If you’ve ever been to a San Diego event, chances are you’ve run into Corbin O’Reilly, the bearded dynamo behind Tap Truck and this week’s guest on Happy Half Hour. Rocking his signature work onesie, O’Reilly brings serious vibes to every scene he graces—whether he’s pouring craft brews from his retrofitted truck or dancing in the corner with effortless cool. O’Reilly is the guy you want at your party, and he’s built an empire around that energy.
As co-founder of Tap Truck (and also Corbin’s Q in Rolando), he’s grown from a single converted vehicle into a fleet of more than 60 trucks both in the US and overseas, serving beers at weddings, festivals, and everything in between.
O’Reilly’s journey started on a San Luis Obispo Angus cattle ranch where he grew up, which, as he’s quick to point out, is not the same as a dairy farm. From there, he brought his work ethic and creative spirit to the streets of San Diego, where he welded together his first barbecue pits and eventually launched Tap Truck in 2016.
The concept? A vintage vehicle with beer taps hanging out the side—perfect for any event that needs a mobile bar. “I feel a brand in my bones,” O’Reilly says, and his trucks have become a staple at local gatherings, turning heads with their classic looks and chill party vibes.
Of course, running a fleet of vintage trucks isn’t all fun and games. O’Reilly has dealt with everything from pouring beer down San Diego’s streets after a tap malfunction to getting pulled over by the SDPD while juggling two phones mid-turn. But O’Reilly shrugs off the chaos with his signature humor, “Life happens, and we’re catering today.”
From nearly losing a wheel while driving a beer-loaded ’50s Willys Jeep to launching Tap Truck franchises in London and Australia, O’Reilly’s seen it all. And through everything, he’s kept his brand and beard intact. “The hardest part is getting your old truck there,” he admits, laughing about the engineering feats required to make these vintage beauties street-legal and party-ready.
O’Reilly’s passion is infectious, and it’s clear that Tap Truck isn’t just about serving drinks and meats; it’s about creating unforgettable experiences. Whether it’s a festival at Petco Park or a small wedding, O’Reilly and his team bring the fun and the beer. As he puts it, “We’re just here to make people happy, one pint at a time.”
