Weddings, events and parties in Michigan’s Great Southwest will soon have a new feature attraction for their guests. It’s a unique mobile bartending service, contained in a restored, heritage Italian mini-truck that will drive right onto your party site, or even into your building.
The ‘Classy Coupe’ was discovered by Courtney Cohen and her husband, Brady, of St. Joseph, while vacationing in Italy. They fell in love with the restored 1969 Piaggo ‘Ape’ mini-truck, dressed up and outfitted with four beverage taps on the back. In Courtney’s vision, it dispenses Prosecco or champagne. But it can serve guests any beverage available in a keg/draft container. So… Courtney and Brady talked about it for a couple of years—and then bought one!
The vehicle has been shipped from Italy and is being restored by a company in New Jersey which is turning out the mobile party trucks as fast as they can and selling them all over the United States. The Cohen’s will have the first one in this part of Michigan, when it arrives later this fall.
Courtney Cohen says it seems like the perfect addition to the area’s booming wedding and event industry. “Weddings, events, parties, receptions—any celebration is a candidate for a visit from the Classy Coupe,” says Courtney. “We thought about Prosecco first because that’s my personal favorite, but you can do champagne, beer, wine, craft cocktails, juices, lemonade, flavored waters, root beer… anything you want!”
Courtney points out the choice of beverages is often driven by the time of day of the event, “From mimosas to prosecco to craft cocktails to wines, it’ll all be possible.”
She explains there are four taps aboard the vehicle, which can be set up any way the customer desires. For example, beer, wine, champagne and a craft cocktail for ‘variety’. Or, four beers, four wines, four cocktails if the party has a beverage theme or focus.
Courtney expects the Classy Coupe will also be popular as a ‘photo opportunity’ at many of its events, as party goers always seem to be looking for a unique backdrop for their social media posts. She’s even given the little truck a name, Cátia, after the Cohen’s favorite chef at a Bed & Breakfast in Italy’s Tuscany region, where their idea for the Classy Coupe was born.
They are poised to begin booking the vehicle for Spring ’23 events. It’ll cost $900 for each three hour time block, which includes the truck, a certified bartender, and disposable barware. Alcohol is additional and they are able to customize nearly every aspect of your event experience.
Within 25 miles of St. Joseph, there will be no additional charge for mileage or transportation. Also the truck is about nine feet by four feet, as a ‘footprint’ for planning purposes or indoor access.
Alcoholic beverages must be purchased directly by the party host, in compliance with Michigan Liquor Control Commission regulations. “We don’t sell ‘by the drink’, we’re strictly a private event service,” she says. Courtney will advise customers as to the various beverage options and guide them in choosing vendors and quantities appropriate for their event.
For large events, Brady expects Classy Coupe will be an ‘added attraction or feature’, not the sole beverage server. “We’re willing to work alongside a full bar setup… We’re not trying to compete with those services,” he says. He thinks that’s particularly likely when serving as a Bubbly Bar or highlighting pre-mixed Craft Cocktails—a rapidly growing segment from local and regional distilleries.
Courtney is prepared to start booking Classy Coupe appearances for the Spring and can also answer any questions you may have. She can be reached at 1-833-MYCOUPE (1-833-692-6873) or ClassyCoupeSWMI@gmail.com . Learn more about ‘Classy Coupe’ on Facebook.
