Milestones - 3 years of ownership

It's hard to believe that just over 3 1/2 years ago we were scrolling through Carsales, looking at Kombi Camper Vans and planning to travel around Australia. The world was still opening up from a pandemic, and with so many of our travel plans in tatters, we were longing to throw in our jobs and hit the road.

But our lives were about to take a different direction, simply based on a comment that Elena made. Having traveled through Cuba in 2015, her comment while scrolling was:

"I love the look of the cars from the '50s, their bright colors and shape."

So, with a quick change to the filters on the Carsales page, we were now looking at old classics and reminiscing about our journey in a 1954 Chevy from Havana to Vinales, with a column change that fell out mid-journey.

As cars scrolled by, a little yellow Chevy appeared (getting a little emotional right now...) and was about to take us on a wonderful journey.

"What about this?" I heard myself saying, zooming in on the pictures for a closer look.

The following morning saw me going back to the page still open on my laptop and waking Elena, "You know it's a business, right?" And with a sleepy, "Ok, but we're just going to have a look, no promises."

Driving to Chris & Cath (the original owners), we chatted about the possibility.

In the shed, Chris and I shook on the deal, while in the kitchen, Cath and Elena discovered that they both worked in the same industry and were doing the "do you know so-and-so?"

Driving home, Elena asked, "What did you think?"

"I think we better move some finances, as I've said yes to Chris!"

The next couple of weeks saw us buy a towing vehicle and organize our loans, while Chris and I catered for parties and weddings. I even got an RSA license! I learned quickly the operational side of The Chevy Bar, and on the 8th of January 2022, we officially became the proud new owners.

Wayne & Elena

Fast forward to April 2025, and we've come so far. From a couple who never considered owning a mobile bar to owning one of the most rewarding and unique business models. We've met some incredible humans while rolling with the highs and lows that come with being business owners.

I'd like to take a stroll through some of the incredible events so far.

2022 - What a year! The first thing I did once getting the Chevy home was to go to a huge, quiet car park to practice getting the Chevy on and off the trailer—not an easy task. But now I can almost do it with my eyes closed (well, I do load it in the dark after each event).

From flying solo on my very first gig in Greenbank to our next project, a massive cider and craft beer festival with over 4,500 people! Talk about a baptism of fire!

Then, a personal setback with Elena developing Long Covid. She was so sick we even contemplated getting her a live-in nurse, as she couldn't get from the bed to the bathroom without assistance. Yes, it was a harrowing experience. One that went on behind the scenes as I tirelessly worked on the business while holding down a full-time job.

May saw us attend our biggest bridal show, and our little Chevy was a star with massive interest from couples both near and far.

Then a little phone call from Isabel Quinlan saw us feature on Channel 9 News with our little Chevy Bar to promote our business and also tell of our attendance at Cooly Rock On—Queensland's largest classic car show.

September saw us at our first charity event at Springers Rural Traders to honor a staff member who took his life. It was a night of laughter and tears and resonated so deeply with my own personal journey.

October, well... it was a disaster (read our other blogs) that saw us close for the rest of the year.

Yes, 2022 was one heck of a year!

2023 - I gotta say, after closing the business for almost 3 months, the overwhelming support and bookings went through the roof in January, with every weekend solidly booked. Even a car show in Nerang was squeezed in, and we couldn't believe that we were so loved by our social media followers.

February, we took a break and celebrated our 25th anniversary in the Philippines before returning to a solid March and April.

April's highlight was taking our Chevy to the furthest we'd ever traveled as we helped out with an engagement that had their bar cancel. Paula asked if we were available for the long weekend. I mentioned we were planning a road trip, and her cheeky answer was, "How about a road trip to Chinchilla?" How could we say no?

October was the highlight of the year as we celebrated with Gordon and Sandra, celebrating 60 years of marriage. Please, if you've read this far, read the separate blog on Sandra's incredible life. On the night, we announced that this party was on us. Tears streamed from everyone who attended—R.I.P. Sandra. We still see Gordon and are now great friends of the family.

Yup—2023 had some incredible milestones.

2024 - Saw us secure the largest booking we've ever had: a 5-day event on the Gold Coast by a cybersecurity corporation. They were suitably impressed with The Chevy Bar and have secured us again for 2025!

Then came the beautiful Holly & Hamish, who kept secrets from their family and friends by inviting them all to an engagement party, only to announce that, in a couple of hours, they would be getting married. For the first time ever, we had to move the Chevy Bar mid-party—not once, but twice! It was a challenge, but as we've learned, "challenge" is what our Chevy's second name is. The glowing review was just the icing on the cake!

And as if the year couldn't get any better, as promised to Chris & Cath (the original owners), we returned for their housewarming party. Upon leaving, both Chris and Cath were bawling, as were we. We all know the blood, sweat, and tears we've put into this business, and we know that the friendship we've established will live on.

2025 - Well, we're almost up to date. It's been one incredible journey. There've been a lot of repeat corporate clients who are locked in for 2025 and 2026 already.

I have to give a huge shout-out to our super mechanic Michael, who works behind the scenes and has the knowledge and passion for '50s Chevys (yes, he has a couple). He turns up and tinkers, ensuring that our Chevy is always ready to go. His philosophy is to build it better and stronger. He is certainly a legend.

So, where to from here?

Anywhere our bookings take us.

The question is...

Are you coming along for the ride?