For all of us, the onset of a global pandemic meant a sudden stop to social interaction.
Events were cancelled and we were able to spend far less time in and around our communities.
I can’t think of a much harder industry to break into during that time than the mobile bar sector.
With graduations moved online, corporate retreats now taking place over Zoom, and weddings rescheduled until further notice, the market for a horse trailer bar seemed pretty non-existent.
But, despite the uncertain circumstances, Bri Kilmartin saw an opportunity.
Bri’s career includes over a decade spent within the hospitality industry, both as a server and working on sales teams for beer, wine, cider and spirits companies.
Combining this professional knowhow with one of her first loves, horses, Bri set out on a wild new business venture.
“My husband and I got married right before the pandemic, at the tail end of 2019. Around that time, I absolutely fell in love with the events industry.
I knew that I wanted to be a part of so many other celebrations, and I wanted to bring something unique and truly myself to the table for others.
I own two horses, and riding has always been a passion of mine.
I had been obsessively following these adorable looking horse trailer bars that I was seeing pop up all over the country.
One day, I sat my husband down and spoke to him about this "crazy idea" I had.
He was immediately supportive and onboard with it.
Apparently, he knows that I’m nuts!
So, off I went. I put my 10+ years in the beverage industry to good use and here we are today, running a mobile bar!”
With the support of her family, Happy Trails Bar Co. was formed.
Equine experience and a familiarity with beverage sales may well be the perfect resumé for a horse trailer bar owner, but to be really successful, you need a little something extra.
Bri definitely has it.
At a moment in time where communities were fragmented and industry outlooks precarious, her focus on customer satisfaction and forging professional relationships shines through as central to Happy Trails’ success.
“I think my favorite part of running a mobile bar is seeing the excitement on guests’ faces during an event", she told us.
"It’s the reward for all the planning and behind-the-scenes work that goes on leading up to that day”.
Of course, serving crowd-pleasing cocktails helps too…
“It brings me so much joy when I hand over a beautifully crafted cocktail, with an absolutely fabulous (& of course instagrammable) garnish to a happy customer.
It’s my art form, and I love going above and beyond for my couples.”
And it’s not just those she serves that Bri considers part of her community.
“It would be wrong for me not to mention the vendor relationships that I’ve made along the way – especially with my fellow mobile bar owners.
I was so surprised at this community, and I’d never trade it for anything.
There’s so much support, even from my neighboring vendors – and I live by the mantra, “Community over Competition”.
Anyone can reach out to me and ask for help, advice, support, because I know they would do the same for me.”
The importance of impeccable service and happy customers is not lost on Bri.
In fact, it’s the fuel that keeps her mobile bar rolling!
“I don’t take it lightly that someone has chosen MY company to help represent potentially one of the most important days in their life.
After all, the bar is the most visited vendor that you'll hire for your event.
Because of this, my favorite bookings are my return clients.
Nothing feels better than having a client call you back for their next party.
It’s validating, it’s SO much fun, and I love being a part of so many important moments in their lives.
Their happiness is all I need to get through the not-so-glamorous parts of owning a business.
It reinvigorates me!”
The Happy Trails mobile bar is a 1968 Miley two horse trailer named Annie (after Annie Oakley, a female, American sharpshooter who starred in Buffalo Bill's Wild West show).
The bar has been stylishly converted to include a 2-tap keg system, dual serving windows, LED interior and exterior lighting, and chalkboard signage.
For extra service space, or for smaller events that don’t require Annie, Happy Trails also offer a beautiful wooden satellite bar.
Based in Santa Clarita, California, Bri serves at events from Santa Barbara down to Los Angeles and everywhere in-between.
Bri doesn’t strike me as somebody who is happy to stay standing still.
And when asked what’s next for her company, she confirms that there is plenty more on the horizon…
“GROWTH is next!
We will definitely be building more satellite bars in the immediate future, and I do have a second trailer up my sleeve…
Growing my business has really given me the creative freedom that I was looking for, and building further trust with my clients is so important to me.
I often make friendships with my clients that extend well beyond their event date and I’m most looking forward to continuing to serve them as best and as creatively as I can!"
With such an emphasis on customer satisfaction, you probably won’t be surprised to hear that Happy Trails Bar Co. are in high demand.
Bri recommends reaching out with your event details as soon as possible in order to avoid disappointment.
“Fall 2022 is almost completely booked and we have now opened our books for most of 2023.
The best bet is to reach out with your date to make sure that I can accommodate.
If I can, we will certainly get you on the calendar!”
Through my conversation with Bri, having read reviews from her many satisfied patrons, and seeing the upbeat positivity across her social media channels, one thing is for certain:
Bri’s approach to life makes "Happy Trails" the perfect name for her business.
We're looking forward to seeing where that approach takes her next.
If you’d like to add a little positivity (not to mention the mouthwatering cocktails) to your next event, you can contact Happy Trails Bar Co. via Roll To here.