We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Bri Kilmartin. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Bri below.
Bri, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start big picture – what are some of biggest trends you are seeing in your industry?
One of the biggest trends we’re seeing in the mobile bartending industry is the growing demand for experiential and interactive cocktail experiences. People are no longer just looking for a good drink; they want an engaging and memorable experience that involves them in the process. This trend is driven by the desire for unique and personalized events, whether it’s a corporate gathering, a bachelorette party, or a family celebration. They realize that a cocktail menu can be a storytelling opportunity for a couple, an individual, or even a brand.
This trend of interactive experiences presents both opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, it allows us to offer a unique value proposition that differentiates us from traditional bartending services. It also gives us the chance to showcase our expertise and creativity, which can lead to more referrals and repeat business.
On the other hand, it requires careful planning and a higher level of preparation. We need to ensure we have the right equipment, ingredients, and staff to facilitate these experiences. There’s also the need to manage expectations and ensure that the interactive elements enhance the event rather than detract from it.
This trend aligns perfectly with our mission to create unforgettable moments and bring people together through the joy of our cocktails & mocktails. We’re constantly innovating and adapting to meet this demand, and we’re thrilled to see where it takes us in the future.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My journey into the world of mobile bartending began several years ago, driven by a deep passion for crafting unique drinks and bringing people together through shared experiences.
At the root of it, I have spent 13+ years in the beverage industry – working with bars and restaurants all over California, and the surrounding 5 states! Over the years, I honed my skills, experimented with different ingredients, and developed a keen understanding of flavor profiles. This passion eventually led me to start Happy Trails Bar Co., where I could combine my love for cocktails with my entrepreneurial spirit.
At Happy Trails Bar Co., we offer a wide range of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients. From private cocktail classes and corporate events to weddings and bachelorette parties, we bring the bar to you, complete with all the necessary equipment, ingredients, and a team of professional bartenders. Our services include:
1. Mobile Bartending: We provide full-service bartending for events of all sizes, ensuring your guests enjoy expertly crafted cocktails.
2. Private Cocktail Classes: Perfect for team-building events, bachelorette parties, and birthdays, our interactive classes teach participants how to make 2-3 signature cocktails while sharing fun trivia and the history behind the drinks.
3. Customized Cocktail Toppers: We create personalized cocktail toppers in-house to add a unique touch to your drinks, making your event even more special.
4. Themed Cocktails: We specialize in creating cocktails themed around specific events or celebrations, such as a 40th Birthday Celebration or the Summer Solstice.
5. Mocktails: We also offer a variety of mocktail options for guests who prefer non-alcoholic beverages. Your non-alcoholic beverages shouldn’t be boring!
6. Unique Fleet of Mobile Bars: Our fleet of beautifully designed mobile bars can be customized to match the theme and aesthetic of your event, providing both functionality and a stylish focal point for your guests.
What sets Happy Trails Bar Co. apart is our commitment to personalization and creating interactive, memorable experiences. We don’t just serve drinks; we engage with our clients and their guests, making sure everyone has a great time. Our attention to detail, creativity, and dedication to customer satisfaction are what make us stand out.
We solve several problems for our clients. First, we take the stress out of planning and managing the bar at their events. We bring everything needed, set up, serve, and clean up, allowing our clients to relax and enjoy their event. Second, we provide a unique and engaging experience that leaves a lasting impression on guests, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the event.
One of the things I’m most proud of is our ability to create a sense of community and joy through our services. Whether it’s a small gathering or a large corporate event, seeing people connect and have fun over our cocktails is incredibly rewarding. Additionally, our innovative approach to cocktail creation and our ability to tailor each event to the client’s needs are sources of great pride.
The main things I want potential clients and followers to know about Happy Trails Bar Co. are our dedication to quality, creativity, and customer satisfaction. We are passionate about what we do and are always looking for ways to innovate and enhance our services. Whether you’re looking for a unique bar experience for your wedding, a fun cocktail class for a party, or a customized drink menu for a corporate event, we are here to make your vision a reality.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
As a small business owner, I’m no stranger to pivoting in my business! This company I started either keeps me young or ages me rapidly – I haven’t figured out which yet.
One of the most fun ways I think that we’ve pivoted, started when we said “yes” to a client before we knew if we could actually facilitate their request. A frightening thought, but I believe in our abilities and I trust our team.
A few years ago, we had a bride and groom we were already working with, call us and ask us if they could add on coffee service to their existing bar service. This sounds like no big deal while I’m telling the story, but the logistics of brewing coffee, keeping it piping hot, and facilitating all the add-ins for coffee turned out to be quite the project. In the end, I’m so glad we did this. We now offer coffee to all of our clients, and coffee & hot cocoa are something we serve to literally thousands throughout the year!
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
I think the best thing you can do for your social media is to be consistent. The algorithms are always changing, the cheese is always being moved, but what helps our strategy is to be present, stay consistent, and show up.
Another thing we’ve been doing recently, is to share more of our personalities. I came originally from a very corporate and serious world, and for a long time, that was a part of Happy Trails’ online persona too. Now, when I share little bits of my personal day, show me shopping for events, or share a funny story – those reels/stories/posts outperform the stuffier ones every single time.
A lot of people scoff at social media, but I will tell you it’s the strongest form of marketing we have outside of word of mouth. Invest in it!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.happytrailsbar.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happytrailsbarco
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HappyTrailsBarCo
Image Credits
Becca Rillo Photography
Lilly Ro Photography
Regina Marie Photography