Welcome back beer lovers! This March, we're proud to be shining the spotlight on Tap Truck Cincinnati as our Branch of the Month! Located in the heart of Ohio, they have been serving up unforgettable experiences and top-tier drinks throughout the Queen City and beyond since launching in the summer of 2020. Owned and operated by Joel Brown and his wife, Crissie, this branch has brought the Tap Truck experience to Cincinnati, Blue Ash, Kettering, Elmwood, Mason, Oxford, and Wilmington.
Joel's journey with Tap Truck began with the idea of bartending as a side gig at a friend's wedding. After navigating countless ideas, economic challenges, and even putting the dream on hold for nearly a year, Joel and his wife finally took the plunge. As Joel puts it, "We’d like to think we were somehow in control of the process, but we weren’t." The allure of a vintage vehicle paired with high-quality craft beverages and the chance to share incredible experiences with people was just too good to pass up. "It was perfect for us, and perfect for Cincinnati," Joel recalls. "Cincinnati is a beer town with a great brewing history. We knew immediately this would be just what the hardworking, fun-loving people of Cincinnati would want."
They opted for a stunning 1940 Ford Panel Delivery with a powerful 302 - V8 engine and five taps—though the most common question they receive is, “Is that a hearse?” Joel laughs it off, but the uniqueness of their truck certainly makes an impression. They initially considered going the horse trailer route but were drawn to Tap Truck for its "more classy option" and versatility.
Cincinnati, known for its rich brewing culture, has embraced Tap Truck Cincinnati with open arms. From pouring popular local brews like Rhinegeist, Madtree, Braxton, March First, and Warped Wing to catering community events, corporate events, and private celebrations, Joel and his wife have found a rhythm that works. "What we didn’t expect was how much pleasure a vintage vehicle brings to people," Joel shares. "There are countless stories at every event, of people past and present, and the memories they have with some type of automobile."
Running a mobile bar business hasn’t come without its challenges. "Initially, we didn’t have a clue as to what events to take and what to pass on and what the pricing should look like," Joel admits. But over time, they learned to assess the right fit for both their business and their clients. One early event proved particularly memorable when they could only pour foam from four taps—"a total disaster," Joel recalls. But even through the chaos, they maintained their professionalism and ended up earning a glowing five-star review from the business owner!
Joel and his wife have also refined their setup by ditching jockey boxes altogether. "We stopped using them about three years ago, and it has simplified our process greatly." His advice to aspiring Tap Truck licensees? "Know your system inside and out. Learn to troubleshoot. Learn how the environment affects the pour quality and how to overcome it."
Tap Truck Cincinnati isn’t just a business—it’s a passion project and a partnership. Joel and Crissie do every event together, valuing the time spent and the quality control that comes from a hands-on approach. "We prefer to keep it this way," Joel explains. "It allows us to control the quality of the product and give the customer 100%. We pride ourselves on having received only 5-star reviews going into our 5th year."
Reflecting on their Tap Truck journey, Joel expresses gratitude for the connections they've made. "We are fortunate to have celebrated some life-changing events, met great people, and made lifelong friends." Their dedication to creating memorable moments is what makes Tap Truck Cincinnati our March Branch of the Month.
If you’re interested in booking Tap Truck Cincinnati for your next event or simply want to follow along with Joel and Crissie’s journey, reach out via taptruckcincinnati@gmail.com. You can also follow them on Instagram and Facebook to stay updated on their latest events and offerings!
Thinking of joining the Tap Truck family? Joel’s journey proves that passion, resilience, and a love for community can create something truly special. Whether you’re inspired by the classic cars, the craft beverages, or the unforgettable experiences, becoming a Tap Truck USA licensee might just be your next big adventure. Visit our website to learn more and start your journey today!