When you live in a city where technology, creativity and entrepreneurism intersect, I don’t recommend googling “Austin mobile businesses.” You must be more specific. Otherwise, you’ll get mixed results: 50 percent app developers and 50 percent companies operating out of Airstream trailers.
These local establishments have all said “no” to traditional brick and mortar in favor of operating a business on wheels.
NOTE: Since I’m a double entendre enthusiast, can a local app developer please start a mobile app business in an Airstream? Thanks.
#1 For the Karaoke Enthusiast: Armadillo Karaoke Company
Channel your inner rock star in the Armadillo Karaoke Company Airstream (Credit: Brent Buford)
A party on wheels, the Armadillo Karaoke Company trailer is now available for private parties and corporate events. The 26-foot 1972 Airstream Overlander seats 20 guests comfortably and is air-conditioned (so you won’t sweat too hard while you’re jamming out to your sweet tunes). Inside, you’ll find a high-tech sound system and stylish decor (perfect for wedding photo ops). There’s even Wi-Fi, so you can choose songs directly from your phone.
#2 For the Footwear Aficionado: Rickshaw Boot and Flip Flop
Rickshaw Boot and Flip Flop is located at 3rd and Congress
One of the most Austin-esque things I’ve ever witnessed is the Rickshaw Airstream. They sell traditional leather cowboy boots and flip flops. Out of a trailer.
Enough said, right? Well, to take the Austin factor up a notch, Rickshaw’s motto is “Buy a Pair, Grow a Pear,” which means for every pair of boots or flops sold, 1% of proceeds go to help the hungry in local communities.
102 1/2 W 3rd St – Website
#3 For the Style Seeker: FlAir Style Lounge
flAirStyle Lounge (Credit: Ally Richards)
Austin is quickly becoming a hot spot for destination weddings, and brides can take advantage of one of the area’s coolest salons, FlAir Style Lounge. This mobile salon offers regular salon services such as cuts, color treatments and styling for special occasions.
FlAir Style Lounge also offers party packages for adults (think bachelorette parties and ladies’ night out), as well as for little girls. The Lil’ Miss Makeover Party includes light makeup, a trendy hairstyle and a photo shoot with props for $50 per girl.
Check website for current location
#4 For the Gift Giver: The Airstream Boutique
Inside The Airstream Boutique (Credit: Allison Schwabe)
Vintage-loving wanderlusts rejoice, The Airstream Boutique is right up your alley (as long as your alley is somewhere in or near Austin). Other than vintage clothing, you can also find handcrafted jewelry, unique art pieces by owner Allison Schwabe and handmade bath products.
Be on the lookout for “Bailey the Airstream” at an Austin event near you, such as Trail of Lights or Lonestar Round Up custom car and hot rod show.
#5 For the Camera Ready: Airstream Photo Booth
Airstream Photo Booth (Credit: Austin Imagery Photography)
Airstream Photo Booth offers photography services for all types of events around town. Owners Chris and Yvonne Johnson have two vintage Airstreams. “Bambi” is a rare, fully restored trailer that’s 16 feet long and fits in most indoor venues. “Bubbles” is similar in size, but has a more glamorous appeal as it has recently been utilized for fashion shoots and movie sets.
The Airstream Photo Booth is so popular it has even caught the attention of Martha Stewart!
#6 For the Tune Makers: Stubb’s Greenroom
Stubb’s Greenroom (Credit: Casey Dunn)
Artists travel all over the world to perform at Stubb’s BBQ. And like any major performance venue, Stubb’s needed a comfortable greenroom. So they teamed up with Baldridge Architects and converted a 1970s Airstream into a unique, stylish space where musicians can prepare for upcoming shows. But it wasn’t easy! The trailer had to be craned onto the grounds after it was designed offsite.
Read all about the project here.
Of course this list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning some of Austin’s yummy food trailers. My personal favorites are of the sweet variety. Gourdough’s Big Fat Dounuts currently has two Airstreams as well as a brick and mortar location. Hey Cupcake! was one of the original Airstreams on South Congress and will always be an Austin staple. They have a second trailer at The Picnic on Barton Springs and a brick and mortar on Burnet Road, so you’ll never be too far from a great dessert!
@AdriennePurdue wants to know:
What type of business would you run out of an Airstream?
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I LOVE Airstream Boutique! She always has plenty to look at and she changes out the items often so there’s new things to look at each time I stop by!
South Austin has Salvage Thrift at The Thicket. It’s been there only since June 2016, Open Thurs/Fri4-9&Sat11-9. Salvage Thrift hand-picked vintage and thrifty finds for the home, the body , and the soul . They even have a collection of vinyl records, jewelry and clothing . The Thicket is a food trailer park,,community center, live music venue, and community garden that hosts Family Movie Nights every Thursday and live music on Friday and/or Saturday. In October they hosted a pumpkin carving contest and then the next week they had a costume contest. All events are free and family-friendly. Monday nights they have yoga (by donation) and wednesday mornings they have sunsrise circut training (by donation ). Did I mention the playscape? There’s I breakfast trailer,home cooking trailer ,thai food trailer, Mexican food trailer, grilled cheese trailer and crazy awesome juice bar that has top of the bus seating: as in it’s a double-decker bus…the juice bar’s on the lower level, seating is on the deck. Oh and its byob! Located on South First between William Cannon and Slaughter.This little gem has yet to be truly discovered…and while that’s neat for me, I really want it to stay, so more people need to come play!
I would love to design an airstream for my business BigHeart CPR Training. People need the training, and it would be great to haul the classroom to them, without having to unload and load.
Agreed, that would be super helpful & convenient! I hope you’re able to get one setup for your business!