Dog Dad. Entrepreneur. Community Builder.
Every great idea starts with a moment of clarity—and for Chad Johnson, that moment came after more than 25 years building a successful career at the intersection of innovation, technology, and people.
Chad spent decades working in the pharmaceutical and software industries with respected global companies such as Eli Lilly, SAP, and Salesforce. Along the way, he gained invaluable experience leading teams, driving growth, and helping organizations solve complex problems. Yet despite professional success, something was missing. Chad felt a growing pull to create something more personal, more local, and more connected to everyday life.
That pull eventually became Paws On Tap.
As a dog owner and community-minded entrepreneur, Chad noticed a frustrating gap. Restaurants rarely welcome dogs, and while dog parks are fun, they’re not always designed for relaxed, social connection. He envisioned a place that blended the best of both worlds—a self-serve, dog-friendly taproom where people could enjoy great drinks while their dogs stayed right by their side.
Paws On Tap was born from that vision. It’s not just a place to grab a drink—it’s a thoughtfully designed space where dogs are truly part of the experience, and where friendships, conversations, and community naturally come together.
Chad and his wife, Kelley, an attorney, have called Zionsville home for nearly 20 years. Together, they’ve raised three children who reflect the family’s shared values of purpose, ambition, and service:
Abigail (28) works for Bring Change to Mind, supporting mental health awareness.
Karley (20) is a junior at Allegheny College, studying to become a physician assistant while competing as a collegiate soccer player.
Craig (18) is a senior at the International School of Indiana and plans to attend Loyola University next fall to study business.
And of course, no Johnson family story would be complete without mentioning the two four-legged members who helped inspire it all—Stella (12) and Stewie (8), their beloved French Bulldogs pictured above.
For Chad, Paws On Tap is about far more than taps and tails. It’s about belonging. It’s about creating a safe, welcoming environment where neighbors become friends, dogs are treated like family, and community happens naturally—one drink, one conversation, and one wagging tail at a time.
“I wanted to build something tangible and meaningful,” Chad says. “A place where people can relax, connect, and enjoy life with their dogs included—not left behind.”
That philosophy is felt in every detail of Paws On Tap, from its thoughtful design to its commitment to responsible dog ownership and community engagement.
Today, that vision is becoming reality. Paws On Tap has officially begun construction and is scheduled to open in Spring 2026. What started as an idea is now taking physical shape—brick by brick—as a destination designed to bring people and dogs together in a whole new way.
Follow along as we share construction updates, opening details, and sneak peeks in the months ahead.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a familiar face, you’re always welcome here.
Cheers! See you at Paws On Tap.
-Chad Johnson
Founder, Paws On Tap