When Blake and Elizabeth Marksberry started brainstorming ideas for a new business venture, they landed on the perfect idea. After seeing an Airstream trailer at a local event that had been turned into a food truck, the Marksberry family purchased two vintage airstreams and made plans to renovate them.
“Blake and I have a woodshop with a wood burner; it’s the perfect place to work on projects, and share ideas,” Elizabeth said. “One conversation led to another and we started thinking about starting a beverage catering business. We soon realized that what we had was too big, so we decided to move our plan to a horse trailer.”
Thirsty Goat, a customer-centered beverage catering business will offer Owensboro and surrounding areas with a unique addition to any event. The couple is looking forward to trying something new, moving into unchartered territory.
“I’m excited to start a business and make people’s events more fun, more memorable and help be a part of that. Marksberry Farms will customize each event to our client’s needs. I’m also looking forward to starting a business with my wife,” Blake said.
The trailer, which is only big enough for two bartenders, will be equipped with a four tap system. In addition to serving beer, customers can choose between three mixed drinks which can vary depending on the event.
“We are looking to target weddings, family reunions, birthday parties, derby parties, and travel with it too,” he said. “We could eventually offer our beverage catering services at sporting events and tailgating.”
The couple anticipates future growth, which includes expanding to a small fleet of mobile beverage catering systems, naming each trailer different names. Available drinks may include Kombucha, cold brew, and non-alcoholic drinks such as fancy lemonades. Offering a trailer that sells exclusively wine or beer on tap from the side of a classic pickup truck are also part of their future goals.
“There is a lot of fun to be had by everyone. I think there is a market for it; we hope to make some new friends in the process,” Blake said
Elizabeth is most excited about the opportunity to give back to the community. She is working on the details of charity donations for each event that books The Thirsty Goat.
The couple has worked with several local artists and businesses to make their dream a reality. The exterior and interior of their horse trailer is almost complete. From the bar tops and doors to the fabrication and wooden barrel signs, paint touch-ups are currently underway.
With their photoshoot coming up the first Sunday in March, the Marksberry family is ready to get started serving at events.
“We are completely, 100% winging it. We may know a lot of people but we’re not on the scene as of right now. This will be us coming out of our shell,” Blake said.
