FedEx Contractor Continues Father’s Bar Ownership Legacy by Franchising with The Brass Tap

Robert Samaniego, the new owner of The Brass Tap*, the brewery franchise, in Lubbock, Texas, remembers the ins and outs of bar ownership well. His father owned a few bars in El Paso when he was younger, so he grew up around the beer industry, helping out by bussing tables and taking inventory. What he remembers most, however, from his younger years in his father’s bars was the atmosphere. A similar lively and welcoming environment is what drew Robert and his wife, Rebecca, to The Brass Tap.

Rebecca has worked in the medical field for two decades, but when her entrepreneurial husband decided to pursue yet another business venture, he enlisted her help. Robert is already a business owner, specifically a FedEx contractor, but has been seeking out his next opportunity for some time. 

Now, Rebecca is transitioning out of the medical field and she and her husband will be opening their own The Brass Tap franchise in Lubbock, Texas in the late summer or early fall of 2024. 

1851 Franchise spoke with Rebecca Samaniego about her journey into franchising and her plans for the future.

PROFILE QUESTIONS

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Rebecca: For the last 20 years, I have worked in the medical field. This was more Robert's idea than mine; he's already a business owner, specifically a FedEx contractor. He was looking to expand and is always thinking bigger, so this was the next step. We decided it was too much for one person, so I am switching roles and transitioning out of the medical field to pursue this opportunity.

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?

Rebecca: I didn’t know what I was getting into at first. Now, I’ve learned there is a lot of support and positivity. It’s a really great atmosphere. And by the time we are done, I feel like we will be a family with the corporate team. I will know everyone really well because we work so closely together. 

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

Rebecca: Robert has grown up around the beer industry, with his dad owning a few bars in El Paso, so he's always wanted to own a bar. He knows the industry from his time working at the front door, doing inventory tasks and bussing tables, but what he remembers most is the atmosphere. 

What excites me about The Brass Tap is the environment. It’s a really fun atmosphere. There is always something going on and something to do. It's not just a standard sports bar. I love how it is welcoming for everyone.

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

Rebecca: We hope to achieve financial success, of course. We would like for our location to be known as a great place to hang out with friends and make memories. 

South Lubbock is growing really quickly and expanding all the time. Hopefully we can have another location up in the next five years. 

1851: What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?

Rebecca: Robert and I are passionate about this business and are looking forward to giving the people of Lubbock a great, welcoming, friendly place to spend their time.

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

Rebecca: If you don't have experience in business ownership, franchising is a really good place to start because there's no way I could have done this if this was not a franchise. I would be in over my head. The corporate team has been very supportive, and they communicate really well.

ABOUT THE BRASS TAP

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 www.thebrasstap.com.