2023 August Issue

August 2023 // Vol. 31

A Bowler’s

Country Club

Everyone’s An MVP At A Reopened Indiana Center

AVOIDING TRAGEDY

Simple, Effective Ways To Prevent A Fire

GOING HOME

A Proprietor’s Return To His Roots

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Contents 6

August 2023 | Vol 31.8

Publisher’s Column

UPGRADING TO MEET DEMAND

BY STEPHANIE DAVIS

10

Redemption

KEEPING YOUR REDEMPTION BUSINESS HOT

BY CORRIE PELC

12

Guest Contributor

THE SECRET TO FINDING BIG IDEAS

BY DARIN SPINDLER

16

Booze and Bites BRINGING THE HEAT

Add some spice to your menu

BY MIKE FERNANDEZ

18

18

Cover

A BOWLER’S COUNTRY CLUB

Everyone’s an MVP at a reopened center in Indiana

BY ROBERT SAX

20

Insurance

AVOIDING A TRAGEDY

Simple, effective ways to prevent a fire

BY CAMERON LINDER

22

Smaller Footprint Solutions CREATING A SPACE THAT INSPIRES

BY CORRIE PELC

28

Design

GOING HOME

A proprietor’s return to his roots

BY DANIEL ELLMAN

30

20

Perspective

LOOKING BACK 25 YEARS

BY MIKE MONROE

34

Feature

FILLING A PRIME TIME GAP

BY MARK MILLER

PUBLISHER & EDITOR

Stephanie Davis

stephanie@bowlingindustry.com

MARKETING MANAGER & SALES Natalie Davis-Fernandez

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

www.BowlingIndustry.com

natalie@bowlingindustry.com

NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Mike Fernandez

mike@bowlingindustry.com

EDITORIAL

MEMBER AND/OR SUPPORTER OF:

Jackie Fisher

fisher@bowlingindustry.com

Patty Heath

patty@bowlingindustry.com

OFFICE MANAGER Roxanne Damask

roxanne@bowlingindustry.com 4 IBI August 2023

CONTRIBUTORS Stephanie Davis Daniel Ellman Mike Fernandez Patty Heath Cameron Linder Mark Miller Mike Monroe Corrie Pelc Robert Sax

T H E A M A Z I N G LY S I M P L E WAY T O O F F E R B O W L I N G

In more than

500

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On over

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In over

Chosen by the

countries

largest bowling chains in the world

33

9

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Publisher’s Column

UPGRADING TO MEET DEMAND

T

he wave of remodeling and upgrades continues its strong roll through the industry. Whether facilities are adding multiple attractions, or upgrading in a more traditional style, operators are reinvesting in their centers. The demand from consumers who are seeking entertainment and organized recreation continues to fuel this growing fire.

This month’s cover story by Robert Sax shares positive news about the demand for league bowling and traditional bowling opportunities. A gamble on a traditional remodel of an old center has paid off, with a focus on creating a country club of sorts for bowlers. The demand for bowling is strong in this Indiana community, surpassing the expectations of the new owners.

On the flip side, another center is having a complete conversion from a traditional bowl to a multiple-attraction FEC, filling a void in the marketplace in Toledo, OH. Longtime proprietor Michael Ducat returns not just to his hometown, but to his family’s former center to lead this massive remodeling project. Writer Daniel Ellman begins a design series showcasing the changes underway of the former 64lane house that will rebrand as a top-notch entertainment venue in this Midwest town.

at TSA precheck, and even told me where I could grab a hot coffee on the way to my gate. The cost? $49. My happiness level? Through the roof! It was the best $49 I ever spent. It got me thinking, what can we all offer our customers that will solve a problem for them, boost their happiness, and add a few dollars to the bottom line of our businesses? As I casually walked to my gate sipping a cappuccino, I was grateful for the upgrade opportunity. What can you do to upgrade your guests’ experience? I’m confident many others like me would be willing to swipe, tap, or dole out extra cash for a problem solved. Just some food for thought.

Be sure to head over to www.bowlingindustry.com for IBI’s exclusive online-only content. Operators have long taken advantage of slow times to focus on matters that are sometimes overlooked during busier months of the year. Mike Tipton from Redemption Plus offers five tips to improve training at your facility. August is an excellent time to get your staff recharged and ready to face the busy fall season. Another online feature is from our friends at Kegel who offer valuable information about lane machines in this month’s webinar. Top advice from the experts you’ll want to tune into.

•

A PROBLEM SOLVED!

Recently, I was on an early morning flight and when I arrived at the airport, the line to drop off luggage was out the door and around the sidewalk to the next terminal.

Knowing I would likely miss my flight, I reached out to an airline representative to find out my options. I was offered a concierge service that would walk me through the process, including security within minutes. I quickly agreed and almost on demand a gentleman showed up, took my bag, charged my credit card, walked me past the long line waiting 6 IBI August 2023

– Stephanie Davis, Publisher & Editor

stephanie@bowlingindustry.com

PS: Don’t forget to sign up for the $30,000 giveaway.

Register each month for your chance to win at www.bowlingindustry.com

Take a sneak peek at our training platform.

Free to all WBPI insured centers!

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Tips To Improve Training During Slower Months

BY MIKE TIPTON FROM REDEMPTION PLUS Early fall tends to be a slower time for bowling and family entertainment centers. That part of the year should be when operators take the time to improve their training strategies before the foot traffic increases again. Mike Tipton from Redemption Plus gives five tips that can improve training in your facility!

Understanding Your Lane Machine – Secrets to Consistency

BY GUS FALGIEN AND DOUG DUKES FROM KEGEL Lane machines are an essential but complicated piece of equipment at bowling centers.

Gus Falgien and Doug Dukes from Kegel explain everything you need to know about your lane machines! Their webinar covers patterns, machine maintenance, and the importance of adjustments.

Ways FECs Can Use Technology to Improve Operational Efficiency

Reporting Incidents at Your FEC

BY TRAINERTAINMENT

Incidents are unavoidable when running an FEC. The key to handling incidents at your establishment is making sure all your employees are trained to handle the situation properly. Read some FAQs from Safe Park USA about how your employees should be trained to handle all types of incidents at your center.

Technology is becoming increasingly advanced in the FEC industry. Guests expect the most up-to-date technology when they enter an establishment, and if your center doesn’t provide that, it might lower the guest experience.

TrainerTainment explains five ways you can use technology to improve the overall operational efficiency at your FEC.

8 IBI August 2023

BY SAFE PARK USA

DUCKPIN SOCIAL! BURSTING WITH PERSONALITY AND A PROVEN REVENUE-GENERATING AMENITY.

Guests of all ages will enjoy the engaging, entertaining social interaction of Duckpin Social, the attentiongetting amenity that delivers all the advantages of bowling in far less space. Duckpin Social drives food and beverage sales, keeps guests on the property longer, encourages repeat visits, and builds guest loyalty. · VISIT US AT BRUNSWICKBOWLING.COM/DUCKPIN-SOCIAL ·

©2023 Brunswick Bowling Products, LLC. Form #0623-03

Success With...

KEEPING YOUR REDEMPTION BUSINESS HOT

By Corrie Pelc

T

here’s no denying the fact that offering redemption prizes in an arcade can be a significant money-making opportunity for a bowling center or FEC. Whether prizes are won in a claw game, a crane game, or picked out at a redemption counter, having sought-after prizes can ensure guests spend more time and money for the item they want.

Feleesha Corduck, bowling games manager for Ten Pin Fun Center in Turlock, CA, knows this first-hand by offering their guests a mix of licensed, unique, and popular prizes targeted at their specific customer demographic. Along the way, Corduck has learned some tricks of the trade that makes operating a redemption store easier and more profitable for the center.

Know Your Guests

When it comes to having a sought-after redemption area with prizes that entice guests, Corduck says it comes down to keeping in touch with who is coming through your door. “Whether it’s families, little kids, or adults, you can have your prizes accommodate all of them,” she continues. “You don’t want little kiddie prizes if you have mainly adults in your area. You want a little mix of both, and you want to monitor your crowd.”

A Good Redemption Partner Makes Life Easier Corduck has learned the art of balancing the right merchandise with planning. Keeping track of merchandise and managing a redemption operation can be a time-heavy task. Finding a partner that makes the process easier and more streamlined is a critical part of managing a store.

Corduck says the center has worked with Redemption Plus since the center opened in 2019 and finds they help them stay on top of what’s new and trending.

Licensed Prizes for All Ages

Corduck says their guests enjoy the center’s large selection of licensed prizes such as Nerf, Squishmallow, Hasbro, and Barbie.

“We always have to have Nerf guns in — those go super quick,” she details. “Squishmallows are popular, and then Disney and Barbies for all the little girls.”

Corduck notes that many of those licensed products appeal to adult guests just as much as they do to kids. “Adults love all the Disney stuff and Squishmallows,” she continues. “People collect those things. They come here for the big prizes, the big toys, and the licensed products.”

10 IBI August 2023

Unique and Specialty Prizes are Hot

In addition to licensed products, Corduck says they have also been successful with Redemption Plus’s unique and specialty items, such as the Belly Buddy Babies, a plush toy featuring both an adult and a baby, and reversible plush toys that can be turned inside-out to show a completely different animal. Corduck says the Belly Buddy Babies are in their giant crane game while the reversible plush toys are located at the redemption counter. “The reversible ones are super popular because they get two different options of plushes at once,” she adds.

Know What’s Trending

To stay competitive with other arcades in their area, Corduck says they try to stay ahead of what is trending to offer exciting prizes no one else has. For example, when there’s a family- or child-friendly movie coming out, they offer related, specialized prizes. “If there’s a Marvel or a Disney movie, we have them in stock,” she adds. Relying on redemption professionals for guidance not only ensures quality products, but ones that are attractive to customers.

How Sweet It Is!

Kids of all ages love candy which is another popular prize at Ten Pins’s redemption counter. Popular brands like Skittles, Airheads, and Nerds always move quickly, but the center offers guests less expensive options as well. Redemption Plus has a wide selection of sweet treats, including generic candies for a lesser price point which is passed on to guests for a lower ticket price.

The right merchandise in a redemption store is a magnet for guests. While games and other attractions draw customers to the building, a good mix of trending prizes keeps them there longer and encourages return visits.

Partnering with redemption professionals will make any operation run more smoothly, earn more profit, and cause fewer headaches for management.

Now that sounds like a big WIN!

•

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Guest Contributor

THE SECRET TO FINDING

BIG IDEAS OUTSIDE

I

’m passionate about business and push myself to improve.

Continuing education and attending events is certainly part of that. If you’ve sat through any seminars, webinars, or listened to podcasts, you’ve probably heard that thinking outside the box will help you gain a big business breakthrough.

• ENTERTAINMENT EXPERIENCE EVOLUTION: An event that I was invited to from someone that specializes in connecting emerging family entertainment, retail concepts, and restaurants with great real estate locations.

Thinking outside the box is very different than doing it.

Creativity can be elusive. But it is something that can be developed and will pay big dividends. Building a system for creative thinking on a regular basis will help you put a lot of ideas in your Big Idea Stew to dish up a substantial winner at some point in the future.

• TAYLOR SWIFT ERA’S TOUR: I gifted this to my daughter for Christmas, and we went to Las Vegas for the show.

It was amazing! I don’t have enough room here for all the takeaways, but one that hit me was to integrate LED bracelets into glow bowling experiences. They added so much energy to the show; they would add great energy to a glow bowling experience and a possible upsell for corporate events and parties.

In the bowling industry there are some obvious learning opportunities, like Bowl Expo, the Summit, and state or local shows. If you’re attending these gatherings, that’s great! If not, you should! Talking to fellow proprietors about what’s working for their operation is an enormous benefit.

FIND INSPIRATION!

If you want to take your creativity, and your business, to the next level, then consider events like IAAPA, other FEC-focused conferences, the big restaurant show in Chicago, bar expos, Amusement Expo, etc. You’ll discover what other successful operators and investors are doing in very similar types of businesses. The biggest ideas and breakthroughs come from looking at events outside of our industry. As an example, recently I attended several events that added to my Big Idea Stew: 12 IBI August 2023

• BAR & RESTAURANT EXPO: This show happened to be in Las Vegas following the Taylor Swift concert. We attended, looking for ideas to bring to bowling clients and for booth ideas for Bowl Expo. We walked out of this show with a few new ideas to create a fun theme that tied into our big objective. Mission accomplished!

• SPRING BREAK ON NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE: A VIP area of the ship called The Haven has a private dining room, bar, pool, and sun deck. The Haven cruisers get priority boarding and disembarkation at every port along with luggage delivery at the end of the trip. To those of us who value time, saving a few hours at the end of a vacation is worth every penny.

Guest Contributor

TopGolf took ideas from many types of things to create their experience. It’s a driving range mixed with glow or cosmic bowling. They added great food and beverage to the formula to generate the revenues necessary to make this concept work financially.

PuttShack is a mini-golf, indoor concept created by the TopGolf founders. It’s a much smaller footprint, so it can be built faster and put into high traffic retail and entertainment concepts. It’s a mix of mini-golf, TopGolf, cosmic bowling, and elements of pinball.

LEARN FROM OTHERS

Many remember the Kids Bowl Free bus tour from years ago.

The idea seemed to come together quickly, but part of it was marinating for years. We were searching for ways to get media attention for months, not days or minutes. We discussed a lot of ideas; then I suggested a bus tour based on an idea I had seen years ago successfully executed by another entrepreneur.

We quickly got to work putting together a nationwide bus tour that landed us on tv almost every day for seven weeks. We got national exposure on Fox & Friends, The Today Show, Good Morning America, and many more. That bus tour happened 12 years ago, and bowling centers still talk about it today. We took a working model, added a few of our own elements, and deployed the idea in under 10 weeks!

While at the bar, I noticed a couple of things. First, front and center, there was a bottle of Louis XIII in a glass case on the bar with an opportunity to buy a half ounce for $125 up to $500 for 2 ounces. Lots of people on the boat were celebrating birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries, so I bet they sold a few! Another takeaway was the nightly packed auditorium with a live game show like The Newlywed Game and The Not-So-Newlywed Game; both could be easily adapted to a bowling center.

One big takeaway from Las Vegas and the cruise was that a classic, old-school offering might be perfect as a new revenue stream in your center. For example: a piano bar. Piano bars are not new; however, they still generate amazing traffic and revenue.

The next time you’re out exploring a city or at an event, look around. Take in all the details; look for small ideas that you can bring back to your facility; take photos and write notes.

You never know when you’re going to find an idea that resonates. The key is to gather lots of ideas, even things that might not relate to anything you’re doing right now. If you find it interesting, take a note, snag a photo.

YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN YOUR RESEARCH WILL PAY OFF

Some of my research marinates for years in my phone.

Then, one day I’ll be working on a project and remember something that might tie into a current project.

14 IBI August 2023

I’d love to hear some of the ways that you get outside of your box to grow your business. Send me your favorite shows to attend, vacation places, or other sources of inspiration. Email them to me at darin@darinspindler.com.

•

Darin has been in the bowling business his entire life.

He grew up in a small town of about 300 people where his parents built an 8-lane bowling alley in 1977, one year before he was born. He grew up doing all the jobs at the center. After moving to Green Bay and working at a large center, he found his passion in marketing. He met Bruce Davis and together they formed the team that created Kids Bowl Free®. Over the past 10 years, he has helped create over 10 million new customers for his clients and his own businesses.

Booze and Bites

Bringing the

HEAT:

Add Some Spice to Your Menu

By Mike Fernandez

C

apsaicin (kap-say-sn) is the active component of chili peppers that gives your palette a spicy response. As you can imagine, plants create it as a poison to ward off certain animals.

The origins of early hot sauce date back to around 7000 BC when Aztecs would combine chili peppers with water and use it for everything from cooking to warfare to medicine.

THE FIERY FACTS:

There’s no doubting the popularity of spicy food, but let’s take a look at the blazing hot numbers. An Instacart survey of over 2,000 U.S. adults found that 74% of Americans eat hot sauce with their food, and over 45% said they typically dash hot sauce on their food once a week or more. Keep in mind, those diners are likely already ordering spicy foods that don’t need any more kick.

Today, a whopping 95% of global consumers enjoy hot and spicy food at a heat level of mild or above.

So how can the love of the heat keep growing?

Fans just go hotter! 60% of consumers note they are eating spicier foods than just a year ago, and 47% upped the heat in 2019.

In many countries, food being spicy is less of an option and more of a cultural necessity. That doesn’t mean every dish is drenched in bright red hot sauce, just that they include spicier seasonings in their recipes. Common seasonings are fresh cayenne, turmeric, crushed red pepper, chili powder, 16 IBI August 2023

smoked paprika, cumin, and curry. If a dish is lacking heat, it’s missing out on an entire dimension of flavor!

BLAZING HEALTH BENEFITS

https://www.hellahealth.com/blog/wellness/spicy-foodshealth-benefits/ Not only are spicy foods dangerously delicious, they’re also critical to leading a healthier lifestyle. There’s no need to dive into a pool of Sriracha, but adding some heat to your diet with fresh ingredients can provide a multitude of health benefits.

Research suggests that capsaicin (hot peppers) can help with weight loss and improve cardiovascular health. Digesting capsaicin increases your body heat, increasing metabolism up to 5%, which in turn increases fat burning by 16%.

Booze and Bites Turmeric, the signature yellow spice of Indian dishes and curries, has shown incredible results in a myriad of studies. The main active component of turmeric is curcumin, which studies show can help prevent cancer and decrease inflammation in the body.

Engaging in more spicy options might not completely solve existing health issues, but the benefits to your body over a lifetime shouldn’t be ignored!

WHAT’S YOUR SECRET SAUCE?

Does your center have a spicy secret sauce? All the big guys are doin’ it! KFC, McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, In-N-Out, and Shake Shack; in fact, there are very few chains that don’t offer one.

A spicy special sauce unique to your center is affordable, defines your uniqueness from competitors, and can easily be made in bulk batches.

Try making your own hot sauce! The ingredients are simple, though it is a journey of trial and error. All you need is a food processor, some different chili peppers, vinegar, and any herbs/seasonings like garlic. Run it through cheesecloth after to get all the seeds out.

Many people love the flavors that hot sauce brings in, even if they have trouble taking the heat. The popularity of many

BOOZE

secret sauces involves finding that balance. Bases like mayo and ranch bring down the heat while preserving almost all the flavor. Adding a little honey or sugar is important as well.

Datassential states that siracha aioli has grown as a signature sauce by 250% in just four years.

If you’re struggling with a name for a mayo-based spicy sauce, the current trend is to call it aioli. ‘Please Spare Me! Jalapeno Aioli’ sounds much more intriguing to guests than plain old ‘Hot Mayo.’ Charging $0.50 a cup could result in big numbers over a year, so remember to market your new creation!

THE HOT BAR

BLOODY MARIA: A spicy twist on the classic Bloody Mary combines tomato juice, two brands of hot sauce, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, celery salt, and black pepper. It gains an additional kick from a hefty dose of horseradish. To top it off, use tried-and-true Bloody Mary garnishes and double up the jalapeno!

MICHELADA: The Michelada is the godfather of savory beer cocktails. And, like the Bloody Mary, it will help your hangover, but in a gentler way. It’s simple to make: take your favorite lager and add salt, lime juice, and hot sauce; additional spices are optional, but more flavor will make it even more popular.

SPICY MARGARITA: It’s the perfect sweet, spicy, and sour beverage that is complex on the palate and refreshing to drink!

Blanco tequila is poured with equal shots of orange liqueur and agave syrup for sweetness, fresh lime juice provides some balance, and lastly the jalapeño peppers for added heat. A few pepper slices get tossed into the mixing tins, and you’ve got the hot new drink in town!

Mike Fernandez is a freelance contributor on all things regarding food, booze, and fun. Growing up in his family’s restaurant business fueled his passion for good eats and tasty treats. By day Mike works in business development for IBI, by night he scours south Florida for the latest trends in food, drinks, and recreation.

IBI August 2023 17

Cover Story

A BOWLER’S

COUNTRY CLUB

By Robert Sax

A Fort Wayne center reopens and extends a warm welcome to local bowlers

W

ayne Recreation and Cosmic Bowling in Fort Wayne, IN, had seen better days. After sitting unused for six years, the once-popular 32-lane bowling center had deteriorated to what seemed a teardown. That’s when Mark Johnston heard from a friend who had bought the property at a bankruptcy court sale and asked if he wanted to return to the bowling business.

Mark Johnston

Johnston wasn’t interested initially; he was enjoying his recent retirement from the Wes Malott construction business. But he had worked in bowling when he was younger and knew the business. He contacted A.J. Brunner, another veteran operator in Fort Wayne, with whom he had previously partnered to refurbish and sell another local center, Thunder Bowl #1.

The two investigated the site and felt it had potential. “All the bowling equipment was there. The project just kept moving forward and looked like a great opportunity,” says Johnston.

A further inducement was the arrival in Fort Wayne of PBA Hall of Famer Wes Malott, who was looking for a place to open a pro shop.

18 IBI August 2023

Cover Story

Johnston and Brunner envisioned a “bowler’s country club” that would respect the long bowling tradition of Fort Wayne and serve the many local bowlers displaced by the closure of Wayne Recreation. The partners undertook an extensive remodel, adding new plumbing and air conditioning, a sports bar, a restaurant, and an outdoor patio. They took out an in-house pool hall and created a 1,200-square-foot pro shop that is now Wes Malott’s Bowler’s Den, a full-service facility that draws bowlers from all over the region.

They installed new synthetics, a scoring system, and other capital equipment from US Bowling on the lanes. The original Brunswick A2 pinsetters needed some TLC but were soon in good order. In August 2021, they reopened under a new name, MVP Lanes, and bowlers surged through the doors.

“We had people come in here that had quit bowling,” says Brunner. “They started bowling again because we opened this up. This is where they come and hang out, even when they’re not bowling.”

In 2022, there were three summer leagues, and they currently have six-day leagues in the busy season. Brunner says that’s unheard of anymore in the bowling industry. “It’s pretty unbelievable. We far surpassed our expectations for the first year,” he says. “This year, we have very few openings for teams whatsoever on any night. We had to turn some people away.”

There are leagues from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on a typical day, followed by three hours of open bowling and then leagues until closing time. “Most days, we’re open 15 hours a day. We’re constantly open,” Brunner says. In addition to regular competition, league bowlers can participate in plenty of contests and promotions, from 50/50 raffles to strike pots with $1,000 prizes.

MVP has hosted several tournaments, including regional qualifiers for the Teen Masters, local and state tournaments, and several collegiate events. Youth leagues and some high school teams get support through sponsorships and discounted lane rentals.

High customer satisfaction generates excellent word-of-mouth publicity for MVP. “You can’t have enough ambassadors for your business,” says Johnston. “Our customers have helped us succeed because they are willing to [tell others] how they enjoy being here.”

Heavy social media and web marketing also help attract new customers and remind existing ones to return. “You have to keep all these things up to date,” says Brunner, who posts 25% of the content himself and uses an outside agency for the rest. MVP also buys local TV ad time on FOX Sports’ PBA coverage, which they say keeps them top of mind with local bowlers.

The bet on a center “by bowlers, for bowlers” paid off for the owners, who believe not everyone wants a center with multiple attractions and fancy design. “We just deliver a quality bowling product,” says Johnston. “You’re not walking into a place that’s dark and dingy. It smells good. The product we bring to every bowler, you don’t find that stuff from many places. Here, you know what you’re getting every time you walk in.”

Brunner says customers regularly thank him for returning a genuine bowler’s place to town. “I don’t think bowling is dead. There’s such a big demand for bowling that’s not a family entertainment center,” he says. “Everybody keeps pushing that, but not everybody wants to go where all the kids are running around.”

Youngsters from bowling families need not worry, however. MVP loves to do birthday parties and has a small arcade as well. It’s all part of the amenities at the bowler’s country club.

•

Robert Sax is a writer and PR consultant in Los Angeles. He grew up in Toronto, Canada, the home of five-pin bowling.

IBI August 2023 19

Insurance

Simple, Effective Ways to PREVENT A FIRE at Your Center

By Cameron Linder

O

ver the last six months, I’ve seen more fires at bowling centers than in the last two years. Some fires destroyed wonderful centers while others caused significant damage, shutting down operations for months.

In my experience, most of the total losses will not result in a rebuilt center, but in a lawsuit against the insurance carrier. I should state that none of these fires in the last six months have been customers of mine so I’m not speaking with any kind of inside knowledge—just from experience and watching what happens when an agent who doesn’t know bowling gets burnt.

Since you don’t buy insurance for the privilege of filing a lawsuit after a large claim, let’s focus on three things that most often cause fires inside bowling centers. If you could add just a few tasks to your list of routine maintenance and inspections, then a bowling center fire would truly be a rare thing to read about.

The most frequent cause of fire inside a bowling center is the spontaneous combustion of greasy rags. Sounds unbelievable but trust me! Greasy rags stacked up inside of a small room that doesn’t get much air movement routinely ignite in a chemical fire. So, what to do?

• Purchase fire-rated containers with self-closing lids for all areas where grease rags are used and stored. Typically, that means the kitchen supply area, janitor’s closets, laundry room, and the mechanic’s area.

• Check these areas two to three times a week to make sure staff are properly disposing of and storing greasy rags.

• Consider using an outside cleaning company to remove and launder all rags.

The second most frequent cause is electrical, typically in the roof. How do you prevent an electrical fire?

• Remove old wiring from your attic and place all good wiring in conduit. There should be no drop cords used in your attic! If you have a dome-style wooden truss roof this is absolutely mandatory! If a fire starts in your truss system, it’s a guaranteed total loss as the fire department will not go inside—they’ll dump water Illinois bowl completely on top until the walls cave in.

destroyed in 3 alarm fire

California bowl damaged by accidental dryer fire 20 IBI August 2023

• If you have Fire destroys Iowa small town’s Federal only remaining bowling alley Pacific Electric Texas town’s fire takes 3 “Stab-Lok” breakers, shifts of fire fighters to then you have a fire put out bowling alley blaze waiting to happen.

These breakers Missouri bowling alley are responsible for severely damaged by fire 4,600 fires a year in both homes and businesses. While there are other breaker brands that are of concern (e.g., Zinsco, Push-matic), Stab-Lok breakers with the red tab are the worst. I know what you’re thinking…but remember, they won’t be a problem until the place is on fire!

The third cause is the one you’d most expect: a kitchen fire.

So, what can you do?

• Ensure you are using a professional, contracted hood cleaning service that cleans the hoods at least twice a year.

If you do a lot of food service, then bump it up to quarterly.

• Train your staff on what to do if there’s a grease fire. Here’s a hint, DON’T USE WATER! Make sure they know what the silver, Class-K fire extinguisher is for, where it’s located, and what to do with it.

• Install a splash guard between your griddle or grill and your deep fryers OR ensure there’s at least 18 inches between them. Grease splashing onto the cooktop can ignite a fire and a $23 piece of metal can save you from a $100,000 claim.

And a fourth cause? Arson. Just don’t do arson! Please!

And someone will say, “But I have great insurance, we buy from you!” Well, gosh, thank you! But never forget that while insurance may replace the center after a fire, it won’t replace the customers who will bowl elsewhere in the meantime.

For more helpful advice like this, check out a preview of the WBPI Training Center.

•

Cameron Linder is CEO of Western Bowling Proprietors Insurance (WBPI)

IT PAYS TO BE A READER AND ADVERTISER OF IBI...

INTERNATIONAL BOWLING INDUSTRY MAGAZINE IS GIVING AWAY $30,000 TO BOWLING OPERATORS & Writing Checks to Our Advertisers!

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Each month, operators enter the contest at www.BowlingIndustry.com for their chance to win in that month’s drawing. Once the winner decides on a purchase from an IBI qualified advertiser, IBI will send a check to cover that portion of their purchase.

A winner will be selected on the last day of each month. Once the winner is notified, IBI will give them a list of qualifying vendors to choose from.

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Success With Smaller Footprint Solutions

CREATING A SPACE THAT INSPIRES

SociBowl Has All Its Ducks in a Row with Brunswick’s Duckpin Social By Corrie Pelc

W

hat do you get when three friends share a passion for craft beer and community? In the case of Joel Kamp, Chad Doane, and Michael Brower, you get a craft beer brewing company. The Three Amigos, as they like to refer to themselves, founded Pigeon Hill Brewing Company in Muskegon, MI, in 2014. The brewing company solidified its place in the Muskegon community and has enjoyed almost a decade of success. When The Three Amigos wanted to expand into the family entertainment sector, they dreamed up Socibowl, a place that expressed their values of community, inclusion, Mid-Century design, and fun experiences.

As the team searched for Socibowl’s location, a facility that was once a traditional bowling center came up for sale, but the building had been repurposed over the years, and reintroducing traditional bowling lanes wasn’t possible.

Brower, a co-founder and chief brand officer of Pigeon Hill Brewing Company, still wanted bowling to be part of the mix at Socibowl. He looked at other options to accommodate his space. Ultimately, they decided to install six lanes of Brunswick’s Duckpin Social which requires a much smaller footprint than a traditional bowling lane and could accommodate his space. “We thought Duckpin Social was the perfect way to utilize the space for bowling with the actual constraints that we were under,” Brower adds.

Complimentary Focal Point

Since opening Socibowl in December 2022, Brower says Duckpin Social has helped bring in guests from a larger geographic area due to its novelty, yet it still draws on the continuing popularity of traditional bowling. “It provides a nice focal point for a facility that’s centered around the idea of social fun and social entertainment with people interacting throughout the facility,” he says.

“You have the main attraction with Duckpin Social, but then you also have groups that come in and perhaps don’t feel like bowling; we have something to offer them,” he explains. “You may also have groups that come in and they’re either waiting to bowl or they’re done bowling, but they’re not ready to go home yet. And so having complementary offerings helps keep them in the facility longer.”

Tapping Into a New Demographic

After opening Socibowl, Brower says they were pleasantly surprised with the very diverse demographics, including ages and income, that Duckpin Social brought them. “It’s brought out people that we’ve never really seen in our facilities before, which is phenomenal,” he details. At Socibowl, anyone over the age of five can play Duckpin Social, and Brower says all ages enjoy it. “You’ll see grandparents bring in their grandchildren; you’ll see folks in their mid-20s coming out for a social hour; you’ll see couples in their 50s coming out for a date night,” he continues.

Less Space, Less Maintenance Required

In addition to being a smaller lane than traditional bowling, 22 IBI August 2023

Duckpin Social only uses one ball size for all guests and requires no shoe rental, which Brower said worked well for their limited space at Socibowl.

“We just have the one size ball and they’re all stored right in the ball returns,” he adds.

Duckpin Social requires less maintenance than traditional bowling lanes. “We don’t have to have an expert in bowling maintenance on staff,” he explained. “Almost everything that needs to be done is handled by our team.”

Getting in Sync

Duckpin Social utilizes Brunswick’s Sync scoring and management system, which Brower says is very easy for both staff and guests to operate. “It just makes for a seamless experience, especially for the consumer,” he says. “The guests certainly seem to enjoy the ease of getting into it, the ability to use the kiosk to get on the lane, and the ability to reserve lanes online.”

Interactive Guest Experiences Beyond Socibowl

Through the Sync Scoring Tablet, Brower says guests can choose from a variety of Duckpin Social games to play. And guests can also use the tablet to look back at the games they’ve played, upload photos, and have their scores emailed directly to them.

“That makes for a more interactive experience for consumers, which they seem to enjoy,” he adds.

•

Socibowl is where inspiration meets memories. The Three Amigos designed the environment to be a place that felt cool and hip yet inclusive. From Duckpin Social to craft beer, Socibowl has captured the hearts of Muskegon.

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Shorts

ODDS & ENDS

Conference USA Adds Bowling

Conference USA is an intercollegiate athletic conference localized in the Southern U.S. Presently, it is focused on baseball, football, and men’s basketball, participating in NCAA’s Division 1. The organization announced that bowling will be added to its sport portfolio for the 2023-2024 season. The college programs to be included will be: Arkansas State, Jacksonville State, Louisiana Tech, Sam Houston, Stephen F. Austin, Tulane, Valparaiso, Vanderbilt, and Youngstown State.

NORTHERN NEIGHBOR

VIRTUAL REALITY IS ESTABLISHING ITSELF IN CANADA USBC Rewards Visa Signature Credit Card is Here

The USBC has announced a relationship with Commerce Bank, providing members an opportunity for a USBC Rewards Visa Signature® Credit Card. The card features Cash Back for various services. “We’re glad to work with Commerce Bank to offer this credit card featuring such unique benefits,” said USBC President Melissa McDaniel. “We think 5% Cash Back from bowling center purchases will make this an appealing card for bowlers to consider.”

Information about the USBC Rewards Visa Signature® Credit Card can be found at commercebank.com/usbc.

Bowlero Corp Acquires Lucky Strike

Bowlero Corp announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of Lucky Strike Entertainment, LLC. Lucky Strike is an upscale company with 14 locations across nine states. It was the first to coin “Boutique” centers. Tom Shannon, founder and CEO of Bowlero Corp, said, “Lucky Strike is a premier experiential entertainment brand, and we could not be more excited to add its world-class portfolio to ours.

26 IBI August 2023

Kelowna, British Columbia, is advancing gaming at a modern arcade called Virtual Rcade. Here, old school arcadestyle gaming meets the future through the use of modern VR technology and motion simulators. The 3,500-squarefoot facility has 32 different simulators with tons of different games to choose from. The arcade comes with six different gaming categories, including racing, sports, flight, adventure, theme park, and cinema. The owners say it is great for the kids, but it also offers quite the romantic night out for adults.

Most people don’t have the time or the money to fly over Egypt or the Great Wall in China or sit in a hot-air balloon and soar away. Virtual Rcade is dedicated to giving visuals and “physical” rides for pure enjoyment.

CANADIAN FILMMAKER PICKED BY NETFLIX ImagineNative Institute, in conjunction with Netflix, offers a screenwriting program for Indigenous filmmakers in Canada.

Darcy Waite was given the green light on his screenplay, Lucky Strikes, which will begin filming this fall in Winnipeg. The premise is a comedy about two indigenous bowlers who aim to raise money to save their local lanes from the wrecking ball.

Bowling is great fodder for stories.

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Design

You

CAN GO HOME AGAIN BEHIND ONE PROPRIETOR’S RETURN TO HIS ROOTS By Daniel Ellman This is the first in a series documenting proprietor Michael Ducat’s purchase and renovation of the old Southwyck Lanes in Toledo, Ohio

F

or Michael Ducat, the opportunity seemed too good to be true.

Southwyck Lanes, a bowling center in Toledo, OH, was about to hit the market.

And Ducat, the proprietor of Cypress Lanes in Winter Haven, FL, wanted it. So, he put in an offer, and the rest, as they say, is history.

A Huge Undertaking

What do you do when you have grand plans for a center that needs a lot of work? You call in experts you trust and get moving!

Michael Ducat

In the Family

For Ducat, his purchase of Southwyck Lanes, which was finalized December 1st of last year, is proof you can go home again. A little back history: Ducat spent his first 41 years in Toledo. And, as he explained, “In the mid-1990s, my dad and Sheri Gratop purchased Southwyck Lanes, so our family has a ton of history and tradition in that building.”

Though the center was no longer in his family until last December, Ducat was still intimately familiar with the facility and its offerings. “We knew what Southwyck offered, which was basically a traditional bowling experience,” Ducat said.

“Toledo has a number of other traditional centers, but it’s an untapped market for family entertainment centers, and we thought we could change that.”

Ducat’s plan involved adding multiple profit centers, including a brand-new kitchen and restaurant, laser tag, arcade, and more.

28 IBI August 2023

Once his purchase of Southwyck was complete, Ducat immediately reached out to Dynamic Designs, which has been designing family entertainment centers for more than three decades. One of their projects was Cypress Lanes, Ducat’s center in Florida.

“We’ve turned our 40-lane center into an extremely high revenue house thanks to all of our other attractions,” Ducat said. “It’s proof that when you upgrade other areas, you can triple your income.”

Ducat hopes for similar success at Southwyck. Stephanie Milligan, an architect for Dynamic Designs, met with Ducat and went over floor plan options for a renovated facility, which will be rebranded as IncrediBowl Entertainment once it’s ready to open the doors.

Floor plans were finalized in recent weeks, and, in early May, demolition began. “This is a major project, and we’re ripping everything out,” Ducat said. “Basically, nothing has changed since 1985 and we need to take it into the future. We’ll have new plumbing, new electrical, and we’re changing meeting rooms into a million-dollar kitchen.”

Design Looking Forward

Next to come are the design plans, including theme and color options, which Dynamic Designs is working on closely with Ducat. It’s a healthy back-and-forth between the two sides.

“I have my ideas and Dynamic [Designs] has their own ideas, expertise, and connections in the bowling industry, so we both bring something to the table,” Ducat said.

“Whenever you create architectural and design plans, you know it’s going to be a living document,” Ducat continued.

That means being open to change, no matter when those changes may come.

“What our plans are right now at the beginning of demolition will likely change a number of times before we finally open our doors to customers,” Ducat said. “And that’s a good thing.

“That’s how you create the best center with the best ideas, and that’s what we plan to do right here in Toledo.”

•

Stay tuned to International Bowling Industry magazine as we take you inside the complete renovation of IncrediBowl Entertainment in Toledo!

A special note of thanks to Mike Ducat for sharing his upgrade experience with our readers. Following this process will be valuable to many operators who are considering a renovation. Mike has been a longtime friend and industry colleague. And, as a former Toledoean, I’m excited to see what he brings to my old hometown. – Stephanie Davis, IBI publisher.

FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT CENTERS DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE Congratulations on your new center — thanks for selecting Dynamic Designs.

Interior & Exterior Design • New Concept Development Planning & Consulting • Architecture Theme Design • Re-Imagining of Existing Facilities Call (248) 644-7275 for a consultation today, and learn more at www.dynamicdesignsinc.net

Perspective

TIME

By Mike Monroe

A 1996

s I was doing research for a client, I came across an article co-published in the Los Angeles Times and the Tampa Bay Tribune 25 years ago. In it, several industry experts discussed the changes affecting business at the time. I found these quotes about the bowling industry very interesting and relatable to what we still see happening in 2023.

“The industry’s growth potential has attracted attention from Wall Street. The merchant bank Goldman, Sachs & Co. bought a two-thirds stake in AMF for $ 1.3 billion last year. They see the business as a high return-on-investment business and a high cash-flow business with significant growth possibilities.”

“Bowling is one of those recreational activities that a burgeoning middle class will go to. The fancy marketing has allowed the industry to just offset the loss of league bowlers by drawing in more occasional bowlers.”

League “Lifestyles changed and it became harder and bowling harder for people to commit to being in one place for 35 weeks in a row,” said Sandy Hansell remains a of Sandy Hansell and Associates, a longtime significant consultant and broker for the bowling industry. topic for “The number of people participating in leagues centers began to shrink, and the industry began to widen today. Many its thrust to attract more bowlers.” of us have seen an increase in league bowling since the pandemic. The increase may not be from traditional, USBC-sanctioned leagues, but instead from people looking for a more casual and flexible league opportunity on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.

Open play and organized events have become a major revenue stream for most centers. Open-play bowlers are 30 IBI August 2023

generous to spend money and bring in parties or other private events. Some centers have even removed weekend leagues for the opportunity to have more lane availability for this sector of our business. Over the years, many creative operators have adapted new ways of doing business to accommodate the shifts in consumer behavior.

“Today, we’re noticing that casual players are participating more frequently. Organized league players are attracted to offers that require lesser commitments. I think this is good news for the industry. It’s creating a better balance of customers. We need to be exceptional dual marketers to keep both revenue streams alive,” said Bruce Davis, president of BBBI.

Looking back 25 years ago, AMF was buying bowling centers and growing rapidly, much like current-day Bowlero. The point is not that strategies and results are the same, but that we have a major player that is expanding, as well as other groups that are adding centers. Multiple units are more and more part of the plan.

As our industry adapts to new consumer behavior, history repeats itself. The best news is that bowling remains strong, and the industry is moving in a positive direction.

•

With 40 years of experience in the bowling industry, Mike Monroe is currently the managing associate for The Hansell Group and owner of First Frame Bowling Management.

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Cashing In With Cashless

GOING CASHLESS Not Just for Games

By Jason Mitchell

Increase sales by integrating your cashless arcade and POS systems

I

f you have a cashless arcade system, you know that it lowers your operating costs and reduces maintenance by eliminating coins, tokens, and tickets from your operation. It also makes it easier for your customers to pay, play, and redeem points by putting everything on one game card. However, that’s not all you can do with game cards.

Let’s consider the additional benefits of integrating game cards with your center management or POS system.

The top game card systems can integrate with leading POS systems like Brunswick Sync and QubicaAMF Conqueror. This means the customer can use a game card beyond the arcade to pay for bowling, food and beverages, and other attractions like VR games and rides. At the Cinergy Entertainment chain, for example, a couple might be enjoying a drink at the bar after playing some games. If they want to see a movie playing at Cinergy, the bartender can close out the customers’ tab and sell them tickets to the next showing. It’s all done with the same Funcard. With more BECs and FECs adding to their entertainment offerings, it’s a great way to stimulate additional sales.

Game Card – Gift Card

The ability to use that game card throughout your center also gives it great potential as a gift card. There is tremendous sales potential in gift cards, especially if you offer them during the year-end gift-buying season. I know operators who have sold over $100,000 in gift cards in 30 days or less during the run-up to the holidays. Sales can be especially good after Thanksgiving, between Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Using your game card can reduce the costs of offering gift cards; if you use a third-party gift card provider, you may pay set-up fees and transaction fees every time your customer uses it. If you use your existing game card instead, you won’t pay those fees and will keep more of the card sales revenue.

32 IBI August 2023

While many third-party cards can’t be reloaded, your game card can always be reloaded by the customer, encouraging more play and future visits to your center. You can offer customers bonuses and special deals as incentives to reload, which isn’t an option with other gift cards.

It’s also simpler for the customer, because a third-party gift card isn’t a play card. If the customer wants to play games, they will have to use it to buy a game card from you, giving them two cards to manage. Some third-party gift cards may be subject to additional costs such as activation fees, transaction fees, or inactivity fees. These fees reduce the available balance of the card, which can irritate the customer and generate complaints for you.

Integration of your arcade system can help in the back office as well. Now you can take the data collected in the arcade and consolidate it with the daily reports generated by your POS system. Having a “one report” system makes it even easier to monitor and analyze the overall performance of your business.

To get more out of your card system, talk to your vendor about integrating it with your POS system. If you haven’t yet converted to a cashless arcade system, ask vendors about integration before choosing a system. Your bottom line will thank you.

•

Jason Mitchell is the Customer Success Manager at Intercard. He uses his extensive experience in operations and executive management at some of the largest companies in the amusement industry to help proprietors get the most out of their arcade operations. He is also a regular speaker at Bowl Expo, BPAA Boot Camps, IAAPA, and Amusement Expo. He welcomes your questions at jmitchell@intercardinc.com.

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Feature

FILLING a Prime Time Gap

By Mark Miller

Plano Super Bowl Creates a Winner with Its FUNetic Fridays Tournament

W

hen a 14-team league at Plano Super Bowl in suburban Dallas didn’t return after pandemic restrictions were lifted in the fall of 2020, legendary proprietor Jamie Brooks put his new assistant manager, Tyson Branagan, in charge of replacing it.

“Jamie focuses very much on slow times because Jamie doesn’t have many slow times,” Branagan said.

“He pointed out that at the time we had leagues from lanes 23 on up on Fridays; however, lanes 9-22 were a bare wasteland. Jamie said, ‘Why don’t you try filling it with a league?’

Ultimately, I said I didn’t want to do a league because I didn’t want people to have to commit. Sure, you could get 14 teams of trios on a Friday night, but a commitment on a Friday night is hard.”

Branagan knew this from previously managing a pro shop and working in sales 34 IBI August 2023

Jamie Brooks

Tyson Branagan

for Ebonite and US Bowling. After the pandemic hit, Brooks hired him to oversee Plano Super Bowl’s staff and events.

Having long competed in tournaments in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Branagan thought about what was possible.

He knew of a successful summer eliminator sweeper series guided by Omar Arnett in various centers in Houston. So, he developed a modified, handicapped version of Arnett’s scratch tournament (80% of 225 and 90% for women and age 60+) and called it FUNetic Fridays.

The first one was held on October 29, 2020. “We expected 30 entries — maybe — and we got 49,” Branagan said. “I was going to go three per lane from 9-22 but ended up going seven per pair.”

Since then, FUNetic Fridays has expanded steadily to as many as 104 weekly bowlers on lanes 9-30. Branagan conducts events in three seasons: summer, fall, and winter/spring.

Bowlers pay $20 dues each season to build the season finale prize fund, plus $65-$85 each week. There are also clean

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Feature

“It’s a happening. You get the people, and they hang. It has grown. It has sustained itself for almost two and a half years. If we had open play, we’d make more money. But we are trying to grow the sport, and we want people to get hooked on it. If we can get them hooked on it, that’s great.”

– Jamie Brooks game pots, strike pots, high game pots, brackets, and other options so most bowlers are spending $100 or more each week. And most keep coming back week after week.

“It’s a happening. You get the people, and they hang,” said Brooks, the USBC Plano Super Bowl and BPAA Hall of Famer and Plano Super Bowl’s president. “It has grown. It has sustained itself for almost two and a half years. If we had open play, we’d make more money. But we are trying to grow the sport, and we want people to get hooked on it. If we can get them hooked on it, that’s great.”

Each competitor bowls three games with the top 45% moving on with pins dropped. They bowl another two games and cut to the top 45%, then compete in single-game elimination matches until a winner is determined.

Registration begins at 6 p.m., practice at 7 p.m., and bowlers generally are done around midnight. Branagan typically pays 18 spots for a field of 88 bowlers. Preregistration is required to get a spot and people drive from as far as Louisiana and Oklahoma to compete. He also conducts doubles events about once a month.

Sponsors including Storm, Roto-Grip, 900 Global, Dexter, Platinum Ford, Chris Warren’s Pro Shop, and other local businesses have helped create the impressive prize funds. In addition to a weekly $3,000 pool, bowlers earn points based on competing and place for the season finale prize fund, which can be as big as $12,000-$14,000, with the winner earning more than $2,000. Branagan utilizes a point system taken from the Professional Golfers Association with values increasing the farther a bowler advances.

“If they don’t sign up early, good luck!” Branagan said. “They can bowl when they want and not bowl when they want. Not bowling doesn’t get you any points. We range from 275 to 320 different bowlers each season.”

36 IBI August 2023

Funetic Fridays Champions

Bowlers of all ages have competed with youth who cash earning money that goes to their USBC SMART account.

Branagan maintains a database of bowlers; their averages are based on a combination of USBC-certified competition and other tournament play. He employs a variety of mediumrange lane conditions based on Kegel.

“Because of this success, all of our other tournaments have grown greatly,” Branagan said. “All of them are getting close to full.”

Brooks knows bowling, and he knows bowlers. He follows the adage, “If you offer it, they will come.” A proprietor should never say never, and Plano Super Bowl proves that! If Jamie Brooks thinks Friday night tournaments are a good idea, why not give it a try?

•

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

January 2023 // Vol. 31

February 2023

What’s

HOT & TRENDING For Bowling & Family Entertainment Centers Operators, Suppliers, & Industry Experts Share the Latest Trends

PRODUCT & RESOURCE GUIDE For Progressive Operations

The Power of

GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN!

LASER TAG!

Popular Ladies’ Night Out League Format Draws ‘Em In!

CHANGING ECONOMIC CONDITIONS A Growth Opportunity

SUCCESS WITH YOUTH LEAGUES Attracting and Keeping Youth Bowlers

GAME REVIEWS

A Player’s Perspective of Hot Games

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

AVS Companies is a multi-branch, full-service distribution network serving the amusement, gaming and vending industries.

BETSON ENTERPRISES

Sales Department

Betson offers a full assortment of arcade and vending equipment and has the largest inventory selection of new & used games and parts.

Attractions CREATIVE WORKS

Russ Van Natta

317.834.4770

www.thewoweffect.com sales@thewoweffect.com

We create powerful emotions through immersive attractions like laser tag, mini golf, escape rooms, VR, and more. We help you get customers off the couch and into your venue with experiences they can’t get anywhere else.

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.

NEO TAC

Frank Bernabei

585.798.6400

Lane Conditioners and Lane Cleaners. Bowling Ball Cleaners And Polishes.

38 IBI August 2023

www.neotac.com 300@neotac.com

PREFERRED VENDOR LIST Capital Equipment/Supplies QUBICAAMF

Sales Department

www.qubicaamf.com info@qubicaamf.com

804.569.1000

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.

SWITCH BOWLING

John Fatigati

www.switchbowling.com john@switchbowlingusa.com

201.694.7985

Offering a full line of equipment, furniture and scoring for everything from modernization to new center builds since 2006, Switch Bowling features Italian designed style built into products with uncompromising quality and value.

Cashless Technology INTERCARD

Sales Department

www.intercardinc.com Sales@intercardinc.com

800.732.3770

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

SEMNOX SOLUTIONS

Sales Department

www.semnox.com Sales@semnox.com

610.400.8901

Semnox’s online cashless payment systems – a one stop solution for your entire bowling center operations.

Consulting, Management and Marketing TRIFECTA MANAGEMENT GROUP

Bruce Nussbaum

www.trifecta-mg.com Inquiries@trifecta-mg.com

818.879.7100

TMG helps operators and new business entrepreneurs bring their business to the next level. We have best-in-class professionals in operations, team development, sales and marketing, culinary and technical, with expertise sharpened in our own operations. So, whatever your opportunity or challenge, we can help.

Furniture VENUE INDUSTRIES

Sales Team

www.venueindustries.com sales@venueindustries.com

855.558.3683

Venue Industries is a commercial furniture manufacturer in Tampa, FL. Specializing in custom furniture design, Venue Industries can provide furniture for your entire facility. From bowling sofas, to restaurant seating –– Venue Industries can provide anything you might need for your bowling center or family entertainment center.

Insurance 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 many 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!

IBI August 2023 39

PREFERRED VENDOR LIST Insurance (continued) 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

Guy O’Hazza

310.693.5165

www.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.

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 done for you 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.

THE KAPLOE GROUP

Fred Kaplowitz

516.359.4874

www.kaploegroup.com fredkaplowitz@gmail.com

The ultimate marketing and management company for your leisure, entertainment, or recreation business. Professional consulting and coaching available.

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.

40 IBI August 2023

PREFERRED VENDOR LIST Online Reservations (continued) PARTYWIRKS

Sales Department

877.345.4012

www.partywirks.com sales@partywirks.com

Partywirks is more than an online booking software company for parties, events, lane reservations and leagues for your bowling entertainment center. Our easy-to-use, easy-to-manage multi-function system encourages upselling, helps generate future interest, and also allows your visitors to inquire, invite, share, learn, sign waivers, and shop online.

Party Supplies and Novelty Products 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.

Promotional Products FEC PROMO TOOLS

Sales Department

239.389.9583

www.fecpromotools.com FECpromotools@gmail.com

Bringing marketing and guest experience tools to life! Choose from our selection of predesigned products or work with our team to customize a product line for your business.

Redemption Supplies BMI MERCHANDISE

Sales Department

800.272.6375

www.bmimerchandise.com Sales@bmimerchandise.com

BMI’s extensive product line features the trending themes, licenses and brands driving amusement play. We bring our customers a constantly changing mix of the finest electronics, novelties and toys – priced right.

REDEMPTION PLUS

Mike Tipton

888.564.7587

www.redemptionplus.com Smile@redemptionplus.com

Products that perform. Services that simplify.

Training TRAINERTAINMENT

Beth Standlee

817.886.4840

www.Trainertainment.net Beth@trainertainment.net

Fun Training – Serious Results.

Virtual Reality VRCAVE Alex Rossol

www.vrcave.ca/ibi 780.577.9655

sales@vrcave.ca

vrCAVE produces premium VR escape room products suited for any bowling alley or FEC looking to add VR as an option to their establishment. They work with companies of all sizes, help with the headset installation, and provide the software and technical support.

IBI August 2023 41

IT PAYS TO BE A READER AND ADVERTISER OF IBI...

INTERNATIONAL BOWLING INDUSTRY MAGAZINE IS GIVING AWAY $30,000 TO BOWLING OPERATORS & Writing Checks to Our Advertisers!

As Part Of IBI’s 30-Year Anniversary, We’re Rewarding Our Readers And Advertisers With A Big Money Giveaway

$30,000 GIVEAWAY TO CENTER OPERATORS Beginning October 1, 2022, IBI will be giving away $1,000 a month for 30 months which can be applied toward goods or services from one of IBI’s qualifying vendors.

Each month, operators enter the contest at www.BowlingIndustry.com for their chance to win in that month’s drawing. Once the winner decides on a purchase from an IBI qualified advertiser, IBI will send a check to cover that portion of their purchase.

A winner will be selected on the last day of each month. Once the winner is notified, IBI will give them a list of qualifying vendors to choose from.

Details and Rules are available at www.BowlingIndustry.com

ATTN: ADVERTISERS….

IF YOUR COMPANY IS AN IBI PREFERRED VENDOR, WE MAY BE SENDING YOU $$$$$ As a thank you to our consistent marketing partners, we’re including you in our milestone anniversary celebration.

If one of our winners chooses your company as their selected vendor, we’ll cut you a check on their behalf.

IBI’s Preferred Vendors receive a ton of exposure yearround, have exclusive marketing perks, and are included in special promotions like the $30,000 giveaway.

For more information on all the benefits of becoming an IBI Preferred Vendor, contact Natalie@BowlingIndustry.com or call 239.821.2534

Sponsored in part by Bowling Business Builders International

Classifieds

NEW Print & Digital Opportunities • Print & Digital Magazine Delivered Monthly • Digital Newsletter Delivered Monthly • Website Exposure Through Content Marketing Opportunities and Lead Generation System • E-Send Distribution Offered on a Limited Basis • Specialty Print & Mailing Services • Marketing Consultation and Special Promotions • Joint Venture Opportunities

For Sales and Unique Marketing Partnerships, contact Natalie Davis | 239.821.2534 | Natalie@BowlingIndustry.com

IBI August 2023 43

Classifieds MECHANIC WANTED GREAT OPPORTUNITY Bowling center in northwest NJ replacing Retiring mechanic, willing to train for our 26 lane center with a full service restaurant. Run your own shop. Highly Competitive pay & benefits.

Only 3rd mechanic since 1959 for our very stable, family business. Email resume to rob.plenge@comcast.net or Call Rob 908-763-1192.

SERVICES AVAILABLE Drill Bit Sharpening and Measure Ball Repair. Jayhawk Bowling Supply.

(800)255-6436 or jayhawkbowling.com

USED ROLLERBALL MINI BOWLING LANES 2 Lane commercial Mini Bowling system from US Bowling would be a nice addition to your entertainment center or bowling alley.

It has proven to be a stand alone attraction for birthday parties as well as an excellent addition to our game room. This system has a stand-a-lone user friendly control console so anyone can walk-up and be rolling within seconds as the system accepts $ for play. No Additional labor required. The system is 37 feet 8 inches long, 102 inches wide and 87 inches tall. This system has proven to require virtually no maintenance. The system has classic looking woodgrain synthetic lanes, 32” LCD monitors, state-of-the-art scoring system and automatic bumpers. US bowling does have an installer that would install in your establishment. Contact me directly for more information on installation fees. This used system has some minor damage to main front sign and minimal wear and tear on the lanes. $18,000 asking price some room for negotiation.

CONTACT ME AT 574-850-2249.

Sign up for IBI’s

www.bowlingindustry.com

44 IBI August 2023

$30,000 GIVEAWAY

EXPERIENCED MECHANIC N EEDED FOR 32 LANE CENTER Great opportunity in the Tampa Bay area 8270 AMF Pinsetters // Salary and benefits determined by experience // E-Mail resume to manager@oakfieldlanes.com or Call Tammy Jacobs @ (813) 681-4783 EQUIPMENT FOR SALE NEW & USED Pro Shop Equipment. J ayhawk Bowling Supply.

(800)255-6436 or jayhawkbowling.com.

EDUCATION & TRAINING PRO SHOP TRAINING. Classes always forming.

Jayhawk Bowling Supply (800)255-6436 or jayhawkbowling.com.

SIGN UP FOR IBI’S NEWLY REBRANDED DIGITAL NEWSLETTER www.BowlingIndustry.com

Classifieds

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

Frameworks Scoring with Vector Plus scoring – 12 lanes of scoring with lower monitors, bricks, cables, computers for the masking unit wall, and lots of spare parts.

$5000 or best offer.

Equipment is being removed at the end of May. Pick up at Medina Lanes, Hamel Minnesota.

Contact Paul or Michele 763-478-6661

IBI! GET FEATURED IN

IBI is on the lookout for stories to share with our readers.

Other operators love learning from their colleagues!

If you have had success in one of these areas (or a different one) please let us know: • Leagues or tournaments • New streams of revenue • Food or beverage • Youth business • Cutting costs • Added attractions • Special events • Finding staff • Arcade and redemption

Printed in U.S.A. Copyright 2023, Davis Productions Inc. No part of this magazine may be reprinted without the publisher’s permission.

1850 San Marco Rd // Marco Island, FL 34145 // (239) 366-2230 // www.BowlingIndustry.com

Hotline: 855-415-7517 Email stephanie@bowlingindustry.com for potential story ideas and features.

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

Natalie@bowlingindustry.com IBI August 2023 45

Remember When

1943

L

owell Jackson became one of bowling’s first pros when Brunswick signed him to bowl exhibitions and demonstrate the company’s products in the 1920s and ‘30s. He is probably best remembered, though, as the conceiver and developer of the lane markings bowlers use to aim their shots. Introduced in the 1930s, markings were sanctioned for ABC competition in 1939.

According to Chuck Pezzano, writing on the occasion of Jackson’s induction into the ABC Hall of Fame in 2003, Jackson averaged 205 over a lengthy career. That was in years when stars averaged around 190.

With that record, you might never guess Jackson’s personal interest in lane markings: he was legally blind in one eye and had only 20% vision in the other.

Industry stats in this middleof-the-war year: ABC membership, an estimated 697,000; WIBC, 252,540; certified houses, 4,335. BPAA records do not reveal the number of members that year, but presumably it was less than 1,235. That was the tally four years later, in 1947, when the yearly counts began.

•

46 IBI August 2023

REAL PEOPLE

REAL STORIES

REAL RESULTS

UPSELL FOOD AND DRINK—EASILY MAKE IT SIMPLE FOR GUESTS TO SPEND MORE IN YOUR CENTER. Food and beverage sales can contribute 30% or more of total revenue.

Conqueror Web makes it easy to make your sales go up.

Its innovative F&B functionality lets you effortlessly provide relevant menu choices at just the right moment as part of the online reservation process. The unique abililty to provide ‘smart’ F&B suggestions based on the web offer selected increases overall average ticket price. Your guests will love the experience—and you’ll love the results.

To learn more visit: