For a low-stress bar service for your next event, Sip Social Co. brings the party to you with their network of mobile bars. The bar cart experiences offered by Sip Social Co. are fully customizable, and they serve everything from beer, wine, bubbles, and cocktails to mocktails, iced coffee, soda, and even kombucha. We talked with Kyle Foubert, Calgary Sip Partner & Licensee Development, to learn more.
What is your business called and what does it do?
Sip Social Co. is North America’s largest network of mobile bars, rolling into weddings, corporate events, birthdays, and beyond. With seven taps, the converted three-wheeled Piaggio Ape easily rolls into any event and not only looks super cute (and highly-Instagrammable) but can also efficiently pour hundreds of drinks per hour, including beer, wine, cocktails, mocktails, cold brew, or anything else.
What made you want to do this work?
I love the social aspect of the business and being a part of someone’s special occasion. Everybody loves the truck and the business concept, and enjoys the experience when we roll into an event. It’s a business that brings the fun.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
We solve a few problems, but the biggest one is that we take the stress out of setting up a bar at an event – it’s a lot of work! Hiring Sip eliminates the need for rentals, staff, or clean-up. Plus, purchasing kegged products is more cost-effective and creates less waste from cans and bottles. Plus, guests love the truck, so we consider ourselves the party-starter.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
We work with event planners or directly with anyone hosting an event. We’ve served cold brew at fitness events, champagne at weddings, beer at Stampede parties, you name it! We also work with corporate brands that want to customize (or even wrap) the truck as an activation.
How does your business make money? How does it work?
We provide top-end bar service, without the mark-up of a typical bar. The event host is responsible for securing the product (which we can help with), meaning there is no mark-up on the pours, and this is a huge cost-saving. Sip has several different packages available depending on the number of guests who will attend, the length of the event, and how many taps they wish to use. We’re contacted via the website, get the event details we need, provide a quote, show up, and steal the show!
Where in the city can we find your profession?
We aren’t in one single location; we show up at weddings, corporate events, back yards, even events that are off-grid!
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
How is Sip going to make my life easier? Our answer to this: by checking all of the elements of beverage service off your list! We’ve fine-tuned the process of pouring at events, so you don’t have to. We also elevate the experience for guests.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
Meeting new people and putting smiles on their faces is the best part. The worst part: parallel parking a Piaggio Ape.
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
Sip Social Co.: where I’m a bartender, mechanic, and occasionally a wedding therapist.
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
Willow Park always does a great job getting our customers set up. They have so many options and terrific service.
