TEAM

FOUNDER & CEO

Joe designed the concept of Tapville Social in 2016 during one of his frequent visits to Union Pier, Michigan, along the Red Arrow Highway. Professionally, Joe was a management consultant with Accenture and founded his own firm that was acquired.

His consulting background was focused on working with large franchise companies on technology, operational training and growth strategies. Joe is an avid ultrarunner and has a deep belief that hard work, entrepreneurship and a healthy lifestyle are the keys to happiness.

FRANCHISE ONBOARDING

Kyong leads franchise onboarding with a focus on clear communication, operational readiness, and practical support to ensure a smooth ramp up for new partners. With hands on experience in restaurant operations, architectural millwork, and project management, Kyong helps franchisees understand what to expect, stay organized, and move toward opening with confidence.

Known for being straightforward, approachable, and solutions focused, Kyong streamlines complex processes, aligns teams, and keeps projects on schedule. Kyong also supports broader corporate efforts that strengthen training, workflow clarity, and the overall franchisee experience.

VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING

An experienced team leader, social media strategist and marketer, Don is passionate about growing communities and implementing modern digital marketing strategies.

He is a certified email and content marketer that has worked with brands in the food and beverage industry like breweries, restaurants, events and professional sports teams. Don is also the founder of a 60,000-member international beer club.

VICE PRESIDENT OF BRAND AND CONSTRUCTION

Since 1992, Robert has evolved from an NYC designer to Tapville’s VP of Brand and Construction. Robert’s experience spans cosmetics, electronics, sports, and hospitality. He specializes in restaurant design, brand identities, and commercial real estate challenges.

Stephanie is dedicated to supporting franchisees through clear, organized, and easy-to-follow training. With a strong focus on accuracy, consistency, and operational excellence, she oversees the development of Tapville University content—from step-by-step training modules to detailed food and beverage recipes.

She also manages communications that keep franchisees and their teams informed of important updates, resources, and upcoming launch dates. Through her guidance and well-structured materials, Stephanie helps ensure every Tapville location is equipped for success.

OPERATIONS MANAGER

With his extensive culinary expertise and passion for innovation, Chef Thomas Kuba leads development of all culinary and beverage programs at Tapville Social Restaurants and Tapville Drink While You Shop stores.

Additionally, Tom fosters relationships with Tapville’s Back of House leaders nationwide to provide training and support for new store openings.

ADVISOR

Sean’s deep passion for the food and hospitality industry is in his DNA – literally. Raised in Columbus, Ohio, Sean spent his formative years immersed in the burger business through his grandfather, Dave Thomas, the founder of Wendy’s.

In addition to holding various positions at Wendy’s, Sean expanded his hands-on knowledge of the industry by working at Lettuce Entertain You, in various front-of-house/back-of-house roles, then graduating from the Lettuce Entertain You Enterprise internship/management program. Most recently, Sean has founded Fresh Stack Burger Company, a PE-backed, fast-casual burger concept with plans to open multiple locations in the Midwest.

ADVISOR

Brandt is the former Chief Accounting Officer at GrubHub, helping the company grow from $3 million in revenue to $1 billion in 15 years. He has experience in a variety of industries including manufacturing, professional services, hospitality, retail and financial services.

Brandt spent the first half of his career in Crowe Horwath’s audit practice managing public financial statement audits and performing Sarbanes Oxley 404 consulting. He transitioned to the transaction services/investment banking group, managing private placements and buy/sell side transaction services for private equity investors, lenders and corporations

ADVISOR

Sean authors the influential blog Irish Liquor Lawyer and has been cited numerous times in multiple influential publications such as Forbes, Decanter, And Wine Spectator. He represents innovators in the liquor industry. Also, he lobbies on behalf of the liquor industry, and successfully lobbied the Illinois legislature to expand privileges for retailers.

Before launching O’Leary Law and Policy Group, LLC, he served as Chief Legal Counsel with the Illinois Liquor Control Commission. While at the Commission, Sean helped revolutionize the Illinois liquor industry by cracking down on illegal bootlegging, advocating for the expansion of allowable discounting practices, developing standards for contract brewing, and drafting tied-house regulations. Sean attended the University of North Carolina and received his law degree from Chicago - Kent College of Law.