Home Brewer Turned Craft Beer Franchisee To Open Second Brass Tap in Anaheim, California This September

The Brass Tap*, the 50-plus-unit craft beer franchise, is growing in California. Paavn Patel, the franchisee behind the West Coast expansion, has signed a lease for his second location and plans to continue growing in the coming years.

“There’s a gap in the Anaheim market for a single location with such a range of drinks options and great food,” Patel said. “Our variety is what drove business at the Corona location, and I’m excited to bring that same variety to Anaheim.”

Patel recently secured real estate for his new Anaheim Brass Tap location at 8295 East Monta Vista Road and is planning to open to the community later this summer.

1851 Franchise spoke with Patel to learn more about his journey to franchising and plans for the future.

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

Patel: Before this, I used to brew at home. I had a range of more traditional corporate-type jobs, including consulting, advising and marketing, but the entire time, I was a passionate home brewer. I have enjoyed craft beer since college, and as I tried more beer, I began thinking about business ownership and the prospect of going down the road of a brewery.

I came across The Brass Tap, and I thought it was a better idea than a traditional brewery. You can get all the best beers in one place along with great food. You don’t have to stop at multiple breweries and then go find something to eat afterward. The Brass Tap franchise was the perfect way for me to merge that passion with an entrepreneurial 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?

Patel: I knew that, as a franchisee, you have a system in place to help you succeed better than you would by just jumping into something with no experience. Before this, I had no experience in the restaurant industry, so having a franchise system definitely helped me understand all the operations from the get-go. 

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

Patel: It’s a unique offering. It’s accessible to a wide range of people. The Brass Tap is a welcoming spot for the neighborhood. There is a focus on the community, and I really love that. 

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

Patel: Once the Anaheim location is open, I’d like to open three more Brass Taps between Riverside and Orange County to have a total of five locations.

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

Patel: I started home brewing when I got out of college. The bigger or easier-to-find craft breweries were so far from here, I would have to drive to San Diego to try craft beer. One time, while I was out there, I stopped by a homebrew supply shop, and that’s when I got started. I enjoyed it, and our group met every week or two for dinner and beer for almost 10 years.

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

Patel: Go see as many Brass Taps as you can — new and old. Definitely talk to different owners to get an idea of what the brand is like from the owners’ perspectives.

ABOUT THE BRASS TAP

The 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 http://thebrasstapfranchise.com/.