BREA, Calif. — Brea dining institution TAPS Fish House & Brewery is reopening Friday, March 23 at 4 p.m. after it undergoes a$1.5-million remodeling that began March 11.
The comprehensive refresh comes as TAPS, one of the region’s most decorated breweries and a standout for its high quality seafood, fine steaks, oyster bar and famous Vegas-style Sunday brunch, readies for its 20th anniversary next year. The changes also coincide with the recent opening of a nearby four-level, 476-space parking structure.
Proprietor/Founder Joe Manzella, part of the original family team that opened TAPS’ flagship location in September 1999, at 101 E. Imperial Highway, said the restaurant needed a cosmetic renovation and noted that its award-winning concept, which has launched sister restaurants in Corona and Irvine, will remain unchanged.
“It’s a big-picture renovation that simply says that after close to 20 years of high-volume business, we’re ready for a major refresh,” said Manzella, who opened the original TAPS with his sister, Michele, and their late father, Fred.
“The basic bones of the building will remain,” said Manzella, referring to the iconic building’s 85,000 bricks, bow-string trusses and cherry wood. “It’s a classic architectural beauty and will always be a welcome decor aesthetic.”
Changes will be made throughout TAPS’ dining areas, oyster bar, lounge and patio. The “back of the house” where cooks and other employees work will also have major upgrades.
There will be a wood-like ceramic-tile flooring throughout the interior, new carpeting in the dining rooms, new furnishings in the lobby/foyer and booths will be reupholstered with handsome tufted distressed leatherette.
Handmade custom walnut wood tables will replace white table clothes in the dining room, and the outdoor patio will get new flooring, heaters, speakers and televisions, as wellas a different trellis.
The bar, as well as TAPS’ signature oyster bar, will also be modernized with new barstools, signage, televisions, artwork and lighting.
The extensive renovation in the kitchen includes an all-new dish station, quarry-tile flooring, new broilers, ovens, tilt skillets and braising pans, as well as an upgraded air conditioning system and lighting.
Since opening in 1999, TAPS has garnered nearly 100 international, national and regional medals for its craft beers. TAPS is a three-time winner of Mid-Size Brewpub and Brewers of the Year at the nation’s largest beer competition, the Great American Beer Festival (2010,2011 and 2015).
The original TAPS is credited with jump-starting the now-vibrant Brea Downtown dining and entertainment district.
“This business is about intriguing the guests, be it with innovative food, spirits or ambiance,” Manzella said. “You can’t stand still. Our loyal following and new guests deserve the best, and our job is to be constantly reviewing everything and doing it better.”
About Taps Fish House & Brewery
The privately owned TAPS Fish House & Brewery, which opened in 1999, has three locations. The original and flagship is located at 101 East Imperial Highway in Brea Downtown. A second location opened in 2007 at The Shops at Dos Lagos (2745 Lakeshore Drive, Corona) in the Inland Empire. TAPS’ third restaurant opened in 2015 at The Market Place in Irvine, at 13390 Jamboree Road. TAPS is a celebration of seafood, fine steaks and award-winning traditional and innovative ales and lagers. A connoisseur’s wine list recognized by the Wine Spectator showcases a variety of wines. The restaurant, privately owned by founder Joe Manzella, offers a choice of fine dining or the more casual, comfortable bar-lounge; oyster bar, multiple patios and private dining. TAPS is known for its popular Las Vegas-style Sunday Brunch. The Manzella Restaurant Group also owns The Catch in Anaheim. The newest enterprise, TAPS Brewery & Barrel Room will open in Tustin by the Legacy development in late spring 2018. www.TapsFishHouse.com