The Brass Tap is taking service to another level at Promenade

The Brass Tap — a one-of-a-kind craft beer bar and eatery that started in Tampa, Florida in 2008 — has more than 50 locations nationwide.

The most successful franchise opening in the chain’s history took place right here on the Monterey Peninsula at the brand new The Brass Tap Marina in the Promenade at the Dunes retail center.

After its record-breaking ‘soft opening’ in late April, the taphouse held its official 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.”

Popular with Patrons and Staff Alike

As soon as the doors opened, customers began streaming in to sample the wide variety of beers on tap as well as the tasty pub fare — from chicken wings and nachos to premium burgers, tacos and much more. Lines were typically out the door for lunch and dinner on most days for a solid two months. To maintain high service levels, Waller hired additional hostesses to greet guests as they arrived.

These team members were in addition to the approximately 40 staff he had already onboarded. Many of the new employees came from right in the Marina area, where a good number of the hospitality workers on the Monterey Peninsula already reside. By joining the Brass Tap team, these people now arrive at work in as little as 5 to 10 minutes rather than the longer commutes to Monterey or Carmel they used to have. In addition, a handful of staffers come from Salinas — again, enjoying a shorter, faster commute that saves time and gas compared to other hospitality opportunities.

With such strong demand, supplies actually ran low in the beginning until Waller and his team adjusted. For several weeks, The Brass Tap Marina closed its doors on Mondays to give the staff time to breathe, restock and interview applicants for additional positions.

Keeping Pace with Demand

Following the enthusiastic reception of those first few months, Waller and his team quickly adjusted.

“We have very high standards,” Waller explains. “For example, when we closed the outdoor beer garden one foggy, misty Friday, we discovered that offering full food service outdoors was creating some of our challenges. So, we’re doing two things: adding equipment and staffing in our kitchen and planning for a more limited menu in the beer garden going forward.”

This fall, The Brass Tap has held a few events where food was served outside. But guests on any night are of course welcome to have drinks in the beer garden while waiting for a full-service menu at a table inside. And Waller anticipates that the beer garden will eventually feature some easy-to-order-and-serve menu items — such as tacos, pizza and wings.

The taphouse offers 60 craft beers, handmade cocktails and an impressive menu full of delicious items. In addition to ample indoor seating, there’s a patio plus the outdoor beer garden, which will soon have firepits to ward off the chill (planned for 2025). Of course, there are several dozen television screens featuring sports — plus games, stunning murals and more. The fun includes weekly karaoke nights and live music on Fridays.

“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 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

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