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Local entrepreneur Josh Bolin bringing The Brass Tap restaurant and bar to Florence in January


By Don Owen
NKyTribune reporter

Josh Bolin has always dreamed of owning a restaurant and bar, and the local entrepreneur is about to make his lifelong ambition a reality.

The Brass Tap will open for business in January at 8720 Bankers Street in Florence. The Brass Tap is a craft beer bar and restaurant offering a vast selection of local and national brews.

Josh Bolin (left) is bringing The Brass Tap craft beer bar and restaurant to Florence in January.

Along with more than 60 taps, Bolin said that customers can expect a neighborhood atmosphere that feels both relaxed and upscale, beer experts who can answer just about any question thrown their way, daily specials, and unique events.

Bolin, a South Dearborn High School graduate, brings a wealth of experience from the business field to The Brass Tap.

“Since 2007, I have been working with Kona Ice, which is a high-end mobile shaved ice franchise,” he said. “I was the company’s first franchisee, and now I own three Kona Ice trucks, a mini truck, and a kiosk. I’ve also been working in the restaurant industry since I was 14-years-old, so I’ve gained a lot of great experience making customers happy and growing businesses.

“Although I spent a brief period of time working as a financial advisor, I quickly realized my heart was in the hospitality industry, and I’ve never looked back. I’ve always dreamed of owning a restaurant and bar, so I’m excited to make that goal a reality.”

After graduating from high school, Bolin said he tried college but discovered “being an entrepreneur was my true calling, so I decided to focus on that instead.” He settled on Northern Kentucky because of the opportunities the region provides, and Florence is a perfect site for The Brass Tap.

“Florence is a hub for entertainment with all of its shopping centers, restaurants and bars,” he said. “As the second-biggest city in Northern Kentucky and one of the fastest-growing communities in the state, many people flock to Florence when they are looking for something to do. The Northern Kentucky area and Cincinnati, which is minutes away from me, also have rich beer histories with with a multitude of breweries and a rich German heritage.”

The Brass Tap is a Tampa-based craft beer bar and entertainment venue known for its extensive localized brewery offerings, specialty cocktails and premium wines paired perfectly with a select menu of upscale shareables.

The Brass Tap is a craft beer bar and restaurant offering a vast selection of local and national brews.

Every location provides a unique space for social gatherings and entertainment, with an unparalleled atmosphere created through live music, trivia, sports, exclusive beer tastings and tap takeovers. The Brass Tap currently has approximately 50 establishments in 22 states.

Bolin is excited to bring The Brass Tap franchise into the Northern Kentucky area.

“We’re putting a lot of time and effort into hiring the best employees, making sure they are experts about what they are serving, and that they know how to keep customers happy and eager to come back,” he said. “As of now, our hours will be Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to midnight.”

Bolin also said The Brass Tap will feature an inviting patio where people can hang out, televisions for sports fans, and a stage where he plans to have live music every week.

The Brass Tap will include local beer products as well. “While we have a variety of beers from around the country, we are focused on supporting local breweries, so many of our taps will offer beer from breweries in Northern Kentucky,” he said.

For more information, visit http://thebrasstapfranchise.com/.

Contact Don Owen at don@nkytrib.com


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