Today we’d like to introduce you to Alex Rudolph.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
The restaurant business is something that has been a major part of my life since I was born. My father, Doug Rudolph, was the original franchisee for Wendy’s in Dade County, opening 23 franchises starting in 1977.
After selling Wendy’s franchises, my father started Rudy’s Sirloin Steakburgers in 1984, which was really the original gourmet fast-casual burger chain to hit South Florida. In addition to his 6 Rudy’s, his Rudy’s Restaurant Group also owned 6 Samurai Japanese Steakhouses a 6 Kyoto Japanese Steakhouses.
My father being so successful in the restaurant business always aspired me to do the same, which is why after graduating with a degree in Entrepreneurship from Babson College I decided to work as a manager for Hillstone Restaurant Group.
Being a manager at Hillstone, who I consider to be the most successful privately owned restaurant group in the country, gave me the experience and tools necessary to evolve my career in the restaurant industry. While I was working for Hillstone at their East Hampton Grill location, my father and I were presented with the opportunity to partner in Tap 42, a super cool and successful bar/restaurant with one location in Fort Lauderdale.
We then created TapCo Restaurant Group, and along with the help of our amazing partners have opened 3 additional Tap 42 locations in Boca Raton, Coral Gables, and Midtown Miami, with our fifth location soon to be opened in the new expansion at the Aventura Mall in the beginning of 2018.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I don’t think there is ever such a thing as a completely smooth road in the restaurant business. Every single day you are presented with new challenges and opportunities, which is also what makes it so fun and gratifying when things turn out to be successful.
We are very fortunate to have 4 very successful locations, and hopefully, we will continue to learn and expand as we go, which only happens with our customers continuing to love Tap 42!
We’d love to hear more about your business.
We like to think of Tap 42 as an upscale gastropub that serves elevated and unique takes on American-fusion cuisine, unique craft cocktails, and a vast selection of craft beers and wines in a really cool and fun environment.
What’s great about Tap 42 is that we can be something for everybody depending on what time and day you join us. We have an amazing business lunch crowd at all of our locations, an awesome happy hour, a lively dinner scene, and of course our famous Bottomless Brunch on the weekends.
I think what we are most proud of as a company is always peoples reactions to their experiences at Tap 42. Nothing makes us happier than hearing positive feedback from our guests, and that really starts and ends with hiring amazing people to work for our company and give guests the best experience possible time and time again.
What were you like growing up?
I was always a very outgoing person, which I definitely got from both of my parents, who are two of the nicest, friendliest, and warmest people you will ever meet. I also was a huge sports guy, playing basketball all the way through to the collegiate level, which definitely helped me to adopt the teamwork mentality that we believe is so crucial in running successful restaurants.
Growing up with a father who always held his food to be such a critical priority also opened my eyes to the restaurant business, and food in general, at a really young age.
Pricing:
- $20 Bottomless Brunch Saturday and Sunday
Contact Info:
- Address: 3252 NE 1 Ave Miami, FL, 33137
- Website: www.tap42.com
- Phone: (786) 864-0194
- Email: chelsea@tap42.com
- Instagram: @tap42miami
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tap42miami/
- Twitter: @tap42bar
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/tap-42-miami-miami
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
