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Mobile Bar Business Items
40
items As some of you know, I started a mobile bar business in 2024. I get lots of questions on how much it all costs to get started. I wanted to make a list of everything I bought and what I already had on hand to get going. I will also add in a wish list ...
Sections
4
Must Haves
Decor
For You
Wish List
Must Haves
These are the basics that I started with and depending on your area you might need more or less than what is on this list.
The handle on these is amazing to have, I purchased two of these tables. This helps me create a ‘U’ shape and avoid anyone sneaking up behind the bar.
6 ft. Fold-in-Half Table: Almond
I love this thing!!! It comes with it's own bag and is super simple to breakdown and set up. The shelves are also nice to hide things that customers and their guests don't need to see. Such as my personal belongings or the backup supplies.
Portable Bar Table
There are a couple different versions of this bartender set but this is the one I use. I don't use it for every event but depending on the requests and event it is a great little travel set.
Mixology Bartender Kit: 10-Piece Set
These are a life saver! Instead of cleaning up EVERY little mess it catches it all for you and keeps everything from being sticky. Clean it at the end of the night or wait until you get home.
Bartender Mats
These are very handy to have, I didn't care on the color of them since no one is seeing them besides me.
Hand Towel (Set of 12)
This one is weird I know, but it is nice to have something to hold the little things. I'm going to up date this system at some point but this is what I had on hand.
Shower Caddy
I use these for tea and water at events. Very simple to clean and pack around.
Better Homes & Gardens 2 Gallon Ribbed Clear Glass Beverage Dispenser with Acacia Wooden Lid
This is a bear proof cooler that we had on hand to help me get ice and keep things cool at events.
Lifetime 55 Quart High Performance Polyethylene Cooler, Light Gray (90949)
This is the other cooler I use, it has very sturdy handles compared to others that I've found this size. I load the coolers up on the trailer empty, fill with ice and then move to the location of the event.
Igloo 150 QT Latitude Marine Hard Side Cooler, White (41"x18"x20")
This one is also a little weird but I have two of these. One I use this as my soapy water bucket so I don't have to run off to the bathroom to wash my hands over every little spill. It is also great to keep a soap towel in there. The second I use thi...
Small Trash Can
I use this as my drink catcher, it will catch any straws or garnishes so I don't have to fish them out later.
Mini Strainer
I got this little knife set as a back up. I cut my garnishes at my house but I wanted to be prepared in case I needed to fix any of the garnishes… mom brain!
CAROTE 12 Pieces Kitchen Knife Set, Stainless Steel Knife Set With 6 Blade Guards, Nonstick Creamic Coating, Razor-Sharp, Dishwasher Safe
No one wants to stick their hands in the ice while making a drink, so ice scoops are a must. I really like having the different sizes but it is not necessary for everyone.
Functional Stainless Steel Shovel Ice Scoop for Kitchen Bar Sugar Flour Buffet Dry Foods
I fill these with water to spray off any accidental drips and another one I fill with lime juice depending on the cocktails being served.
Asija 3 Pack White Squeeze Bottles,16 oz Condiment Squeeze Bottles Multipurpose Squirt Bottle for Ketchup Oil Jam BBQ Sauce Dressing Grilling Crafts Syrup Dispensers
This is for no other purpose other than I might need them haha or if the table clothes get filthy I can through them in a bag for the laundry.
Cloth Shopping Bags
Decor
Decorations are always the best but NOT NEEDED if you are on a budget! Some customers I have served have their own decorations that they want me to use.
Table covers that hid the fact that this is a folding table, it is a little see-through so I add a table runner or skirting to keep everything hidden more.
Folding Table Cloth
These are nice to have for an inside venue to cover the all fitted table cloth. Outside, make sure you have something heavy to keep them down in case it is windy. I also did hunter green due to brand colors but change it up per customer request.
Wealuxe Green Tablecloth 60x102 - Rectangular 6 feet Table Cover, 2 Pack, Dark Green, Hunter green
I really like these to hold bottles of water or sodas, I'll move them from the cooler to the table for easy grabs by the guests.
Oval Galvanized Decorative Tub - Achla Designs
These flowers can be put into any container that matches your theme. I think it adds a great personal touch if the customer doesn't have any decorations.
Pure Garden 24Pc Real Touch Rose Artificial Flowers with Stems
I use the mason jars to add flowers or different decor inside of them. All depending on the theme and customer preference.
Ball 16oz 4pk Glass Regular Mouth Rose Vintage Mason Jar with Lid and Band
For my coffee bar as an add on package.
Wire Metal and Wood Decorative Table Top Sign - Foreside Home & Garden
I use this one for wedding ceremonies with the coffee bar add on package.
Coffee Bar. Love is Brewing Table or Counter Sign with Easel Stand, 6" x 8"
Super simple and elegant! For windy outdoor events just add a little bit of command strip to bottom of vase to keep from blowing away.
7" Mini Faux Orange Daisy Flower Arrangement - Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia: Indoor Decorative Plant
I use this when I have a little more open space to work with.
Artificial Olive Leaf Arrangement - Threshold™ designed with Studio McGee: Faux Tree in Ceramic Pot
This is a big shelf however I use this for my decor for a dessert bar. Or if the customer wants their guests to be able to pick anything else up on the shelf as more of a self service it has been helpful to have.
VIP Wood 58.5 in. Brown 4-Level Angled Wall Shelf
For You
These are behind the scene items that I use regularly. Some of these I already had around the house and others I updated later in my business.
I use two of these currently, one for decorations and another for bar equipment. Very nice to have a place to store everything during traveling.
27 Gal. Tough Storage Tote in Clear with Yellow Lid
I used a laundry basket to carry things until I got the tubs I wanted. Used what I had on hand doesn't have to make sense just has to work haha.
Laundry Basket
This thing helps me allllll the time! It is easy to forget to pay yourself and set aside money for taxes or investments. Come up with a plan and stick to it! The future you will thank you!
Paper Junkie Floral Monthly Budget Planner, Bill Organizer with 24 Pockets, Debt Payoff Tracker, Payment Checklist, 5 x 7 in
Now I know not everyone does everything paper but this thing is really nice to keep all those receipts in order for tax time or if you ever needed to return something.
Staples 26-Pocket Case File Legal Black (45531) TR45531/45531
Absolutely NOT needed to start a business but it is helpful as you grow larger. I used the library to print things if I needed.
PIXMA TS3722 Wireless All-In-One Printer
Not needed by any means but helps keep you from baking too much in the sun. I will say most customers and venues have shady spots to keep the bar comfortable for guests.
8 ft. X 8 ft. Grey Straight Leg Instant Canopy Pop Up Tent Sto-N-Go
I started out with a nice umbrella for shade but make sure you have a great weight in case that wind starts blowing.
27 lbs. Heavy-Duty Patio Umbrella Base in Black
10000% recommend the tilted umbrella verses a standard! Move with the sun.
10 ft. Aluminum Outdoor Patio Umbrella with Auto Tilt, Easy Crank Lift in Tan
I love this thing! The little remote works with both Apple and Samsung phones. I use this to stage photos and videos for my Mobile business website. Very easy to set up and break down as well. It is also super light weight and easy to store while tra...
Tripod
Let's be honest sometimes you will be loading things in the dark. This little flash light is super easy to back around and place somewhere to help you see in the dark. It doesn't come with a battery so I'm adding that on the list as well.
M18 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless 300-Lumen LED Stick Light (Tool-Only)
Battery and charger for the flashlight
M18 18-Volt Lithium-Ion HIGH OUTPUT Starter Kit with XC 8.0Ah Battery and Rapid Charger
Wish List
These are items that I WANT but do not need to have a successful business.
I want one of these to create custom labels/stickers on drink ware. Also, this would be nice to make business cards super easy and cheap.
Cricut Joy Cutting and Writing Machine
This is a want for sure! I would love to have everything ready to go on a trailer. Especially once I get a homemade portable bar made. Easy to wheel things on and off of the trailer.
5 ft. x 10 ft. Wood Floor Utility Trailer Kit w/ Patented Pivot Down Rail System
This is a great option that I would love to have for my Mobile bar business. This is a great option for those customer's who want the bar option but not necessarily the bartender behind it. Home Depot has a couple different options for this but this ...
White Solid Wood Top 52.7 in. W Rolling Mobile Kitchen Island with Drop Leaf Breakfast Bar, Spice Rack, Drawers
This is another one that I would love to have! It fits in with the rustic side of tastes customers have. Looks very easy to pack and move.
Keter Patio Cooler and Beverage Cart