Picture yourself driving down the freeway, passing the same old boring cars and billboards, rolling over the endless gray tarmac.
It probably isn't where you'd expect your next spark of creative inspiration to arrive.
But sometimes, even the most mundane of situations can prove to be the catalyst for a lifechanging decision.
For Kaycie Allen and her mother, Kim, seeing a mobile bar out in the wild was their lightbulb moment.
"We’re always looking for a new adventure.
When we saw a mobile bar out on the freeway, we thought that would be so much fun...
So, we built one!”
Whilst we’ve all had visions of business success, it’s one thing imagining, but it’s quite another setting those entrepreneurial wheels in motion.
The Allens, though, are clearly doers as well as dreamers.
And that probably has something to do with their household vocation.
“We’re a family of first responders. Because of this, it seems like life is always so hectic and busy, but we wanted to add in a little more fun!
My mom works full-time and I just started grad school. Launching a mobile bar business provides us with the perfect creative outlet.”
Next step for Kaycie & Kim was to bring their vision of a traveling tavern to life.
Who better to do it with than the other members of their clan?
Thus, converting an old, disused horse trailer into a functioning mobile bar become a family affair, with dad and sister both helping out.
The project became the ultimate upcycle job, with discarded metal and recycled wood being combined with bold, modern updates.
“We purchased a very ugly, rustic, green horse trailer and removed everything inside, keeping only the floor.
We outfitted the interior with repurposed barn wood and some tin that my dad found on the side of the road.
We completed the look with our signature cheetah print roof.
When I say 'we', I mean mostly my dad with the help of my mom, sister and I!
My dad was able to turn our mobile bar dream into reality by adding so many special touches that make our bar really stand out.”
And as you can see from the photos in this feature, those unique design touches really do make the Tin Can Bar live long in the memory.
Painted in a striking red, the converted horse trailer bar is hard to miss.
If you’re hosting an event at a larger, outdoor venue, guests certainly won’t forget where to pick up drinks.
Whilst eye-catching, the bright red exterior remains a classic look, making it welcoming for intimate occasions too, and not to mention totally Instagram worthy!
Get a little closer (for a beverage or two!) and the Tin Can Bar opens up to reveal an exotic cheetah print roof which really adds to the vibrant, party feel of the bar.
Check out Instagram for a closer look at that roof, and an in-depth look at the full renovation.
The reclaimed wood used throughout ensures that the old horse trailer hangs on to its rustic roots.
Having been essential in dreaming up and building their mobile bar, Kaycie and Kim now revel in delivering their artistic talents whilst serving at events.
Custom menus, thoughtful accessories and stylish signage are all part of the package.
The bar is equipped with 4 taps and 2 bar tops for serving (one on each side).
“The thing we enjoy most is producing an atmosphere where people are happy, hydrated and enjoying our inventive beverages.
Our favorite part of being behind the bar is tapping into our creative side in order to add that pop of something special to our guest’s day.
We also love to make connections with people!”
Based in Calaveras County the Tin Can Bar Co. team serve at events across Lodi, Stockton, Modesto, Sonora, Jackson, Sacramento and the surrounding areas.
Launched in 2021, Tin Can has served at graduations, birthday parties, corporate functions and more, but this duo are just getting started.
“We are most looking forward to meeting new people while making special days unforgettable. We can't wait to work with you on your next event!"
And who knows, if Kaycie and Kim happen upon another mobile bar rolling down the freeway, we could see a second trailer added to their fleet – here’s hoping!
Thank you to the team for chatting with me and providing some awesome inspiration to those thinking about jumping into the industry.
I think it’s fair to say that the Allen family would recommend going for it!
You can see more info, photos and contact details over on the Tin Can Bar Co. Roll To profile page.
Get in touch with them to discuss your event details and secure your date!