2026 January Issue

January 2026 // Vol. 36

JOE THE PRO

KEEPING THE

LANES ALIVE Fixing Machines and Teaching the Next Generation INSIGHTS YOU CAN BANK ON

Navigating Shifts in Modern Entertainment

SURVIVING IS NOT THE GOAL

Competing Smarter in a Crowded, Cautious Market

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Contents

January 2026 | Vol 36.1

Publisher’s Column

6

FRESH ENERGY, PROVEN WISDOM

BY STEPHANIE DAVIS

What’s the Buzz

8

INSIGHTS YOU CAN BANK ON

BY BRIAN DUKE

12

Feature

BOWLING, STRINGS, AND A LITTLE RENO MAGIC

BY STEPHANIE DAVIS

16

Success Story

SURVIVING IS NOT THE GOAL

BY BRUCE DAVIS

20

Marketing

BELONGING IS THE NEW ENTERTAINMENT

BY NATALIE FERNANDEZ

26

Success Story

THE IMPACT OF A FULL INVENTORY RESET

BY STEPHANIE DAVIS

28

Cover

KEEPING THE LANES ALIVE

12

BY RYAN VASKO

34

From the Archives

THE MACHINE THAT CHALLENGED TRADITION

30

BY MARK MILLER

38

Booze and Bites POP-UP MENU MAGIC

BY JACKIE FISHER

PUBLISHER & EDITOR

CONTRIBUTORS

Stephanie Davis

Stephanie Davis

stephanie@bowlingindustry.com

MARKETING MANAGER & SALES Natalie Davis-Fernandez

natalie@bowlingindustry.com

Brian Duke Natalie Fernandez Jackie Fisher

EDITORIAL

Patty Heath

Jackie Fisher

Mark Miller

fisher@bowlingindustry.com

Patty Heath

patty@bowlingindustry.com

OFFICE MANAGER Roxanne Damask

roxanne@bowlingindustry.com 4 IBI January 2026

Bruce Davis

Ryan Vasko

International Bowling Industry Magazine 1850 San Marco Rd // Marco Island, FL 34145 stephanie@bowlingindustry.com

www.BowlingIndustry.com // HOTLINE: 239.235.7864

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Publisher’s Column

FRESH ENERGY PROVEN WISDOM

YOUNG TALENT, INDUSTRY VETERANS, AND THE FUTURE THEY’RE BUILDING

By Stephanie Davis Not the Goal,” he lays out what operators can do to compete new year always feels like the right moment to effectively when consumers are watching their wallets: pause, reset, and take inspiration from the people evolve consistently, market with intention, and make every shaping the future of our industry, both the young square foot earn its keep. It’s a timely reminder that staying trailblazers embracing bowling in bold new ways and the still is the fastest way to fall behind. seasoned professionals who’ve weathered decades of

A

change and continue to push the industry forward.

KEEPING THE LANES ALIVE Our cover story introduces us to Joe the Pro, aka 20-yearold Joey Dayer of Cloverbank Bowling in Hamburg, New York. While most college students are juggling classes and campus life, Joey is elbow-deep in vintage AMF pinspotters, documenting every repair for his rapidly growing YouTube audience. Joe’s GoPro tutorials have connected mechanics, operators, and enthusiasts around the world, proving that when someone is willing to teach, there are plenty of people eager to learn. With curiosity, skill, and genuine love for the game, Joey represents the next generation of behind-the-scenes heroes breathing new life into a trade that needs it.

INSIGHTS YOU CAN BANK ON In this month’s "What’s the Buzz" column, Brian Duke sits down with industry veteran Jerry Merola of Amusement Entertainment Management. Jerry’s journey from banker to one of the most trusted advisors in the attractions world, offers a strategic look at where the industry is heading. His guidance is refreshingly practical: success now requires clear data, smart planning, and the flexibility to adapt as consumer expectations shift. In Jerry’s world, education isn’t just beneficial, it’s your most valuable currency.

Bruce Davis adds another layer with a candid look at today’s increasingly crowded and cautious market. In “Surviving Is 6 IBI January 2026

BOWLING, STRINGS, AND A LITTLE RENO MAGIC This month’s feature spotlights an event that quickly became a favorite among proprietors and league bowlers last year: the Jackpot Classic String Machine Championship. A perfect blend of competition and getaway energy, the 2026 tournament returns to the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno with singles, doubles, and team divisions, all competed entirely on string machines. With prize money, side action, and a laid-back social vibe, the event made a strong debut in ’25. It’s also a great opportunity for operators to involve their league bowlers; several proprietors who traveled with their teams last year said it was one of the best bonding experiences they’ve had.

Together, these stories highlight what makes our industry so special: the blend of youthful passion, seasoned expertise, and a shared dedication to keeping the lanes alive physically, creatively, and culturally.

Here’s to a year of progress, passion, and plenty of stories worth telling.

As always, we love hearing from you. If your center has news or a story to share, drop us a note, you might see it featured in an upcoming issue.

•

– Stephanie Davis, Publisher & Editor stephanie@bowlingindustry.com

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What’s the Buzz

INSIGHTS

You Can Bank On

Navigating the Shifts Driving Modern Entertainment

I

f you’ve spent time in this industry, you likely have a mental list of people whose insights you’d love to tap into. For me, Jerry Merola has always been on that list. Over the years, we’ve opened many new locations together and crossed paths at industry events. Every time, I’m reminded how clearly he sees the whole picture and how all the pieces fit together. Even better, he shares that knowledge freely with anyone willing to listen.

Merola, Managing Partner at Amusement Entertainment Management (AEM) and a founding member of Foundations Entertainment University (FEU), has spent Jerry Merola three decades building, studying, and guiding entertainment businesses across North America and South America. His firm has developed over 600 projects and guided numerous others through expansions, overhauls, and turnarounds.

A BANKER WALKS INTO A BOWLING CENTER I know, sounds like the setup for a joke. But before Merola became one of the industry’s go-to strategic minds, he worked as a commercial banker in New York, focusing on major development projects in manufacturing, aerospace, casinos, and recreation. He kept noticing that well-run leisure projects consistently outperformed everything else.

“That’s where it clicked,” he said. “This sector, if executed well, could outperform almost anything else.” That insight pulled him out of banking and into entertainment in 1995 when he co-founded AEM with industry icons Frank Seninsky and Joe Camarota. Their mission was to help developers and operators make smarter, data-backed decisions grounded in financial discipline and guest behavior.

Today, AEM’s reach spans bowling, skating, FECs, water parks, stadiums, casinos, and destination attractions. As 8 IBI January 2026

with Brian Duke

the market has become more complex, their role has sharpened. “Operating successfully takes metrics, targets, and accountability. Sustainability never happens by accident,” Merola said.

THE ROADMAP THE INDUSTRY DIDN’T HAVE By the early 2000s, entertainment concepts were booming, and so were the mistakes. You could buy a manual for opening a doughnut shop, but if you wanted to open an FEC or hybrid venue, you were basically guessing. “So five of us got together and said, ‘Enough,’” Merola explained. “The industry needed guardrails; real information, not guesswork.” And that’s how Foundations Entertainment University was born.

FEU’s two-day seminar brings together experts covering everything from market selection and financial modelling to design, staffing, pricing, attractions, and risk. It’s held three times a year: March, July, and October, with intentionally small class sizes to ensure real one-on-one guidance.

And the part everyone loves? The hands-on walkthrough.

“We bring people inside a working facility,” Merola said.

“They meet the owners, see the back-of-house, and understand how the business really works. You can’t replicate that in a classroom.” With more than 3,000 graduates, FEU has become the industry’s unofficial university.

IF YOU’RE STANDING STILL, YOU’RE ALREADY BEHIND Merola is very open about where things are heading. “The next decade will bring some of the biggest shifts we’ve ever seen,” he said. “Technology is driving everything, and consumer expectations are rising right along with it,” he said. “No matter where your center is located, guests walk in expecting the same level of experience they’d find in Los Angeles or Chicago.”

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What’s the Buzz That means: • S ustaining a bowling-only model is becoming increasingly challenging without additional revenue streams.

• G uests now expect high-quality food and beverages, thoughtfully designed spaces, and a range of entertainment options.

• O perators who cling to “the way we’ve always done it” will quickly find themselves losing ground.

However, the most significant shift since the COVID pandemic may be the rise of remote work. Millions of people now work from home. Companies are desperate for ways to build culture, connect their teams, train employees, and get people together. "We're one of the few industries built to host largescale events efficiently," Merola said.

“This is a societal shift,” Merola told me. “And it’s one of the greatest opportunities we’ve ever had. Group business is hands down the most profitable segment. It pays the bills before a single walk-in customer arrives.”

CHOOSING THE RIGHT ATTRACTIONS Adults want experiences that let them play, socialize, and compete together. Social competitive gaming hits that sweet spot with options such as projection-based gaming, axe throwing, e-shuffleboard, and multi-sport simulators. Bowling fits this perfectly. When guests rent a lane today, they’re often just as focused on the shared experience as they are on the score. “That’s why hybrid venues work,” he said. “People aren’t just bowling. They’re connecting.”

On the arcade side, Merola reminds operators that games are no longer plug-and-play investments. With prices climbing from $13,000 to $25,000 or more, every selection must be based on historical performance, not hype. He also stressed aligning the mix with your market—family, adult, corporate, or ideally a balance of all three.

PRICING: STOP APOLOGIZING If there's one topic that reliably sends operators into a spiral, it's pricing. Raise the price of a beer by 20 cents, and everybody is terrified that consumers will revolt. Merola laughs knowingly, "Yes, some people will complain. There will always be people who complain. But they keep coming back if the value is there."

COVID changed everything. Guests now pay double what they did pre-pandemic, not because operators are greedy, but because these experiences matter more to people’s quality of life. “Where you get into trouble,” he cautioned, “is raising prices without elevating the experience.” The rule is simple: Balance price with perceived value, always through the consumer’s eyes, not the owners.

Merola says that about one-third of AEM’s work focuses on 10 IBI January 2026

repositioning existing venues and repurposing underperforming parts of the facility. Real estate carries an opportunity cost, even when you own the building. “I can’t tell you how often we uncover dead zones that generate almost no revenue,” Merola said. “Every square foot has to deliver a return.”

THE FUTURE: A PERFECT STORM OF OPPORTUNITY Here’s where Merola's banking background really shines.

The leisure industry is projected to grow from $25 billion to $32 billion over the next seven years, just as construction costs begin to normalize, capital becomes more affordable, and an estimated 15,000 retail stores are expected to close in 2025. Those big-box stores are prime opportunities for entertainment operators.

“Entertainment and dining are what landlords need now,” Merola said. “These spaces are perfect for hybrid venues. We will not get an opportunity like this again in our lifetime.”

His guidance is blunt: Plan now. Build now. Expand now. The biggest winners always invest at the low points.

SO, WHERE DO YOU START? With education. Foundations University provides operators with clarity and a roadmap.“Once people come, they finally see the whole picture: the mistakes to avoid, the opportunities ahead, and the steps to get there," Merola said.

The next FEU session will be held March 16–17 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in conjunction with Amusement Expo International. For many attendees, Foundations is where everything “clicks.” More information can be found at www. foundationsuniversity.com or by calling 215-262-4409.

Merola is right. In a world full of uncertainties, the operators who will thrive are those who seek direction before making major decisions. And at the speed this industry is shifting, clarity is more than comfort; it’s currency.

•

Brian Duke is an industry consultant who helps companies boost sales, strengthen connections, and stay competitive in family entertainment. A veteran of the FEC and arcade world, he is known for his big personality, deep industry know-how, and ability to connect with just about anyone.

When he is working with IBI, Brian focuses on uncovering great stories, connecting with standout suppliers, and helping us shine a brighter light on the FEC side of the business, all while keeping things fun and real.

Contact Brian at brianduke2012@gmail.com.

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Feature

BOWLING, STRINGS,

AND A LITTLE

RENO MAGIC Competition, Camaraderie, and a Winter Getaway Await

W

hat happens when you mix great competition, a destination getaway, and a fresh spin on bowling technology? You get the Jackpot Classic String Machine Championship, a two-day event that’s quickly becoming one of the most talked-about tournaments in the industry.

Held at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada, the 2026 Jackpot Classic is already shaping up to be bigger and better than its debut in 2025. The event returns March 6–7, 2026, and promises plenty of what bowlers love most: good competition, good company, and a whole lot of side action.

The String Machine Championship is an exciting new branch of the long-running Jackpot Classic brand, which has hosted its original tournament in Las Vegas for nearly 30 years. The Reno version brings that same energy, adding a modern twist with competition entirely on string machines. “The Jackpot Classic was designed to be a fun, social event that highlights how exciting string machine competition can be,” said tournament Greg Olsen director Greg Olsen.

WHERE FUN MEETS COMPETITION

The 2026 event will once again take over the lanes at the Grand Sierra Resort, one of the country’s top bowling destinations.

12 IBI January 2026

By Stephanie Davis

The hotel, renowned for its spacious rooms and impressive amenities, provides bowlers with the perfect backdrop for a mini vacation. “The Grand Sierra really sets the tone,” Olsen said. “It’s one of the most spectacular hotel-bowling centers in the U.S., and they’ve been a fantastic partner.”

The event features divisions for singles, doubles, and fourperson teams. With a $300 entry fee per bowler ($1,200 per team), participants get nine games across two days, a hosted welcome reception, and an awards brunch. And yes, there’s plenty of prize money. Last year’s inaugural event paid out over $18,800 in prizes, plus another $12,000 through side brackets.

BOWLERS OF EVERY KIND

One reason the Jackpot Classic has gained popularity is its diverse mix of players. From scratch bowlers to casual league regulars, the 100% handicap format keeps things competitive and fun for everyone. “We had averages from 110 all the way up into the 200s,” Olsen explained. “That’s part of what makes it great. You might have a competitive bowler next to a couple just there to enjoy a weekend away. It’s a really exciting atmosphere.”

Many participants turn the tournament into a mini getaway, often traveling with friends or other couples from their home

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Feature centers. For some, the Jackpot tradition runs deep. Longtime participant Ronnie Mattson of Everett, Washington, has bowled in the original Jackpot Classic held in Las Vegas for more than a decade. When the new String Machine Championship launched in Reno in 2025, he brought that same enthusiasm to the new event and walked away the tournament champion.

“My father and I have been bowling the Jackpot Classic tournaments for more than a decade,” Mattson said. “We enjoy the competition, meeting new bowlers from across the country, and the prize money they award, along with the brackets, keeps us coming back. Last year, I shot a 300 and 826. We’re planning to bowl again in March. Such a fun event.”

STRINGS ATTACHED—AND THAT’S A GOOD THING

Of course, part of the event’s buzz comes from its format: the entire competition is held on string machines. For bowlers, it’s something new to experience. For proprietors, it’s a glimpse into where the sport may be headed. “String machines are here to stay,” Olsen said. “We wanted to give bowlers a chance to see for themselves what it’s like to compete on them.”

That message came through loud and clear last year. Along with Mattson’s perfect game, many bowlers were pleasantly surprised by how natural the experience felt. “It’s amazing how much curiosity there is,” Olsen added. “A lot of centers are making the switch, and this event gives bowlers a way to try it in a fun, competitive environment.”

The inaugural event in 2025 also drew some star power. Pros including E.J. Tackett, Stefanie Johnson, Clara Guerrero, Daria Pajak, Miranda Patterson, and Robert Smith joined the festivities, adding to the energy both on the lanes and off.

WHY PROPRIETORS ARE ALL IN

“The string tournament is a great opportunity for proprietors to connect with their customers in a totally different way,” Olsen said. “You get to travel together, cheer for each other, and share a fun experience that strengthens those relationships.” Last year, many proprietors brought teams made up of their regular league bowlers to the first event, turning it into a social and bonding experience beyond the day-to-day business of running a center.

Bob Hanson, partner at Tower Lanes in Tacoma, Washington, agrees. “We have 16 of our customers traveling with us to Reno,” Hanson said. “This is a wonderful way for my wife and me to enjoy a social setting away from our business with our customers, in a first-class resort, while competing on what I’m sure is the future of our sport.”

Chris Nash, president of the Washington State Bowling Proprietors’ Bob Hanson Association and partner at Zeppoz in Pullman, Washington, said his group had the same experience.

“All of us really enjoyed bowling on string machines,” he said.

14 IBI January 2026

Additionally, the trip came at the perfect time, offering a much-needed reset during the busy league season.

That mix of competition and connection is exactly what Olsen hoped to create. “It’s great for business, but it’s also just fun,” he said. “Owners get to talk with other operators from different parts of the country in a more relaxed setting than a trade show or conference.”

THE BIG PICTURE

Beyond the excitement, the Jackpot Classic helps showcase what’s possible with string machines. As more centers make the switch, events like this turn curiosity into confidence. “The foundation of the event is to highlight the scoring ability and enjoyment of competing on strings,” Olsen said. “But more than that, it’s about relationships: between centers, proprietors, and bowlers. Trips like this build loyalty and create lasting memories.”

It also gives centers something fresh to share back home. “When your team wins or shoots a great series on strings, that’s marketing gold,” Olsen added with a smile. “It gets people talking.”

JOIN THE FUN

“We want to fill all 50 team slots this year,” Olsen said. “As of now, half are already spoken for, so if you’re thinking about joining, don’t wait.” The championship is open to bowlers of all skill levels, with events for singles, doubles, and teams.

Discounted hotel rates are available while they last, starting at just $64 for March 5 and $139 for March 6–7, plus a $30 daily resort fee; still significantly lower than the resort’s regular rates.

For Olsen, the excitement comes from seeing new faces join each year. “It’s a chance to be part of something that’s both competitive and community-driven,” he said. “And it’s just plain fun.” Whether you’re chasing a 300, a trophy, or just a good time with friends, the Jackpot Classic might be the best bet you’ll make all year.

Interested centers or bowlers can learn more or reserve their spot by contacting Greg Olsen at 206.396.7468 or emailing greg. olsen@wsbpa.org. The new website makes it easy to register and stay updated: www.jackpotclassic.org.

2025 BY THE NUMBERS • 28 four-person teams from five states (WA, OR, CA, AZ, UT) • $18,865 in prize money awarded • $12,000+ in bracket winnings • 1 perfect 300 game and 826 scratch series • 6 pro bowlers in attendance • Awards cocktail party following competition

Marketing

LIMITED BUDGET

ENDLESS CHOICES

SURVIVING

IS NOT THE

GOAL

Competing Smarter in a Crowded, Cautious Market

I

f it feels like the ground has been shifting under your feet since COVID, well, you’re not imagining it. We’ve all lived through an economic whiplash that most business owners only read about in textbooks. First came the post-pandemic surge: people were stir-crazy, the government was pumping money into the economy, and any place with food, fun, or fresh air had a line out the door. At the same time, savvy investors jumped into the recreation world with both feet to claim their share of the boom.

Fast-forward to today: inflation is squeezing wallets, credit card debt and defaults are at all-time highs, and that “take my money, I just want to leave the house” energy has evaporated. People are pulling back.

Meanwhile, every brand-new or recently renovated venue that opened during the boom is now fully operational, polished, and competing for the same dollars you’re chasing.

In short? More competition than ever, and consumers are spending less. But this isn't a doom-and-gloom story. This is more like, "Welcome to the new normal, now let's figure out how to win in it."

THE COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE HAS COMPLETELY CHANGED

Bowling used to be the star of the show. You would work hard to keep your league bowlers happy, fill in the holes you had, and, in general, have a loyal customer base. If your leagues were solid, everything else fell into place. Your competition was the center down the road.

Not anymore. Now, in many locations, bowling has become the side attraction for bars, restaurants, hotels, breweries, barcades, you name it. Short lanes, duckpin, mini bowling; it’s everywhere. People can bowl in all kinds of places that didn’t even consider offering it ten years ago.

That means the exclusivity is gone.

That doesn’t mean bowling is doomed. It means you can’t sit still. If your experience looks the same today as it did five, ten, or twenty years ago, while the bar up the street just added duckpin lanes, neon 16 IBI January 2026

By Bruce Davis

lighting, and a craft cocktail menu, you’re not competing. You are surviving. And survival is not the goal.

ARE THESE NEW VENUES STEALING YOUR BOWLERS? YES AND NO

Here’s the upside: most of these new venues aren’t trying to be bowling centers. Bowling is an add-on; a supporting attraction, not the main event. That exposure actually helps the industry.

Think of it like golf. Par-3 courses don't kill traditional golf. They're the gateway—fun, simple, low-pressure. People try it, and some inevitably get curious about the "real" thing. Bowling works the same way.

Someone tries mini bowling at a brewery → loves it → wants the full 10-pin experience → ends up at your center.

That's a win. But let's be honest: some businesses will leak. Families, birthday parties, corporate events, and casual players are easy wins for multi-attraction venues. If you’re losing traction in those segments, it’s not personal. It’s math.

So how do you defend your turf and even grow it? Not with "one thing."

Not with one promotion or one renovation. Real solutions come from combining marketing, mindset, and innovative use of your physical space.

• Reimagine what your business can be.

• Market smarter, not louder.

• Maximize every square foot you’re paying for.

STOP TRYING TO WIN THE ENTIRE WORLD

During the post-COVID boom, marketing dollars worked overtime. You put out a message, and people showed up. Today you’re shouting into a much louder room. Your competition is bigger, flashier, and more aggressive. Guests are more selective. And they’re watching their wallets.

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Marketing You really have two choices.

• Weekly bar specials

Option 1: Spend more to chase brand-new customers. But with crowded advertising channels and shrinking discretionary spending, your ROI won’t look anything like it did three years ago.

• A Sunday-night DJ

Option 2: Focus on repeat visits from the customers who already like you. This is the most efficient, affordable, and reliable strategy you have. So, how do you get them back in the door?

MAKE ‘ASKING’ PART OF YOUR CULTURE

Here’s a simple example. I was visiting my daughter in Fort Lauderdale, and she and her friends suggested brunch at a trendy spot called Louie Bossi. When the check came, it wasn’t in the usual leather pouch. It was paperclipped to a postcard listing every weekly special, happy hour, brunch, and event they offered.

It wasn’t pushy, it was helpful.

And it worked.

Everyone at the table said the same thing: “We should come back for this.”

• Music bingo • Trivia • A themed “late-night lanes” offering • Glow events • Rotating food or cocktail features The goal is a steady rhythm of updates, promotions, and events, which gives guests a reason to return and gives you something to talk about in your marketing.

BOWLING KEEPS EVOLVING

Here’s the encouraging part: bowling is more relevant today than it has been in decades. It’s social, nostalgic, and accessible. Kids love it, adults love it; it crosses generations. But the era of “if you build it, they will come” is long gone. Consumers are savvier. Competition is everywhere. And what worked in 2015 won’t work in 2025.

So, keep evolving. Market smarter, consistently invite people back, keep things fresh, maximize your square footage, and elevate your experience instead of defending your turf. The venues adding bowling today aren’t doing it to replace you. They’re doing it because bowling is valuable. Your job is to make sure your version of bowling is the one guests come back to again and again.

REIMAGINE YOUR BUSINESS

This is where long-term success really happens. Most operators think in terms of lanes, attractions, and departments. Smart operators think in terms of square footage. What’s every square foot earning right now? And what could it earn with a small tweak?

You can take a page from that playbook.

• Your underused party room may become a weekday I’ve said this for years co-working space. on repeat, but it’s worth repeating because it’s one of • Your arcade may expand by six games, and revenue jumps those things that you might have 20%. stopped doing simply because it slipped through the cracks.

22-29_Marketing_Marketing 10/25/21 PMget Pagea22facelift and become a destination.

• Your bar10:16 may Bounce-back coupons work. And having one friendly, outgoing • Your lobby may become a concierge-style welcome zone person assigned to guest relations can make this come to life simply that instantly upgrades the guest experience. by making their entire job to walk the floor, talk to guests, and MARKETING let them know what's coming up next week, and not selling, but This is the same business logic that other venues use when they inviting. But don’t rely on your bartenders, waitstaff, or counter add bowling. They're not installing lanes for nostalgia. They're staff—they’re busy keeping the place running. installing them because bowling draws attention , drives traffic, anchors group events, increases dwell time, and raises the It's common for customers to leave a center saying, “That was fun, venue's perceived value. we should do that more often.” Your job is to make it incredibly easy for them to act on that thought.

If outside businesses see bowling as a premium revenue generator, the operators who’ve had it all along should be GIVE PEOPLE SOMETHING NEW leveraging it even more aggressively. Bowling shouldn’t just TO COME BACK FOR be what you are. It should be your anchor, your magnet, and If nothing in your center changes for six months and you don’t show your launchpad for the full experience. your guests anything new, you'll fade into the background noise of a very crowded market.

“New” doesn’t require a giant remodel or a massive investment. It can be: • A recreational, average-player-friendly tournament series • A refreshed happy hour 18 IBI January 2026

Bruce Davis is president of Bowling Business MARK ETING BAS ICS W ITH B RUCE DAVIS Builders International (BBBI) whose flagship program Kids Bowl Free has registered over LESSONS TO REMEMBER 35 million children for participating centers.

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Marketing

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I

n a world filled with social media and endless scrolling, people are realizing something's missing: actual human connection.

They don't just want things to do; they want people to do them with them. Add the rise of remote work, and it's no surprise that more adults are craving genuine in-person experiences. That shift is fueling a comeback for places that make coming together easy.

When my husband and I moved to Raleigh a few months ago, I was thrilled about all the new restaurants to try, events to attend, and outdoor activities to explore. What I didn't have was a group of friends to enjoy those things with, and working from home made it even harder to meet anyone. That's when I discovered Real Roots, an app that matches women based on age and interests and sets up an 8-week series of in-person meetups.

After taking a short personality quiz, I was placed into a 12-person group for weekly meetups that were low-pressure but had just enough structure to make showing up easy. My calendar was suddenly booked with coffee meetups, mini golf, arcade bars, brunch, trivia nights, wine tastings, and brewery hangouts. By week three, we'd gone from polite introductions to swapping recommendations and planning our own hangouts beyond the app.

20 IBI January 2026

By Natalie Davis-Fernandez

When the program ended, we didn't. These women became my friends, and my new city started to feel like home.

My sister was in a similar situation: a new city, a new job, remote graduate school, and she was looking for new friends, so she joined the app in her area. She had the same outcome as I did!

The process worked because it wasn't complicated: consistent gatherings, group settings that remove the awkwardness of one-onone meetups, and a gentle nudge to keep momentum from week to week. The Real Roots app made the introductions, but the real connection happened in person.

Apps like RealRoots are gaining momentum because they bridge the gap between digital discovery and in-person experiences.

Across every demographic, people are craving connection. A recent Harvard study found that 21% of adults regularly feel lonely, even while surrounded by digital "connections." The number climbs even higher among young adults—a generation that grew up online but increasingly works from home. That blend of digital life and physical isolation has created a powerful hunger for real-world belonging, something bowling and entertainment centers are perfectly equipped to provide.

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Through the RealRoots Partnership Program, centers can promote "Buy One, Get One Free" offers to the app's community of tens of thousands of women, completely free of charge. The appeal is simple: RealRoots encourages social experiences, so when one guest redeems an offer, another person tags along. That means recurring revenue and new customers who are introduced to your venue through a trusted network of loyal users.

The RealRoots program works best for experiences valued at $30 or more, such as bowling packages, attractions, or dining deals.

RealRoots suggests offering the best BOGO deal you can to drive immediate traffic, with the flexibility to adjust the promotion later if needed. Centers can also explore hosting RealRoots meet-andgreet or series events, which attract social, experience-seeking women looking for new places to gather. You can find out more at therealroots.com.

For centers in smaller towns or areas where Real Roots hasn't launched yet, the principle of hosting groups and bringing people together remains a viable approach. Every community has its own "connectors," they just might not have an app to organize them.

Look for the people already planning things: the yoga instructor who hosts monthly wine nights, the realtor who runs a newcomers' Facebook group, or the young professional who's always organizing trivia teams or charity events. These are your local influencers, real ones, not just the Instagram kind.

People tend to show up for gatherings that feel simple, social, and low-pressure. The most successful events usually hit a balance—an easy reason to come, a bit of built-in fun, and plenty of time to relax and talk. Nights that include shareable food like flatbreads or appetizer platters, casual games like trivia or music bingo, and a friendly "bring-a-friend" vibe tend to draw a crowd. It's that mix of light activity, good food, and conversation that keeps people lingering and coming back.

Younger generations are eager for authentic connection, but they often want someone else to make the first move. When your center becomes that place — the one that makes it easy to hang out — your customer base will grow naturally.

Whether it's through an app like Real Roots or a few local gogetters with a knack for bringing people together, the idea is the same: make connections easy. The magic isn't in the technology; it's in creating spaces where people feel welcome and comfortable enough to turn a night out into something more meaningful.

•

WHY CONNECTION SELLS

A growing body of research shows that loneliness isn't just an emotional state; it's shaping spending habits.

1. 5 2% of U.S. adults report feeling lonely at least some of the time, according to the U.S. Surgeon General's 2023 Advisory on Loneliness and Isolation.

2. A mong young adults (18–34), that number jumps to nearly 60%.

3. T he same report notes that social isolation has health effects comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day—a stat that's driving a national focus on social well-being.

WHERE PEOPLE FIND CONNECTION TODAY

When people are looking for something to do, and someone to do it with, they're turning to local, social-first experiences: 1. M eetup.com reports that over 2 million events are organized worldwide each year, with the "social" and "community" categories seeing the fastest growth.

2. E ventbrite's 2024 Social Connection Report found that 68% of Gen Z and millennials prefer experiences that let them "meet new people" rather than passive entertainment.

3. A partment and corporate community events are also on the rise: 74% of property managers now host resident socials at least monthly (National Apartment Association, 2024).

In short, connection has become a commodity. People want low-pressure ways to meet others—and they're actively seeking venues that make it easy to do so.

22 IBI January 2026

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“The UBA has been a tremendous asset to our center—bringing in new guests, increasing off-peak revenue, and growing our league base. Their events run smoothly, boost food and beverage sales, and generate amazing word-of-mouth buzz.”

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TRUSTED BY OPERATORS LIKE YOU “We love hosting UBA events. The bowler’s spending on food and beverage is significant, filling slots during slower times for us. Their tournament staff is easy to work with and is always a pleasure to host.”

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“The UBA bowlers come ready to bowl, eat and drink. Even though they are extremely competitive and have large prize funds, their philosophy is bowl and party, which equals excellent food and bar sales during UBA events. I highly recommend building a strong relationship with the UBA.” Kathy Kubinak, General Manager, Laurel Lanes, Maple Shade, New Jersey

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Success Story

The Impact of a

RESET I

How A Redemption Refresh Reenergized Staff and Revenue

By Stephanie Davis

f you’ve been in the entertainment business long enough, you know the arcade can be both a revenue engine and a royal pain to keep tuned.

Mike Marquez gets it. With 34 years in the industry, he’s seen every version of “the good, the bad, and the seriously dusty backroom shelves.”

Tip: Marquez recommends a full inventory once a month, ideally around the first of the month, so operators always know precisely what they have in stock.

When he joined All Star Bowling & Entertainment in 2025, he found five thriving centers facing a common issue: softer arcade revenue from economic pressure. Families’ discretionary dollars are tighter, inflation affects how often they go out, and even loyal guests are stretching their entertainment budgets. “A family of Mike Marquez four still wants to have fun, but they aren’t coming as often or spending what they used to in the arcade,” Marquez said.

Marquez was surprised by how the refresh experience impacted his staff. “It energized my team,” he said. “I’ve been preaching and teaching about the importance of inventory and merchandising but having an outside expert reinforce that really clicked for them.” Paula introduced new techniques and smarter ways to organize storage, faster inventory methods, and other practical strategies. Even with three decades of experience, Marquez picked up some new tricks. “You’re never done learning in this business,” he said.

So, All Star did what smart operators do. “We make data-driven decisions,” Marquez explained. “And the data told us we needed to rethink our redemption strategy from the ground up to drive more gameplay.” That meant hitting reset, literally, with a full merchandise and inventory refresh across three locations, partnering with Redemption Plus.

WHEN YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE, YOU CAN’T SELL IT

Marquez noticed that in some locations, redemption inventory hadn’t been completed properly because the team didn’t fully understand the process or its importance. SKUs had piled up, counts were off, and the data in their Intercard system didn’t match what was actually on the shelves.

“I talked to our Redemption Plus rep, Andrew, about needing help,” Marquez said. “He offered to send in Paula, their Redemption Plus program manager and toy librarian (yes, that’s really her title) to help us reset the space and manage it more effectively.” Paula spent a day and a half in each center, tightening SKUs, reorganizing stockrooms, auditing merchandise, and providing teams with clear processes to move forward. The payoff has been better data, cleaner displays, and a team that finally understands the ‘why’ behind every step.

BETTER DATA = BETTER DECISIONS

Before the reset, All Star’s redemption data was optimistic at best, and without consistent inventory, it was difficult to make informed buying decisions. “Now our data actually means something,” Marquez said. “We finally have a clean slate. Going forward, we’ll be able to make better decisions, and that’s huge.”

26 IBI January 2026

A MOTIVATED TEAM RUNS A STRONGER STORE

FROM FUNCTIONAL TO “WOW”

A few simple changes made an enormous difference: themed groupings, filling gaps, improving flow, and more intentional product placement made a dramatic difference. New planograms used both existing inventory and new recommended items. The result was redemption stores that behave like true revenue centers. “The transformation was incredible,” Marquez said. “Guests walk by now, and you can literally see them go, ‘Whoa!’ A well-merchandised area absolutely gets people to load more on their cards.”

MARQUEZ’S TIPS FOR OTHER OPERATORS:

Marquez’s advice for anyone running or considering building a redemption store: 1. Training is everything. Today’s centers operate multiple microbusinesses under one roof. Staff need real training, not just quick walk-throughs.

2. Build strong partnerships. Choose suppliers who can train, advise, and bring expertise to the table; they’ll always outperform vendors who just ship boxes.

3. Stay current Trends. change fast, and those who attend trade shows are the ones who adapt early.

A deep inventory reset may not be the flashiest project in your operation, but as All Star Bowling & Entertainment learned, it’s one of the most powerful. Clean data, energized staff, better merchandising, and guests who can’t resist the prize wall: that’s the kind of reset every arcade could benefit from.

•

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Cover Story

Keeping the

LANES ALIVE Fixing Machines and Teaching the Next Generation

Photos by Kevin Hong

By Ryan Vasko or as long as people have been bowling, someone has triangular formation. His curiosity led his father to arrange a visit By Stephanie to local Cloverbank Bowling, where Davis a hall-of-fame proprietor, Pete had to keep the pins standing, the balls rolling, and Cambio, gave the young boy a peek behind the curtain. the sweeps sweeping. For decades, that meant skilled mechanics crawling beneath and behind the lanes, armed From that day forward, Joey was hooked. Or, instead, pinned. with wrenches, patience, and a knack for keeping clattering He begged to go in the back again each time he visited. And machines alive. These days, sadly, those mechanics are more when he wasn’t at it there, he was on YouTube, watching complex and harder to find. But tucked over in western New grainy instructional footage on how pinspotters worked. “I York, near the shores of Lake Erie, one young man is making would go home and search it up and sit and watch videos sure their knowledge doesn't vanish with them. of the machines,” he said. “That’s how I got my first real knowledge of them. But once I started working on them Joey Dayer, a 20-year-old college student from Hamburg, New myself, that’s when I really learned everything.”

York, may be the youngest pinspotter specialist in America. He spends his evenings elbow-deep in decades-old AMF machinery Over the years, curiosity turned to mastery, and he’s since at Cloverbank Bowling, a GoPro camera strapped to his head, completely disassembled and rebuilt all 12 of Cloverbank’s recording all the while, helping maintain the same center where AMF 82-30 machines, replacing worn belts, aligning conveyors, he first fell in love with the mechanics of the game. Between classes at Buffalo State University, where he's studying to become pressure washing table assemblies, upgrading from the old Vertical Ball Lifts to Positive Ball Lifts (PBLs), and finea teacher, he preserves and repairs a dozen vintage pinspotters— tuning distributors to keep the system running like new. That machines that most of his peers wouldn't know how to turn on, kind of hands-on devotion also meant finding every extra let alone take apart, analyze, and rebuild. basement he could to stash the steel odds and ends and bits of machinery that came with the job. He jokes, “People say my “I think the youngest mechanic I work around is in his late mother’s a saint for letting me store these parts in her home.” forties,” Dayer said. “So, in a way, I’m just trying to start a new generation of this.”

F

AN UNLIKELY BEGINNING

Dayer’s fascination began, fittingly, with a gift from his father—a set of plastic pins and a toy bowling ball. As a kid, he’d line them up in a straight row, puzzled that real lanes reset pins in a 28 IBI January 2026

THE INFLUENCER MECHANIC

As his skills grew, so did his desire to share them. Dayer launched a YouTube channel, Joe the Pro, which has since become a hub for mechanics, enthusiasts, and bowling purists worldwide. Offering a unique perspective via his GoPro, Dayer gives

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Joe and Yvonne Bennett Corpus Christi’s long-dormant lanes stir back to life

viewers a gearhead's eye view at the inner workings of pinspotters, curtain assemblies, re-spot cells, and every nut and bolt in between. His detailed breakdowns of each component have drawn thousands of views and a dedicated niche following.

On Sunday nights, he hosts a livestream from his back-room workshop at Cloverbank. There, he fields questions from viewers, takes repair requests, and sometimes helps troubleshoot machines in real time. On one memorable night, a center owner from Australia tuned in after struggling to repair his vintage AMF setup. “He had the same old verticals we did, but a little different,” Joey said. “He didn’t understand a few things, and I helped him figure out what to look at.

He found a breakthrough right there during the stream.”

To Dayer, the channel isn’t just about showing off repairs. It’s about teaching. “I’m going to school to be a teacher,” he said. “I like helping people learn, and that’s kind of the way people are learning now.

Even how to change a car tire—people go to YouTube. So why not drag bowling into it, too?”

A RESTORER OF HISTORY

That mindset led him to one of his proudest projects: reviving the long-dormant lanes at Corpus Christi Church in Buffalo’s East Side.

Built in 1928 as part of a Polish-American athletic club, the 12-lane alley had been silent for more than a decade, its pinspotters and surfaces gathering dust.

Yvonne Bennett, a bowling historian and former executive director of the Bowling Centers Association of Wisconsin, stumbled upon the forgotten lanes during a 2024 visit. “I totally geeked on this place,” Bennett says. “It was so amazing. It was like stepping back into the 1940s or ‘50s.”

After posting a call for help online at various mechanic and bowling enthusiast pages and Facebook hubs, she got a reply within an hour—from Dayer. "When I opened his Facebook page, I saw this literal teenager and didn't think much of it," she admitted. "But then I checked his Joe the Pro channel and realized, oh man, this guy's legit."

Fitting work sessions in between his college classes, Dayer spent months repairing and tuning all 12 machines, replacing rusted parts and coaxing the old systems back to life. By winter, the lanes were again hosting holiday gatherings and community parties.

Bennett called it “a small miracle.” For her, Joey represents more than a gifted mechanic; he’s proof that the tradition of 30 IBI January 2026

maintaining classic pinspotters still has a future. “What’s going to happen when our generation retires?” she asks. “Who’s going to be the next generation of proprietors, mechanics, pro shop owners, and media people to replace us?

Joey’s passion shows there’s still hope.”

THE VANISHING TRADE

The craft Dayer practices is part art, part science, and it’s becoming increasingly rare. Many of the AMF and Brunswick pinspotters still in use date back to the 1950s and ‘60s. As centers look to reduce maintenance costs, some have switched to newer string pinspotters —simpler, cheaper systems that use cables rather than traditional mechanical arms and distributors.

“You walk into some of these places and you’re finding things duct-taped and tie-wrapped together,” Dayer says. “It’s ridiculous. You can only do so much to patch things up. You need funding and people who know what they’re doing to keep them alive.”

His goal, he says, is to teach centers that proper upkeep pays off: “If you do it right the first time, your machines will serve you a lot longer.”

PASSING IT ON

Even as he looks ahead to a career in education, Dayer plans to keep his mechanical work going on the side, both as a service and as a teaching tool. "If I were planning on only doing this temporarily," he joked, "I wouldn't have filled up two basements with bowling machine parts."

For him, Joe the Pro is more than a hobby channel—it’s an archive. Each tutorial, livestream, and walkthrough helps preserve knowledge that might otherwise disappear when the last generation of pinspotters mechanics retires.

Bennett believes that preservation is precisely what the sport needs. "Joey's podcast and videos are fabulous," she says. "His passion is evident, and I love that his story is nowhere near done."

As Dayer himself put it: “We’ve got to start somewhere.”

And somewhere, in a quiet workshop behind twelve humming lanes at Cloverbank Bowling, the next generation of bowling’s unsung mechanics has already gotten started.

•

Ryan Vasko is a writer based in Portland, OR, with 20 years of experience as a journalist, speechwriter, and marketer. Growing up in his family’s bowling center, Ryan spent significant time bowling with his dad and grandpa and working at the center. His dog is a good boy.

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IBI J anuary 2026 31

EXPANSIONS, OPENINGS, & NEW BEGINNINGS EVERYWHERE AND ANYWHERE, YOU WILL FIND ENTERTAINMENT VENUES AND BOWLING CENTERS CROPPING UP OR SPIFFING UP. FUN IS BIG BUSINESS.

ALABAMA

ARKANSAS

Field Day in Huntsville is a place where food, drinks, games, and social connections are the prime goals. Guests enjoy the competition of mini golf, interactive darts, axe throwing, and more. Now, Field Day has upped the ante. Six new duckpin lanes have been added to the mix, energized by Funk Nexus scoring.

Bowl New England is on the move again, this time heading straight into the heart of Northwest Arkansas.

President Tim Corley has confirmed that the company's next Spare Time Entertainment will open in Rogers, Arkansas, marking BNE’s 19th location and its fifth in the Midwest.

The new build is shaping up to be a full-throttle entertainment hub. Plans call for 21 lanes of string pin bowling, including 14 traditional lanes plus a seven-lane Elite Suite—along with a massive game room boasting up to 140 pieces, a redemption store, laser tag, escape rooms, karaoke, Corleone’s Pizzeria, and a full restaurant and sports bar. If all goes according to plan, doors open in early 2027.

COLORADO As of November, Thornton has a new, fun-filled attraction, Malibu Jack’s Indoor Theme Park, the first in the state. Founded in 2013 in Lexington, Kentucky, Malibu Jack’s prides itself on offering a clean, safe, and fun environment for people of all ages. Featured attractions are indoor karts, duckpin bowling, tropical miniature golf, laser tag, motion simulator rides, drop tower, spinning coaster, and for kids’ play, “bounce beach.”

BNE already operates across a dozen states, stretching from New England to the Carolinas, Alabama, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Nebraska, and Iowa. Corley says the Rogers market has been on their radar for years, and the team jumped when the right spot opened up: Pinnacle Hills Promenade, the retail epicenter of the region.

“We’re thrilled to grow our presence in the Midwest,” Corley said. “Rogers is a vibrant market and a natural fit for our brand.”

FLORIDA Fort Walton’s Goodwill location is transforming into The GAB Spot, featuring dining, drinks, and fun activities. Th new venue combines eight full-size bowling lanes, six duckpin lanes, five axe throwing lanes, 40+ arcade games, and a full-service restaurant and bar, plus locally sourced gelato.

Basically, GAB is one-stop entertainment for the whole family.

32 IBI January 2026

ILLINOIS

NEVADA

A new family hangout is settling in in Rockford. Cahoots Rockford is opening in the old Coca-Cola Bottling Company building. The new facility will feature duckpin bowling, mini golf, an arcade, hands-on creative classes, party spaces, and a full bar and restaurant.

Durango Casino and Resort in southwest Las Vegas is looking at spiffing up with refreshed family-friendly offerings. A new 152,000-squarefoot expansion will include 36 lanes of bowling, a luxury movie theater, and new restaurants.

Decatur was the home of Spare Time Lanes where the community enjoyed league bowling nights, first dates, and Friday night fun. It was lost for a time with its closing, but it is now back with the center’s renovation and rebranding as Victory Lanes. What’s new?

Bright new lighting, modern décor, and a refreshed kitchen serving up a new menu.

NORTH DAKOTA New Town has a new FEC called Thrill & Chill Zone. As its brand states, it offers attractions such as laser tag, a ropes course, mini golf, a climbing wall, golf simulators, and bowling, plus private theaters.

Community recreation was the driving focus for this new family fun business.

OHIO

Former Dayton staple, Marian Lanes, has been refurbished, reopened, and rebranded as Rollhouse Dayton. It has fewer bowling lanes but with a lot more in the way of dining, entertainment and gathering options. The 20 original lanes are in the front of the center with new furniture, new flooring and new scoring that allows traditional bowling and specialty games. In the back, there is an 8-lane and 5-lane suite for birthday parties and other events. The larger suite features a private bar, meeting area, projection for presentations, and a fireplace.

VIRGINIA 810 Entertainment has a new home in Sterling. There is a plethora of activities to keep the town happy and active: arcade games, bowling, axe throwing, sports simulators, mini golf, Krazy Darts, laser tag, and billiards tables. A full bar and food menu are available with seating, along with crazy shakes at Mean Mugs Milkshake Bar. IBI January 2026 33

From the Archives

MACHINE that Challenged Tradition

The

A Clever Fix for a Two-Game Market

B

owling has always walked the line between honoring tradition and experimenting with new ideas. Over the decades, manufacturers, proprietors, and even independent inventors have all taken swings at reimagining the game. Some innovations catch on instantly and spread worldwide, while others remain rare curiosities. However, even experiments that don’t become mainstream can leave a lasting impact.

customers after dark. Proprietors seeking to maximize the use of their lane beds and maintain revenue flow have struggled with this balancing act for years.

The convertible pinsetter emerged as a bold attempt to solve that puzzle. What if a single lane could offer both games, changing at the push of a button?

HOW IT WORKED

At its core, the concept was simple but ambitious.

Each lane featured two pin decks: one for ten pins, the other for five. When a guest paid for their game, the system triggered the appropriate deck to lower into place, all without the bowler noticing. The ball return was engineered to handle everything from a small, lightweight five-pin ball to a 16-pound ten-pin ball.

That’s the story of the convertible pinsetter, a clever solution that never quite reached mass adoption but still influenced industry conversations in meaningful ways.

THE CHALLENGE THAT SPARKED INNOVATION

In Canada, proprietors face a unique challenge not often seen in the U.S.: two distinct forms of bowling competing for the same lanes. Five-pin, created in Toronto in the early 1900s, dominates daytime play, while ten-pin — the global standard — tends to draw more players in the evenings. This creates a constant tension between the two formats, with five-pin thriving during the day as ten-pin lanes sit empty, and the balance flipping after dark when ten-pin gains momentum and five-pin struggles to attract bowlers.

For centers running only one format, this split can create a frustrating pattern. During the day, lanes set up for ten-pin often sit empty, while five-pin centers struggle to attract 34 IBI January 2026

By Mark Miller

As the inventor explained, “The customer would never know it. It all happens at the desk based on what the customer has paid for. Even the staff doesn’t know about it.

The computer handles it.” The result was a lane that could host a birthday party of five-pin bowlers in the afternoon and league ten-pin players that same evening, all without any physical reconfiguration by staff. Guests experienced the game they expected, while proprietors could double the earning potential of a single lane.

WHY IT MATTERED

Only a small number of centers, mostly in western Canada, ever adopted convertible pinsetters. The cost was steep, sometimes reaching as high as $30,000 per lane, and the

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From the Archives technology required specialized knowledge for installation and maintenance. For many proprietors, the investment didn't pencil out.

But for those who did take the plunge, the payoff was clear.

Centers expanded their reach to both five-pin and ten-pin audiences without breaking down walls or building new lanes.

In markets where attracting both customer groups was essential for survival, the system provided a competitive edge.

And even for those who didn’t install them, the idea sparked conversations about what was possible when operators thought outside the box.

ADOPTION ACROSS CANADA

Convertible pinsetters reached the market through a handful of distributors, including Vic Nikolic of Peterbauer Bowling Services in western Canada. Nikolic noted that they offered “the best of both worlds” and recalled the challenges of engineering the ball track to handle both formats. His last installation was at The Bowl in Olds, Alberta, five years ago. Earlier projects included 12 lanes at Lloyd Lanes in Lloydminster and another at Lucky Strike in Peace River.

Other early adopters included Ingersoll Lanes in Ontario, the private Glencoe Club and Calgary Winter Club in Calgary, and St. Albert Bowling Centre outside Edmonton. At the Calgary Winter Club, bowling manager Jim Channon praised the technology as “an amazing machine” that allowed the club to expand its facility and customer base “without breaking down any walls.”

RIPPLE EFFECTS ON THE INDUSTRY

The biggest impact of the convertible pinsetter wasn't the lanes it transformed but the industry debates it helped fuel.

Its development and adoption coincided with a growing push to address string pinsetters in sanctioned play.

Many of the centers that installed convertibles were also the ones asking governing bodies for clarity: if string pinsetters were going to play a larger role in the future of bowling, how should they be certified? Those questions have shaped broader conversations that continue to this day.

In this way, the convertible pinsetter played a quiet yet important role in nudging the industry toward embracing technology that differed from the old free-fall machines.

Even though the machines themselves weren't widely sold, 36 IBI January 2026

the mindset shift they encouraged had ripple effects far beyond a handful of Canadian lanes.

LESSONS FOR TODAY’S OPERATORS

So, what can today's proprietors learn from an innovation that didn't gain mainstream adoption? A few things stand out: • Necessity drives creativity. The convertible pinsetter was born out of a clear need: maximizing lane use in a market split between two formats.

• Not every idea needs to scale to be valuable. Even if only a dozen centers ever used the machines, the concept challenged assumptions and paved the way for broader industry discussions.

• Flexibility is key. Whether it’s a convertible pinsetter, boutique lanes, or adding non-bowling attractions, the lesson is the same: centers that can adapt to multiple audiences often stand out from competitors.

The goal was never to dictate how people should bowl, but to provide customers with the experience they were looking for. Different types of bowling remained a beloved pastime, but as lifestyles changed, this innovation adapted to those shifts.

LOOKING AHEAD

The convertible pinsetter may never have become a standard piece of bowling equipment, but its influence remains.

It reminded proprietors and manufacturers alike that modernization can come in many forms, and that innovation sometimes means rethinking the very foundation of the game.

The next "convertible" idea may not involve pinsetters at all.

It could stem from advances in technology, such as AI, which is already beginning to reshape how businesses operate and how guests experience entertainment. For bowling centers, this might mean exploring more innovative ways to run dayto-day operations, introducing new layers of interactivity for guests, or even redefining what a night out at the lanes looks like.

What matters most is the spirit behind it: operators and inventors willing to ask, “What if we could do things differently?” That willingness to experiment has always pushed the industry forward, and it will continue to spark the next wave of ideas that keep bowling fresh and relevant.

Whether an idea becomes universal, it can still spark the conversations that move the industry forward.

Mark Miller is a freelance writer, editor, and public relations specialist from Flower Mound, TX. He’s the author of "Bowling: America's Greatest Indoor Pastime," available at Amazon.com or directly from him at markmywordstexas@gmail.com.

Your Bowling Center’s Secret Weapon for Growth PROVEN SYSTEMS TO INCREASE FOOT TRAFFIC, BOOKINGS & REVENUE

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Booze and Bites

POP-UP

Menu Magic

Boost Checks With Limited-Time Specials

By Jackie Fisher

We’re rolling out of the Thanksgiving–New Year stretch which is arguably the biggest “eat, drink, and be merry” window of the year — and guests are already primed for more. People love pairing seasons, holidays, and special events with specific foods and drinks.

The trick now is keeping that momentum going in the months ahead and turning it into real revenue at your center.

to spend on experiences, especially ones that feel special, social, or seasonal. That’s your cue.

If you’ve got a snack bar or a full restaurant, the next few months are prime time. Seasonal specials give you a built-in hook for promotions, a reason for people to visit now, and content that practically markets itself. Treat your menu like a series of limitedtime pop-ups, and you’re not only feeding guests, you’re more likely to draw them back in.

• Shareable plates designed for two

WHY LIMITED-TIME MENUS WORK (A.K.A. THE FOMO EFFECT)

Limited-time menus tap straight into human psychology.

People hate missing out, and a ticking clock turns a casual idea (“maybe we’ll go bowling”) into action (“let’s go try that Valentine’s drink before it’s gone”).

A major industry study found that 91% of diners are more likely to visit if they see a new or seasonal special. That’s a staggering number and a clear signal that guests respond when things feel fresh, fun, and temporary.

Seasonal items also do double duty in marketing: • They give you easy social-media visuals • They make email blasts worth opening

Valentine’s is the perfect moment to roll out: • “Singles & Pals Night” promotions for groups of friends • Mini Friendsgiving-style gatherings for small groups • Vibrant mocktails and cocktails • Instagram-friendly desserts people can’t resist photographing

MARCH: ST. PATRICK’S DAY AND MARCH MADNESS TAKE OVER March delivers two built-in promotional powerhouses: St. Patrick’s Day and March Madness. Both bring groups.

Both involve drinks. And both make for great social content. St. Patrick’s Day doesn’t require a full Irish pub transformation. Even small touches like green drizzles, festive sprinkles, and clever naming give guests something worth talking about. Shamrock-themed apps, green beers or mocktails, and a “bowl & brew” combo can keep guests lingering longer.

• They elevate your in-center ambiance

Then comes March Madness, the perfect excuse for platters, shareables, cold brews, and watch-party energy.

• They add personality and playfulness to your brand

PROMOTE EARLY, PROMOTE OFTEN

And yes, they help checks climb. Guests are far more willing to splurge on themed drinks, limited-time desserts, and shareable apps, which are often your highest-margin items.

VALENTINE’S DAY: ROMANCE, REVENUE, AND GROUP VIBES

Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples anymore; it’s become a full-on social season. According to the National Retail Federation’s 2024 consumer survey, Valentine’s spending remained one of the highest of any retail holiday. Even more telling, about 35% of consumers said they would celebrate with an evening out. And here’s the encouraging part for operators: even when budgets tighten, people continue 38 IBI January 2026

Teasers, behind-the-scenes videos, countdowns, and staff tastetests all build anticipation. People love the “making of” almost as much as the item itself. Encourage guests to snap photos, tag your center, or jump into small contests. Example: “Post your green drink selfie for a chance to win!” It’s free marketing with built-in reach.

Limited-time specials make your center feel fresh, current, and alive. They give regulars a reason to return and new guests a reason to choose you over the dozen other entertainment options out there. You don’t need an executive chef, but you do need to plan ahead, add in a little color, and have a willingness to have some fun with your menu.

PREFERRED VENDOR LIST Apparel

EXPERT HOSIERY Customer Service

919.799.7707

www.funtimefootwear.com support@experthosiery.com

Expert Hosiery is a premiere supplier of high-quality socks to bowling centers and FECs. We pride ourselves in lifetime relationships. Socks variety includes white bowling socks, glow socks, theme socks, and custom logo socks. Our customers are our best testimonials! For orders, call, email or order online 24/7.

LAYMON HUGHES HOSIERY Sharon Hughes

256.845.1034

www.laymonhugheshosiery.com laymonhughes@bellsouth.net

Being a BPAA preferred vendor we are proud to say we are an American family owed manufacturer of quality USA made socks. We are proud to offer many styles of bowling and skating socks to family entertainment centers around the USA and overseas as well. We do not have any minimum orders. Every size center can customize their order each time. We also do custom orders for your center or for special events throughout the year.

Arcade Distributor

AVS COMPANIES Sales Department

847.439.9400

www.avscompanies.com sales@avscompanies.com

Providing best-in-class arcade and vending equipment with decades of unparalleled service. AVS Companies is the trusted choice for world-class amusement solutions.

BETSON ENTERPRISES Sales Department

800.524.2343

www.betson.com/bowling Sales@betson.com

Betson Enterprises is the leading worldwide distributor of arcade equipment, parts, and service. A family-owned business offering revenue-generating solutions to its clients since 1934, Betson offers concept-to-completion solutions that maximize the profitability of our clients’ investments.

PLAYER ONE AMUSEMENT GROUP Sales Department

416.251.2122

www.p1-ag.com GetAnswers@genda-americas.com

At Player One Amusement Group, we specialize in the sourcing and distribution of quality amusement and vending equipment for both commercial and retail customers. We provide end-to-end Total Solutions, from the design and planning of the space, to equipment selection, to best practices for merchandise and redemption counters. Each business is unique so P1AG customizes the appropriate services to meet your business needs.

IBI January 2026 39

PREFERRED VENDOR LIST Automatic Scoring

NEW CENTER CONSULTING Glenn Hartshorn

248.375.2751

www.newcenterconsulting.com ghartsho@yahoo.com

Touch Score – A truly revolutionary scoring upgrade for legacy systems.

STELTRONIC SCORING Sales Department

800.942.5939

www.steltronicscoring.com Info@steltronicscoring.com

The world’s leading independent automatic scoring manufacturer since 1980.

Capital Equipment/Supplies

BRUNSWICK BOWLING PRODUCTS Michael Postema

231.343.2043

www.brunswickbowling.com Info@brunswickbowling.com

The leader in the bowling industry for over 130 years, Brunswick Bowling provides products, services, and industry expertise for new and existing bowling centers.

QUBICAAMF Sales Department 804.569.1000

www.qubicaamf.com info@qubicaamf.com

QubicaAMF is the world’s largest manufacturer of bowling and mini bowling products. With our innovative products, we will help our customers fully unleash that potential to extend the bowling population, to reach the younger generations, to increase their spending, frequency of visits—and your revenue.

Cashless Technology

INTERCARD Sales Department 800.732.3770

www.intercardinc.com Sales@intercardinc.com

Intercard introduced cashless technology to the amusement industry and has been leading the way for 30+ years. Award winning cashless systems from Intercard increase customer spending and satisfaction and boost revenues by up to 30% at entertainment centers worldwide.

40 IBI January 2026

PREFERRED VENDOR LIST Food/Beverage PURSE PEGS Joe Peplinski

www.pursepegsllc.com info@pursepegsllc.com

970.376.3349

Bowling alleys can install Purse Pegs to their dining tables to provide guests a clean, secure place to hang their valuables while they bowl and dine. This small addition improves comfort, keeps walkways clear, and prevents belongings from getting dirty or damaged on the floor. Purse Pegs enhance the customer experience, making your venue more inviting and accommodating. It’s a simple upgrade that shows attention to detail and encourages repeat business through thoughtful, practical design.

SLOW & LOW Jon Holecz

www.drinkslowandlow.com jholecz@cooperspirits.com

203.671.1496

Slow & Low is an award-winning lineup of ready-to-serve Old-Fashioneds, crafted for speed, consistency, and serious barquality. Ranging from 80 to 100 proof, it’s the ultimate plug-and-pour solution for high-volume accounts looking to serve premium cocktails without slowing down.

Insurance BOWLING CENTER INSURANCE Bob Langley

864.527.1145

www.bowlingcenterinsurance.com robert.langley@bbrown.com

Helping You Is What We Do Best!

With 30 years of experience and over 300 centers nationwide, we’ve mastered the art of insuring entertainment venues from bowling centers and movie theaters to axe throwing, roller skating, go-karts, mini golf, and more. Comprehensive policies include property, general liability, liquor liability, wind/hail protection, and Workers’ Compensation. As part of the sixth-largest (Independent Insurance) Broker in the U.S., we offer competitive quotes tailored to your needs. Contact us today and let’s get your coverage started!

TILTON, THOMAS & MORGAN INSURANCE PROFESSIONALS W. Tyler Compton

866.233.0266

www.ttminsurance.com tcompton@ttminsurance.com

Tilton, Thomas & Morgan Insurance Professionals has been insuring bowling and family entertainment centers for over 40 years. We support state and national organizations, including many state bowling associations and the BPAA. Through our years of experience and working with hundreds of proprietors across the country, we have developed a specialized program to ensure our clients have the correct coverages at a competitive price. We love insuring FUN, so call us today to see how we can help you!

WESTERN BOWLING PROPRIETORS INSURANCE Cameron Linder

800.200.9998

www.wbpiprogram.com contact@wbpiprogram.com

WBPI is the largest bowling center insurance program in the nation with more than 35 years of experience and 400 insured centers. Exclusively endorsed by eight state bowling proprietors associations, our staff of insurance partners and professional bowlers provide staff training, insurance education, advocacy, and business advice. No one fights harder for you! Contact us today for a competitive insurance quote!

Lighting/Sound DECIBEL STUDIOS Ravi Shankar Guy O’Hazza

310-693-5210 ext. 1 310-717-1603

www.decibel-studios.com ravi@decibel-studios.com guy@decibel-studios.com

Decibel Studios is an innovative global technology solutions company that designs, engineer, installs, and maintains custom controlled audio, video, lighting, show control and special effects systems, including augmented and virtual reality, 3D and 4D interactive theaters, for various entertainment, corporate, hospitality, retail and institutional groups.

DFX SOUND VISION Mike Bovino

800.555.5280

www.dfxsoundvision.com info@dfxsoundvision.com

Your FEC specialists creating extraordinary experiences by providing dynamic audio, video, lighting and automation services, and integration that elevate communication and give your entertainment center that WOW factor.

IBI January 2026 41

PREFERRED VENDOR LIST Marketing BBBI/KIDS BOWL FREE Andy Vasko

877.841.4590

www.kidsbowlfree.com Andy.Vasko@kidsbowlfree.com

At BBBI our goal is to create new customers and profits for bowling centers through our time tested Kids Bowl Free Summer Bowing Program and our new League Development System featuring Fun Bowling Leagues for all ages.

BOWLING LEADS Zach Boulanger

844.468.4144

www.bowlingleads.com Zach@bowlingleads.com

We help bowling centers find new leads and turn them into raving repeat customers with our automated marketing system.

EBOWL.BIZ & BOWLRX.COM Carey Tosello

541.549.0999

www.eBowl.biz Carey@eBowl.biz

Digital marketing for bowling: BowlRx websites, Facebook for bowling, and more.

Online Reservations

ALLEYTRAK Chris Behling

815.519.9843

www.alleytrak.com Chris@alleytrak.com

AlleyTrak is the complete lane reservation and management system designed specifically for bowling alleys. Manage your recurring events, leagues, parties, packages, along with many other features AlleyTrak has to offer. Save time by allowing guests to make reservations online 24/7.

Party Supplies and Novelty Products PARTY DIRECT Nancy Dye

317.694.8413

www.partydirect.com nancy@partydirect.com

Elevate your party experience with Party Direct! From exquisite place settings to captivating decorations, delightful party favors, and premium tableware, we’ve got you covered. With our wide range of high-quality products, competitive prices, and hassle-free shopping, Party Direct is your ultimate destination for all your party supply needs. Create memorable celebrations effortlessly. Party Direct is your one stop source for all the party supplies you need to increase guest satisfaction and profitability!

SIERRA PRODUCTS Shelly Berry

800.900.7695

www.noveltybowlingstuff.com sales@noveltybowlingstuff.com

Sierra Products is your exclusive source for bowling parties, including party favors, supplies and novelties. Bowling birthday party supplies include bowling pin sipper bottles, mini bowling pin candy containers, bowling coin banks, bowling party cups, napkins, novelty souvenir cups and much more. Most of our items can be personalized with your company’s logo, phone, website, etc.

42 IBI January 2026

PREFERRED VENDOR LIST Redemption Supplies A&A GLOBAL Sales Department 800.638.6000 ext. 306

www.aaglobal.com gclothier@aaglobal.com

A&A Global has been delivering fun since 1938, helping businesses turn joy into revenue. With reliable, strategic support and a full range of toys, candy, novelties, and custom programs, we design the right mix to drive traffic, build loyalty, and create real results.

BMI MERCHANDISE Sales Department

800.272.6375

www.bmimerchandise.com Sales@bmimerchandise.com

At BMI Merchandise, we’re in the business of fun! And we take it pretty seriously!

For over 30 years, we have been the recognized leader in the amusement industry, providing the world’s top venues and brands with unique redemption products and services. The company has evolved into an industry pioneer and technologyforward company focused on improving efficiencies for family entertainment centers. BMI has proven itself to be a true partner with our hands-on commitment to distribute and merchandise a constantly changing mix of redemption products, the best brands and hottest licenses all while creating items integrated with the most advanced technology.

In addition to supplying innovative redemption merchandise, we also supply innovative technological solutions. Our proprietary AMRS™ system provides a 360°, streamlined solution to enhance productivity and maximize profits. It encompasses the design, planning, installation and fulfillment of redemption merchandise.

SURESHOT REDEMPTION Corporate Sales

888.887.8738

www.sureshot-redemption.com Sales@sureshot-redemption.com

Sureshot is your ultimate destination for retail merchandise and redemption prizes. We feature a comprehensive assortment across all major categories, coupled with exceptional customer service, competitive pricing, and premium quality products. Discover our ongoing additions of unique items year-round. We also offer custom logo programs, automatic merchandise replenishment, assortment planning, and planogramming services. Trust Sureshot Redemption to consistently meet your needs with precision and reliability, especially with our Free Freight program. Call or email us for details!

REDEMPTION PLUS Michael Nowak

888.564.7587

www.redemptionplus.com Smile@redemptionplus.com

Redemption Plus is your go-to partner for all things redemption! From designing and merchandising exciting redemption centers to offering expertly crafted training resources and a broad selection of trend-worthy prizes, we’ve got you covered.

With a fresh approach and top-tier service, we simplify your operations so you can focus on wowing your customers with unforgettable experiences!

RHODE ISLAND NOVELTY Hutch Costello

401.996.9489

www.rinovelty.com HCostello@rinovelty.com

Rhode Island Novelty has been in business since 1986 and is the leading Prize provider for the Redemption industry, offering the best case pricing, product selection, and performance. We keep it simple so you can focus on keeping your guests happy. With unmatched variety and value, partnering with us means saving time, reducing costs, and providing prizes that keep guests coming back again.

Training

TRAINERTAINMENT Beth Standlee

817.886.4840

www.Trainertainment.net Beth@trainertainment.net

Fun Training – Serious Results.

IBI January 2026 43

Classifieds EDUCATION & TRAINING PRO SHOP TRAINING. Classes always forming. Jayhawk Bowling Supply (800) 255-6436 or jayhawkbowling.com.

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE NEW & USED Pro Shop Equipment. Jayhawk Bowling Supply.

(800) 255-6436 or jayhawkbowling.com.

215 N. Harris St, Tulia, Tx 79088 Call (806) 995-4018 Fax (806) 425-3771

AMF and some BRUNSWICK PC board repair/exchange.

6 month warranty, fast turnaround. Call or write: WB8YJF Service 5586 Babbitt Road, New Albany, Ohio 43054 Toll Free: 888-902-BOWL (2695) Ph./Fax: (614) 855-3022 (Jon) E-mail: wb8yjf@sbcglobal.net

44 IBI January 2026

SERVICES AVAILABLE Drill Bit Sharpening and Measure Ball Repair. J ayhawk Bowling Supply. ( 800) 255-6436 or jayhawkbowling.com

Call (239) 821-2534 or E-mail your ad to:

Natalie@bowlingindustry.com

Classifieds

Get Featured in IBI Magazine!

If You’ve Got a Story That Other Centers Could Learn From, We Want To Hear It! Your wins—big or small—can spark someone else’s next breakthrough, and we’re looking to feature operators who are making things happen.

Tell us about…

• A promotion that packed the place (and kept guests coming back) • A tournament or fundraiser that put your center on the map • A hiring strategy that clicked • A management move that strengthened your team • Something that makes your center—or your staff—truly stand out • How you’re maximizing arcade revenue or elevating food and beverage

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E H T G N I L E FU

FUTURE OF

BOWLING

ESS)

(AND YOUR BUSIN

Storm and Kids Bowl Free have joined forces on a multi-year mission to attract more youth to the sport of bowling — through leagues, competitions, and real game-time excitement.

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