Our story
Rooted in ceremony, built with grit & made to gather.
At Babes, Bubbles & Boards, we believe hospitality is more than service. It is soul work, it is ceremony and it is how we show love.
Founder Melisa McGowan was raised surrounded by women in her life who knew how to feed people well. They prepared food with care and reverence, setting tables that brought people together to connect, celebrate, and be nourished. From an early age, Melisa understood that food wasn’t just food. It was legacy, love, and language.
With over two decades in the food and beverage industry, from the kitchen to the bar, and several front and back of house roles in between, Melisa’s career has always been rooted in the rhythms of hospitality. Babes, Bubbles & Boards was built with a vision shaped by a deep understanding of service, respect for craft, and passion for creating beautiful, meaningful experiences.
A Legacy in Motion
The dream is in our hands, it is a labor of love for my family and friends who have helped bring it to fruition.
Babes, Bubbles & Boards is more than just a business. It is a dream brought to life through the dedication and passion of friends and family who believed in something greater. From late night prep sessions to long days on site, this journey has been shaped by a circle of support who showed up with love, sweat, and unwavering belief.
Rooted in Hospitality
“In Napa, we don’t just serve food, we serve the seasons, the soil, and the soul.”
My entire career has been shaped by the land, rhythm, and culture of Napa Valley. With over two decades immersed in the art of food and beverage, I’ve honed my craft in many corners of the industry from boutique wineries, private catering to luxury hotels and bars.
Hospitality became second nature through hands on experience. I’d walk through gardens before shifts, snipping herbs to muddle into cocktails, or gather seasonal ingredients from the walk-in to complement evolving menus. I learned to trust my senses, follow the land, and let flavor lead the way.
Those years shaped everything:
• A sharp eye for detail
• A deep respect for the land
• And a belief that true hospitality is a sacred offering
These values are the foundation of everything we create at Babes, Bubbles & Boards.
The Spark That Started it All
“Wild Child was the spark that is still glowing today”
In 2020, with the unwavering love and support of my partner, Chris, I found the courage to take a leap and pursue a long held dream. I’ll never forget the day he surprised me with a vintage horse trailer for my birthday. It was his quiet, powerful way of saying, “I believe in you. Go build your dream.”
That moment wasn’t just a gift; it was a turning point. The vision then was a mobile coffee cart, Wild Child Coffee Company. A dream born from passion and possibility.
Chris has poured his heart and hard work into this business from the very beginning. His hands, his belief, his willingness to build alongside me have been a constant source of strength. The trailer may have taken on a new life over time, but the intention behind it, love, belief, and a shared dream all remains the foundation of everything we’ve built since.
This journey wouldn’t be what it is without him. His support has shaped this business just as much as my vision has. And for that, I’m endlessly grateful.
From Pop-Ups to Purpose
“Always Remember Your Roots.”
In 2022, I co-founded Babes, Bubbles & Boards with my friend Trisha. We made our mark at pop-ups and music festivals, turning heads with our vibrant grazing boards and signature mocktail drinks.
Although Trisha is no longer a part of Babes, we continue to hold a special place for her and the part she played in shaping this journey. Her presence helped launch something beautiful and her mark is still felt in our roots.
The Babe Bar is Born
In 2023, after Trisha’s departure, we found ourselves standing at a crossroads. The catering side of our business had slowed, and we were looking for a new spark. That July, we were invited to return to the Blue Note Jazz Festival, and that is when everything changed.
I was on the phone with my father when he said we have to finish that trailer. Lifelong craftsman, my dad got to work. With the help of my father, Chris and my son, we transformed a vintage trailer into something unforgettable: The Babe Bar, a custom-built mobile dry bar, designed with heart, soul, and just the right amount of sass.
When we debuted at the Wine Garden, we didn’t just show up, we showed out.
The response was electric. Everyone gravitated to our little vintage dream on wheels. For us, it felt like coming full circle. A new beginning. A spark reborn.
The dream that began as Wild Child Coffee Co. finally found its full expression in Babes, Bubbles & Boards, not just a name, but a whole vibe.
We created a show-stopping mobile bar experience that now lives beyond pop-ups. It’s a signature offering for weddings, private events, and unforgettable moments.
Where We Are Today
Babes, Bubbles & Boards is more than a boutique hospitality company, it’s a living, breathing celebration of connection, crafted with intention and soul. Serving Solano, Napa, and Yolo counties, we have blossomed into a trusted partner for those who seek more than just a service. They seek an experience that lingers in the heart long after the last bite and final toast.
Grazing & Catering
We specialize in luxurious grazing options that are edible works of art and refined small bite catering.
Mobile Bar Service
Custom mobile bar experiences that elevate every sip into a celebration
Event & Wedding Coordination
Wedding and event coordination that transcends logistics to create seamless, soulful moments filled with joy and ease.
“Because your event deserves more than service, it deserves a story worth remembering.”
When you choose Babes, Bubbles & Boards, you’re not just hiring a vendor. You’re welcoming a team that honors your vision like it’s our own. We listen deeply, plan intentionally, and show up with the kind of care that turns events into unforgettable experiences and memories.
We are rooted in the values passed down through generations: honor, resilience, generosity, and deep community care. We approach hospitality as an offering. It’s never just food. Never just service. It’s an experience grounded in intention and elevated by love.
Inspired by the women who came before us, who created beauty from simplicity and joy from what was on hand. I built this company to carry their spirit forward. Every board, every pour, every curated moment is infused with family, legacy, land, and the soul of true hospitality.
This is Babes, Bubbles & Boards.
