The Brass Tap Accelerates California Momentum With New Developments Planned For the Central Valley and Bay Area

The Brass Tap is continuing to make a name for itself in the world of craft beer franchises. Since its founding in 2008, The Brass Tap has been innovating its beverage offerings, expanding its food menus and creating spaces for people in the neighborhood to gather and enjoy themselves. The brand is experiencing significant growth, including a $400,000 increase in its average unit volume (AUVs) over the past several years. 

Currently, The Brass Tap operates in two Bay Area locations—Vacaville and Rocklin—but has since set its sights on expansion throughout the region. Earlier this year, the brand identified the California Bay Area as a key target market, particularly for the area’s growing popularity of craft beer. “California, in general, has so many opportunities with craft beer,” said Jamie Cecil, Vice President of Franchise Development at The Brass Tap. “Californians love craft beer; they understand the art of it and enjoy being a part of the experience, so getting more exposure out there is critical for our brand.”

“The Brass Tap will be able to gain credibility as a top contender in the craft beer space with a strong California presence,” Cecil said. 

The Brass Tap’s California presence just got a bit stronger thanks to a new five-unit deal signed by its newest franchisee Vishal Sharma. Earlier this year, Sharma signed a deal to develop five new locations in the brand’s 13 available cities across the Central Valley and Northern California.

Sharma will open his first location in Bakersfield, California in early 2020. He is also considering Fresno and Ventura for future locations. 

So, just what led Sharma to sign on with The Brass Tap for five locations?

“I am already involved in franchising with the European Wax Center, but I was looking to expand and diversify my portfolio,” Sharma said. “I read about The Brass Tap through Entrepreneur Magazine so I reached out to Founder Steve Slowey and flew out to the Florida to research the concept. It made sense to invest in the brand because California is a state that loves craft beer.”

Sharma was also attracted to the brand because of its small management team and the fact that Slowey had developed the concept, tested it, marketed it and made it work. Additionally, he was looking for a concept that was not exclusively focused on food—something with a smaller footprint but with major market demand. The Brass Tap was the perfect match.  

In addition to Bakersfield, The Brass Tap is opening three more locations across the Central Valley and Bay Area regions in 2020, including Modesto, Corona and Fresno, according to Cecil. “Opening four stores in one year [2020] will definitely create a buzz for us,” Cecil said. “When our locations are up and running, the buzz will start; we hope that will catch on and people will realize what a great opportunity franchising with us is.”

“The more stores we have out there the more our name gets out,” he said. 

In terms of the future, Cecil and the rest of the executive team have high hopes for The Brass Tap to conquer the entire California market. “The ultimate goal would be to get to 100 or 200 locations,” Cecil said. “California has the bandwidth to support The Brass Tap’s success because the demographic understands craft beer.” 

The Brass Tap’s new specialization in craft cocktails will also enable its strong California growth trend.. Some of these cocktails include the Lavender Lemonade, made using butterfly pea flower infused Drumshanbo Gin, lavender house-made simple syrup, Tempus Fugit Liqueur de Violettes and fresh lemon juice. In April 2019, the brand also rolled out a new menu to attract more guests featuring offerings like the LA Kogi Dog, which features 1/4 lb. all-beef sausage with mayo, Kogi slaw, pickled red onions, a secret weapon sauce and Cotija cheese, served on a toasted sub roll.

“The brand has evolved so much from where it first started,” Cecil said. “We created a whole experience for our guests. Craft beer definitely brought us to the dance, but our craft cocktails and new menu is what really took it home for us. It’s a true balance and representation of what The Brass Tap is all about.” 

The initial start-up investment for The Brass Tap ranges between $664,050 and $1,223,000 with a franchise fee of $35,000. To learn more about franchising opportunities with The Brass Tap, visit https://thebrasstapfranchise.com/.