Today we’d like to introduce you to Noelle Kitzke.
Hi Noelle, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I spent 5–6 years bartending in Milwaukee, WI, and it was always something I genuinely loved. After moving to Arizona in 2017, I transitioned into the corporate world, but I eventually found myself missing the energy, creativity, and connection that came with bartending. I wanted to get back behind the bar, but this time, I wanted to do it my own way.
In December 2024, I decided to stop thinking about it and make it happen. I put a plan together, executed it, and The Drift Bar was born. Since then, I’ve been building it into a mobile bar experience that combines my love for bartending with the creativity and freedom of running a business of my own.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Let’s say it’s been more like rolling hills. One of my biggest challenges in the beginning was figuring out the permitting and legal side of starting a mobile bar. There really isn’t a guidebook for this business, and because it’s still such a niche industry, a lot of the process came down to figuring things out as I went along. I had friends in other markets who had done it before, but setting up a mobile bar in Arizona came with its own rules and challenges. I relied heavily on building connections within the industry and learning from other professionals to help fill in the gaps and build my knowledge. While it’s a small group of mobile bars in AZ, we are a supportive bunch, for sure!
Once I figured that out, the next big hurdle was building our clientele and getting The Drift Bar’s name out there. Starting from scratch meant finding the right people, creating those first opportunities, and proving ourselves. It’s been a learning process, but every challenge has helped us build a stronger business.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
The Drift Bar actually started as a mocktail-only bar, and over time we expanded into cocktails so we could serve a wider range of clients. We still have a special place for mocktail creation, though. For us, it’s not about throwing a few juices together and calling it a drink. We take the time to understand the flavors, vision, and overall feel our client is looking for, and then create something that feels intentional and unique to their event.
More than anything, we’re here to make our clients happy and bring their ideas to life. Whether they come to us with a very specific vision or just a few ideas to start with, we work with them to make sure those details shine through in what we serve.
The biggest thing I’m proud of so far is the big emphasis we put on creating a warm, personal experience from the beginning. We have consultations and tastings with our clients because we want them to know who will be behind the bar and exactly how the drinks will taste before their event even happens. I think that personal connection, combined with how much we care about making each event feel unique, is what really sets The Drift Bar apart.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
I think two things are most important to us— first is making sure our clients can truly enjoy their event without having to stress about the bar. We want them to feel confident knowing that we’ve got it handled, from the planning leading up to the event, to the very last drink we serve.
Secondly, we want every guest to feel included and have something they’re excited to drink, whether that’s a cocktail, mocktail, or even just a sip from our cute water and lemonade station. At the end of the day, we’re not just there to serve drinks—we’re there to be part of the experience, help create a memorable atmosphere, and lasting memories for our clients and their guests.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thedriftbaraz.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedriftbaraz?
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BitvnuNi8/
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/riGFBjYQpI
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.drift.bar.az
