From shipping containers to renovated houses, some Fort Worth entrepreneurs are setting up shop outside the box of a traditional building. Now there's another trendy place to do business: the Airstream.
Airstream, a brand of travel trailer initially popularized in the 1930s, is making a resurgence as some retail and restaurant businesses are ditching the brick-and-mortar for a funkier, alternative venue. Magnolia Avenue's Grow Plant Shop and Decatur-based clothing retailer Hippie Alice are among those on the forefront. Arcadia Coffee added to the mix when it opened in February on South Main Street. Joining them soon will be Brix Barbecue, coming late April or early May.
Here, Fort Worth Airstreamers - Grow owners Bobby and Emily Lynge, Hippie Alice owner Bridget Meyer and Brix Barbecue owner Trevor Sales - share their tips and tricks for making the Airstream dream a reality.
Finding an Airstream To find an Airstream, searching online is the best bet. The Lynges found theirs on Craigslist, but Airstream also sells them directly, ranging anywhere from about $40,000 to upwards of $150,000, depending on the size.
Renovating the Airstream The Airstream that would become Grow was almost completely gutted when the Lynges purchased it, forcing them to start from scratch, Bobby says. They did everything from repainting the walls to building the bathroom - laying the floors being the hardest part.
"In theory, [this task] is simple," Bobby says. "But there are only a few feet in the Airstream that are truly parallel" due to its shape, which complicated the project.
Sales, like the Lynges, started his project from the "bare bones," redoing the floors, the water tanks and the wiring. "What people forget is they didn't build things for as big of people back then as they do now. The ceilings are low, and the doors are very tight," he says. Sales eventually plans to add appliances and cut out the window through which he will serve food, finishing the final build-out.
Meyer's Airstream, on the other hand, was not completely gutted when she purchased it. She says she attempted to keep the original character of the Airstream intact; while she did remove the table, bunkbeds and bathroom, the Airstream still contains the original clock, gauges and cabinets.
More Tips for Potential Airstreamers
Beware the elements. Emily Lynge warns that "the elements definitely play a part" in operating out of an Airstream. Due to the original insulation, there is heat and cold transfer depending upon the weather.
Good is new. Emily also advises those interested in pursuing their own renovation to make sure everything is up to date from the onset to prevent being "set back by a random surprise." Bobby recommends checking the plumbing in particular.
Research, research, research. Besides researching logistics like Airstream size and what you're going to pull it with, Meyer recommends evaluating your potential business market to confirm that an Airstream will fit your niche.
Where to Find These Airstreams
Grow Plant Shop
1250 W. Magnolia Ave.
growplantshop.com
Hippie Alice
Location varies. Check Facebook or Instagram (@hippie.alice) for updates.
hippiealice.com
Brix Barbecue
Opening April or May.
See Facebook or Instagram (@brixbarbecue) for updates.
brixbarbecue.com
