Andrea and Tate Ammons had been dreaming of a local tap truck for some time, and in the last few months, it has become a reality with Tri-Star Taps.
“We started the tap truck business like all country songs- truck and beer lol. My husband is from Franklin and his parents are also still here, so there is a deep connection to family and community and history,” said Andrea Ammons.
“We also both love beer and my husband is passionate and knowledgeable with beer as a sommelier is to wine,” she added.
The heart of the business is Hollis, a 1940 Chevy truck with its own captivating history. After an exhaustive search for the perfect vintage vehicle, a pilgrimage to a small Kentucky town finally delivered the missing piece of their dream.
“He [the farmer] kept it in his barn the entire time, purchased from another farmer who had it stored in his barn. The paint and the interior are the same as when it rolled off the factory floor in 1940. We returned several days later with an envelope of cash. He didn’t even count the money as he said if a word was given, it was good in his eyes.”
It was retrofitted with 150-year-old barnwood purchased in Franklin, but the mechanics of keeping the drinks ice cold are all modern. The truck offers a variety of drinks in addition to beer on tap.
“As for what’s on tap, we can serve just about anything! We can pre-mix cocktails and put them in a keg and tap. We can pour any kind of beer and for the non-alcoholic pours, anything you can imagine can be poured out of the taps. (My daughter is feeling she has an edge over all the other lemonade stands in the community) We can also pour cold brew coffee, apple cider, and anything seasonal that folks want,” shared Ammons.
You will see Tri-Star Taps this fall at different events in Franklin such as Pumpkinfest, Dickens of a Christmas and they are partnering with a local photographer to offer family photos at Harlinsdale Farm.
Ammons added what they want everyone to know about Tristar Taps, “I think we’d like people to know that we are a family business and feel grateful that our kids are taking an active interest in how to run a business that requires hard work, ethics, and a service to the community. We love the energy and conversation the truck brings, as whenever we drive it around, people always stop and take photos and wave. We know it’s something special and we feel lucky to share in a way that is unique.”
For bookings and more information, follow Tristar Taps on Instagram here.
Please join our FREE Newsletter
