Today we’d like to introduce you to Brooke Mihoces.
Brooke, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Vintage Views Bar started with a vintage Shasta camper and an idea. In 2018, I was working as a brand manager for a wine distributor and bought the camper to turn it into a cute mobile bar for wine tastings and events. As the renovation was nearing completion, people started asking if they could book it for weddings. That interest opened up a whole new direction for the business, and things grew from there.
Today, we provide mobile bars, beverage catering, and coffee service for private and public events throughout Maryland and Washington, DC. That original Shasta has grown into a fleet of five camper bars, two horse trailer bars, two coffee bars, and several indoor bar carts. We’ve also built relationships with institutions including the Smithsonian National Zoo, the U.S. Botanic Garden, and Washington National Cathedral.
In Baltimore, we’ve been part of the Preakness Stakes, events for Under Armour, and seasonal markets. We recently moved into a new warehouse about 25 minutes from downtown Baltimore, and I’m excited to grow our presence in the Baltimore area.
Looking back, I never imagined that buying one little camper would lead to all of this. It’s grown one event and one relationship at a time.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road! COVID was a major challenge early on, and government shutdowns have also been difficult because so much of our business is in Washington, DC.
Securing our liquor licensing was another hurdle. We started as a dry hire mobile bar business without food service, but we needed to offer food to qualify for the licensing we were pursuing. That meant building a whole new side of the business. Today, we have a chef on staff and offer food alongside our beverage services.
Growing from a team of two to a staff of 50 has come with a lot of learning, too. Coordinating people, trailers, equipment, and supplies across different events and locations is a challenge, and our logistics are still a work in progress. As we grow, we’re continually improving how we plan, communicate, and get everything where it needs to be.
The biggest lesson has been that growing the business means more than booking more events. It also means building the team and systems to support that growth.
As you know, we’re big fans of Vintage Views Bar. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Vintage Views Bar is a mobile bar and beverage catering company serving Maryland and Washington, DC. We’re best known for our vintage camper and horse trailer bars, but our services go well beyond the trailers. We offer bartending, cocktails, mocktails, and coffee service, along with food prepared by our chef, including grazing tables and appetizers.
What sets us apart is the combination of personality and service. Our bars are a fun focal point, but they also need to function well. We put a lot of thought into the menu, staffing, setup, and details that help service run smoothly, whether we’re working a wedding, a corporate event, or a busy public market.
I’m most proud that we’ve grown from one little camper into a business that clients trust with both their personal celebrations and major institutional events. Building those relationships and being invited back means a lot to me.
For Baltimore readers, I’d love them to know that we’re nearby and excited to do more here! You don’t need to be planning an outdoor wedding or looking for a vintage trailer to work with us. We can bring a cocktail bar, coffee service, or food and beverages to many different types of gatherings. Our slogan is “You bring the view, we’ll bring the bar,” and that really captures the spirit of the business.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was always on the go. If everyone was watching TV, I was the one asking what we could do next. When my sister and I were supposed to be napping, she would sleep and I’d be playing in the room. I’ve never been very good at sitting still!
I was also an athlete, and sports taught me how to work hard toward my goals, be physically and mentally strong, and keep working at something even when it didn’t come easily. I learned that getting better takes consistent effort.
Those qualities have definitely carried into running a business. I like having something to work toward, and I’m always thinking about what we can do next or how we can make something better.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://vintageviewsbar.com
- Instagram: vintageviewsbar
- Facebook: vintageviewsbar
