Jump-2-It opens with extended hours and new ownership
The new owners of a family entertainment center are trying to
reinvent the business.
Jump-2-It opens with extended hours and new ownership
The new owners of a family entertainment center are trying to reinvent the business.
One of the first changes they added when they took over ownership of Jump-2-It, an arcade complete with four stationary inflatable jump houses, foosball and an obstacle course on Aug. 1 was adding several hours a week just for little guys.
The couple, Marcella and Michael Monteleone, scheduled in two times a week for toddlers to play at the entertainment center without parents having to worry about older children trampling them.
The couple knew about the business, which catered to private family parties, because their neighbors had previously owned it.
Marcella had been laid off from a job in Monterey in December and her husband was out of work with a back injury. The couple had been living on an inheritance and Marcella’s Avon sales, so when her neighbors talked about selling the business they jumped at the chance to take over.
“Her [the neighbor’s] husband got promoted and would be traveling a lot internationally and she had three young children,” she said. “The place was closed on Mondays and Tuesdays and was only open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. That doesn’t work for people who work. Marcella said.
The grand reopening for Sept. 7 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Sept. 8 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will feature free admission, free use of jump houses, 25-cent arcade games, face painting, helium balloons and more.
While the grand reopening event is a week or two off, the couple has implemented other changes around the business. They have extended the hours they are open to public so there are more evening hours available. They offer family night two nights a week where the entire family can get in for $20.
In addition to the times open to the public, the entertainment center, which is located in a former warehouse, still offers private party packages ranging from $225 to $445.
“Our main focus is on birthday parties, or cast or team parties,” Marcella said. “The price varies depending on how many hours the party is – two or three – and whether they have pizza or piñatas.”
The business orders Round Table Pizza and provides all the utensils necessary.
“The only thing parents need to bring is the birthday cake,” Marcella said. “Parents don’t have to do anything.”
Another plus of the birthday location aside from not having to clean up or cook is that the weather always cooperates.
“If you rent a jump house and it rains, you’re out of luck,” Marcella said.
As they continue to grow the business, Marcella said they are encouraging daycares or after school programs to plan fields trips there, and have even offered the party room for direct salespeople who would like to host a Cookie Lee or Pampered Chef party.
Jump-2-It will be open on weekends and Friday evenings when private parties are not booked, but Marcella suggested customers call ahead to make sure it is open before showing up since parties will have first priority those days.
