The TapWagen – Comes to Town

When the pandemic was in full effect, many people were faced with the opportunity to make creative life changes and look at their lives from a new perspective. Michael Woodham, a Columbus native, found himself in this very situation, a situation which led to the creation of his mobile bar service, TapWagen Columbus.

Experience in the service industry has given Michael an understanding of what it means to build connections. “I mastered the art of service,” he explains, and he isn’t exaggerating – in 2018, Michael won an award for “Favorite Server of Columbus.” Even though Michael thrives in the service industry, he dreamed of pursuing a new career while staying connected with serving people. “I’ve always wanted to do bigger things,” he says.

When Michael and his family got sick, he was out of work for ten days, and this gave him time to reevaluate his plans for the future. Though he had always worked hard, he had a new family to support, and decided it was time to build on an idea he had for a mobile bar service. With a small daughter who missed him when he was working long restaurant hours, Michael wanted to start his own business and transition to more family friendly hours. He believed creating TapWagen Columbus would allow him the chance to do just that.

“I’ve always loved vintage things, from an era when things were simpler,” Michael says. A 1970 Volkswagen bus had caught his eye years earlier. When he saw it relisted, he told himself, “I’m not losing this again.” Michael decided to purchase the vehicle, realizing this was his chance to pivot.

Even though everything was closed down during Covid, Michael knew it was eventually going to come back full force. “I knew people would start having events again, and doing it bigger now because they appreciate it more,” Michael says. “I wanted to get in on that ride.” His idea for a mobile bar service and his newly purchased vintage Volkswagen bus went hand in hand. “I loved the vintage aspect, and the fact that it was easy to transport,” he says. Putting his idea into effect, Micheal decided to turn the VW bus into a mobile tap system that could be driven to any event.

“The Volkswagen needed work,” Michael remembers. He completely remodeled the bus, doing the entire buildout himself, and built the tap system from scratch. Two months later, he added a 1966 C10 panel truck to his collection, building out a tap system for it as well. Now clients can choose between the two vehicles (or have both) for their events.

TapWagen Columbus opened in May of this year, offering “Something you can’t get anywhere else,” Michael says. “I’m not your bowtie bartender,” he laughs, “We do it with class and style, but in a relaxed environment.” TapWagen Columbus is all about chill vibes and good times. The mobile bar serves at events such as weddings, parties, private events, and corporate parties. Their drink possibilities are endless. Michael’s design of the tap system means that TapWagen can serve more than just beer. Custom cocktails, mocktails, lemonades, beer, coffee, and wine on tap are all available from TapWagen, and because the drinks can be mixed and matched, they’re fully customizable, meaning one-of-a-kind drinks can be created for special events.

“Being passionate about something makes it easy to sell,” Michael says. The thing he’s passionate about isn’t necessarily vintage vehicles or beverages, but community and connection.

Michael recently launched Fountain City Market Days, an opportunity for local vendors to show the community what they have to offer. “It’s all about bringing people together and supporting the creative community,” he says. “Community over competition.” Upcoming market days will be November 20 from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., December 21 from 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., and January 15 from 11:00 am. – 4:00 p.m. The market takes place at Heritage Art Center.

As TapWagen Columbus finds its place in the local community, Michael is grateful for the response of the community. “It’s been insane,” he says. A special appearance from the mayor himself, who cut the ribbon at TapWagen’s grand opening, and lots of support from local businesses have given TapWagen Columbus a great first year. For Michael, TapWagen Columbus has meant creating connections, a better work/life balance, and doing what he loves while enjoying life.

At the end of the day, connection is everything to Michael. “You have to connect with people,” he says. “You’ll never beat that one-on-one conversation.”

For an opportunity to connect and enjoy custom beverages, visit tapwagencol.com for availability for corporate and private events. TapWagen Columbus is also on Facebook and Instagram. Michael can be reached via email at Michael@tapwagencol.com.

By Natalie Downey