Limobus lets riders party in style

 
 

Mark Blanton and Todd Jackson have created a “nightclub on wheels.”

With the holiday season heating up, they’re staying busy ushering partygoers to and from events — with a bit of partying along the way.

Their business, Absolute Limousine Service, features a “Limobus” complete with music, videos and neon lights.

It’s a far cry from a taxi, and a bit more flashy than a typical limousine. “Why drink and drive when you can dance and ride?” is the company’s motto.

It’s the type of bus that is popular in Charlotte, Raleigh and larger cities with lively nightlife.

Blanton is Jackson’s uncle, and the two men are neighbors in Fayetteville. They started Absolute Limobus in May 2006 and say it is popular with the young crowd who don’t want to risk driving after drinking.

Jackson was introduced to the idea in Charlotte a couple years ago when he rode the “Ragin’ Uptown” party bus. That sparked the idea of a similar business when he returned home.

Several months later, Jackson teamed up with Blanton, who is 51.

“He loves limos and I loved the party bus,” said Jackson, who is 35.

In addition to the Limobus, the company owns a Lincoln Town Car stretch limousine. “A lot of people want the more glamorous look with the stretch limo,” Blanton said.

The company caters to adults going to parties, restaurants, clubs, weddings and other events. Other customers include parents hauling their children to birthday parties, and senior citizens and church groups heading to lunch outings or on trips.

“Kids have the best time of anybody,” Blanton said.

The fee for the 13-seat bus or limo is $100 per hour, with a four-hour minimum.

Blanton is the sales manager for Powers-Swain Chevrolet Co. He owned a dark blue Cadillac limo for his personal use in 1989-90. He’s also president of a local Corvette Club.

“Mark is the type of person who would rent a limo once a month if he could,” Jackson said.

Jackson works for Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated. He’s the one who found what would become their Limobus: an old purple and gray bus on Legion Road.

Jackson and Blanton bought the 1996 Ford diesel van in April 2006. They refurbished it with a new grille, a coat of gleaming white paint, a new interior with a DVD player, and gadgets including a video camera, programmable stereo, neon rope lights and a cooler. In all, they spent about $15,000 fixing up the bus. This story is from www.fayobserver.com

Be first to comment this article

Only registered users can write comments.
Please login or register.

Powered by AkoComment Tweaked Special Edition v.1.4.2

< Prev