Food & Beverage

Mobile Bartending

Events need bars. Premium packages run $800-2,000 per event.

Monthly Revenue
$5K–$15K
realistic range
Startup Cost
$2K–$8K
to get started
Hourly Rate
$75–$150
per hour billed
Complexity
3/4
skill required

The Business

Mobile bartending services weddings, corporate events, and private parties. Packages range from $600-2,000+ depending on hours, drinks included, and staffing. Busy months (May-October for outdoor events, December for corporate parties) concentrate revenue. Crafting a signature cocktail menu differentiates from basic bartenders.

How to Start

Get ServSafe Alcohol certification ($30-50). Build a portable bar setup ($500-1,500). Market on wedding planning platforms (The Knot, WeddingWire). Price packages rather than hourly rates — anchoring to $1,200 'standard' packages vs $800 'basic' drives upsells.

REAL EXAMPLE

Rachel in Nashville runs mobile bartending for 8-12 events per month earning $10K average, focusing on weddings and bachelorette parties.

Equipment Needed

  • Portable bar
  • Cocktail supplies
  • Coolers
  • Bar tools
  • Uniforms

Licensing

Alcohol service permit (varies by state)

Monthly Search Volume

1,200
people/month search for this business
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Revenue Calculator

3
$600
20 hrs
$5,000
Weekly Revenue
$1.8K
Monthly Revenue
$7.7K
Annual Revenue
$92.9K
Monthly Profit
$7.2K
Break-Even
1 month
Hourly Rate
$90
Monthly costs: $500/mo (insurance, fuel, supplies)
CHRIS'S TAKE

Mobile bartending operates heavily on weekends and the income-to-hours ratio is excellent. A 5-hour wedding bar shift at $700 works out to $140/hr. Corporate events are even better.

PRO TIP

Build a signature cocktail menu that photographs beautifully. Brides and event planners hire bartenders they see on Instagram. One viral cocktail video can book your calendar for a month.

READY TO MAKE IT OFFICIAL?

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ACQUISITION ROUTE

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TOOLS TO RUN THIS BUSINESS

Tools we'd use if we were starting this business today. Affiliate links — we may earn a small commission.

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