FSC Franchise Co. Offers Veterans $25,000 in Franchise Fee Savings and First-Year Royalty Relief

FSC Franchise Co., parent of Beef 'O' Brady's and The Brass Tap, launched a veterans program on November 11, 2026 that waives the $25,000 initial franchise fee for qualified veterans and offers 0% royalties in their first year. The Tampa company announced the program through PR Newswire.

How the FSC Veterans Incentives Work

Qualified veterans pay no initial franchise fee, a savings of $25,000. Veterans who open their restaurants within 12 months of signing a franchise agreement receive 0% royalties during their first year of operations. FSC also is establishing a veterans franchisee peer group that will meet virtually each quarter so veteran operators can share experiences, discuss challenges and exchange business advice. Jim Keenam, director of franchise operations for The Brass Tap and a military veteran, will facilitate the group.

"I've always thought it's important to have people you can pick up the phone and call," Keenam said. "Running a restaurant brings plenty of challenges, and sometimes another owner has already dealt with what you're facing."

Keenam is also working with Boots to Business, a free entrepreneurial education and training program offered through the U.S. Small Business Administration, to conduct franchising education sessions for veterans and transitioning service members. Additional initiatives include a planned Veteran Partner Lunch at FSC's national brand conference next summer and dedicated veteran-focused franchise websites for Beef 'O' Brady's and The Brass Tap. Prospective franchisees will also have opportunities to speak directly with existing veteran franchise owners.

FSC has 14 veteran franchisees operating Beef 'O' Brady's and The Brass Tap restaurants, accounting for about 12% of franchise owners across the two brands. "Veterans bring a lot of qualities to restaurant ownership. They understand accountability, how to lead a team and what it means to show up every day," said Chris Elliott, CEO of FSC Franchise Co.

FSC's Scale Across Its Three Brands

According to akta.pro company records, FSC operates more than 280 locations across 27 states, and Newk's Eatery operates 95 locations in 12 states. The same records show FSC's record year in 2023 brought 40 franchise signings and 11 new openings. The company acquired Newk's Eatery, adding the fast casual concept to Beef 'O' Brady's and The Brass Tap.

Earlier FSC Announcements This Fall

FSC selected PAR Technology's Punchh, Ordering and Catering for its Beef 'O' Brady's, The Brass Tap and Newk's Eatery brands, with a phased rollout beginning early 2027, FinancialContent Business Page reported on November 10, 2026. On October 21, 2026, PR Newswire reported that Karl Waller, owner of The Brass Tap's Marina, California location, received the Highest Sales Volume Award at the 2026 FSC Franchise Conference. PR Newswire reported on October 19, 2026 that Beef 'O' Brady's franchisees in Chipley, Florida, won the Highest Opening Week Sales Award at the same conference.

FSC's Expansion Plans Through 2027

Through the third quarter of 2026, FSC signed 20 franchise deals across its three brands and expects to open 15 restaurants by year-end. Another 21 openings are planned for 2027, including seven each for Beef 'O' Brady's and The Brass Tap.