Meet Bri Kilmartin | Owner, Happy Trails Bar Co.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bri Kilmartin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bri, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I was raised by a family of entrepreneurs. My mom and dad owned several businesses throughout my youth – Gymborees, a mobile oil change business, a campground resort in Kentucky, and a few others to name. They always worked so hard, but their passion was palpable. From watching them, I feel like being a small business owner was in my blood.

I had been seeing companies like mine off and on all over the internet, and I was intrigued at the idea. I had an epiphany one day, and I felt like it was actually the perfect way to marry my 13+ years of experience in the alcohol/beverage industry and my complete love of events. After months and months of research & overthinking, I decided to jump headfirst into the industry and really work to create something that was meaningful to me, and could be something I was proud to put out into the world that could bring joy to people. Thus, Happy Trails Bar Co. was born!

Starting my own business has been nothing short of a ton of hard work and late nights, but to be honest, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I have hands down the BEST staff anyone could ask for, and new and existing clients that believe in what we’re doing, and love us for it! (and we love them!)

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
There are SO many bartending companies in Southern CA, but Happy Trails Bar Co. brings a uniqueness to each and every wedding, party, brand activation, etc. that we do. Think about it – the bar is the only vendor that you hire that repeatedly touches every single guest, all throughout the event – They have to be special!

Our bar options are probably the first thing that sets us apart from the rest. We have a 1968 Horse Trailer that has been converted to a full-service bar, we have 2 stunning tap trikes – one beautiful modern white trike, and a mint green rustic trike, from which we can serve anything from beer & wine to cocktails, mocktails, lemonade & more. We also are fully stocked with 4 traditional style bars that vary in color and style to fit every event. Everything we offer is also named after a famous cowgirl or female outlaw as a nod to our love for horses, and our roots – Newhall, CA.

Apart from our beautiful fleet of eye-catching bars, something else we’re well known for across SoCal, is our menu of delicious cocktail options. Of course, we can serve anything you’d like, but we offer options such as a Raspberry Rose Mule, or a Spiced Pear Margarita during the Fall/Winter, and so many more throughout the rest of the year.

I think it would be naive to say that I didn’t get this far in my business without fellow vendors, friends, family, staff, and word-of-mouth. We’ve proudly never paid for advertising, which allows our reputation to speak for itself! We’ve grown exponentially over the last few years, doubling or even tripling our growth YOY. None of it has been easy, but it’s by far my favorite job I’ve ever had. I’m so lucky & blessed to have the opportunities and success we’ve seen in our 3rd year of business.

I think every company has it’s highs and lows, especially small businesses. For me, never having built a company before, I think my challenges were always to do with the learning curve behind the scenes. The fun part is chatting & planning with clients, and showing up to an event & celebrating! Operationally, there was a LOT to learn. I’m lucky to be surrounded by people to learn from, and I don’t take those people for granted, ever. They are where I find my inspiration and strength to keep building.

I think the one thing I want to pass along is that you can do it, and you should go for it! If you have a small business idea floating around in your head – take the leap! It’s so fulfilling and rewarding, I could tell you about it for days!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Living in LA, we always have visitors!

I’d pick you up from the airport – hopefully it’s Burbank and not LAX (lol)

Of course, we’d drive through Hollywood, and see what we could see, maybe stop at the rooftop of Mama Shelter for a delicious cocktail & an appetizer.

From there, I’d sweep through Burbank, show you where I grew up, visit a brewery or two (Golden Road, I see you!). My favorite local spot for a drink would have to be Tony’s Darts. Such a fun vibe there.

After that, we’d continue to cruise up to Newhall, and stop by Victory Pizza Bar for a New York slice, and to play one of their many incredible vintage pinball games.

Is it bad that all I want to do with you on your trip is eat and drink?!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have a few people I’d like to mention –

My Husband – for, without hesitation, always saying “yes” to my crazy ideas, and fully supporting me in my endeavors, no matter what that looks like.

My Family & Friends – For celebrating my accomplishments, helping with all the silly jobs that come with entrepreneurship, and for being there to panic with over taxes!

My first industry mentor – Ernie at Liquid Courage LA – He was the first “competitor” I called when I filed for my LLC. I googled, called him up, and proclaimed that we should be friends, and we have been!

There are so many more, but I’ll stop there.

Website: www.happytrailsbar.co

Instagram: @happytrailsbarco or www.instagram.com/happytrailsbarco

Facebook: www.facebook.com/HappyTrailsBarCo

Other: Zola – www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-bar-services/happy-trails-bar-co Google Listing with Reviews – https://maps.app.goo.gl/TdTCH3HhHiGeczXJA

Image Credits
Love So Crazy Photos & Films Visuals By Paige Darrian Dewald Photography Belle Lu Photography