The Great Franchisees: Karen and Jesse Herfel, The Brass Tap, Arizona

Karen and Jesse Herfel are no strangers to the worlds of business and franchising. The married couple owns two real estate companies in Gilbert, Arizona, including a Keller Williams franchise location. This year, the Herfel’s decided to leverage their entrepreneurial experience to open a third business, but not in real estate. The Herfels are now among the newest franchisees with The Brass Tap*, the fast-growing bar and entertainment franchise with nearly 50 locations in markets across the U.S.

We spoke to the Herfels to learn more about their experience in franchising and their decision to join The Brass Tap. 

1851 Franchise: Tell us your story – what did you do before franchising? 

Karen Herfel: Jesse and I are native Arizonans and have both been in the real estate industry for 20 years. We met while working in the industry. 

1851: How did you initially find out about franchising?

Karen: We have been involved in franchising for over 20 years and believe in proven models and service standards. We started looking at franchise opportunities and what gaps we could fill in our local area.

1851: What are the pros of starting a franchise compared to starting your own business from scratch?

Jesse Herfel: We liked the fact that with a franchise, there are systems in with a proven track record of success.

1851: What types of brands did you look at? 

Karen: Our focus was primarily bar and restaurant concepts.

1851: Why did you pick The Brass Tap? What excited you most about the potential?

Jesse: We chose Brass Tap because we really liked the concept and that it was a community-oriented brand. We’re excited to have our Brass Tap be a place where people can come together and celebrate with one another. From an operational standpoint, we wanted to bring this concept to the underserved market since it lacks quality bars/breweries.

We’re also really excited about our location. The Verde at Cooley Station is a new and unique mixed-use development in Gilbert that will be go-to for dining and entertainment. 

1851: What are your dreams with the business? What does the future look like?

Karen: We’re looking forward to creating a one-of-a-kind community experience.

1851: What value do you see your business providing to Gilbert?

Karen: The bars and breweries in the area are very small and don’t have a wide variety of offerings. Our Brass Tap location will be much larger and can host special events both in and outdoors. We will also offer craft beer, a full bar and an amazing wine selection catering to everyone’s needs.

1851: What advice would you have for others looking at buying a franchise?

Karen: Do your due diligence and make sure the franchisor is someone you want to be in business with. Pick something you enjoy and look to fill a gap in the community you’re targeting. 

Jesse: In addition, make sure the finances align with your budget. 

1851: What do you do in your personal time? 

Karen: We love traveling to Mexico, and we visit quite often.

Jesse: We also enjoy spending time outdoors.

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 nearly 50 bars in 16 states. For more information, visit http://thebrasstapfranchise.com/.