Tapster is a self-pour tasting-room franchise founded in 2017. The concept launched its first location in Chicago and is now headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The brand began franchising in 2018 and has grown by offering a modern, tech-driven bar experience.
Tapster allows guests to pour their own beer, wine, cocktails, seltzer, kombucha, and other beverages directly from a self-serve tap wall. Customers pay by the ounce, which gives them flexibility to sample different drinks and control their own tasting experience. The model reduces labor needs, minimizes waste, and creates a more efficient bar operation.
The franchise stands out by combining technology, autonomy, and a strong community environment. Instead of relying on bartenders, Tapster empowers guests to explore new beverages at their own pace. Its streamlined operations, welcoming tasting-room atmosphere, and distinctive self-pour format differentiate it from traditional bars.
Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Tapster offers several training and support programs to help franchisees successfully operate their self-pour beer bar business. These programs are structured to cover pre-opening preparation as well as ongoing operational support. Below is a numbered breakdown of the training provided by the franchisor:
Tapster grants franchisees a defined territory and commits not to establish or license another Tapster bar within that designated area. This offers a degree of localized protection for the franchisee’s business operations.
However, this protection does not extend to other forms of distribution or marketing that Tapster might pursue within the same territory.
While Tapster avoids opening competing bars in your assigned territory, it retains the right to market or sell products through alternative channels such as the Internet, catalog sales, or telemarketing.
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Below are some of
TAPSTER
key competitors in the
Bar
sector.
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Sedona Taphouse is an upscale casual restaurant franchise offering steaks, seafood, and scratch-made dishes alongside extensive craft beer and wine selections, serving guests seeking elevated yet approachable dining, and known for charitable Dine Out for Charity programs and polished atmospheres.
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The Growler Guys is a craft-beer taproom franchise offering rotating draft beer, cider, kombucha, and to-go growlers, serving craft beverage enthusiasts, and known for extensive tap lists, knowledgeable staff, and filling fresh, cold beverages to take home or enjoy onsite.
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Hoppin’ is a casual-dining franchise offering (assuming playful snack/meal concept) [Note: exact model not clearly verified], serving families and snack crowds, and known for upbeat branding and potential franchise scalability.
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TAPSTER is a fast-casual restaurant franchise offering custom build-your-own meals (e.g., bowls or wraps) paired with premium beverages, serving health- and service-focused diners, and known for modern design, flexible footprint and franchise growth potential.
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Wagbar is a pet-retail and café franchise offering dog-friendly treats, coffee and social lounge spaces for pet owners, serving pet-lovers and community groups, and known for pet-centric design, experiential branding and social engagement.
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Monk’s Bar and Grill is a bar & grill franchise offering casual American fare, drinks, bar services, and live entertainment, serving families and social diners, and known for pub atmosphere, menu variety, and welcoming community environment.
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