Business Profile
Reinvents Itself…Again! Written by Liz Burnett Photos courtesy of Shannon Lynn Photography www.ShannonLynnPhotography.com
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f you haven’t been to Sproul Lanes in awhile, head on over for a very pleasant surprise: Delaware County’s largest bowling center has had renovations inside and out. This local favorite entertainment destination is now more entertaining than ever. The three Marple-area brothers who founded Sproul Lanes in 1961 would also be surprised, delighted and very proud of how their vision has made so much fun possible for so many. During the 1950s, Tom, Woody, and Dan Abbonizio had seen bowling become a very popular team sport and pastime in the US, especially in Pennsylvania. They owned multiple properties and multiple businesses, including a construction company, and were always looking to expand. So they combined their building know-how and business expertise with some land they owned, and built Sproul Lanes and its connected Grand Plaza Shopping Center on S. Sproul Road in Springfield. Sproul Lanes, still owned and now managed by the second-generation Abbonizio family, has outlasted other Marple Newtown area bowling centers because its owners have continuously reinvested in the business. “We’ve hired the right people, using a total team approach,” Steve Abbonizio said proudly. “As a part Owner and the Managing Director here, I represent the family’s interests and intentions for our center’s future. We make sure we put people in the right positions to run this business so our
(left to right) Sproul Lan es Managing Director Steve Abbonizio, Ass’t Mg r & Marketing Mgr Sheila Biddle, and General Manager Fre d Conaway
customers are satisfied. Our 58-year history has been possible because we’ve always done our best to change and modernize with the market, and accommodate our customers with what they want today.” What their customers have always wanted — and so Sproul Lanes makes it a top priority — is a clean, well-run full-service bowling center. League bowlers account for 60% of the center’s customers, so Sproul Lanes has a pro shop staffed by people who actually know what they’re doing.
Green’s Pro Shop at Sproul Lanes
Sproul Lanes provides hundreds of local folks an affordable way to experience competitive camaraderie and build friendships every week by joining one of their many leagues for men, women, men and women (mixed), and youth. Bowlers of all ages and all skill levels are sure to find an evening or daytime league they’ll enjoy. The makeover includes new synthetic lanes as well as upgraded ball returns and machinery behind the pins. Everything in this 36-lanes center has been modernized; bathrooms are updated; and major cosmetic improvements have been made throughout. The iconic bowling pin outside, a local landmark, has been Sproul Lanes 36 new synthetic lanes and Philadelphia murals 12 Marple Friends & Neighbors / Bringing People Together
