Written By Associate Director Christa Wilson
As an SBDC consultant, one of the most rewarding parts of my job is watching entrepreneurs turn an idea into something truly exceptional. Dannon Byrd, owner and founder of Tap the Coast, is one of those entrepreneurs.
When Dannon first came to the Florida SBDC at UWF in 2019, she had a clear vision for creating the Florida Panhandle’s first upscale mobile bar experience. Dannon was committed to building the business thoughtfully and creating a concept that would stand out in the market. Through our early work together, we explored the business model, developed financial projections, evaluated startup costs and revenue opportunities, and identified strategies for sustainable growth. Those conversations helped Dannon put numbers behind her vision and develop a strategic roadmap for moving the business from concept to launch. By October 2019, Tap the Coast officially opened for business.
Today, Tap the Coast is an award-winning mobile bar and beverage service based in Pensacola and has grown into the largest fleet of mobile bars in North Florida. From beautifully restored vintage trailers to elegant pop-up bars, the company provides premium beverage experiences for weddings, corporate events, fundraisers, private parties, showers, and celebrations of every kind. Whether serving handcrafted cocktails, creative mocktails, coffee, champagne, or specialty beverages, Dannon and her team have built a reputation for exceptional service and unforgettable experiences.
Leveraging Her Strengths
One of Dannon’s greatest strengths is her natural ability to build meaningful relationships. She understands that the best businesses grow alongside one another, and intentionally turns connections with fellow business owners into genuine partnerships that create opportunities and shared success. Dannon truly embodies the belief that “a rising tide lifts all boats” -when one local business succeeds, the entire community benefits. She carries that same philosophy within Tap the Coast, consistently recognizing and celebrating the talented team behind the company’s success.
What has always impressed me most is that Dannon’s success has never been measured solely by business growth. Dannon is deeply committed to giving back to the community that has supported her, with involvement in organizations including Krewe of SWAT, IMPACT 100, Leadership Pensacola, and the Junior League of Pensacola. In 2025, she extended that commitment through Cheers to Charity, Tap the Coast’s own give-back program, which provides support to a different organization each month.
Raising the Bar for Entrepreneurial Success
The accolades Tap the Coast has accumulated are a testament to the consistency and quality of the business Dannon has built. Recognition began almost immediately, with Inweekly’s Best of the Coast naming Tap the Coast Best New Business runner-up in 2020. The company went on to earn Best Mobile Beverage Service in 2022, 2023, 2025, and 2026, along with runner-up honors in 2024 and recognition for Best Mobile Event Service/Experience from 2024 through 2026. Tap the Coast was also named Best Mobile Bar & Beverage Service in the 2024 Best of the Bay Awards.
Dannon’s individual recognition is equally impressive. She has been named The Favies’ Favorite Bartender four consecutive years, from 2023 through 2026, and Scarlett Magazine honored her as Woman of the Year: Bartender in both 2024 and 2026. Tap the Coast also earned The Knot Best of Weddings Vendor’s Choice Award four consecutive years, from 2021 through 2024, culminating in induction into The Knot Best of Weddings Hall of Fame in 2025. More than a collection of awards, these honors demonstrate something even more meaningful: sustained excellence, customer loyalty, and a brand that has earned the trust of its community year after year.
Navigating Growth With the Help of the SBDC
Dannon has also continued to find new ways to grow the Tap the Coast experience beyond traditional events. Interactive cocktail and mocktail classes and private parties have created new opportunities for customers to engage with the brand while demonstrating Dannon’s ability to continually evolve her business. As Tap the Coast grew, Dannon continued to utilize the SBDC as a resource, shifting the conversation from startup planning to growth strategy. Our discussions have included evaluating new opportunities, thinking strategically about expansion, strengthening the business model, and identifying ways to continue growing the Tap the Coast brand while staying true to what made it successful.
Like many of the strongest entrepreneurs I work with, Dannon understands the value of having trusted resources and advisors to turn to as a business evolves. I have had the privilege of watching Dannon grow from an entrepreneur with a great idea into one of the region’s most respected small business owners. While I now consider her a friend, I admire her most for the qualities that made her successful from the beginning—her grit, authenticity, creativity, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Her journey is exactly why the Florida SBDC exists: to help passionate entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses that strengthen our communities.
That experience is part of why Dannon is so quick to encourage other entrepreneurs to take advantage of the resources available to them. When asked what advice she would give someone considering starting or growing a business, her message is simple:
“Don’t wait—just go for it. Reach out for all of those resources at the SBDC and throughout the community that are available to you. They are truly helpful, and they want to see you succeed.”
Dannon’s story is a reminder that with vision, perseverance, strong relationships, and a willingness to bet on yourself, remarkable things can happen. It has been an honor to be a small part of her entrepreneurial journey, and I have no doubt that the best chapters of the Tap the Coast story are still ahead.
To learn more about Tap the Coast, visit tapthecoast.com and connect with them on social media.
Ready to start your own entrepreneurial journey? Connect with the Florida SBDC at UWF for comprehensive support at no cost. Our experienced team provides the same guidance that helps local business owners turn their vision into a reality.