The Nightcap Bar Co.: The Kind of Vendor You’ll Want to Hire Again and Again

If you’re planning a wedding, you’re going to want to check out this amazing mobile bar company; not only because the owners are known for their impeccable attention to detail and genuine care for their couples, but because they are just so much fun and easy to connect with.

I met with Jesse Tozier and Joc Caldwell on an overcast day in November at the Cushnoc Brewing Company in Augusta. I’d been under the impression that their mobile bar would likely be in winter storage by the time we would meet, but no, they had gone above and beyond. When I pulled into the parking lot, there sat the cutest white 1957 Shasta Camper I ever did see.

As soon as I walked in, they recognized me and greeted me enthusiastically, insisting I order a beer. Of course when I got to the bar, I was told that my drink had already been paid for: +10 points to Joc and Jesse for thoughtfulness.

Once we sat down, I had to get the scoop. The Nightcap’s success since opening earlier this year is pretty incredible. If you have ever been a part of the wedding industry, you know it is fairly saturated with plenty of talented vendors, especially here in Maine; but Jesse and Joc’s reputation has already gotten around, and their reviews prove the authenticity of the rumors – they’re really that great.

“So, why weddings?” I asked. I wanted to know what drew them to the industry. They were going on my preferred vendor list, and though I had a sense that they really did care for their couples, I wanted to hear from them where their priorities were.

“It was primarily knowing that we would be doing something we have loved for a long time…” Joc explained. “We wanted to provide an experience for our clients that we would hope to receive if we were in their shoes. This industry is on an upward trajectory as Maine becomes more of a destination for weddings. We need to provide affordable solutions to Mainers so that they can have their dream wedding in their home state.”

Jesse agreed. “For me, that has always been huge: support your community, stay local as much as you can. As much as we like going to Target to pick up bar supplies, we have also hit plenty of antique shops too.”

Fully intent on creating a unique and fun experience for their clients, the two of them began scouring Facebook Marketplace in 2018 in search of the perfect camper to bring their dream to life. They wanted something different; the first mobile bar in Maine that was not a horse box or airstream – something modern with a rustic edge that could fit in with any wedding aesthetic.

When they finally found the right camper, it was but a shell.

With the help of Jesse’s stepfather and Joc’s dad, they were able to gut and remodel the antique camper into the beautiful mobile bar that it is today. By repurposing some of the tin panels from Cushnoc Brewing Company for the ceiling, and laying out beautiful pine countertops , Jesse and Joc brought the camper back to life and set themselves apart from other bar services in the area.

Beyond their eye for design and their steadfast work ethic, these two really know what they’re doing.

“Something that’s really important to us is professionalism; making sure that we are understanding of our clients and those around us.” Joc explained. “Our vision has been brought to life by creating this bar, but it is also the client’s vision of how they want to represent their bar at their event. So it can’t just be a concrete way of ‘our way or no way.’”

“You have to be fluid.” Jesse added.

This was a common trend in our conversation; both Jesse and Joc made it clear that their couples’ design elements, vibe, and hearts are always incorporated into how The Nightcap Bar Co. is presented at events. It is a priority for them to make their clients feel comfortable and seen, and to walk away at the end of the night knowing that they were given the best possible bar service they could have received.

Since officially opening earlier this year, The Nightcap Bar Co. has been hired to service weddings, baby showers, reunions, open houses, and parties. Jesse and Joc’s infectious energy and passion for their craft has already resulted in them doubling their wedding bookings for 2020, and they’re only getting started.

When they’re not crafting cocktails, renovating campers, constructing satellite bars, educating themselves on the industry, or connecting with clients, Joc is a first grade teacher, and Jesse is a wine salesman. Both business owners have been in the restaurant/bar industry for a combined total of 15 years.

Be sure to keep an eye on these guys; their growth and success is expanding rapidly, and for good reason.