Shack-tastic: Happy Camper's Fiebiger sets up shop in Leevers lot

Hungry customers jonesing for their caffeinated fix in the mornings have found a willing portable provider in Brittany Fiebiger's Happy Camper in the past few years.

After hauling the charming old pink trailer behind her pickup in front of Farmers Union Insurance/Harildstad Tax Service, or setting up her business at local events, Fiebiger wanted a more permanent location to sell her sweet and peppy delights.

Enter the Happy Shack, a kiosk erected on the northwest corner of Leevers Foods' parking lot, and the latest expansion of what Fiebiger hopes is a destination for locals' cup of joe.

"I was approached to buy the shack, and it really got the ball rolling," she says.

The Happy Shack opened for business Monday, August 29, pending a last minute visit by a state inspector to make sure everything is on the up and up.

Initially, Fiebiger applied for several locations throughout the city, eventually settling on the northern portion of the Leevers block that is used for overflow parking at the Chieftain.

"I talked with Skyler Patzer [Chieftain general manager], and he got a hold of the proper connections and they were kind enough to let me set up shop, which I really cannot appreciate enough," she says. "I've also been working with Jason Wolsky [City of Carrington Public Works Director], and he has also been a huge help, answering my many questions and giving me direction."

Fiebiger says that after going through the ordeal of pulling in and out with the camper each day, the concept of a permanent location appealed to her.

Not to mention a significant increase in space.

"I love doing drive-thru, and it just made sense to have a brick-and-mortar stand," said Fiebiger.

She says the drink menu for the Shack will largely remain the same as in the Camper, with espresso, frappes, iced coffee, smoothies, Italian sodas, and other items.

Where the new location is a game-changer for Fiebiger will be her ability to offer breakfast-type foods, such as pulled pork, tacos, nachos, hot dishes, barbeque.

"The menu is still in production, but I hope to start food up in October," she said.

As for the old camper, Fiebiger is entertaining offers to sell it, and speculated it could be used as an ice house or other alternative use for the right buyer.

Her move to the Shack does not mean that she is giving up on the Happy Camper side of the business, however.

On the contrary, it will make her busier than ever.

"I have another camper that I will be setting up to take to events," she says. "I still love going to places with it, but on the day-to-day operation, it will be nice to not have to pull it around."

Fiebiger says she plans to keep up her events schedule, including the place where the Happy Camper got its humble beginnings, JunkFest (see related article).

"I'll probably be a bit more selective on what events I take. I love going to schools and setting up."

She added, "I've missed the Market this summer due to getting the Shack up and running, but I hope to make it back there next summer, since that has become such an amazing event for Carrington."

The Happy Camper/Shack's journey is also poised for the possibility to be passed on to the next generation.

Brittany, a Hannaford native, and her husband, David, have five daughters.

"Owning and running the Camper/Shack has allowed me to make my own schedule to be able to take care of the girls," she explained. "Now that they're getting older, it's getting busier with activities. But, also, with all five in school now, it's freeing up more time during the day so I'm able to work more and be free for them after school."

When they are able, the girls work with her to learn the ins and outs of running the Camper and Shack.

"They rotate in and out depending on their activities. Maybe one day they will just take it over," Fiebiger smiled.

She credits David for pushing her towards the drive-thru business.

"His schedule varies during the year, but he does all of my deliveries when he is able, which helps out so much. I couldn't do this without him."

Her love of her customers shows in her socialization with them while they're picking up their orders, and admits, "I'm a talker, so I sometimes tend to hold up the line with chit-chatting."

September hours will be Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. In October, it will switch to Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., coinciding with the Shack offering food items.

Keep posted with the Happy Camper/Shack's updates by liking their Facebook page.