Profitable Trolley Pub & Paddle Pub Tours: 13+ Year Legacy in Madison
Business Description
Capitol Pedicycle, LLC is a turnkey, dual-brand group tour business operating in Madison, Wisconsin. It consists of two successful concepts—Trolley Pub Madison and Paddle Pub Madison—each serving distinct, high-demand market segments. Together, they offer a unique opportunity to own two of Madison’s most recognizable tourism and entertainment experiences, with over a decade of proven operations and franchise support from TourScale.
Trolley Pub Madison
Founded in 2012, Trolley Pub Madison was one of the first pedal-powered group tour experiences in the city and has remained a market leader ever since. Operating three (3) 14-passenger custom party bike vehicles, the business offers two-hour BYOB pub crawl experiences through downtown Madison. Popular with birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette parties, corporate groups, campus events, and seasonal tourism, the rides are lively, safe, and consistently well-reviewed.
Trolley Pub has become a fixture on State Street, with bright, branded vehicles and enthusiastic riders contributing to the city’s vibrant culture and nightlife scene. The tour route highlights local bars, breweries, and landmarks, and guests are encouraged to bring their own beverages for the ride. Operations are seasonal (spring through fall) with consistent annual revenue, and a well-established reputation among both residents and visitors.
Paddle Pub Madison
Launched in 2018, Paddle Pub Madison expanded the company’s footprint onto the water, offering two-hour pedal-powered boat tours from a dockside location at Breakwater, one of Madison’s most popular lakefront venues. The Paddle Pub is a 16-passenger commercial cycleboat, Coast Guard compliant and fully equipped with pedal stations, a central bar, sound system, and safety equipment.
Tours are offered spring through fall and cater to private events, casual groups, university celebrations, and weekend tourists. The location at Breakwater offers natural synergies—passengers often dine or drink at the venue before or after tours, enhancing the overall experience. Paddle Pub Madison benefits from growing demand for unique on-the-water experiences and low direct competition in the Madison boating market.
Both businesses are corporate-owned stores of the TourScale franchise network. The buyer will receive full onboarding and operational support, including 3 days of in-person training, access to the Operating Manual, Employee Handbook, and TourScale’s online training platform. Operations are fully systematized with consistent booking processes, digital waivers, and customer communication tools.
The company currently operates seasonally and is fully staffed during the tour months. A mix of part-time drivers, guides, and dock crew return annually, supported by proven hiring and onboarding systems.
Capitol Pedicycle, LLC offers a rare opportunity to acquire two established, profitable tour brands in a growing and tourism-driven city. With strong brand equity, limited competition, and full franchise support, the business is well-positioned for continued success and expansion. Whether you’re a lifestyle investor, hands-on operator, or looking to scale into multiple territories, this is a turnkey business with proven cash flow and growth potential.
Trolley Pub Madison
Founded in 2012, Trolley Pub Madison was one of the first pedal-powered group tour experiences in the city and has remained a market leader ever since. Operating three (3) 14-passenger custom party bike vehicles, the business offers two-hour BYOB pub crawl experiences through downtown Madison. Popular with birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette parties, corporate groups, campus events, and seasonal tourism, the rides are lively, safe, and consistently well-reviewed.
Trolley Pub has become a fixture on State Street, with bright, branded vehicles and enthusiastic riders contributing to the city’s vibrant culture and nightlife scene. The tour route highlights local bars, breweries, and landmarks, and guests are encouraged to bring their own beverages for the ride. Operations are seasonal (spring through fall) with consistent annual revenue, and a well-established reputation among both residents and visitors.
Paddle Pub Madison
Launched in 2018, Paddle Pub Madison expanded the company’s footprint onto the water, offering two-hour pedal-powered boat tours from a dockside location at Breakwater, one of Madison’s most popular lakefront venues. The Paddle Pub is a 16-passenger commercial cycleboat, Coast Guard compliant and fully equipped with pedal stations, a central bar, sound system, and safety equipment.
Tours are offered spring through fall and cater to private events, casual groups, university celebrations, and weekend tourists. The location at Breakwater offers natural synergies—passengers often dine or drink at the venue before or after tours, enhancing the overall experience. Paddle Pub Madison benefits from growing demand for unique on-the-water experiences and low direct competition in the Madison boating market.
Both businesses are corporate-owned stores of the TourScale franchise network. The buyer will receive full onboarding and operational support, including 3 days of in-person training, access to the Operating Manual, Employee Handbook, and TourScale’s online training platform. Operations are fully systematized with consistent booking processes, digital waivers, and customer communication tools.
The company currently operates seasonally and is fully staffed during the tour months. A mix of part-time drivers, guides, and dock crew return annually, supported by proven hiring and onboarding systems.
Capitol Pedicycle, LLC offers a rare opportunity to acquire two established, profitable tour brands in a growing and tourism-driven city. With strong brand equity, limited competition, and full franchise support, the business is well-positioned for continued success and expansion. Whether you’re a lifestyle investor, hands-on operator, or looking to scale into multiple territories, this is a turnkey business with proven cash flow and growth potential.
About the Business
- Years in Operation
- 13
- Employees
- 7
- Franchise
- This business is an established franchise
- Facilities & Assets
- Includes three (3) 14-passenger Trolley Pub pedal vehicles and one (1) 16-passenger Paddle Pub boat, all in excellent working condition. Sale also includes one (1) bunk trailer for boat transport and servicing, plus general tools, spare parts, safety gear, and operational supplies needed for turnkey operations. All assets are well-maintained, compliant, and ready for immediate use.
- Website
- http://www.trolleypub.com/madison
- Market Outlook / Competition
- Madison is a vibrant capital and college town with strong tourism, events, and nightlife. Trolley Pub and Paddle Pub cater to locals, tourists, and private groups. With limited direct competition in pedal and boat tours, both brands hold strong market positions.
- Opportunities for Growth
- Growth opportunities include adding the Cruisin’ Tikis brand to expand water-based tours, leveraging strong franchise support and recognition. Regional expansion into nearby markets such as Wisconsin Dells, Rockford, or Dubuque offers additional revenue potential. The franchisor provides operational guidance, marketing tools, and training to support multi-location growth.
Real Estate
- Owned or Leased
- Leased
- Building Sq. Ft.
- 2,500
- Rent
- $666.00 per month
About the Sale
- Seller Motivation
- TourScale is divesting all corporate-owned locations, including Trolley Pub Madi
- Transition Support
- Buyer receives full training and support through the TourScale franchise system. Includes 3 days of in-person training, detailed Operating Manual, Employee Handbook, and access to our comprehensive online training platform.
Listing Info
- ID
- 2396059
- Listing Views
- 637
Business Location
Listing ID: 2396059 The information on this listing has been provided by either the seller or a business broker representing the seller. BizQuest has no interest or stake in the sale of this business and has not verified any of the information and assumes no responsibility for its accuracy, veracity, or completeness. See our full Terms of Use. Learn how to avoid scams.






