The Brass Tap Celebrates Two Years of Craft Beer and Community Spirit in Katy
The Brass Tap in Katy/Richmond is raising a glass to its second anniversary, and the celebration is all about community, craft beer, and a heartfelt connection with locals. Since opening on August 29, 2022, the bar has become a beloved spot where neighbors gather, relax, and enjoy good times together.
Kuralay Christensen and her husband, Chris, who own The Brass Tap in Katy/Richmond, have always dreamed of running their own business. Kuralay shares, “We always wanted to open our own bar and be our own bosses. The pandemic pushed us to make our dream happen sooner than we planned.” Their passion for craft beer and the desire to be part of something local drove them to choose The Brass Tap franchise, and their vision has been coming to life ever since.
Kuralay Christensen, left, with husband Chris Christensen, right, in front of The Brass Tap in Katy/Richmond,This dynamic couple have crafted more than just a bar—they’ve built a community hub. Kuralay, originally from Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, moved to the U.S. 25 years ago, first settling in Michigan before relocating to Houston. Chris is originally from Tucson, Arizona, and grew up in El Paso, Texas. The couple now calls Cinco Ranch home, just a short drive from their business.
Finding the right location was a key part of their journey. Chris discovered the spot and couldn’t wait to show Kuralay. “When Chris found this place, he was so excited,” Kuralay recalls. “We both loved the view from the patio with the ponds and fountains. It felt like the perfect place to build our dream.”
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Before diving into the bar business, Chris worked as a petrophysicist in the gas and oil industry, while Kuralay spent her career in healthcare, most recently as a director of nursing. Their professional backgrounds have influenced their approach to running The Brass Tap. “Our experiences have definitely shaped how we manage the bar,” Kuralay says. “It’s about bringing a high level of care and quality to everything we do.”
One of the standout features of The Brass Tap is its extensive craft beer selection. With 60 taps, about half are dedicated to local and regional brews, reflecting the Christiensen's commitment to supporting the craft beer community. “We’re really proud of our beer selection and try to listen to what our guests want,” Kuralay explains. Beyond beer, the menu includes favorites like fish and chips, Boom-boom shrimp, and a variety of pizzas.
Fish and Chips at The Brass Tap, one of many popular items on the menu, pairs well withThe Brass Tap aims to offer locals more than just a place for drinks and food. From Music Bingo to Trivia nights, and a pet-friendly patio where families can enjoy games and beautiful sunsets, The Brass Tap offers a space for everyone. “We wanted to create a place where people feel like they’re part of something special,” Kuralay says. “It’s about community and making sure everyone feels at home.”
The Christiensen's are deeply connected to the area. They emphasize that The Brass Tap is more than just a pub—it's a family-friendly, welcoming spot where locals can come together. “We treat our team and our guests like family,” Kuralay adds. “It’s important for us to be involved in the community and provide a place where everyone feels relaxed and appreciated.”
Guests enjoying the rear patio at The Brass Tap Katy/Richmond, overlooking a scenic lakeOutside of the bar, Kuralay and Chris are avid dancers and enjoy ballroom dancing classes and social events. They also love skiing and exploring breweries and wineries during their travels. “We used to spend our weekends dancing and traveling,” Kuralay shares. “Now, our focus is on The Brass Tap, but we still cherish those hobbies whenever we get a chance.”
As they celebrate their two-year milestone, The Brass Tap looks forward to continuing its journey with the same enthusiasm and dedication that has defined their first two years. Here’s to many more years of craft beer, good food, and community spirit at The Brass Tap in Katy/Richmond.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
