My Eating Connecticut pieces typically involve restaurants, special events, and food trucks around the state where I’ve sampled the menu and decided to share the experience with you.
Today is a little bit different.
I’m taking a slightly different path this time because, a) The Mobile Pub doesn’t tool around town like an ice cream truck (though that would be pretty amazing!), and b) it’s a little difficult crashing other people’s parties to get a glimpse, after all. But I will be checking them out. Soon, in fact. As in, Friday night, at The Gibbonses’: Among The Rubble show at South Farms, with special guest Switch Factory–sponsored by The Desultory Theatre Club and DJ zErp. And you should be there, too, because how often do you see a fully-functioning, well-outfitted bar pull up in the yard? You have to take it in when you can!
For those who don’t already know, The Mobile Pub is a 1962 Shasta Caravan converted into, well, a mobile pub.
A cocktail party taken on the road, ready to serve your guests at your next big private party, wedding, graduation, bar mitzvah, corporate event, backyard house concert, or really just any time you want an uncommonly cool bar to show up at your door and erase all your worries about your guests’ beverage needs. (My 40th birthday is next year… Hmm….) They offer packages including full booze, beer and wine, and even a mixers only option, where you provide the booze yourself. And they don’t limit themselves to just the bar–full catering, party supplies, and more can be sourced from The Mobile Pub, simplifying your life while ensuring the best night ever. Basically, if you can dream it, they can make it happen, thanks to their 25 years of food and beverage experience and ability to offer a truly original service.
In preparation for this upcoming magical evening on Friday, I asked proprietors Thomas Keane and Marco Marcelo a few questions about The Mobile Pub, what they have to offer, and what we can expect from them. They promptly provided answers to all my questions:
Q: From where did the idea for The Mobile Pub come?
Thomas Keane: Marco and I worked together for many years at Vasi’s Restaurant in Waterbury, CT. We developed a great relationship and chemistry that made us successful at the restaurant for many years. After attending a few parties/events outdoors, we both realized that the beverage aspect of private parties could be elevated to a newer concept. Instead of guests coming up to a table and tie, why not come up to a fully operated bar. Giving hosts that whoa factor to impress their guests.
Q: For those interested in hiring you, how do you price packages? A set fee per hour? Per person? Per drink?
Marco Marcelo: We love to chat and form relationships with our clients. Get a feel of what kind of cocktails and libations they want to serve their friends. So when someone calls in, we ask the questions. After working together with the client, we therefore come up with a per person rate hoping to fit their budget needs. We do have many customized options to offer to make our customers feel comfortable in any option they select.
Q: What do you do the day of the event to make it extra special? Is there a signature cocktail offered customized for the event? A series of classics you highlight?
Thomas Keane: What separates us from other services is the renovated 1962 Shasta Camper rebuilt to a fully operated service bar. It truly becomes the centerpiece of every event. It’s a fresh idea and the buzz around CT has been amazing. Tom and I also bartend the event so we feel our personality and interaction with guests can be a great experience. We are trained by Mixology experts in CT to create the finest libations if the party calls for it. As for signature cocktails, sure! Whatever the customer asks for, we certainly try to make it happen.
Q: Which are your favorite dishes from your catering menu? Do you utilize local food sources, when possible?
Marco Marcelo: We work with our local restaurant/catering vendors for our events. Our favorite and most fun option given to our guest has been working with “Frankies Hot Dogs”. They offer such a great package with their famous hot dogs that our casual bbq’s have loved the Mobile Pub and Frankies Hot Dogs parked side by side.
Q: Are there certain requirements that must be met in order for you to be able to appear at an event?
Thomas Keane: If the camper can fit (usually does) and has space to make guests comfortable we are there. We run our operation via generator so electrical is not needed. We do recommend to be on flat surface, does not have to be paved. We have parked on grass many times.
Q: What can we expect Friday night during the show at South Farms?
Marco Marcelo: Friday is going to be so much fun. We are looking forward to a really neat atmosphere. From us, we are working alongside Kent Brewery offering their finest beer for the concert goers. Looking forward to a great collaboration with South Farms gorgeous farm land and all the local vendors.
I can’t wait to sidle up to The Mobile Pub and place my order! Hope to see you all there, as well, taking advantage of this rare public appearance where you can whet your whistle, grab a bite to eat from
AmandaBakes, and listen to some pretty awesome music from the husband-wife duo,
The Gibbonses. The evening is set up to be a smashing success!
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