You’d be forgiven for thinking that attempting to launch a mobile bar business amid a global pandemic might not be the best of ideas. With venues closed, events cancelled or rescheduled, and group activities restricted, finding success within what was already a competitive industry was going to be harder than ever.
But for Malia and Makena, sisters and Californian coast natives, it was perfect timing. As Malia explained to Roll To, where some may have seen the impossible, they saw opportunity.
“This was a joint business idea between my sister and I at the beginning of Covid. We both enjoy creating (and drinking) a good cocktail, and always wanted to own our own bar one day. With the realities of a world during a global pandemic, we knew that the "new normal" would be gathering outside for the most part, and we wanted to create a cute way to do that.”
As you can see from the images in this feature, a key reason for The Petite Fleet’s success is just how spectacular their mobile bar looks. Star of the show is converted horse trailer, Lucille. Wrapped in porcelain white, this bar is the perfect backdrop to just about any event. Wooden side panels and bar tops ensure the horse box retains its rustic roots, whilst cleverly placed copper on the trailer’s wheels, lights and porthole window combine to create a modern, boho feel.
More copper covers the ceiling, sink and drink taps inside the bar, broken up by white shiplap walls, wooden shelving, and floral decals by Urban Walls. Amazingly, the renovation was taken on completely by the sisters themselves (with help from Malia’s husband and the rest of the family).
The Petite Fleet can also supply a matching satellite bar, resplendent in white shiplap and complete with yep, you guessed it, signature copper detailing. The extra serving station includes a custom hanging sign, vintage kitchenware and golden tap for pouring kegged beverages.
The Petite Fleet’s dazzling aesthetics are backed up by savvy business skills and a wealth of experience.
“I’ve worked in the wedding/events industry for many years and my sister, Makena, is a district manager for a chain of coffee shops/cafes, so we combined our skills and passions to create The Petite Fleet mobile bar service.”
“We grew up around vintage vehicles and knew that they were what we wanted to use when creating our bars. We have our 1968 horse trailer bar active now, as well as two vintage Westcoaster Mailster mail/postal service vehicles dating back to 1953 and 1956 currently in the workshop and available to hire soon.”
Additional accessories such as an infused water station, antique wooden drinks cooler, boho décor, and hand painted cocktail menu are also available when booking your mobile beverage service.
Early achievements and growing popularity have even landed the sisters in three editions of British Vogue (alongside cover stars Adele, Lady Gaga and Kristen McMenamy). But, whilst the recognition and publicity is nice, it’s the community aspect of running a mobile bar business that makes it all worthwhile for the duo.
“Our favorite part of this journey has been all the amazing, creative people we get to work with, including event planners, florists and photographers, to name just a few. We have been part of some amazing weddings, festivals, benefits, and photoshoots. Another highlight of our business is the amazing staff that we’ve been able to employ, from our bartenders to our cocktail servers and bar-backs, we have such a great team and feel so lucky.”
As you may have guessed by now, Malia and Makena are not ones to rest on their laurels with a busy season ahead and big plans on the horizon.
“2022 is getting very full, but we cannot wait to launch one of our Westcoaster Mailsters in the next month or two. With a new member of The Petite Fleet on the road, we’ll have some dates open back up so stay tuned! 2023 is starting to fill up too, but with mainly spring dates booked thus far, please get in touch for next summer and beyond!”
As The Petite Fleet expands, we can’t wait to see what the team adds to their mobile bar stable next. Given their amazing achievements thus far, in what has been an extremely difficult couple of years for the events industry, we’re sure that whatever they come up with will be a huge success.
Thanks so much to Malia and Makena for speaking to Roll To!
Follow The Petite Fleet on Instagram