A short while ago I wrote a post about the possibility of someone… anyone… bringing a PedalPub to Buffalo (see here). What I was not aware of at the time was that there was actually someone who was already in the early stages of doing just that.
The day that I posted the article, a Buffalo entrepreneur was already on the opposite side of the country (in Oregon) inspecting one of the cycling pub mobiles, in hopes to bring at back to Buffalo. Ken Szal saw the write-up on Buffalo Rising and wrote to me saying that he was planning on bringing something similar back home with him. A few days later he formalized the deal, signed on the dotted line, and is now in the process of transporting one of these freewheeling mobile pub operations to Buffalo.
“We are aware the NYS open container law does not permit drinking on this green vehicle,” says Ken. “Most states don’t allow drinking on these. This is a fun way to see the city with your friends, parties, etc. and tourists to see our beautiful city. The beer is enjoyed AT the our pub stops on the pub tour.”
In the meantime, Ken is making the rounds with developers, and pub and brewery owners, to establish working relationships. He is also setting up meetings with those who will be able to guide him through the proper channels for City and State regulations. Finally, Ken is looking for a place to store his “Pub Crawler”, hopefully in a central location near a number of brewing/craft beer destinations in the city (the vehicle measures 20’x7′ – if you know of anyone that is willing to help or team up – you can send an email to bavista@roadrunner.com).
One thing is certain, Ken is now determined to bring this terrific contraption to Buffalo so that he can create a fun and social means of transportation between beer destinations in the city.
We will have more updates in coming days when Pub Crawler arrives. Until that time, good luck to Ken and his new pedal-powered vehicle as they cross the country (via trailer) making their way back home.
Here’s a video of the “Pub Crawler” in action at its previous home… for a birthday crawl.