Why This Pharmacist Chose The Brass Tap Franchise to Enter the Hospitality Industry

Inspired by his father's experience as an entrepreneur, Ashil Patel left his career in corporate pharmaceuticals to pursue business ownership. He wanted to enter the hospitality and entertainment industry, but without experience running a bar, he saw franchising as a way to start with an established business model and support system.

After visiting a close family friend who owns a franchise location with The Brass Tap in Georgia and speaking with other franchisees across different states, Patel felt confident the brand could help him make the transition. Now preparing to open at 235 Town Center Drive in Middletown, Delaware, he plans to use The Brass Tap’s established framework to create a family-friendly gathering place featuring local events, live music and sports watch parties.

Patel sat down with 1851 Franchise to discuss his transition into hospitality, the importance of treating staff like family and why franchise ownership appealed to him. Here’s what he had to say:

1851 Franchise: Tell us your story in one sentence.

Ashil Patel: I come from a family of hard workers, pharmacists and business owners, inspired by my father who took a risk, left his corporate job and moved to Delaware to build a business of his own. Even though I earned my Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Thomas Jefferson University and worked in corporate pharma, my entrepreneurial DNA drove me to pursue my dream in the bar and entertainment industry to support our local community.

1851: What was happening in your life that made you realize it was time to make a change?

Patel: I had been working in corporate pharma for nearly three years fresh out of pharmacy school, but after dealing with bad management, something clicked and I realized I wanted to follow in my father's footsteps and do what I was always meant to do. Being married for almost a year with no kids yet, it felt like the perfect time to take a risk, step into ownership and set my future family up for success.

1851: Why did you choose this franchise over every other opportunity?

Patel: It offered the security and platform of a corporate team guiding us every step of the way, which was critical since we didn't have prior experience in the bar space. After speaking with a close family friend who owns a location in Marietta, Georgia, and consulting with about five other owners across different states, I knew corporate was truly invested in franchisee success.

1851: What has your experience preparing to open a franchise with The Brass Tap been like?

Patel: It is a super exciting experience that gives you a completely new skill set beyond your academic or business background. It will allow me to create a family-owned gathering spot for the Middletown community with good food, good drinks and good vibes, hosting everything from family nights and weekend football watch parties to car-scene events.

1851: How has becoming a franchise owner changed your life?

Patel: It is a 24/7 hands-on commitment where you are constantly on the clock. You have to oversee the business continuously to ensure your staff and general manager feel supported, and, most importantly, that every customer receives full value for their hard-earned money.

1851: If your best friend had enough money to buy this franchise tomorrow, what would you tell them?

Patel: I would tell them to do their research, ask every question and understand the operational blueprint, because the corporate team is transparent and truly wants to see who you are. If you have an entertainer's personality and want to own a bar, a franchise team behind you offers the platform and security you need.

1851: What's the one thing you wish someone had told you before you bought this franchise?

Patel: I wish someone had emphasized just how vital your daily staff is to the business. You have to treat your bartenders, servers and kitchen crew like family and equals, because without them working alongside you, the doors simply don't open.

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/.