Meet the Local Entourage
Downtown Rides (DTR) is a complimentary, tip-based ride service currently operating in Napa. Owned and operated by Napa native Mike Flohr, DTR is Flohr’s latest small-business idea with big dreams. Along with his stepson David Munk, he is working together to bring an all-new look to local transportation.
Downtown Rides is much more than another corporate rideshare service operating in the downtown area. Their fleet of electric-powered vehicles is branded with other local businesses and acts as a moving billboard gaining impressions by weaving through the heart of Napa. Downtown Rides collaborates with wineries, restaurants, and all other hospitality businesses in the form of advertorial sponsorships, benefitting everyone involved. The partnerships subsidize the free ride service, which in turn introduces riders to downtown Napa’s notable locales, reduces downtown traffic, decreases demand for parking, and helps reduce air pollution.
Downtown Rides was conceptualized with both locals and tourists in mind. Zach Zuniga, fellow Napa native and DTR’s go-to-guy for marketing, shared that the company’s mission is to offer an extension of hospitality that goes beyond the front doors of hotels, restaurants, wineries, and spas by providing guests with a continuous experience of kindness and generosity for which Napa is best known. “Although millions of tourists travel to Napa annually, it still feels like a small town. I cannot go anywhere without seeing someone I know, and I love it. I think having a friend on every corner is what keeps people coming back. We are good people, and we want to help take care of anyone who comes to the place we call home,” said Zuniga.
Although Downtown Rides launched in February 2020, businesses like Downtown Joe’s Restaurant and Brewery, Napa Valley G Experience, Small World, Bazan Cellars, Vermeil Wines, The Grape Escape, and many others quickly recognized the value of the service. Concert, festival, marathon organizers and local farmers’ markets have expressed interest in hopping on board, which will provide Downtown Rides more opportunities to serve the community. Downtown Rides looks forward to growing its fleet of carts in Napa and expanding into neighboring cities and wine regions that hold the same values and wish to provide a similar service.
As Napa reopens and returns to being one of the world’s top travel destinations, Mike and Cheri Flohr, David Munk, and Zach Zuniga are poised to safely serve travelers and residents. If one sees Downtown Rides happily driving around providing that Napa Valley experience, please honk, wave, or call to show support.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
dtrnapa.com // 707-287-7003
