Palm Springs Operator Markets Monthly Restaurant Ride Package

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. -- Limousine rental business owner Glen Mavis of Palm Desert has challenged the current economic crisis head on.

The owner of All Occasions Sedan and Limousine of Palm Springs has started a new venture he calls Club Hopper/Restaurant Stopper, in which he chauffeurs guests on eating and drinking excursions.

The concept is simple but unique, Mavis said.

“I have a limo service that I've had since 1998, but business for me is terrible in the desert right now. So I had to reinvent myself and started Club Hopper/Restaurant Stopper. What that entails is a monthly membership. People can buy a monthlong pass and get rides to a restaurant or bar they enjoy. When they're done, they get a ride home. And they get home without a DUI.”

He knows of no one else offering these type of services, he said. And there are differences between the Club Hopper and Restaurant Stopper segments of the program, he said.

Prices between the two are different. Membership starts at $50 a month for the Restaurant Stopper. For $20 more, two more people may ride. Club Hopper prices start at $40. Add $10 for a second person.

“There is a full package that is $100 a month (for both). That includes ‘buddy passes.' A full package allows you and up to three others to go out.”

Mavis is trying to find incentives for potential customers. “If they use my service, they don't have to pay a cover charge at some of the locations. To offer that I've been trying to get the word out to restaurants. I have a couple of restaurants right now that help me promote my service. Roc's (Firehouse and Grille) is my biggest customers.

“I have 30 customers,” Mavis said. “I think I'm a good thing right now, because I'm keeping 30 people who are drinking off the road.”

Source: The Desert Sun