LAS VEGAS -- A small Las Vegas company that entertains thousands of visitors every year is closing down. Studio 39 Famous Rides located at Harrah's Carnival Court is now closed.
A renovation in the area where the business has sat for almost a decade is about to begin. The owner, Fran Lupo, has been told to get out. Studio 39 Famous Rides gave tourists a chance to ride a motorcycle without ever starting an engine. Lupo says the attraction grosses $1.5 million a year. She also pays 100 percent of her employees' benefits. She says they are like family.
"They are a part of me, and it shows because they have been there for me in times and I have been there for them. It goes way beyond an employer-employee," Lupo said. "I feel like we are dismantling part of my family."
A construction project for Harrah's Carnival Court slated to start this month. Lupo says Harrah's has explained once the project is finished her business will not be part of it. She has shut down and will be out by Monday.
Brandon Maddox has been working for Lupo for the past nine months. He is one of 11 other employees who may be without a job.
"Before I got this job, I had been looking for a job for about seven months. The chances of me getting another job like this one and having as much fun as I have had working here are slim to none," Maddox said.
Employees took one final ride Sunday night sharing hugs and tears.
In an email provided to 8 News NOW by Lupo Harrah's simply says her type of business is not what they want in their court once the construction project is complete. Lupo is looking at two new locations.
