Justin Wren relocated to Northwest Arkansas from Kansas City hoping to start a sports-related brick-and-mortar business.
After realizing property costs in the area were not within his budget, Wren searched for other plans and found the inspiration he needed watching a television show. After watching someone convert an old bus into a lively bar area, he knew it was possible for him to do something similar.
His idea became The Racket, a mobile event venue.
“It was really an amalgamation of ideas,” said Wren.
He initially came to the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center to see if his idea was impractical. Instead, his consultant Mary Beth Brooks, suggested the opposite.
“Instead, she turned into an instigator,” Wren said, laughing.
Brooks believed his idea was a good one and would work well in northwest Arkansas. She connected him with Rachel Majors, ASBTDC marketing consultant, who helped execute a successful rental strategy. Brooks also helped him find a reliable attorney and website developer.
Wren purchased a 24ft. x 8ft. trailer and the slow process of renovation began. Waiting three months to get the trailer and three months of remodeling, The Racket mobile event venue was finished and ready to open in September 2023.
The Racket offers various rental packages, from a simple rental to total event setup and tear down. Features include availability of both indoor and outdoor televisions, indoor seating for up to 15 guests and additional seating after opening the trailer doors. For fun, The Racket also comes equipped with non-traditional yard games, including different versions of volleyball and pickleball.
Although just opened, The Racket has booked multiple events.
“We are most excited for The Racket to be at Vintage Market Days of Northwest Arkansas in October,” said Wren.
View The Racket!
To book, contact: