Taffer’s Tavern, the innovative new full-service tavern concept founded by industry leading hospitality expert and star of Paramount Network’s Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer, unveiled the location for its first of multiple restaurants coming to the Washington, D.C., metro area.
Cuisine Solutions, a leading manufacturer of sous vide foods and Taffer’s Tavern franchisee for the Washington, D.C., metro, signed a lease to bring the “Restaurant of the Future” to 700 6th Street NW in the high-energy Penn Quarter neighborhood. Taffer originally tapped Cuisine Solutions to assist with menu development and kitchen design for Taffer’s Tavern, now the world’s authority on sous vide technology will operate the first D.C. location in alignment with its core of innovation.
The future Taffer’s Tavern location is adjacent to the Capital One Arena complex and Gallery Place rapid transit station of the Washington Metro, all within walking distance to national landmarks, museums and popular attractions.
“We have found a class A property in the heart of downtown that gives us a perfect foundation to transform the space and work with Jon to bring the Taffer’s Tavern vision to life in D.C.,” says Cuisine Solutions president and CEO Felipe Hasselmann. “With an eye toward the future, we envision adding to the vibrancy of the area with locals, tourists and professionals alike enjoying what we bring to the table. The location is a perfect spot to catch up with neighbors over cocktails, grab a beer before the game, or enjoy a great meal and explore everything the district has to offer.”
Taffer is leveraging his decades of experience in the hospitality industry, along with the latest advancements in food prep/service technology and the industry’s highest safety standards, to start a casual dining revolution. The first outpost of the casual-dining brand opened just outside of Atlanta in Alpharetta, Georgia, last fall. With multiple units already secured in the greater Las Vegas, Boston, Washington, D.C., Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia, areas, as well as Northern and Central Florida, Taffer’s Tavern is quickly expanding across the United States. Cuisine Solutions plans to bring the concept’s elevated tavern food and world-class beverage program to popular areas in D.C. and Northern Virginia.
“I am proud to see the continued brand momentum for Taffer’s Tavern, as this D.C. lease signing comes fresh off of additional franchise deals to expand the brand in Vegas, Orlando, Savannah and more,” Taffer says. “With each new location, we’re building the next generation of casual dining by combining advanced technology, safety protocols and unique guest experiences. I’m looking forward to continuing our partnership with Cuisine Solutions and seeing the concept grow throughout the region—and across the country.”
Inspired by the quintessential neighborhood pub, a regular gathering place for locals and visitors alike, Taffer’s Tavern is designed with traditional Old-World taverns in mind, its ambiance is inviting, warm and comfortable, distinguished by dark woods, soft leathers, copper accents and exceptional food and beverage offerings.
The groundbreaking concept is ideal for franchisees looking to be part of a rapidly growing brand. Operated with a kitchen of the future, the industry-leading technology used in Taffer’s Tavern allows minimal need for food preparation and handling, drastically reducing back-of-house labor. In addition, the innovative and simplified cooking techniques allow for less experienced kitchen staff and helps reduce cook time by 50 – 90 percent compared to traditional kitchens.
To facilitate growth for the emerging brand, Taffer has partnered with Fransmart, the industry-leading franchise development company behind the explosive growth of brands like Five Guys Burgers and Fries, and QDOBA Mexican Grill.
“Jon and the Cuisine Solutions team recognize that now is the perfect time to secure your space in the restaurant industry, as people will be craving the full-service dining experience once restrictions are lifted,” adds Fransmart CEO Dan Rowe. “This Sixth Street location in D.C. was previously a restaurant, so the framework is already there. Conversions help reduce typical startup costs and there is currently a lot of class A real estate available with attractive lease options.”
Taffer is currently seeking experienced franchisees to continue bringing the Taffer’s Tavern concept to the 50 largest media markets throughout North America.