When Mike and Annie Kelly first stepped into Slick City in St. Louis, they immediately knew they had found something special. What began as a fun family outing quickly turned into the spark of a new business venture.
“Think of Slick City as a waterless slide park,” says Annie. “There’s truly something for everyone—14 unique slides, some fast, some twisty, others just a straight shoot.”
The couple had always dreamed of building a business together, and Slick City checked all the boxes: fun, family-oriented, and a proven concept.
From Inspiration to Action
During that trip to St. Louis, Annie recalls calling Mike almost immediately: “This is it. This is what we should do together next.”
From there, the research began. What impressed them most was not just the concept but the people behind it. The corporate team at Slick City brought years of family entertainment experience to the table. Their support and guidance made the decision to move forward much easier.
But opening a franchise is no small task. “It’s like building a house and hiring 100 people at the same time,” Mike explains. From navigating SBA loans to tackling equipment financing, the process was brand new for the Kellys.
The Right Financing Partner
That’s when they were introduced to Lesley Farmer of KLC Financial. With more than two decades of experience in family entertainment financing, Lesley quickly became a key part of their journey.
“Hearing a customer’s vision and seeing it come to fruition is the best part of my job,” Lesley shares.
For Mike and Annie, their first call with Lesley was a turning point. “We walked away from that 30-minute conversation with three pages of notes—contacts for vendors, insights into the SBA process, and a roadmap for success,” says Mike. “It was one of the most helpful parts of the entire journey.”
Opening the Doors in Maple Grove
Now, after months of planning, financing, and building, Slick City Maple Grove is ready to welcome families, kids, and adults of all ages.
“This has been a dream in the making,” Annie says. “We’re so excited to open our doors and bring something new and fun to the community.”
The Kellys envision Slick City as more than just a place for kids—it’s a destination for families, birthday parties, and even corporate events. “I can’t wait to bring my own family here, and to host company outings right down the street from our office,” Annie adds.
Ready for Fun
From a chance visit in St. Louis to a brand-new family entertainment destination in Maple Grove, Mike and Annie’s journey is a story of vision, teamwork, and the right partners.
As they open the doors to their Slick City franchise, one thing is certain: fun is about to slide into town.
Looking for a unique venue for birthdays, family outings, or team events? Come check out Slick City Maple Grove—you won’t be disappointed.
