The Brass Tap — a one-of-a-kind craft beer bar and eatery that started in Tampa, Florida in 2008 — has more than 40 locations nationwide.
The most successful franchise opening in the chain’s history happened in August right here on the Monterey Peninsula at the brand new The Brass Tap Marina in the Promenade at the Dunes retail center.
After a ‘soft opening’ that started in late April, the taphouse held its grand opening the weekend of August 8–11. Special events included a community mixer with chamber of commerce invitees and others on Thursday, live DJ sets on Friday and then tap takeovers by craft beer distributors on Saturday and Sunday. And the reception for the new establishment has been fantastic!
“We’re excited to be in the leading wave of restaurants, shops and other businesses opening in the Promenade at the Dunes,” says Marina native Karl Waller, who owns The Brass Tap Marina in partnership with his wife, Regina, and sister, Cassandra. “For us, it’s been a dream since the summer of 2020, and it’s exciting to know that once the retail center is fully open, it’s going to be a must-see destination on the Monterey Peninsula.”
Keeping Pace with Demand
While Waller and his team are grateful for the community’s enthusiastic reception, the opening crowds were at times almost too much of a good thing.
“We have very high standards,” Waller explains. “After encountering some issues taking care of diners in our outdoor lawn area, we discovered when it was closed one foggy, misty Friday that food service there was the source of our challenges. So, we’re adding equipment and staffing in our kitchen, and we’ll be serving a more limited menu outdoors going forward.”
For example, on NFL Sundays this fall, The Brass Tap has made the outdoor area primarily a beer garden — with initially only tacos available for those who want a bite to eat. But guests are of course welcome to have drinks in the lawn area while waiting for a full-service menu at a table inside. And Waller anticipates the outdoor menu will expand with the addition of another easy-to-order-and-serve item or two — such as pizza or wings — in the coming months.
The taphouse features 60 craft beers, handmade cocktails and a menu that includes delicious pub fare. In addition to ample indoor seating, there’s a glass-enclosed patio plus the outdoor lawn area with firepits to ward off the chill, 28 television screens for watching sports and games, stunning murals and more. Fun entertainment includes new weekly karaoke nights and live music on Fridays as well.
“One of the biggest surprises has been that our customer base is so broad geographically,” remarks Waller. “Of course, many guests come from right here in Marina, the former Fort Ord and CSU Monterey Bay. But we also have people stopping by from Salinas, Carmel Valley, Pacific Grove and even Monterey. I remember when it was more of a one-way street — with Marina residents heading to Monterey to dine or enjoy the nightlife. It’s great to have people going both ways now.”
Waller continued, “We’re looking forward to the opening of Trader Joe’s as the Promenade at the Dunes’ specialty grocer anchor, the completion of the village square to serve as a community meeting space, and the other restaurants and shops coming in. It’s very exciting!”
Leasing has been brisk within Promenade at the Dune’s seven commercial buildings totaling 32,685 sq. ft. Suites ranging from 800 sq. ft. to 5,500 sq. ft. (some with attached patios) are going fast.
- Ideal for retailers, restaurants, professional offices and medical/dental practices
- Located within a live-work-play community as part of Shea Homes’ The Dunes on Monterey Bay and other local residential developments with over 1,900 homes, townhomes, condos and apartments recently built — plus more than 4,500 on the way
- Other nearby demand generators include California State University Monterey Bay; Fort Ord National Monument and the Marina shopping center featuring major retailers
- Ideal transportation access via Highway 1 and Imjin Parkway to other Monterey Peninsula locations and the Salinas Valley
Don’t Wait
Some of the best retail and business categories have already been spoken for. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the exciting energy at Promenade at the Dunes.
For full details, contact Ralph Borelli at Borelli Investment Company or Michael Schoeder at Cushman & Wakefield for all the details.
10th St. and General Stilwell Drive
Marina, CA 93933
For more information, contact:
- Ralph Borelli, Borelli Investment Company • 408-453-4700 x117 • BRE License #00465691
- Michael Schoeder, Cushman & Wakefield • 831-647-2105 • BRE License #00989268