How Franchising is Growing in: Atlanta

The new Sunburst Park stadium isn’t the only new addition to the Atlanta metro area planned to open by 2017. The development of the stadium has built buzz around not only the Atlanta Braves, but the local economy. One brand that will be making a name for itself in the area is The Brass Tap*. Spearheaded by business partners Samy Onsi and Mary Kate Roesch, and opening in the 2^nd quarter of this year, the Tampa, Florida-based brand will be opening in Akers Mill Square and is the first of its kind in Atlanta. The Brass Tap looks to appeal to local baseball fans and the craft beer crowd with its more than 300 varieties of imports, local craft beers and a large selection of premium wines and cigars. “The Brass Tap, a Craft Beer Bar that is second to none, offers a neighborhood feel that’s both relaxed, upscale and safe, a perfect fit for the Atlanta Market,” said Onsi. “Atlanta, with its diverse population, vibrant neighborhoods, southern style and booming economy, makes this a promising market for a growing concept.” With the entire Akers Mill Square area under construction and in development with new offices, condos, theaters and other businesses moving in, the area is a hot bed for franchises that are targeting the Atlanta area for growth. The Brass Tap is just one of many brands that have highlighted the area as a key growth market. This growth will only add to the success that Atlanta has seen with job growth in recent times. The International Franchise Association (IFA) recently released The Franchise Business Economic Outlook: 2015 that highlights franchise business growth and how the jobs created by franchises this year are projected to outpace the rest of the economy. This is good news according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics employment numbers from November of 2014. The Atlanta market looks to continue its job growth by continuing to increase their over-the-year employment gains to new levels after consistently doing so every month for the past four years. Brands that have established a presence in Atlanta look to continue expanding in the area including Wing Zone, WORKOUT ANYTIME*, Your Pie, and WelcomeMat Services. It is clear that Atlanta is a hub for growth and it will be exciting to see new brands compete for real estate in the market throughout 2015.