and Dean met as teens working at a store; with restaurant and management experience respectively, they now plan to work together again as business owners.

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

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In an era when consumers are craving connection more and more, the essential “third place” outside of home and work is becoming increasingly important. While the traditional bar fills this gap in some markets, the modern consumer is looking for something more than a neon sign and a few standard pours.&nbsp;<a href="https://thebrasstapfranchise.com/">The Brass Tap</a>, the 50-plus-unit American tavern franchise, addresses the evolving demand perfectly.With a rotating selection of craft beers, creative cocktails, curated wines, elevated tavern fare and a community-first philosophy,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/brasstap/info">The Brass Tap</a> has positioned itself as a key player in the booming upscale bar &amp; grill segment.“We’ve created an environment in The Brass Tap where the food and beverage program is the star, but the hospitality is another key aspect,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-elliott-7365a6b">Chris Elliott</a>, CEO. “Today’s consumer wants more than just a drink or a meal. They want an experience that feels tailored to both their tastes and their community. With 45-plus taps that rotate consistently, guests have a reason to keep coming back to see what’s new.”<h2>Filling the Gap Between Local Dive and Overpriced</h2>Currently, many diners are caught between two extremes: an unrefined dive bar and an overly formal, white tablecloth restaurant. The Brass Tap occupies a sweet spot in between the two, offering a high-quality menu and a relaxed “neighborhood hangout” atmosphere.&nbsp; The Brass Tap is the local bar &amp; grill where something good is always going on.As the hospitality industry shifts toward eatertainment and specialized menus, The Brass Tap caters to foodie culture and craft beer aficionados alike.&nbsp;With 45-plus craft beers on rotation and a extensive lineup of creative cocktails at Brass Tap locations, the brand serves as a destination for discovery. In a market where consumers are increasingly curious about the stories behind their food and beverages and where they’re sourced, a neighborhood tavern with local favorites and a uniquely culinary menu is a clear standout.<h2>A Curated Journey Through 45+ Rotating Taps</h2>One of The Brass Tap’s key differentiators is its thoughtful approach to beer. Rather than offering a static menu of a few generic brands, every Brass Tap location has an expansive rotating selection of craft beers, including national gems and local favorites.For The Brass Tap, this represents a focus on curation, not just an emphasis on quantity. Each location works to ensure local breweries are represented to give a taste of the neighborhood, along with rare finds from across the globe. This localized approach further backs The Brass Tap’s reputation as a unique, independent bar rather than a cookie-cutter concept.“The craft beer movement represents a clear shift in consumer behavior,” Elliott said. “Guests enjoy the exploration aspect of trying new craft beers, and they love being able to come in seeking a familiar option and leave having discovered a local favorite they previously didn’t know existed.”<h2>An Elevated Menu in a Connection-Driven Space</h2>In many cases, the creative beverage lineup is the initial draw to The Brass Tap, but the elevated menu and welcoming atmosphere keep people around. By moving beyond the fried food approach to bar menus, offering a menu with things like an Asian BBQ chicken sandwich, fish tacos and crispy brussels sprouts, The Brass Tap appeals to a broader customer base and provides an elevated dining experience that can’t be found at traditional bars.The culinary aspect of the brand is paired with a robust schedule of events like live music, trivia, and game nights that draw guests in for true experiences at their local Brass Taps.“Each local Brass Tap is the heart of the neighborhood it serves,” Elliott said. “People are hungry for real-world connection, and we provide the space and opportunity for this.”<h2>Building for the Future</h2>With over 50 Brass Tap locations and another 50-plus in development, the brand is rapidly expanding its presence while maintaining the welcoming atmosphere that creates the brand’s local soul. The vision remains clear: to easy-going neighbors looking to have a drink, a bite, and a good time, The Brass Tap is the bar &amp; grill with local vibes, where something good is always going on.&nbsp;“As we grow, we remain committed to finding partners who are passionate about hospitality and want to be a staple in their communities,” Elliott said. “Our vision is to continue scaling while maintaining the local feel that makes The Brass Tap special.”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;

The growing American tavern franchise fills a void in the market with an elevated culinary and beverage experience and an accessible, community-focused atmosphere.

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With a hand-crafted beverage program, elevated menu and welcoming neighborhood bar atmosphere,&nbsp;<a href="https://thebrasstapfranchise.com/">The Brass Tap</a>, the 50-plus-unit American tavern franchise, has carved out a powerful niche in the larger food and beverage space. With smart buildout models and top-performing locations exceeding average unit volumes of $2.3 million, the model serves as a platform for savvy investors looking to bring a fresh, community-focused concept to their markets.“<a href="https://1851franchise.com/brasstap/info">The Brass Tap</a> is a one-of-a-kind model that offers a new take on the traditional bar or restaurant concept,” said CEO&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-elliott-7365a6b">Chris Elliott</a>. “By combining a diverse range of beers, cocktails, and wines, with a menu that goes beyond the fried bar food most people have come to know, and a truly welcoming atmosphere, The Brass Tap is a franchise opportunity that will fill a very real gap in the communities it enters. This, combined with the strategic backing of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fscfranchiseco.com/">FSC Franchise Co.</a>, makes The Brass Tap a top investment option.”<h2>An Evolving, Industry-Leading Brand</h2>Founded in Wesley Chapel, Florida, in 2008, The Brass Tap started with a vision for the “Ultimate Beer Bar.” The craft beer industry was taking off, and there was a growing demand. Focusing specifically on beer differentiated The Brass Tap among consumers.&nbsp;However, as the market has shifted, The Brass Tap has, too. Driven by consumer data, the brand added full kitchens to every location, and average unit volumes increased dramatically. The Brass Tap was more aligned with the “neighborhood bar and grill” model, welcoming a wider range of guests and encouraging them to stay longer — and spend more. By thinking bigger than the beer bar model, The Brass Tap turned a quick drink into a full-service dining experience.The Brass Tap’s ongoing evolution has also included a strategic look at the beverage program. Craft beer is still a big part of the brand, but the incorporation of domestic beers, hand-crafted cocktails, and fan-friendly wines broadens the customer base and ensures no guest is left out.&nbsp; Today, The Brass Tap is the neighborhood bar &amp; grill where something good is always going on.&nbsp; Locally owned and locally loved since 2008, it’s the lively place to find an impressive selection of domestic and craft beers, handmade cocktails, and curated wines, paired alongside a creative menu of elevated tavern fare.&nbsp; With sports on wall-to-wall large screen TVs, and plenty of room for all your friends, family, and neighbors to gather in a casual and comfortable space, The Brass Tap has become a destination for anything from first dates to a group of fans watching a big game.“Historically, we’ve been married to craft beers, but by taking a step back, we’ve been able to pivot and appeal to anyone who drinks beer — and those who don’t,” Elliott said. “Now, we have more domestic and imported beers, as well as things like margaritas and sangria. That’s done really well for us. Our continued evolution has brought significant operational improvements and menu upgrades that attract a much broader customer base and yield a better guest experience each time.”<h2>Real Estate Expertise and Flexibility</h2>The Brass Tap’s unique offerings position it well to fit in a range of markets, and a smart design and buildout process only compounds these perks. The brand focuses on high-visibility locations, typically ranging from 3,200 to 3,600 square feet, which is more efficient than traditional casual dining chains.&nbsp;This smaller footprint allows franchisees more flexibility in their site selection and lets them cast a wider net as they work to identify spots where The Brass Tap will truly thrive. Still, they’re not doing it alone. Each franchisee receives personalized support from the franchisor, including deep demographic analysis to identify trade areas that are already primed for the elevated social environment The Brass Tap offers.By keeping square footage lower and incorporating a patio space, The Brass Tap maximizes revenue-generating space while keeping overhead costs more manageable for the franchisee. This provides real estate flexibility that positions The Brass Tap to thrive in secondary and tertiary markets where the economics may not make sense for a larger, more expensive model.<h2>Franchisee Support Backed by FSC Franchise Co.</h2>Investing in The Brass Tap is more than just buying a restaurant. In addition to becoming a part of The Brass Tap franchise system, owners become a part of the larger FSC Franchise Co. family, a multi-brand powerhouse that includes Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Family Sports Pub and Newk’s Eatery. This corporate backing provides additional economies of scale and a level of sophistication and infrastructure that is hard to find in the craft beer space. With FSC, franchisees have access to an established supply chain, marketing expertise and a smart tech stack that drives operational simplicity.From the time the franchise agreement is signed throughout the lifetime of the business, Brass Tap owners have a support system behind them. New franchisees attend a comprehensive training program, receive site selection and grand opening support, and, once launched, participate in ongoing business coaching surrounding things like growing sales, unit-level economics, and menu updates.“The platform model has been a major advantage for us,” Elliott said. “By bringing concepts together under the FSC umbrella, we find incredible economies of scale and shared best practices. Whether it’s combining development functions or tech stacks, our leadership team is focused entirely on franchisee success and providing the tools they need to build thriving businesses.”<h2>The Ideal Brass Tap Franchisee Candidate</h2>As The Brass Tap grows, it is looking to partner with franchisees who are aligned with the brand’s purpose and vision. While the model can work for multi-unit owners, the most successful Brass Tap owners are those who are “The Mayors of the Market” — the community-driven leaders who enjoy the social and service aspects of the business. More than just a name, The Brass Tap is about creating a safe, vibrant space where neighbors gather to connect and celebrate.“The best way to stay relevant is to listen to what customers want, then deliver it with excellence,” Elliott said. “We want partners who are passionate about this mission. The ‘Mayors of the Market,’ who enjoy community engagement and have the grit to work the business, are the ones who truly thrive with The Brass Tap.”With protected territories and a relatively modest investment compared to other full-service bar concepts, The Brass Tap is an ideal vehicle for hospitality-driven entrepreneurs seeking long-term growth. 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;

While the food and beverage market remains volatile for many brands, the American tavern franchise leverages an upscale beverage program and elevated menu in an economically savvy model.

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Lifelong Friends Team Up as Brass Tap Franchisees; Bring the Upscale Craft Beer Bar to Tampa Bay

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