Sterling-based Propane Taxi makes grilling easy.
The two-year-old propane tank home delivery service offers residents the option to order a propane tank from the comfort of their homes.
Business owner Jason Sabloff got the idea to start Propane Taxi after listening to his sister-in-law complain about filling up her gas tank the day of a barbecue.
"She was eight months pregnant, two kids in tow, her husband was away. It was 100 degrees outside. She said, ‘Doesn’t anybody deliver these things?’" Sabloff said. "The light bulb went off."
PROPANE TAXI operates year round and serves Loudoun County, Montgomery County, Prince William County, Arlington, Alexandria and Washington, D.C., and is open seven days a week.
"It’s convenient. We will bring it right to you," Sabloff said. "If you factor in the high cost of gas and the value of your time — it’s a no brainer."
Customers have the option of ordering their tank, which sells for $19.99 online or by phone.
Sabloff recommended customers requests tanks a few days ahead of schedule, but they do offer same day and next day delivery for an additional fee.
There’s another aspect to Propane Taxi and that’s safety.
"There’s no need to drive ever again with flammable gas in your car," he said.
Sabloff’s trained technicians hook up propane tanks to avoid dangerous leaks.
"A lot of people are afraid of propane. They don’t want to deal with it," he said. "All they want to do is cook."
Sabloff’s technicians will perform a safety test, to check for leaks, for a $4.99 fee.
<1b>— Kim Centazzo