In #BlackBusiness news, a cruising couple behind the country’s first-ever Hip-Hop party bike bar tour is dishing on their H-Town honoring entrepreneurial endeavor.
Source: Trill On Wheels
Trill On Wheels, a fully motorized, BYOB pedal bar, is the brainchild of Houston couple Johnathan and Erica Mark who are bringing a fresh twist to the city while sitting proudly at the intersection of culture, celebration, and connection.
For Johnathan, the idea came about in 2021 when he and his wife discovered they were expecting their first child.
“I went straight into provider mode,” said the entrepreneur who loves celebrating Houston’s rich culture. “Erica and I are big game night fans and [fans of] having big groups together. I saw this gap in the party and tourism space, so we just went for it.”
The couple spent the rest of that year planning, learning, and prepping the business and by March 2022, Trill On Wheels was rolling—and Houston came through in a big way.
Rapper Erica Banks recently had her birthday celebration with Trill On Wheels in Houston, Texas: Source: Nicholas Hunt / Getty
“We pretty much sell out every weekend,” Johnathan said. “It’s just been a blessing.”
Trill On Wheels started in Houston’s historic Third Ward, where Johnathan and Erica have now opened their first brick-and-mortar location.
“Third Ward is home for us forever,” Johnathan said. “That’s where our heart is, and the culture there is so strong.”
Recently, they expanded to Eado, another artsy hotspot in Houston that borders Third Ward, and according to Johnathan, it’s a perfect location.
“The vibes in Eado are perfect for us—it’s close to Third Ward, and the music and art scene there is live.”
Trill On Wheels isn’t just about the party, however; it’s also a history lesson on Houston’s hip-hop scene. Riders who visit H-Town from the East Coast, West Coast, and even internationally learn about legends like Slim Thug, Lil’ Keke, and the late, great DJ Screw as they ride.
Source: Trill On Wheels
“We’ve lost a lot of icons, not just in Houston but across hip-hop, so we want to keep their legacy alive,” said Jonathan.
Erica added that bringing this educational element to the tour means a lot to them, especially because they’re able to showcase H-Town’s unique culture to visitors.
Growing up around HBCU culture, Erica told BOSSIP that she’s bringing her love for that experience to Houston through Trill On Wheels.
“My mom went to Xavier, and my stepdad went to Dillard, so I was always exposed to the homecomings, parades, and music,” she shared before noting hat as a proud Hampton alum, she wanted to recreate that energy.
“It’s just about bringing the music, the community, and those opportunities to gather and celebrate right in our neighborhoods.”
Since its launch, Trill On Wheels has been more than a good time—it’s also boosted the local economy in a big way. With over 40,000 riders, local Third Ward bars, restaurants, and Airbnbs have seen a major spike in business.
“As we grow, the whole neighborhood grows,” said Johnathan. “We’ve brought in around $700,000 in revenue for the local spots, and the numbers just keep going up.”
The demand for this unique experience is real, and other cities have already taken notice, which begs the question; could Trill On Wheels expand to places like Atlanta or Oakland in the future?
“Oh, the calls are coming in,” said Johnathan with a laugh to Managing Editor Dani Canada. “We’re focused on Houston for now, but when the time’s right, we’ll be ready!”
Source: Trill On Wheels
Check out @trillonwheels and book your spot at TrillOnWheels.com to see what all the hype is about!