In this episode of the Franchise QB Podcast, host Mike Halpern speaks with Roman Maliszewski, the founder and CEO of Tapster, a self-pour tasting room franchise. They discuss Roman's journey from advertising to creating a unique bar experience that emphasizes community and connection. 

Tapster's innovative approach allows customers to pour their own drinks while enjoying a variety of beverages in a welcoming environment. Roman shares insights on franchising, the importance of local flavor, and the qualities that make a great franchise partner. The conversation highlights the growth potential of Tapster and its focus on creating a lifestyle brand rather than just a bar.

Takeaways

Roman transitioned from advertising to the bar industry after finding inspiration in a unique bar experience.
The name 'Tapster' is derived from an old term for bartender, emphasizing the self-pour concept.
Tapster offers a variety of beverages, including beer, wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options.
The focus of Tapster is on creating a community hub rather than just a bar.
The BYOF (Bring Your Own Food) concept allows guests to enjoy food from local restaurants.
Franchising Tapster began after customers expressed interest in the concept.
Roman emphasizes the importance of local flavor and flexibility in franchise locations.
The ideal franchise partner is community-oriented, social, and passionate about their local area.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
00:50 The Birth of Tapster: A Unique Concept
07:52 Creating a Community Hub: The Tapster Experience
12:24 Franchising Tapster: The Journey Begins
15:43 The Anti-Franchise Franchise: Local Flavor and Flexibility
18:55 Finding the Right Franchise Partner
19:25 Market Insights: Learning from Diverse Locations
23:07 Target Markets and Future Growth
25:59 Conclusion

https://www.tapsterfranchise.com/

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Mike Halpern, CAFC
mike@franchiseqb.com