Young entrepreneur set to open Brass Tap in Warner Robins this summer: ‘A community investment’

WARNER ROBINS — A 24-year-old entrepreneur is bringing a new community spot to his hometown. 

Brass Tap is a Tampa-based craft beer bar and entertainment franchise, according to local franchise owner Pratham Patel. He shared they are known for their specialty cocktails, premium wine offerings and a wide variety of beers on tap. 

Patel said each location has a unique space for social gatherings and entertainment. 

“You can think of us as your neighborhood bar, your local hangout spot, just having a great time with your friends and family,” he said.

Patel shared that they aim to create an unparalleled atmosphere by providing live music, trivia nights, beer tastings, and tap takeovers. Every week, the business will host a variety of events, such as sip-and-paint, watch parties, and game nights. 

Patel hopes to incorporate his technology background into his new career venture. He graduated from Georgia Institute of Technology with a degree in Computer Science. 

“I’m trying to take that Brass Tap concept that’s already set in stone and trying to modernize it and innovate certain ideas through my technology whether that’s my high tech audiovisual components [and] my new lighting package,” he said. “I want to create this new social gathering spot in the middle Georgia area and just have a great spot for everybody to come and enjoy.”

He first made forays into the corporate world, but was laid off from Boeing in Warner Robins. He tried to find other corporate jobs, but he felt they were no longer right for him. 

Patel found Brass Tap through social media. He then visited Tampa for discovery day, where he learned more about the franchise, met the corporate team and the CEO. 

Patel considered the closed door a chance to rise in the business world and a part of God’s plan. He said, given the opportunity, he would take the risk.

He said he has always wanted to be an entrepreneur since his family is heavily involved in business ownership. Patel is now the first in his family to enter the food and hospitality industry. 

“I thought of this as my way of bridging the gap between their generation and mine. I want to take their name forward and make a brand for myself,” he said. 

He then decided to bring the business to his hometown. Patel shared that he grew up in Warner Robins and his family still lives there. He said he loved living in Atlanta during his college years and often visits on weekends. He considers himself a city person at heart; however, Warner Robins is “home sweet home.”

When visiting Atlanta, he noticed there were many hangout spots, such as breweries and bars. He shared that when going out with friends, he visits The Battery, a shopping center located outside Truist Park. 

The complex offers a sports-watching experience called “Live at The Battery,” which inspired Patel to open Brass Tap. He wanted to create something similar in his area to fill a void of “social gathering-focused” businesses. 

“This is not just for food and drinks. This is more for coming together, meeting new people, bringing your family and friends and just having a good time,” he said. 

Patel believes Brass Tap is a perfect fit for Warner Robins, given its growth. 

“I don’t look at this as a business investment. This is more of a community investment for me and giving back to where I came from, my roots and my upbringing to my hometown,” he said. 

Patel shared he is also meeting with the city and Mayor LaRhonda Patrick to look for ways to give back. He said he wants to become involved in the community and see how his business can partner with local charities, host fundraisers and support local businesses. 

Since becoming a young entrepreneur, he has learned a lot about the franchising industry. He advises other young entrepreneurs not to look at franchises as a passive investment opportunity. He said they have to be very hands-on, dedicated and motivated. 

Patel shared that they have to be in their business every day to learn the inner workings. They also have to see how much their investment is, what the operations look like, and how they handle employees, he explained. 

Patel acknowledged that it is not an easy task and that there are many factors involved in owning a business. He shared that he is opening Brass Tap on his own, with support from his parents. Despite the challenges, he has learned to balance and make his new journey his prime focus. 

He also advises entrepreneurs that if they want to pursue the franchise route, they need to come up with an innovative idea; For Patel, this involves March Madness and bachelorette parties.

He said every month, there will be something new to look forward to, which he believes keeps a business growing and flowing. 

“If you’re coming into the market, you want to come up with something new and different that people are going to enjoy. That’s why I was really fond of Brass Tap because it’s very innovative, adjustable to whatever situation that you’re in and they’re constantly coming up with new ideas,” he said. 

Patel considers Brass Tap a community spot rather than a typical transactional business, and it is designed as an upscale, premium bar and restaurant. He hopes it will be a place where customers can meet new people and find something for everyone. 

“In Brass Tap Warner Robins, you come in with your friends and hang out. If there’s a big game going on, you come down here, grab a table, enjoy a few drinks, grab some bites and have a good vibe,” he said. 

Brass Tap is expected to open this June at 3151 Russell Parkway, Suite 600. To keep up with the business, visit their Facebook page. 

To learn more about Brass Tap, visit their website.