Jeff and Angela, frequent travelers and foodies, have turned their two passions into a unique catering business. Not only are they able to travel around the beautiful mountains where they live, but they can do it in style.
Their business, Petite Street, is a converted 1959 Flamingo “canned ham” travel trailer that now serves seasonal cocktails and raclette cheese sandwiches.
Petite Street is a mobile bistro located in the Reno-Lake Tahoe area.
Before becoming a mobile business, their trailer was totally re-constructed.
The couple found the Flamingo rotting away in a neighbor’s yard. After leaving a note on the trailer saying they wanted to buy it, the call came in and they were able to snag it for only $200.
“Our inspiration for turning a vintage trailer into a fully functioning catering bar came from our love for vintage campers and craft cocktails. We both have been working in restaurants for the last couple years and decided we wanted to take the leap and start our own business.”
The original exterior and interior are nearly unrecognizable.
Even though it was a steal, the trailer had to be completely demolished. The wood was rotten and there was water damage.
After re-doing the framing and walls, the couple installed new flooring and a new aluminum skin. The only thing still original in the trailer is the storage shelving.
“We wanted to keep the trailer white and clean so it would look classy enough to be at weddings. Jeff and his brother Chris, with the help of their dad, Jim, did all the woodworking on the trailer from start to finish.
Angela and her father Jeff, worked on the plumbing and electric, adding in a custom fuse box and sinks required by the health department. This was no easy project and both families put in a lot of hard work to make the trailer what you see today. Jeff spent lots of long cold days and nights tinkering away until the trailer was perfect.”
Their business Petite Street now serves seasonal craft cocktails and raclette cheese sandwiches at weddings and other special events.
The trailer is equipped with a custom melter that melts the top layer of a 14 lb. wheel of cheese.
The melted cheese is then scrapped onto baguette over some prosciutto. The sandwich goes well with their signature Moscow Mule with fresh ginger and roasted peppercorn syrup.
Petite Street can be parked at wedding receptions and other special events.
“We also love coming up with fun signature drinks for weddings. We offer a complimentary cocktail tasting for all bride and grooms so we can find the perfect cocktails for their signature drinks. We strive to provide the best service and bar experience for all of our events and can’t wait to see what the future holds for us and our little trailer.”
