It’s about that time again - our Branch of the Month feature is back for another hot cruise on the block! For the month of August, we will be taking a drive to the sun-soaked streets of North Los Angeles County, where the world of hot rods meets the art of mobile bartending. We would like to take this time to introduce you to a branch that brings that extra horsepower to the Tap Truck Fam. Tap Truck USA is pleased to announce Tap Truck 661 as our shining Branch of the Month for August 2024! 

Behind the wheel of Tap Truck 661 is owner Chris Summers (fitting, we know)! Like many others, Chris’s first encounter with Tap Truck was seeing one rolling through his neighborhood, and as a “third-generation hot rod addict”, his words not ours, he was instantly drawn to the idea of blending his passion for classic cars with the mobile bar experience. Despite knowing little at the time about kegs and beer systems, Chris knew his passion for classic vehicles would drive him toward success. After countless phone calls, text messages, and lots of patience, Chris was convinced that Tap Truck USA was the right choice for him, and wow are we sure glad he joined! 

As a seasoned firefighter now serving as a Cal-Fire Captain, Chris brings the same grit and determination to Tap Truck 661 that he does to his role in the fire service. Balancing life as a first responder and a business owner hasn’t always been easy, but Chris embraces the challenge. Chris says, “The transition while also being a business owner has been an interesting one, to say the least. I am grateful for the life skills that the fire service has given me and how they have also made me a successful business owner”. His story is an inspiring example of how dedication and a love for both cars and the community can create something truly amazing.

Tap Truck 661 serves the high desert area of Northern Los Angeles County, bringing lasting memories to places like Santa Clarita, Castaic, Acton, Palmdale, and Lancaster. When we asked Chris what excites him most about bringing Tap Truck to his area he said, “I’m excited to introduce the hot rod culture to new generations and show how these classic vehicles can double as badass mobile bars”! 

Chris’s journey with Tap Truck began with a 1960 Ford F100 Panel Delivery named ‘Betty-White,’ a black and white classic with a 302 small block engine that now resides with Tap Truck 419 in Northwest Ohio. However, the current face, or should we say wheels, of Tap Truck 661 is a 1964 Ford F100 styleside short bed pickup truck named, ‘Speedy’. With the help of his father, mother, and brother, it now has a 302 small block engine with a C4 transmission, a Hot Rod Flat Black, Red, and Silver paint job, and a custom wooden beer enclosure equipped with six free-flowing taps! But the fleet doesn’t end there - Chris is hard at work on his THIRD truck, and according to him, this truck is going to be a “total beast”! Under construction is a 1958 Ford F100 Panel Delivery and Chris is making sure it has all the bells and whistles! With custom suspension, disc brakes, power steering, twenty-inch wheels, and a Ford 460 engine with a C6 automatic transmission this thing will be a showstopper! Chris also hopes to put in a new Ford 5.0 power plant engine with a ten-speed transmission so he can make it a daily driver. We absolutely can’t wait to see how this project turns out!

While Chris has become an expected master within the beer system and vintage vehicle area, he has also built a strong understanding of social media marketing and content creation. Tap Truck 661 has a prominent presence on social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, as he has found an effective way to generate engagement from followers and drive traffic to his business. If you haven’t had the opportunity to see some of Tap Truck 661’s content be sure to check them out, especially if you need a laugh!

Whether they’re serving at corporate events, weddings, charity golf tournaments, family gatherings, or even behind-the-scenes of television shows, Tap Truck 661 has become a staple of beverage catering in the Northern Los Angeles area. Chris has serviced several major events like Warner Bros Studios, the Los Angeles Rams, Playboy Playmate Charity, and more! As he is working on a summer concert series with the city of Palmdale, he says he is “super happy with the opportunities given by the Tap Truck name”. Throughout the journey, Chris has been grateful to build close relationships with some of the best local breweries in the area, including Bravery Brewing Co., Transplants Brewing Co., Santa Cruz Brewing Co., and many others! He has also worked alongside some major cideries and wineries like Balcomy Hard Cider and Thief and Barrel. We are ecstatic to see the relationships built amongst the Tap Truck 661 community and we can’t wait to watch your business continually grow!

As this Branch of the Month edition runs out of gas, we are extremely proud to shine the spotlight on Chris Summers of Tap Truck 661! His story is a prime example of love at first sight, from watching a Tap Truck drive down the street, to now constructing his third Tap Truck! Here’s to many more successful events, unforgettable memories, and the never-ending desire to build ANOTHER tap truck!

Feeling inspired by Chris's journey, or addicted to hot rods? Click here to start your own Tap Truck adventure and become a Mobile Bar Boss just like him!

Keep on Tappin’

Cheers,

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