What is a Mobile Bar?

Hello everyone! My name is Sawyer Dyar, and I run a mobile bartending business. I have been in the industry for almost 2 years.

Now, what exactly is a mobile bar? A mobile bar can be anything from a trailer bar, a bar built inside a van, or just a bartender bringing their supplies and setting up a bar on the premises of the venue. This provides more flexibility and allows clients to have events at a venue that does not have a bar, or allows them to have cocktails at a winery, or wine at a brewery. It allows the clients to be able to have the scenery or physical space that they would like for their event, and have the convenience of having their favorite drinks with them at their event as well.

The types of events that could hire a mobile bar are weddings, parties, private events, and more. These could be events like baby showers, bridal showers, bachelor parties, engagement parties, corporate events or galas, or fundraising events.

Mobile bars provide convenience (could set up quite literally anywhere), personalized service, cheaper costs, and it adds a personal or professional vibe that makes the event feel more whole and self-sustaining, rather than having to depend on the venue to provide everything, and having to deal with the public instead of booking out an entire bar and spending thousands of dollars.

From a cost perspective, a client can buy bottles or kegs in bulk, and spend $10-50 (on average) per bottle, rather than having to pay $10-15 per cocktail or $5-15 for a glass of wine or bottle of beer. You will still be paying for the service that the mobile bar is providing, however, instead of racking up a $600-$900 tab (on the low end) at a bar for 30 guests for 2 hours (2 drinks per guest; and this does not count food or any other purchases) and paying a 15-30% auto gratuity, you can pay $300-$400 for a 2-3 hour event, and spend around $100-150 on alcohol. Also, most liquor stores will accept returns of unopened kegs or unopened bottles if you would like your money back.

All in all, hiring a mobile bar provides more convenience and provides a better experience for the guests and the clients. It is also significantly cheaper than booking a bar or spending your time at the event in a hotel bar with everyone else who is staying there.