The Brass Tap, a Tampa-based craft beer bar and entertainment franchise, has a renewed presence in Colorado Springs under new ownership. Troy Nelson, a 27-year-old who served nearly seven years as a firefighter, recently celebrated the reopening of the refreshed location at 13271 Bass Pro Drive.
From first responder to local bar owner
Nelson said the move into franchise ownership grew from a desire to be more present with his family while staying engaged in community life. Drawing on previous experience in retail liquor operations and construction project management, he chose The Brass Tap’s franchise model with an eye toward long-term stability for his wife and two daughters.
“I am a family man, and everything I do is for my daughters,” Nelson said. “I loved serving my community as a firefighter, but I reached a point where I wanted a career that allowed me to be more present with my family while still bringing people together.”
Nelson told News Block he and his team have updated the space to make it a place where locals can unwind after work, watch games and celebrate with friends while feeling like they’re among neighbors. The location remains The Brass Tap’s only outlet in Colorado, part of the brand’s national growth strategy that combines new openings with investment in existing markets.
What the reopening means locally
- Neighborhood gathering spot: The refreshed venue aims to serve as a social hub for nearby communities.
- Local ownership: A Colorado Springs resident and former first responder runs day-to-day operations.
- Family focus: Nelson cited greater work-life balance and building a legacy for his children as central motives.
The Brass Tap’s chief operating officer, Scott SirLouis, praised Nelson’s transition from public service to franchise ownership, noting that Nelson’s commitment to serving others continues in his role as an owner-operator.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Owner | Troy Nelson |
| Age | 27 |
| Former career | Firefighter (nearly seven years) |
| Location | 13271 Bass Pro Drive, Colorado Springs |
| Family | Wife and two daughters |
As the location settles into its refreshed identity, Colorado Springs residents can expect a locally run venue focused on neighborhood ties and community events. Nelson said his goal is to know regular patrons personally and for the business to give back to the Colorado Springs community.
For now, The Brass Tap’s Colorado Springs site represents both the brand’s continuing national expansion and a local entrepreneur’s effort to balance family life with community-oriented business ownership.
