Franchisor Stories
Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: A full-service craft beer and elevated pub concept focused on experiential dining, community connection and rotating local beverage offerings.
The Brass Tap is an upscale American tavern where something good is always going on. Locally owned and locally operated since 2007, it’s the lively place to find an impressive selection of domestic and craft beers, handmade cocktails and curated wines. All this is paired alongside a creative menu of elevated tavern fare with wings, burgers, sandwiches, pizzas and appetizers. Positioned as more than a traditional sports bar or taproom, the concept emphasizes gathering with friends through curated menus, local events and a welcoming environment designed for social connection.
With more than 50 locations open and dozens more in development, The Brass Tap appeals to a broad adult demographic, from craft beer enthusiasts and young professionals to families and local groups seeking a reliable gathering place.
The Brass Tap was founded in Tampa, Florida, with the goal of creating a refined alternative to the traditional neighborhood bar. Built around curated craft beverage programs, elevated food and a strong sense of place, the brand has grown steadily under the backing of FSC Franchise Co., the parent company of Beef ‘O’ Brady’s.
Today, the concept continues to evolve its menu and beverage mix to align with changing consumer preferences while maintaining its core identity as a community-first destination.
Mission: The Brass Tap’s mission is to be the best social gathering place in the neighborhood, delivering memorable experiences through great food, drinks and hospitality.
Vision: The brand’s vision is to drive sustained unit-level growth by evolving alongside guest preferences while building on its strong foundation in the bar and grill segment.
Growth markets include: California; Texas; Greater DC & the Mid-Atlantic; Florida; Georgia & the Southeast, Central & Upper Midwest, and New England.
Initial Costs: The estimated initial investment required to begin operation of a The Brass Tap franchise ranges from $792,950 to $1,279,550. The 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) breaks these costs down as follows:
Type of Expenditure | Min | Max |
| Franchise Fee | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Training Fee | $18,000 | $18,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $448,000 | $620,000 |
| Lease Deposit | $17,500 | $40,500 |
| Equipment | $140,000 | $225,000 |
| Furnishings and Fixtures | $20,000 | $45,000 |
| Audio and Video Equipment | $25,000 | $65,000 |
| Signage | $10,000 | $20,000 |
| Initial Inventory | $20,000 | $30,000 |
| Architect Fees and Permits | $7,500 | $25,000 |
| Computer System | $10,000 | $14,600 |
| Computer Support (3 months) | $1,950 | $1,950 |
| Travel, Lodging and Meals for Initial Training | $2,500 | $8,000 |
| Licenses and Permits | $1,500 | $7,500 |
| Insurance | $4,000 | $18,000 |
| Promotional and Advertising (3 months) | $3,000 | $8,000 |
| Professional Fees | $3,000 | $8,000 |
| Liquor License | $10,000 | $50,000 |
| Additional Funds (3 months) | $20,000 | $40,000 |
| Utility Deposits and Impact Fees | $6,000 | $10,000 |
Initial Franchise Fee: The Brass Tap charges a $25,000 nonrefundable franchise fee per location for a single-unit Franchise Agreement. The fee is typically paid in two installments: $12,500 upon signing the Franchise Agreement and $12,500 upon lease execution or 30 days before construction begins, whichever comes first. The brand offers a 10% franchise fee discount to qualified U.S. military veterans through its Veteran Program.
Ongoing Fees: According to the 2025 FDD, The Brass Tap franchisees are responsible for the following ongoing payments and fees:
| Type of Fee | Amount |
| Royalty | 4% of previous month’s adjusted gross sales |
| Marketing and Development Fund Contribution | 1.5% of previous month’s adjusted gross sales |
| IT Fee | $250 per month |
| Website Fee | $100 per month |
ROI Potential: Below are the average adjusted gross sales for reporting Brass Tap bars in 2024:
Metric | 2024 |
| Average Adjusted Gross Sales | $1,402,356 |
| Total Number of Reporting Brass Tap Bars | 38 |
| Number of Reporting Bars at or Above the Average | 18 |
| Percentage of Reporting Bars at or Above the Average | 47% |
| Median Adjusted Gross Sales | $1,319,839 |
| Highest Adjusted Gross Sales | $2,398,697 |
| Lowest Adjusted Gross Sales | $695,032 |
Franchisees receive guidance with site selection, real estate evaluation, build-out coordination and pre-opening planning to ensure locations are positioned for long-term success.
Training includes four weeks of comprehensive instruction at the corporate level, followed by two weeks of on-site training with a business support team prior to opening. Ongoing training is provided across departments throughout ownership.
The Brass Tap provides continued operational guidance through regional franchise consultants, business reviews and marketing support, helping owners optimize performance and maintain brand standards.
Franchisees utilize a cloud-based point-of-sale system, an industry-leading loyalty program called Brew Crew, and centralized tools that support marketing, reporting and guest engagement.
Ideal candidates have leadership or restaurant management experience, are coachable and system-oriented, and are committed to delivering high-quality guest experiences.
The Brass Tap supports multi-unit ownership; however, success depends on strong operational management and leadership presence. Late-night hours and hospitality-driven operations should be expected.
Third-party financing options are available through approved lending partners.
“We visited The Brass Tap years ago in Florida while visiting family. We liked the concept — all the taps were very overwhelming in a good way. It was entertaining, and my husband and I love watching sports. We thought it would be a great, family-friendly place where people could come watch games, grab a drink and enjoy themselves.”
– Hely Patel, Franchisee — Pasadena, Maryland (Read her story here)
“The brand wasn’t just trying to sell us something. They weren’t pushing a sales pitch; they genuinely cared about whether we were the right fit for their system, and that was a huge green flag for us.”
– Prapti Patel, Franchisee — St. Louis, Missouri (Read her story here)
“We've become an integral part of the Lakeland community by fostering a welcoming and safe environment. We get very high marks from our customers for cleanliness, safety and a positive, energetic environment. It’s a place where people feel comfortable coming to enjoy themselves. We're honored to be a place where everyone from young people on first dates to community leaders feel welcome.”
– Bharat Chhabria, Franchisee – Lakeland, Florida (Read his story here)
The broader café and bars market - which includes bars, pubs and sports-driven dining concepts - continues to experience strong global growth as consumers increasingly seek social, experience-driven venues. Valued at approximately $793 billion in 2025, the market is projected to reach $1.31 trillion by 2030, representing a 10.56% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). Much of this growth is fueled by consumers looking for “third place” destinations outside the home where they can gather, watch live sports, enjoy food and beverages and connect with their communities. As a result, sports bar concepts that combine entertainment, elevated menus and social atmosphere are well positioned to capitalize on this growing demand.
The Brass Tap differentiates itself through its elevated food program, localized beer selections and community-centric positioning. Primary competitors include World of Beer, Crafthouse USA, Beerhead Bar & Eatery, HopCat and Voodoo Brewing Co.
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