Horse Trailer Turned Mobile Cocktail Bar Rolls Into Somerset County

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — "It's been a project of love" for longtime bartender Danielle Strang who recently converted a 1983 horse trailer into a mobile bar.

Strang, a Warren native, has always loved working with people and found bartending is what makes her happiest.

She bartended off and on for 21 years in various places including the Gladstone Tavern, Stirling Hotel, and other locations. In between she pursued jobs in accounting, real estate, and personal training.

"But I always came back to bartending. It doesn't feel like work," said Strang. "When work doesn't feel like work that's the true definition of success."

Strang always said she loved how people would come to the bar for camaraderie, friendship and just to feel special.

"I always remember how they made me feel and how I made them feel. It has always been my motto that I want each customer to feel special and important," said Strang.

Expanding on her bartending passion, Strang decided with the help of her boyfriend and ex-husband and his girlfriend to create a mobile bar.

They packed up in February and went to Pennsylvania where they bought the horse trailer.

"It even came with hay. The horse was literally still in the trailer. They took the horse out of it and I just said, 'Great, I'll take it!'," said Strang.

She and her team spent the next couple of months renovating and converting the trailer into "Red's Mobile Bar." Aptly named since Strang is a redhead and always asks her customers to call her "Red."

The bar comes complete with a kegerator, ice chest, running water, and more.

The purpose is to help relieve the stress from setting up a bar, serving, and cleaning up for hosts and hostesses.

"I roll up and I have everything ready for you," said Strang.

The customer just needs to provide the alcohol per New Jersey law.

But Strang will provide all of the mixers and garnishes. She will also facilitate how much alcohol is needed.

"If they want to have keg or bottle beers or specialty cocktails, it's not a problem," said Strang.

Strang has already done several events in Downtown Bernardsville and even events where she serves mocktails at Watchung Hills Regional High School or a private school in Chatham.

"It's fun. I'm excited to do all the different types of events. It keeps it interesting," said Strang. "Meeting different people each day, different environments, different wants. That's really exciting. I get to meet all new people and help with their celebrations."

For more information on Red's Mobile Bar visit www.redsmobilebar.com or Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

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