Play Franchise To 'Pump It Up' In Norwich

(Wednesday, June 04, 2008) - Norwich could be the next city to "Pump it Up."

Pump it Up, a California-based franchise business that features giant, indoor inflatable playgrounds, has announced plans to open five new facilities in Connecticut in the next two years, including one in Norwich as early as this fall. The company has more than 170 locations throughout the country, with recent expansions into Long Island and Westchester County, N.Y.

Gordon Keil, president and chief executive officer, said the company is working with "a few potential franchise owners" in the Norwich area and hopes to announce an agreement and a location within the next month. Then it could take three to four months to complete the construction and open the facility.

Pump it Up needs about 10,000 to 12,000 square feet of space and typically occupy buildings in light

industrial areas or sometimes in retail centers, Keil said. The facility should have ceilings at least 18 to 20 feet high.

The company works with local franchise and real estate owners and local architects on permitting and space build-out. The inflatable equipment is custom made for Pump it Up, with new features coming on line about every six months.

Norwich Zoning Enforcement Officer Paulette Craig said she has not received any plans or inquiries about Pump it Up's plans. She said the business could go into a building in a general commercial zone by permitted use under definitions for recreation centers, indoor gymnasiums and similar uses.

Keil said the Norwich area is the next logical geographical location for the company's rapid expansion. Pump it Up has a facility in Stamford and is close to a deal for a franchise in Stratford. The company also is looking to expand into the Danbury, Waterbury and Hartford areas, he said.

"We're like a catering business for kids' parties," Keil said. "That's the primary business. We can arrange for food. We're usually the number one customer of the best and most conveniently located pizzeria, and we typically provide pizza and beverage."

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