The Bar is Open
Serving beer and mixed drinks from an Airstream is the HOT new trend. They’re not just for camping and food trailers anymore.
From hotels in Nashville to street vendors in Chicago, There’s nothing cooler than setting up your bar business inside an Airstream. Add a second bar on your outdoor patio or beer garden with the visual interest of the classic Airstream. It automatically creates a neat conversation starter because who doesn’t want to talk about Airstreams!
Full Bar Setup
In addition to looking classy, an Airstream trailer adds a touch of prestige to your business. Imagine a fully stocked bar with a kegerator, speed rails for fast drink mixing and ice bins right where you need them. Depending on the room you have to park the trailer, you can pretty much select the size of trailer you need to fit your needs.
Anyone can buy a box trailer, cut a hole in the side and stick a sink and counter in it. An Airstream conversion requires a level of expertise that few companies possess. Yes, that expertise does not come cheap but most folks know that – just like they know a lamborghini is a bit more money than a Chevy. Hence the prestige.
Liquor Laws
Be sure to check the liquor laws in your state, province and local jusisdiction before embarking on an Airstream Bar adventure. Every one of them has different laws when it comes to selling liquor.
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Weddings and Private Events
One alternative to selling liquor to the public is hiring your trailer (and possibly yourself) out to private events where you become the bartender serving liquor supplied by the host. The trailer becomes the warm and inviting center of attention where everyone gathers. String up festive party lights around the hatch door and you have the magnet to draw everybody to you!
Serving Window
Your serving window is the opening where you will interact with your customers. Typical opening widths run from 6 foot to 10 foot wide. Two people can comfortably serve drinks from a 10 foot opening.
Drink Mixing Station with Drainboard
This particular bar trailer setup has a drink mixing drain board mounted over the ice bin and just under the countertop. The glass drying station is just to the right of this area. The bartender has everything he or she needs right in front of them.
Speed Rail
Any serious bartender needs a speed rail. A speed rail puts all of your drink mixers right in front of you at your fingertips. In the bar business, if you’re not moving alcohol, you’re not making money!
What’s on Tap?
For those parties where self-serve is the way to go, put your beer taps on the outside of the trailer for easy access.
Or maybe four on tap is not enough! Long Island Experience pushes that to eight – and a burger to go with it!
Serving Shelf
Serving shelves can be made in a variety of configurations to meet your needs and each has its advantages and disadvantages. A foldout serving shelf stays out of the weather when travelling. When the evening is done, fold the shelf up and over and rest it on your countertop. It stays out of the elements and nicely stored in your trailer. You will need space on your countertop for the shelf to rest when moving.
A permanently mounted stainless steel serving shelf means not having to worry about it. Wipe it off when you are setting up and you’re ready to go.
Drop shelves can be handy when moving because they are not sticking out from the side of your trailer. They can be dropped at the end of the event and secured in place for travelling.
If your mobile bar is not going to be ‘mobile,’ such as this Airstream bar that sits atop the Bobby Hotel in Nashville, you can opt for a more elaborate serving shelf. This serving shelf was customized with the hotel’s name water jetted into the stainless steel endcaps.
Shelf Storage
Undercounter shelf storage is always nice to have. Just like the countertops, it is covered in stainless steel for easy cleaning. Notice that this trailer has a floor drain – a request by the customer.
Open shelving allows quick and easy access for busy workers taking care of customers. But to keep it neat and tidy looking, cupboard doors on the back side displays a nice, neat appearance for lookers wanting to catch a glance inside your nifty Airstream trailer.
Notice the sliding windows covering the serving opening. This keeps out weather and bugs when needed.
Kegerators & Fridges! Oh My!!
A kegerator improves functionality when serving draft beer and adds a look of professionalism. Craft beers from local microbreweries can be a big draw to your window. Depending on the variety of beers you’ll be serving you may need several kegerators. Glass door refrigerators are a logical choice for beverages. You can see what’s inside before opening the door.
Be Seen…
Your airstream bar trailer will be the center of attention. Well OK, maybe the bride and groom will be – but you’ll be right behind them! Like we always say, if you’re in an Airstream you WILL be seen! Isn’t that what we all want anyway?
Published: December 6, 2022 ~ Updated: February 11, 2023 ~ Author: Staff Writer