Owners: Alan Arthur and Sara Emry-Arthur
What: An indoor party and play place. A clean, bright warehouse filled with giant inflatable “interactive equipment,” including two 80-foot obstacle courses, a jousting ring and a bouncy sports arena that lets kids slam dunk like Michael Jordan. There are eight different pieces of inflatable equipment plus air hockey and foosball tables. Parents can bounce, too, or if they prefer to watch there is seating nearby and a viewing mezzanine. Kids as young as 2 can use the equipment, but preschoolers may need some help.
Going it alone: Other companies offer similar franchise opportunities but the owners wanted to create something unique: a full-service party spot. So they secured their own financing and opened the first location in Bellevue in 2005. They opened the Everett location in July.
Let’s party: Party coordinators take care of everything, including supervising the kids, setting up and cleaning up. After bouncing, the party moves to one of two private rooms decorated in primary colors and outfitted with tables and soft drink fountains. A 21/2 hour party for up to 26 kids costs $240 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and $205 the rest of the week. It’s not just for kids, either. The business plays host to parties for grownups and corporations.
Let’s play: Drop in for a bounce Wednesday and Thursday mornings at 9:30 and 10:45 a.m. Each session costs $6 a kid and parents are free.
Who works: Sixteen part-time employees staff two locations. Since the business relies on word of mouth, they aim to hire people who can make customers want to come back.
Word of mouth: This business does little traditional advertising. Instead, they donate money to school fundraisers and local foster homes. It’s a chance to do something positive for the community and build awareness of the business, the owners said.
Quotable: Any inhibitions adults may have quickly fade. “It’s like the kid in the person gets turned on,” says owner Alan Arthur.
Where: The Everett location is at 1111 80th St. SW.
More information: Call 425-438-0321 or go to www.321bounce.com.
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