Introducing: Off The Wagon Mobile Bar

When putting together features on mobile bars for Roll To, I’m lucky enough to interact with a wide cross-section of people, all with different backgrounds and from many different locations. But what they all share is drive and determination. These small business owners are gutsy, resolute individuals who must mix their own perfect cocktail of creativity, tenacity, entrepreneurial spirit, and a big pinch of hustle every day.

More than just business owners, they act as lead bartender, mixologist, social media manager, customer service rep, event planner, website copywriter, photographer and more. The list of responsibilities goes on and on.

Chelsie O’Connor is one such entrepreneur. Having walked a winding road to becoming a mobile bar operator, she is now the driving force behind Off The Wagon, an awesome converted horse trailer serving Northern California.

Chelsie mixing a drink in her mobile bar

“I’ve always been an entrepreneur at heart” Chelsie told us. “As a natural born leader, I’ve managed many companies ranging from grocery stores and bakeries, to running the catering department for a local wedding venue.”

But the path to owning and operating Off The Wagon Mobile Bar wasn’t straightforward. “About 7 years ago the idea of starting a mobile business came to me. I had always had a love for cooking and found myself expressing my creative side through food, so I thought opening a food truck might be the end goal for me. However, I was met with some resistance from family members, and I also decided that I didn’t want to take on all of the permits and associated paperwork that comes with the food industry.”

But Chelsie kept the idea of a mobile business in the back of her mind until one day she swapped her food truck dream for a new one based around a mobile bar and this time decided to run with it. “I wasn’t going to allow anyone to talk me out of it!”

Thus, Off The Wagon Mobile Bar was born and Chelsie couldn't wait to get started on events. As she optimistically reasoned, “nobody gets mad at the bartender!”

A dark wood and navy-blue exterior, with pretty design touches make this mobile bar extra classy

In 2021, work began on converting a 1988 Logan Coach horse trailer into a fully functioning mobile bar. And as you can see from the photos in this feature, Chelsie, with help from her family, has done an amazing job.

A navy-blue exterior combines with a dark wooden door and serving windows for a modern, classy aesthetic. The turf interior wall and other clever touches of greenery, plus a trendy branded neon sign give the bar a high-end, luxurious feel. It's the perfect addition to weddings, bridal showers, birthdays, corporate events or any other type of party.

Couples can create a signature drinks menu for their big day

Fully restored and released into the wild, Off The Wagon’s early events have been a huge success and have enhanced Chelsie’s enthusiasm for running her own business even further.

“I love getting to express my creativity through the drinks we serve and being able to share and see people enjoy something that I made. Since this is our first year, I look forward to trying new things, and celebrating every single milestone and learning experience”.

Custom cocktails made with fresh ingredients

Oh, and did we mention that Chelsie runs Off The Wagon Mobile Bar whilst being a mother to five girls? Truly an inspiration for budding entrepreneurs out there! But, she doesn’t do it all alone.

“I should add, my husband, Casey, has been my biggest supporter through all of this and has been there every step of the way. And even though he had no prior experience, he can make a mean mule!”