Writer & Photographer / Christina Cochran
When the Tapp Room Bar Cart rolls up to an event — pink straws gleaming, cocktails flowing and laughter bubbling — it’s immediately clear this isn’t your average mobile bar. For owner Lilah Myers, the concept began not just as a business venture, but as a creative outlet and a way to connect with the Franklin community in new and inclusive ways.
“I made a New Year’s resolution to grow our catering business,” Myers recalls with a smile. As operations manager for Greek’s Pizzeria & Tapp Room in both Franklin and Greenwood, she saw potential in catering that extended beyond the restaurant.
“We had mastered catering with food but never explored catering with alcohol — and that’s something Franklin businesses were asking for,” she says.
Over coffee chats with local businesswomen and community members, Myers began mapping out what would become the Tapp Room Bar Cart — a stylish, mobile drink service offering cocktails, mocktails, coffee, craft beer and wine for any occasion. The goal was simple: make events more personal, more fun and more inclusive.
“I kept hearing requests for mocktails, and I hated not being able to deliver,” Myers says. “I could make a pizza or cocktail for anyone, but a mocktail? I’d never thought about that until this year. That’s when I realized — I could create something that served everyone.”
And with that, the Tapp Room Bar Cart was born — a rolling bar designed to delight both cocktail lovers and those skipping the alcohol.
A Feminine Twist on the Bar Scene
From the start, Myers wanted her business to stand out not just for its drinks, but for its vibe. Most bars, she says, tend to lean dark, masculine and moody. The Tapp Room Bar Cart flips that script.
“I wanted a more feminine feel — something welcoming, bright and empowering,” she explains. Her branding is infused with pink hues, from the logo and cups to the straws and bar tools. The aesthetic nods to classic pinup art, but with a modern twist and purpose.
“It was risky,” Myers admits. “But I wanted to rewrite the narrative. Those images have historically been used for the male gaze — but I wanted to show women it’s okay to look confident, to stand out and to feel sexy without comparison or shame.”
That spirit of empowerment infuses every interaction Myers has behind the bar cart.
“I never hold back a compliment,” she says. “If I can make someone smile or feel seen, that’s what it’s all about.”
From Book Launches to Barns
Since launching, Myers and her mobile bar have poured drinks at weddings, private parties and community events all over Franklin. But a few moments, she says, have been especially memorable.
Her very first event, a book launch party at Wild Geese Bookshop, holds a special place in her heart.
“I was brand new to everything,” she says. “But everyone was so supportive. It gave me the faith and confidence to believe this could be something.”
Another standout event was an author evening for Layne Fargo at The Barn at Crystal Spring Farm.
“After everyone had been served — nearly a hundred guests — I sat in the back and listened to the author speak,” she says. “I looked out and saw all these cups with my little pink straws, empty or almost empty, and thought, I did that. I never thought I’d be so happy to see trash!”
Crafting Drinks That Tell a Story
Every menu Myers creates is as intentional as it is delicious. For each event, she spends hours researching trends from cocktail hubs like New York, New Orleans and London — while sourcing ingredients from local favorites such as Haberdasher Liquor, Mallow Run Winery and select Indiana craft breweries.
“No one wants a cocktail they can get down the street,” she says. “Each drink should feel unique to the event — and still have that local touch.”
Customization is key. Whether it’s a themed wedding, corporate mixer or literary gathering, Myers curates cocktails and mocktails that match the client’s aesthetic and vibe.
“It’s not just about mixing drinks,” she explains. “It’s about connecting people — to an experience, to a memory and to each other.”
The Art of Connection
Balancing two management roles and running a mobile business hasn’t been easy.
“Just because I step behind the bar cart doesn’t mean I’m no longer the manager,” Myers says. “I’m still sending instructions, answering questions and juggling logistics.”
But the payoff comes in the connections she makes with her customers. Myers knows that mobile bars can easily feel transactional — quick orders, quick exchanges — but she’s intentional about creating genuine moments.
“We chat, we laugh, we take pictures,” she says. “I want people to feel seen, even if it’s just while ordering a drink.”
That dedication to personal connection has helped the Tapp Room Bar Cart become a fixture at local events — from Franklin Parks and Recreation to local boutiques and ongoing collaborations with Wild Geese Bookshop.
“I wanted the bar cart at all local events its first year,” Myers says. “It ties everything together — activities, pizza and drinks all in one place. Franklin has shown me so much support, and I’m forever grateful.”
Looking Ahead: Pouring Into the Future
Even as her business grows, Myers isn’t slowing down. She’s already booking into late 2025 and 2026 — and dreaming up new ventures.
“I want the Tapp Room Bar Cart to evolve into something bigger than drink service,” she says. “I’d love to expand into full event planning.”
And coming this November, Myers is launching her next project: a podcast called “Womanaging.” The show will spotlight inspiring women in the workforce — particularly those making a difference in Franklin.
“This community is full of amazing women who don’t get recognized enough,” she says. “I want to change that.”
With her signature blend of creativity, inclusivity and community spirit, Myers continues to shake, stir and inspire.
The Tapp Room Bar Cart isn’t just about drinks — it’s about connection, confidence and celebrating the people who make Franklin special.
Book the Tapp Room Bar Cart:
Email: lilahgreeks@gmail.com
Instagram: @lilahandherbarcart
