FSC Franchise Co., the Tampa, Florida-based parent company of Beef ‘O’ Brady’s and The Brass Tap restaurants in the United States, has launched a program to bring military veterans into franchise ownership. Qualified veterans will pay no initial franchise fee, a saving of $25,000, and will receive first-year royalty relief.
Program terms#
The program also adds resources and networking opportunities for veterans who already operate restaurants in the company’s system. Its main elements are:
- No initial franchise fee for qualified veterans, a saving of $25,000
- 0% royalties during the first year of operations for veterans who open within 12 months of signing a franchise agreement
- A veterans franchisee peer group that meets virtually each quarter
- Franchising education sessions for veterans and transitioning service members, conducted with Boots to Business, a free entrepreneurial education and training program offered through the U.S. Small Business Administration
- A planned Veteran Partner Lunch at FSC’s national brand conference next summer
- Dedicated veteran-focused franchise websites for Beef ‘O’ Brady’s and The Brass Tap
Peer group and access to existing owners#
The peer group will be facilitated by Jim Keenam, director of franchise operations for The Brass Tap and a military veteran. Its members will be able to share experiences, discuss challenges and exchange business advice.
“I’ve always thought it’s important to have people you can pick up the phone and call,” said Keenam. “Running a restaurant brings plenty of challenges, and sometimes another owner has already dealt with what you’re facing. That’s really what we want these meetings to be. A chance for our veteran franchisees to get to know each other, trade ideas and have a few more people in their corner.”
Prospective franchisees will also be able to speak directly with existing veteran owners. Among them is Terry Snavely, a multi-unit The Brass Tap franchisee who has pursued expansion within the brand.
“If anybody’s looking at the franchise, look at other franchises and look at what they’re going to require you to give them. Then come back and talk to FSC,” Snavely said. “You’re going to be very surprised and very happy, and then you’re going to realize exactly what you’re getting for what you’re giving them. I probably can’t stress it enough. For somebody who was so anti-franchise, once we looked at this and had our discussions, it was a no-brainer.”
Veteran franchisees and company growth#
FSC has 14 veteran franchisees operating Beef ‘O’ Brady’s and The Brass Tap restaurants, accounting for about 12% of franchise owners across the two brands. The company wants to bring more veterans into the system, including those looking to start a business after leaving the military.
“Veterans bring a lot of qualities to restaurant ownership. They understand accountability, how to lead a team and what it means to show up every day,” said Chris Elliott, chief executive officer of FSC Franchise Co. “Those things matter in this business. We already have some great veteran franchisees in our system, and we want to make sure more people coming out of the military know that franchising is an option for them. If we can make that first step a little easier, that’s something worth doing.”
Elliott added: “We’re proud of the veterans who are already part of FSC, and they’ve made a real impact on our brands. They bring experience, perspective and a willingness to take ownership of the business. We want to keep building on that. This program is one way to recognize the people who are already here while opening the door for others who are interested in owning a restaurant.”
FSC’s three brands, which also include Newk’s Eatery, have the following recent activity:
- 20 franchise deals signed through the third quarter of 2026
- 15 restaurants expected to open by year-end 2026
- 21 openings planned for 2027, including seven each for Beef ‘O’ Brady’s and The Brass Tap
- All three brands included in a 2026 Top 400 franchise ranking
