In its first full year of operation, Waller’s craft beer bar in Marina, California, posted the highest sales volume in The Brass Tap system, following his 2025 Franchisee of the Year honor.
MARINA, Calif., Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Brass Tap, an upscale American tavern franchise with more than 50 locations, presented its Highest Sales Volume Award to Karl Waller, owner of the brand’s Marina, California, location, at the 2026 FSC Franchise Conference.
The recognition marks another milestone for Waller, who was named The Brass Tap’s Franchisee of the Year in 2025. A former global supply chain executive, Waller returned to the Marina area nearly 40 years after leaving the community where he grew up, aiming to create the kind of gathering place he felt was missing.
“We were working side by side with the community to ensure everyone knew we weren’t just a business. We were part of the community,” Waller said. “Building those relationships has helped us numerous times as we’ve grown.”
Before joining The Brass Tap, Waller spent 25 years with Amway Corporation, eventually serving as director of global agribusiness operations and overseeing business entities in several countries and states. After retiring early, he began looking for his next opportunity and returned to franchising, having previously owned a Mail Boxes Etc. location before the concept became The UPS Store.
Waller discovered The Brass Tap after visiting a location near his home in Flower Mound, Texas. He saw an opportunity to bring its chef-inspired, craveable food, craft beer & elevated cocktails, and social experiences to Marina, where new development was bringing more people into the area, but options for dining, socializing and group events remained limited.
“One customer described [Marina] as a desert for this type of business — a nice place to eat, drink and have fun,” Waller said. “The entertainment aspect is also a key part of it. Not only do we have good food and drinks, but we are also the place to go for entertainment.”
Since opening, Waller and his family have continued to adjust the business around what local customers want. While Waller initially expected craft beer to drive much of the restaurant’s traffic, food quickly became an equally important part of the business, drawing families as well as guests looking for drinks and entertainment.
Waller has also focused on building a management team to handle the restaurant’s day-to-day operations, letting him spend more time connecting with guests and overseeing special events.
“From day one, I didn’t want to be an owner-operator,” Waller said. “I didn’t want the success of the business to be tied to just me running the business. I don’t know how to bartend, serve or cook. So I spend my time working on the business, not in the business.”
The award comes as The Brass Tap continues to grow nationwide. Today, the brand operates more than 50 locations across the United States, offering craft beer, cocktails, food, live entertainment and a neighborhood-focused atmosphere.
“Winning Franchisee of the Year and then Highest Sales Volume the next year takes more than a good location. Karl listened to his guests, built out the food and events side of the business when the community asked for it and trusted his managers to run the restaurant. Marina is a strong example of The Brass Tap working the way it was designed, as a local destination people choose to come back to,” said Chris Elliott, CEO of FSC Franchise Co.
ABOUT THE BRASS TAP:
The Brass Tap Social House & Kitchen is where handcrafted food, exceptional drinks, and great company come together. More than a neighborhood bar, we’re a place where friends gather, conversations flow, and every visit feels like an occasion. Our chef-inspired menu features bold, crave-worthy flavors, perfectly paired with an extensive selection of craft beers, cocktails, wine, and spirits. Whether you’re catching the big game, enjoying live events, meeting coworkers for happy hour, or sharing a meal with family and friends, The Brass Tap delivers an experience that’s welcoming, energetic, and unmistakably local. From lunch and dinner to late-night gatherings, The Brass Tap is your neighborhood destination for great food, great drinks, and great moments. For more than 10 years, The Brass Tap has offered franchise opportunities to qualified operators, continuing to grow its family of more than 50 bars in 16 states. For more information, visit http://thebrasstapfranchise.com/.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Julie Maw
Mainland
209.617.6518
jmaw@hellomainland.com
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SOURCE The Brass Tap
