Our local BounceU has become a beacon of fun and celebration for families and children alike. Owned and operated by the dynamic Toni Alligier, this business is more than just a birthday party venue – it's a place where memories are made, laughter is shared and dreams take flight.

 

BounceU Charlotte/Matthews provides a unique twist on birthday parties and playdates, setting itself apart from the crowd by offering 100% private events for children under 12. With dedicated “party pros” who handle everything from setup to cleanup and two huge inflatable arenas, BounceU ensures every moment is filled with excitement and wonder. Located on Monroe Road in Charlotte, their facility boasts over 10,500 square feet  of inflatable fun offering 18-foot slides, obstacle courses, bounce houses, coin operated games and dedicated toddler areas. They also offer private play dates, private field trips, fundraisers and open bounce sessions.

 

Toni was intrigued by BounceU’s business model which provides a personalized experience and a controlled environment. “Shortly after moving to Charlotte, I took my daughter to several birthday parties. I loved the idea of these party venues and saw how wonderful they were not only for the kids having fun but for the parents hosting them. I had always wanted to own my own business, so when I saw that an existing BounceU franchise was for sale, I reached out to the current owners. I made an offer and never looked back,” she says.

 

Born and raised in Kansas, Toni's path took a serendipitous turn when it crossed with Brandon’s, her husband, during their time working at Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. Their love story, spanning a quarter of a century, led them to Miami and eventually brought them to Charlotte. Toni and Brandon have a daughter, Lily, and a son, Alex.

 

Toni's resilience was put to the test when she acquired BounceU just before the onset of COVID. After six weeks, the initial excitement and momentum were quickly met with a harsh reality as the pandemic forced closures and uncertainty. With little support from the franchise owners, Toni found herself navigating uncharted waters, relying on her determination and the unique selling point of private parties to keep the business going.

 

“I spent most of my time at the store trying to learn as much as I could on my own and working to build awareness for our private parties,” Toni recalls. “This  is truly our unique differentiator and what I believe kept us afloat. Parents wanted their kids to still have fun but didn't want to expose them to too many other people. Many similar venues and other BounceU locations closed at that time, but somehow, we made it through and are still standing over four years later.” BounceU’s commitment to providing a safe and controlled environment for children's celebrations struck a chord with parents seeking a sense of normalcy during trying times.

 

Toni's journey serves as a testament to the strength of local businesses and the profound impact they have on communities. She’s a fierce advocate. “Support your local businesses. So many of them are owned by hardworking families that put their heart and soul into what they do and what they offer. I love what I do and I love seeing all the smiling faces of the kids and parents enjoying my BounceU.  It makes it all worth it!

 

In 2022 and 2023, BounceU won the Charlotte Observer award for “Best Children's Birthday Party Venue,” a win solidifying Toni’s understanding she’s exactly where she needs to be. BounceU hopes to win again in 2024 as it continues to create magic for children and families in Charlotte and the surrounding areas.

 

In a constantly changing world, BounceU is a testament to the power of determination, family and the commitment to creating moments that will be cherished for a lifetime. The next time you're looking to celebrate a special occasion for a child in your life, consider BounceU – where the magic of childhood is given the space to soar.