The Trolley Company has long been a service "where fun is just a trolley ride away," and that commitment is rolling on with its new owners.
Stephanie and Chris Bell officially took ownership of the Capital City staple last month, aiming to put their ample experience with community events in Jefferson City to good use: Stephanie, an attorney with Ellinger & Associates and co-host of "Wake Up Columbia" on 93.9 The Eagle, previously served as president of the Downtown Jefferson City Association, while Chris is a director of operations with Capital Investment Realty.
The Bells, both Jefferson City natives, jumped at the opportunity to take over when former owners Michel and Donna Deetz decided to retire, aiming to maintain the service's charm and character while revamping its online booking and social media presence.
"I think it was important for them to keep it local and find someone who really cares about the community," Stephanie Bell said. "It's all about creating a unique, fun experience for people in this community. It's a little bit of nostalgia and a lot of fun to have these trollies in the community."
The business allows riders to charter a ride around town or to a specific destination, with vehicles able to accommodate around 20 people. Rides are typically available at 5:30 and 7:30 around five nights a week.
The service has a four-trolley fleet and is retaining its current drivers, they said. The business is popular, especially during the Christmas lights season when the fleet takes tours through big displays in Binder Park, an event that's already drawing interest from the community several months in advance. Autumn weddings also bring plenty of business, the Bells said -- spots have already been booked as far in advance as next October, one of the busiest months of the year for the trollies.
While they are still getting used to their new roles in the business, the couple said they were excited to carry on a unique feature of the community that they love, bringing their own experiences to the table for its next chapter.
"It's about the memories we have of using the trolley service with our friends," Stephanie Bell said. "It's a really unique service. They did such a good job building the business up into something that people have come to know and love, and that's something we're excited to continue."
Learn more and book a trolley at (573) 619-4377 or thetrolleycompany.net.
Know of any business happenings around Jefferson City? Let us know at [email protected] or 573-761-0243.