Established
2007
Franchise Units
53
Minimum Investment
Inquire
Franchise Fee
$50,000
Total Investment Range
$1,500,000
Home Based
No
Description
The Brass Tap is a premium craft beer bar franchise built for communities that value quality, atmosphere, and experience. Known for its elevated yet approachable concept, the brand blends an extensive curated beer selection with chef-inspired food, a welcoming neighborhood-bar vibe, and strong local engagement. This is not a volume-driven sports bar—it’s a lifestyle-focused destination where guests come for discovery, social connection, and consistency.
Positioned in the fast-growing craft beer and casual dining segment, The Brass Tap stands out through its emphasis on product knowledge, ambiance, and community events. Locations are designed to feel upscale without being intimidating, making them suitable for a wide demographic—from young professionals and beer enthusiasts to families during daytime hours. For investors, the concept offers a scalable, repeat-visit business model backed by a refined operating system and a recognizable national brand.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
The Brass Tap offers a compelling mix of brand strength, consumer demand, and operational structure.
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Operates in the resilient craft beer and casual dining industry with strong consumer loyalty
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Premium positioning allows for higher per-guest spend compared to traditional bars
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Diversified revenue streams reduce dependence on a single sales channel
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Community-driven concept encourages repeat visits and local brand advocacy
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Established franchisor with proven systems, training, and ongoing support
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Scalable footprint suitable for suburban, urban, and lifestyle retail locations
Background
- Established Year: 2007
- Founders: Paul Tarnowski
- Industry Category: Craft Beer Bar / Casual Dining / Hospitality
- Franchise Active Units (USA): 53
The Brass Tap was founded with the vision of creating a refined beer-centric social environment—one that elevates the traditional bar experience through education, selection, and service. What started as a single location grew steadily as craft beer culture expanded across the United States.
Support Training
The Brass Tap provides end-to-end franchise support designed to guide owners from concept to long-term growth.
Pre-Launch Support
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Site selection guidance and market evaluation
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Store design standards and build-out coordination
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Vendor sourcing and supply chain setup
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Pre-opening marketing strategy and launch planning
Training & Operations
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Comprehensive initial training for owners and managers
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Beer education and menu knowledge programs
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Standardized operating procedures and service systems
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Staff training modules for consistency and quality control
Marketing & Growth Support
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National brand marketing initiatives
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Local store marketing playbooks
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Digital marketing, social media, and promotional support
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Ongoing menu innovation and seasonal offerings
Ongoing Support
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Dedicated franchise business consultants
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Performance benchmarking and analytics
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Continuous system updates and operational optimization
Ideal Candidate
The Brass Tap is best suited for hands-on operators or multi-unit investors with a passion for hospitality and guest experience.
Ideal Candidates Typically Have:
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Restaurant, bar, or hospitality management experience (preferred but not mandatory)
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Strong people-management and leadership skills
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Passion for craft beer, food culture, and community engagement
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Ability to meet investment and liquidity requirements
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Willingness to follow a proven system while executing local marketing
Location Preferences:
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High-visibility retail centers
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Lifestyle plazas and mixed-use developments
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Suburban trade areas with strong evening and weekend traffic
Financial Detail
All figures are approximate and may vary by location.
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Total Investment Required: $800,000 – $1.5 million
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Minimum Investment / Liquid Capital: $350,000+
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Franchise Fee: ~$50,000
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Infrastructure & Build-Out Costs: $400,000 – $800,000
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Initial Marketing Budget: $10,000 – $25,000
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Working Capital: $75,000 – $150,000
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Royalty Fees: ~6% of gross sales
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Brand Marketing Fund: ~2%
