2022 January Issue

January 2022 // Vol. 30

Unique Virginia Remodel

Food, Fun, & ... Lumber

MONEY MATTERS No Money? No Problem!

CONTACTLESS INTERACTIONS Hot and Growing

MOVING FUN FORWARD

RELIABLE AND AC C U R AT E L I K E A S W I S S WAT C H

We are AU T O M AT I C S C O R I N G The industry leader 42 years strong

(800) 942-5939 www.SteltronicScoring.com in f o @stel tro n icsco rin g. c om

Contents 6

Editorial LOOK OUT 2022, BOWLING IS ON A ROLL!

January 2022 | Vol 30.1

26

BY STEPHANIE DAVIS

10

Technology CONTACTLESS INTERACTIONS ARE HOT WITH CONSUMERS

BY RYAN VASKO

17

Money Matters NO WALLET? NO PROBLEM!

A cashless society is getting closer every day

BY CAREY TOSELLO

26

Food TASTY FOOD FUELS REVENUE IN ALL AREAS OF THE CENTER

BY DANIEL ELLMAN

30

Cover Story UNIQUE REMODEL INCLUDES LUMBER WAREHOUSE & SHOWROOM

BY MARK MILLER

38

Marketing POSITIVE TESTIMONIALS AND REVIEWS, GET ‘EM, USE ‘EM

Ohio based Rollhouse Entertainment wows with tasty treats

BY BRUCE DAVIS

49

Showcase

50

Classifieds PUBLISHER & EDITOR

Stephanie Davis

stephanie@bowlingindustry.com

1850 San Marco Rd Marco Island, FL 34145 (239) 366-2230 Fax (239) 970-0538 stephanie@bowlingindustry.com

www.BowlingIndustry.com HOTLINE: 855-415-7517 MEMBER AND/OR SUPPORTER OF:

MARKETING MANAGER & SALES Natalie Davis

natalie@bowlingindustry.com

EDITORIAL

Jackie Fisher

fisher@bowlingindustry.com

Patty Heath

patty@bowlingindustry.com

OFFICE MANAGER Roxanne Damask

roxanne@bowlingindustry.com

4 IBI January 2022

CONTRIBUTORS Michael Bovino Bruce Davis Stephanie Davis Daniel Ellman Mike Fernandez Patty Heath Mark Miller Carey Tosello Ryan Vasko

GOODHELP IS EASY TO FIND.

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Editorial

LOOK OUT 2022! THE BOWLING INDUSTRY IS ON A ROLL!

2021

was quite the year, and aren’t we glad it’s over? Now that we have survived, it’s time to thrive.

Proprietors are embracing fast-changing technology to provide eager customers with grand experiences. Never have we seen operators jumping on the technology bandwagon with such vigor than we see today. Owners are reinvesting in their businesses and expanding recreational options at their facilities at a rapid pace.

This month I had the opportunity to interview Michael Postema, Director of Modernization Sales in North America, for Brunswick Corporation. It was fascinating to learn about the new technology Brunswick is bringing to the industry in forms of kiosks, interactive lane experiences, and other forms of technology. During our conversation, I learned about Michael and his son’s heroic efforts in rescuing a local woman who was hurt and lost deep in the woods of Muskegon, MI.

no-cash policies, doing business with Millennials, and other tech forward realities of today’s customer. Food is becoming a more dominant presence in today’s recreational businesses. Ohio-based Rollhouse Entertainment redesigned with food in mind and has seen gains in all areas of the business because of it. If you’re a foodie wannabe, look at what proprietor Glenn Gable has to say.

The $20,000 Business of Bowling Giveaway has now officially closed the registration process. In late January, 20 lucky proprietors will be drawn, with each winning $1,000 towards a purchase from one of our IBI advertisers. To recap, IBI teamed up with BBBI, the Kids Bowl Free folks, to benefit the industry as a whole and stimulate business-to-business activity. If you missed registering for this one, stay tuned for additional giveaways planned for 2022.

In this issue, we look at how technology is helping to overcome staffing issues and meeting consumer expectations of contactless interactions. IBI staff writer Ryan Vasko digs in to find out what’s trending and what’s on the horizon to help operations. Carey Tosello, founder of eBowl.biz, expands on the changes in society and highlights

•

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

NEW IN 2022...

IBI Online

IBI’s new website www.bowlingindustry.com Exclusive, Online-Only Content // Must-Reads and Videos on Important Trending Topics Special features and contributors // Register for online deals, discounts, & giveaways

6 IBI January 2022

CONQUEROR EXPERIENCE RELATIONSIHIP MANAGER ONE SYSTEM FOR THE ULTIMATE CONSUMER JOURNEY

FEATURING

ALWAYS UPSELLING Conqueror Web makes it easy to showcase food and beverage, activities and non-bowling extras. You can even tailor add-on options to match with web offers, so guests can quickly find complementary items that add to their average spend before they’ve even walked in the door.

To learn more visit:

Shorts

Expansions, Openings and New Beginnings PRIMETIME AMUSEMENTS INTRODUCES ELEV8 FUN PrimeTime Amusement, a Fort Lauderdale-based company, in collaboration with an undisclosed investment company, has introduced Elev8 Fun whose first location will be Sanford, FL. In a former Sears department store building, it will feature over 125,000 square feet of attractions and F&B, split on two floors. A deal with K1 Speed go-kart tracks is included with the venue. Also featured will be laser tag, 12 lanes of traditional bowling, 150+ arcade games, mini golf, and a full-service restaurant.

EL PASO IS UP FOR FUN ONCE AGAIN El Paso is jumping for joy. With the loss of Fiesta Lanes in 2017, the building is once again open for fun. Jumping World Entertainment is open and offering 14 lanes of bowling, as an anchor, with axe throwing, pool tables, an arcade area, plus a full-service restaurant.

JW Entertainment is a Houston-based company known for trampoline park locations but the new El Paso recreation center is much more. The company is definitely expanding its brand. In El Paso, Matt Garcia, JW Entertainment’s director of operations, said, “That’s what brought us here. We wanted to bring something that was different and expand our locations.”

Barstool Fund keeps on dishing out the dollars HOLLY LANES IN MI LATEST BENEFACTOR

IBI has followed Dave Portnoy’s Barstool Fund, which he initiated during the pandemic to keep small business owners alive. Brian Aubuchon, owner of Holly Lanes in Holly Township, MI, is an example of how Portnoy’s vision has enabled companies not only to stay alive but thrive. “I was driving on Route 23, and I literally had to pull off into a ditch, because I was that freaked out,” said Aubuchon when he found out he was selected. The Barstool Fund is giving his business around $20,000 a month to keep Holly Lanes from closing. The center was only open for 66 days in 2020 and was losing $20,000 to $25,000 a month. Today, Aubuchon said, “I’m doing okay.”

Barstool has told him it [the funds] will keep coming until the business improves enough to where he can afford to pay his bills and his employees again. The Barstool Fund has raised more than $28 million and is giving grants to businesses in similar situations nationwide.

8 IBI January 2022

Feature

Contactless Interactions Are HOT

By Ryan Vasko

Labor shortages and consumer expectations continue to fuel contactless trends

M

om is looking for a fun activity for the family on a Saturday afternoon. She peruses some community events calendars, does a bit of Googling, and eventually decides to take everyone down to her local bowling center. Heading to their website, she checks out the menu to make sure all her picky eaters will be satisfied, peeks at the ongoing promotions, and uses the customized reservation system to snag a lane for her crew.

They arrive early, and after a quick pit stop at the counter to rent shoes, she stops at an automated kiosk to order and fund a few play cards for the arcade. They get in a few games of bowling (Mom, a seasoned vet, wins handily), order food right from their lane, and while away the rest of the afternoon

10 IBI January 2022

racing F1 cars, whacking moles, and gathering points for a horde of prizes.

For Mom and her family, it’s a perfect day. Easy in, easy out, everybody’s happy.

But perhaps the happiest people involved are the center owner and staff who are given more time to spend talking to customers, walking the floor, or doing literally anything other than being stuck fielding reservation calls all day.

This is the exciting new reality of the bowling and recreation industry. COVID helped to spur certain changes and pushed up the timelines on others, sure, but it’s been clear for a while now that contactless payments, online reservation systems, and self-service

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Feature kiosks were the inevitable — and necessary — future for entertainment centers who want to stay competitive.

With the help of our industry partners, IBI has sorted through loads of information to help educate, inspire, and excite you with all the possibilities available to you and your customers.

senior sales partner at Semnox, which offers holistic technology solutions for the entertainment industry.

Kevan Sadigh, REX Reservations

“Instant gratification is king today,” said Larry McLean, president and founder of Partywirks, an online booking and marketing company. “You see businesses investing inside the building —new restaurants, new facilities — but too many are neglecting the online aspect.”

Kevan Sadigh, founder and CEO of REX Reservations shares how putting themselves in consumers shoes helped them build something for end-user ease-ofuse, along with balancing the needs of operators.

This is especially relevant to business owners across the country who, whether forced or not, are trying to do more with less staff and increase revenue opportunities wherever possible.

STAFFING STRUGGLES AND LABOR COSTS “The most important thing right now to our operators is lowering labor costs,” said Lynda Brotherton, global marketing director at Intercard, which offers physical solutions like tellers and card readers as well as online reservations and e-comm tools. “A center customer can use our e-comm tools online and get a QR code, go to one of our kiosks, and get their play card, all without having to interact with someone or take up an employee’s time.”

“Nowadays, a bowling facility might have limited hours, said Chris Behling, business analyst and developer team lead at AlleyTrak, a provider of online reservation and payment processing systems. “So being able to provide answers to customers or let them make reservations online, you’re going to keep business going even for those customers who can’t sleep at two in the morning.”

In these still-uncertain times, with consumers aching for entertainment options that are reliable, safe, and fun, more facetime with customers allows businesses to be more nimble and accommodating with instant feedback and service options. “These days, you can’t afford not to have systems like these,” said Brian Duke, 12 IBI January 2022

MARKETING INSIGHT, REPEAT BUSINESS As consumers become more and more expectant of easily accessible information and self-service options, these and other services are becoming not just a bonus, but a minimum requirement. For business owners, this obviously ties into the age-old maxim of, “Happy customers spend more,” but it also opens avenues to turn them into repeat customers.

“What’s nice is that data collection is also built right into our AlleyTrak system,” said Behling. “That lets our clients re-engage with their customers, get reviews and real-time feedback, and convert a one-off bowler into a regular one.” Kevan Sadigh of REX Reservation agrees, “It really gives you the ability to take a closer look at where you have opportunity. You can see times when you’re not pulling in as much revenue and [then] offer specials for that time slot.”

KEEPING IT SIMPLE A key element for companies offering these types of services is making sure they can integrate seamlessly with businesses’ existing frameworks. From websites and social media to in-building layouts and familiar customer processes, the main goals are simplicity and intuitive usability.

AlleyTrak schedules onboarding sessions with new clients, walking them through the whole system to help decide what’s best, and provides constant communication after the fact. “Whenever we work with a new center, we find special requirements that they have, and that helps us grow what we’re able to offer and evolve with the business,” said Behling. “About 80% of our updates are all center-driven requests.”

Intercard offers remote installs, performs diagnostic checks on the number of games centers have, and tailors their offerings based on client needs for physical and online systems. “We really worked to perfect the e-comm side of things, because it’s so needed these days,” said Brotherton.

Semnox offers a smartphone app, which can eliminate the need to even have a card to play games. Brian Duke goes on, saying, “People love the wow factor of being able to tap and play, to recharge a card on the fly from their phones. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

The future is bright for these suppliers and businesses who have implemented their services into

BBBI FP

Feature their operations. They are continuing to offer solutions that are based primarily on client and customer wishes, with plenty of new features on the way aimed at more streamlined processes and added revenue opportunities.

OPERATORS EMBRACE THE TREND John McCarthy III from Kingpin Lanes in Louisville, KY, shares his experience.

“When COVID hit, we had discussions about how we could create a better experience with less physical contact.

At the time, we offered no online reservations, and many people were looking to avoid lines and deal with less cash. I was familiar with Partywirks, and we added the system right before our reopen. It was a huge success as we did over 75 bookings in the first month.

Now we regularly have two to three reservations a day, and customers love being able to pay online and reserve their lanes in advance. We also used the information gained to expand our email marketing list and have added other packages and food to our online store.

It’s been a great help to our business in these wild times.”

Lynda Brotherton relayed this feedback she recently received from Allevity Entertainment: “I love the fact that I don’t have to do anything when a card is sold. The entire process is seamless.

No codes to type in, no cards to make and mail out.” Brian Duke of Semnox added, “A client told me that when you think about converting from paper tickets, it’s close to a 20% revenue increase when you factor in things like lost tickets and staffing.”

These and other suppliers are continuing to do innovative work necessary to help bowling and other entertainment centers thrive. Whatever new challenges might lie on the horizon, business owners can take solace in knowing they have partners invested in their continued success.

WHAT’S NEW GOING INTO 2022?

For Intercard, one of the many things they’re excited about is greater implementation of credit cards into their systems.

“Think of a dad who goes to pick up his kids at a center, but they want to play for another 30 minutes,” said Lynda Brotherton. “He can use his credit card to play games of his own and, immediately, he becomes an impulse buyer.”

Partywirks has plenty on the horizon, including working with a data company to integrate handheld devices as payment options, further integration into POS systems, and easier credit card processing. “How do you rejuvenate and bring in new faces,” asked Larry McLean.

“We’re trying to help our clients get there all the time.”

Lynda Brotherton, Intercard

Larry McLean, Partywirks

AlleyTrak is building out a few new extensions to their system, including waiver use for things like escape rooms and axe throwing areas, as well as creating a league management system for their customers. “We want these venues to be able to handle multiple types of reservations,” said Chris Behling.

For Semnox, catering to clients of all sizes is important. “We’re investing more in software and systems specialized for smaller game rooms, in order to not have to force someone to upgrade or expand something beyond their needs,” said Brian Duke.

Chris Behling, AlleyTrak

•

Brian Duke, Semnox 14 IBI January 2022

Money Matters

No Wallet?

By Carey Tosello

NO PROBLEM!

Your customers are paying for everything digitally today, and they expect to be able to do the same at your center.

T

he long-predicted cashless society took a giant leap forward during the COVID-19 pandemic when many businesses didn’t want to have their staff handling other people’s money and to minimize the face-to-face contact. “Credit/Debit Only” signs can still be found in many businesses today. From the business perspective, think about a world where you don’t have to provide security for all your cash? How about not having tills to count, and how much time you spend balancing your cash transactions against what is in the daily drop? Many centers today do as little as 10-20% of their business in cash, so a cashless future may not be that far away.

I was recently at a resort in Florida that had a “no cash” policy. The staff told me they would never go back to taking cash as it was faster, more secure, and more efficient to simply swipe or tap a card/phone. Digital payment company Square estimates that 18% of the businesses they work with have gone cashless. Digital wallet provider Venmo will transfer more than $200 billion between Americans this year (see sidebar).

IBI January 2022 17

Money Matters One way to see how close we are to a cashless future is to ask the Millennials you know how much cash they have on them. In many cases the answer is zero.

This age group is already living their life without the need to carry cash, and as more Boomers retire, Millennials will become the largest customer base for bowling centers. Make sure you are catering to how they want to pay for your services!

Going beyond taking credit cards is the move into tap-to-pay which is quickly becoming the preferred method of paying for goods and services. Very few of us go anywhere without our mobile device, and with digital wallets being able to store your credit/ debit card info on that device, going cashless has become routine for many Americans. These customers want to use their phone to pay you for their bowling, drinks, food, etc. Their phone is already in their hand, and tap-to-pay makes it simple, super-fast, and more secure than using a card with a chip. This technology is already widely accepted – last month I used my phone to pay for groceries, coffee, a visit to Target, Subway, at several vending machines, a gift at a craft fair, and an Uber ride. Bowling centers are cool, modern, and high tech, right? So, it’s time to step up and not only take tap-to-pay but encourage its’ use – all you need is a terminal that supports tap payments, which you may already have.

Security experts tell us that using tap-to-pay is the most secure way to pay as the merchant never sees your credit card information, making the transaction much safer for the customer. Yes, even safer than the latest chip technology. Encouraging the use of tap will help cut down on fraudulent charges to your customers, making the credit system safer. It will also speed up the time it takes to pay at checkout, saving your staff time. While there are costs to the center for processing fees, price increases in today’s climate are the norm, so this is an opportune time to raise your prices to cover your merchant fees.

Is a completely cashless bowling experience in our future? Possibly. More likely is one that promotes and encourages the use of card/tap for payment, while still taking cash from those who do not have a bank account, which is about 7% of the population. And yes, this means being able to reserve and pre-pay online, in advance, thru your website. If your website isn’t making the reservation experience fast and easy, time to upgrade your website!

18 IBI January 2022

Do You Venmo?

Venmo has grown from 10 million users two years ago to 65 million today and is owned

by PayPal. Ask anyone under the age of 30 and most will tell you they use it regularly. Transfers are free, unless you want the money instantly which then requires a small fee. People use it to send money to friends instead of mailing checks or handing over cash. Square has a competing product called Cash App.

The decision to go cashless is one each bowling center will have to make at the appropriate time.

Until then, now is the time to encourage the use of cards and tap-to-pay as it is more secure for your customers, reduces the amount of cash on your premises, and it is a much faster transaction, saving your staff time.

•

Carey Tosello is a former managing partner of two high volume bowling centers, and the founder of eBowl.biz, a leading provider of digital marketing services to the bowling industry. He can be reached at 541-549-0999 or go to eBowl.biz.

Expert Alley

EXPERT ALLEY with Michael CEO, DFX

Bovino

T

he masking unit plays an important role of being the largest focal point in any bowling center and is ideal for showcasing high-definition video, high-resolution graphics, and advertising. Video masking development has progressed into highresolution video walls establishing the WOW factor and a unique viewing experience for customers.

Digital content for these walls can include static graphics, pictures, videos, league information, sporting events, music videos, television, movies, and advertisements. These highly viewed video walls are easily used for league and open play bowling with stateof-the-art messaging, entertainment, and advertising.

There are several types of video masking units available today. These include motorized, fixed projection screens, and direct-view LED screens. Popular screen sizes are a lane pair and a four-lane screen, with the ability to customize each screen to fit every location.

Motorized screens can be integrated in a contiguous fashion for any number of lanes and are generally used with traditional masking units. Fixed projection screens replace traditional masking units with sizes ranging from a single lane pair up. Direct view LED screens use bright LED panels to produce the highest resolution video.

There are several advantages for direct-view LED screens compared to fixed projection screens. Advantages of these screens include high brightness in any lighting environment, dynamic window video processing, large images fitted to the entire screen, less maintenance,

long LED life, and high contrast. The overall cost of an LED screen is higher than projection, but as its popularity increases, costs for LED screens have decreased.

The only size limitation for all types of screens is from the lowest point of the ceiling measured at the masking unit. The 16:9 aspect ratio of high-definition video needs to be maintained throughout the video images.

When selecting the right sized screen, it’s important to maximize the viewing area and minimize the screen borders. This should be designed by a well-seasoned video professional.

The masking unit takes advantage of the best location in the center to showcase video content and advertising, producing a great return on investment for operators with repeat business and advertising revenue.

•

Michael Bovino is CEO of DFX; for more information, contact mike@dfxsoundvision.com or 800-555-5280.

IBI January 2022 19

Inside Line

Meet Michael Postema Each month IBI‘s “Inside Line” will highlight a team member from one of our loyal advertisers.

It’s always fun to learn a little something new about people in the industry who make things happen at their company and for the industry as a whole. This month, we caught up with a longtime Brunswick team member, Michael Postema.

By Stephanie Davis

IBI: Michael, even though this is our first meeting, I know you’ve been in the bowling industry a long time.

When did you start, and what is your position now?

Michael: Believe it or not, 2021 marked the 30th year I’ve been in bowling and at Brunswick. Literally, just this morning, HR sent me a note regarding my 30th year anniversary gift. During my junior year in college, Brunswick hired me as a systems analyst in their IT Department to provide technical and communications support. Today, I serve as the Director of Modernization Sales in North America. It’s been a tremendous ride, a fascinating career, thanks to Brunswick.

IBI: COVID seems to have accelerated the acceptance and interest in technology for consumers and business providers. What has your experience been?

Michael and daughter Analiese 20 IBI January 2022

Michael: I agree one hundred percent. If we look at general trends in the world, it’s obvious we all are doing things differently than we did two years ago. The one constant we see both in personal and business life is mobile technology. Everywhere we look, people are using mobile apps and are now accustomed to the ease of use. Whether you are ordering airplane tickets, reserving a restaurant table, calling Uber for a ride, or other everyday transactions, these tasks today are all done on a smartphone. A significant area of focus for us is meeting people where they want to be met today. Eighty percent of our population has a smartphone.

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Inside Line IBI: How are you addressing some of today’s challenges like labor shortages and fluctuating consumer expectations?

Michael: Prior to the pandemic, we started work on a self-service kiosk because we saw labor as a challenge for proprietors. As an organization, we’ve always been laser-focused on giving business owners the tools they need to meet their objectives. We now have fully operational kiosks in the market helping to ensure that proprietors serve their customers efficiently. They are a game-changer, and people are super excited about this flexible technology.

The Postema Family

Consumers have high expectations. There’s no point in the history of the world where there are more options on a Friday night to spend $100 on entertainment than today. Bowling is just one opportunity for people. The big question is, what are you going to do differently to bring people to your location? We’ve addressed that concern many ways: Duckpin Social is one way; string-pin technology, integrated with Sync, in a smaller footprint appeals to everyone; Spark augmented reality on a bowling lane is another way.

IBI: What do you like most about your job?

Michael: I guess more than anything, I just love people. I love helping people achieve their hopes, dreams, and goals. Hands down, I have great customers from all walks of life facing different, unique challenges that I can work with them on. I’m also blessed to have a fantastic team, outstanding leadership, knowledgeable co-workers, and excellent mentors.

IBI: You are a man with a lot happening Michael, how do you manage your time and responsibilities?

Michael: I’m a firm believer in taking time daily for self-reflection, planning, and organization. I address the most critical tasks of the day first. I tend to be very goaloriented and remain focused on long-term goals, both at work and home; it probably makes me a better team player, father, husband, and son.

IBI: When you’re not working, how do you like to spend your time?

Michael: I love adventure, travel, being outdoors, and a lot of physical activity. I try to have a balance between a lot of different activities.

22 IBI January 2022

Michael with Johnny Petraglia

IBI: What one thing would readers be surprised to know about you?

Michael: Just over a year ago, I shared a life changing experience with my son where we saved a woman’s life who had been injured and stranded in a very remote swamp location for three days. The story went viral, and we had people from across the country reach out to us.

It was a very emotional and humbling event that I still get asked about a year later. https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/2020/10/ father-and-son-rescue-woman-stranded-2-nights-inwoods-after-hearing-faint-help-me-cry.html IBI: Any final thoughts for our readers?

Michael: Like many people, my entire career has evolved around bowling, and I feel like I’ve been tremendously blessed beyond imagination. The people I’ve met, the experiences I’ve had, and the opportunity to be around incredible people, it’s just been fantastic.

So, for that, I’m forever grateful.

•

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Food and Beverage

Order Up!

By Daniel Ellman

Updating and improving your food service is great for your bottom line

F

or many proprietors of family entertainment centers, food is an afterthought.

“That’s one of the biggest mistakes some of my colleagues make,” said Glenn Gable, owner of Rollhouse Entertainment, who operates six centers in Ohio. “For us, food is at the heart of our business — and it’s something we don’t take lightly. Customers want great food, and we make it our mission to offer that.”

FROM PIZZA TO PROFITS Gable began his career running pizza operations out of bowling centers. Since taking over some of those centers, Gable has expanded their food offerings — and, in turn, he has seen profits rise.

“Everybody is hungry at one point or another when they visit your center,” Gable said. “That’s why food is so important. You don’t want people leaving to go get lunch or dinner. If all they have to do is walk down the hall or order while bowling on your lanes, you’ll keep customers in your center longer and make more money off of everyone who comes in.”

26 IBI January 2022

In the end, as Rollhouse has grown its food operations, it has seen related gains in bowling, cosmic bowling, league bowling, and various other profit centers.

“The profit you make may not come directly from the food itself, which has pretty small margins. But you’ll definitely see it elsewhere in your center,” Gable said.

MAKING THE CHANGES So, how can you improve the food offerings your center provides?

First is to make sure you have the necessary equipment for a professional kitchen. “A snack bar doesn’t typically have the equipment you need to make delicious food from scratch, so you’ll likely need to commit to a restaurant-style kitchen,” Gable said.

Next is finding the perfect space for your food offerings. Experts, like Dynamic Designs, Inc., helped Gable create those unique spaces for each of his Rollhouse centers. “We will work with you to redesign your space and allow you to grow your operations,”

said Howard Ellman, president and principal architect of Dynamic Designs. Ellman and his company have been designing restaurants for FECs for decades.

NEW TRENDS Howard elaborates, “We have found recently that customers prefer the convenience of having food options at their fingertips. So, we have been designing a number of more intimate spaces sprinkled throughout the center as opposed to one large restaurant-style area that tends to be bigger than it needs to be. By doing that — and distributing seating and tables across the FEC, including at the bowling lanes themselves — your entire center becomes a restaurant, giving you a chance to collect revenue in various places and spaces.

When customers leave the restaurant or bar, they’ll be more likely to go bowl or find your arcade and other attractions,” Ellman said. “Our entire purpose is to help you reap the most rewards from your facility.”

that his centers offer wraps, burgers, smoked meats, and more. “And I spend more time in the kitchen than almost anywhere else in my centers.” That kind of devotion is important to making your food operations a major key to your success. “It’s easy to clean your laser tag area or make sure your arcade games are working properly,” Gable said. “But those don’t lure people in the way great food and great service does.”

In fact, food may even draw people in who aren’t interested in bowling, arcades, or other entertainment options. “And once they’re here,” Gable said, “your entire center can shine and keep them coming back for more.”

•

INVESTING IS KEY In the end, Gable said it’s vital to invest the proper amount of time, money, and effort into food operations. “We have kitchen managers, a mixologist for drinks, and unique specialty items on our menus,” Gable said, pointing out

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 IBI January 2022 27

Cover Story

BRANCHING Out

By Mark Miller

In Leesburg, three local entrepreneurs roll into the family entertainment business

N

early 18 months after Village Lanes bowling center in Leesburg, Virginia, closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the facility reopened in grand style in late July with new owners, a new name, and a completely new vibe. The Village Lanes location was purchased by co-owners of Local Wood, Scott Carpenter and Charlie Beach, along with friend Paul Ferrari.

Carpenter and Beach were looking for a new place for Local Wood as the strip mall in which it was located was being sold and repurposed.

Conveniently, Village Lanes was located right across the street and in need of a major update.

This dynamic trio spent more than $1.3 million to totally redo what is now a 17,000-square-foot facility rebranded as The Branch. Originally a 24-lane establishment, it was reduced to 16 lanes to make room for the Local Wood showroom that occupies old lanes 1 thru 8. Local Wood’s warehouse and showroom – located in the rear of The Branch – is stocked with mantels, live edge slabs, dimensional kiln dried lumber, rustic beams, hand forged hardware, and unique furnishings; making for a one-ofa-kind venue that pushes the limits of even the most creative converted bowling center.

The renovation saved substantial money by putting Local Wood and Carpenter Construction to work.

They replaced the roof, upgraded the H C system, and installed a new $200,000 QubicaAMF scoring system.

30 IBI January 2022

Good times at The Branch

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Cover Story

Scott Carpenter and Paul Ferrari

Also added were a bar and tables built by Local Wood with a complete assortment of beers, wines, and signature cocktails. An arcade featuring video games, air hockey, basketball, a claw machine and a nostalgic Pac-Man game was created.

Beach, Carpenter, and Ferrari also expanded to a fullservice kitchen adding a second hood system to feature more cooking equipment and a hot and cold station to employ an American-style menu. Food choices range from traditional bowling fare like sliders and hot dogs to more upscale items like New York strip steak, crab cakes, pasta, and salmon.

As a community-based FEC, the new masking units feature 16 towns in Loudoun County. On the wall beside lane 16 is an aerial shot of the region, with The Branch’s logo showing its location. With covered, outside dining, a fire pit, picnic areas, and planned pickle ball courts, there is ample room for community to gather.

The Branch’s name comes from Town Branch Creek, which runs through the property. The Branch sits in a town of about 53,000 people, and is the county seat of Loudon County, one of the nation’s top 25 fastestgrowing counties. Its 4.5-acre site had been on the market for three years before the trio bought it from Billy and Betty Presley, who owned it since 1985.

The building originally was a roller rink; during the demolition process, the rink floor was uncovered.

32 IBI January 2022

The Branch showroom

The Branch initially opened its indoor activities in July, and by early September expanded to the outdoor patio featuring cornhole, picnic tables made by Local Wood, and eventually live music. Live indoor music every Tuesday night and Wednesday night trivia have continued to attract customers.

Fall 2021 started with eight leagues (six adult, one youth, one Special Olympics), plus several community outreach groups that bowl regularly. Rather than being charged by the traditional per-game method, league bowlers pay based on the amount of time they spend on the lanes.

So far, customers have been following the facility’s motto: Eat. Play. Roll.

To promote the updated facility, the management team hired a local marketing firm, utilized social media (Facebook and Instagram), advertised, and had articles written in two area newspapers. The staff is busy gathering customer emails to eventually send e-blast messages. Word-of-mouth from returning leagues helped The Branch open to much fanfare ¬– waiting lists are needed on some nights now.

Overall, The Branch has been well-received. People like the new look of the center since it reopened, and Local Wood has also benefitted from the move. The addition of the bar, restaurant, and arcade, have continued to build the reputation of The Branch.

Like a tree, The Branch will continue to take root and grow in the Leesburg community.

•

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Booze and Bites

Fresh Takes on a

FRESH NEW YEAR

By Michael Fernandez

I

t’s 2022! Along with the new year is a tsunami of resolutions, with many being health-conscious or wellness-related. With endless dietary trends and fitness fads, it’s good advice for any business to get their slice of the ever-changing food market. Certainly, in the beginning of the year, when consumers are more strict with their diets, you may want to consider tweaking your menu to test out how a few new items sell and offer some creative options.

It might sound difficult catering to all the diets that come around with the new year, such as low carb, low fat, vegetarian or paleo. No need to worry, as many recipes offer substitutions catering to a variety of dietary demands, and you may have most of them in your center already!

Offering lettuce wrap versions of your current wrap or sandwich is a great way to include a whole new market.

Pre-bought, stuffed mushrooms can be easily thrown in the oven and make the whole table happy. Hummus is also trending, which only needs to be served with pita chips and sliced vegetables, such as carrots and celery.

APPETIZING ALTERNATIVES There’s more to being healthy than a diet of beans, lettuce and dips. The International Food Information Council found that a whopping two in three Americans report eating plantbased alternatives to meat, and two in five report eating them daily or weekly. This provides a whole new angle to take on many of our favorite meals.

If you haven’t had plant-based meat in a while, you might be thinking there’s not a big enough market for something that just doesn’t have the right taste. As a carnivorous person myself, I can attest that over the past few years,

36 IBI January 2022

there has been amazing progress and improvements to the meatless category. What was before an obvious difference is now an extremely close call when it comes to everything from faux burgers to chicken nuggets.

Meat alternatives have also expanded immensely.

Alongside tofu and bean burgers, we now have jackfruit, soy chorizo, tempeh, and seitan (the main protein found in meat). With all these available, you’ll surely find something that hits taste buds just right and can be substituted in your kitchen for an upscale price.

Currently, the alternative food market share is about $5 billion annually, and expected to double by 2028. If you’re a bit more of a T-Bone person yourself, remember that you don’t need to love meat substitutes to respect the crowd, grab a part of the market share, and cook up higher profits from the health-conscious customer.

Booze and Bites

Mocktail Hour

T

ALCOHOL IS SO 2021- FOR SOME!

he pandemic was tough on the liver! Reports from the Institute of Social Welfare (ISWR) indicate that 52% of Americans surveyed are looking to reduce their alcohol consumption. Online searches, including the word ‘mocktail,’ are up 42% over the last year, and ‘nonalcoholic’ searches are up 82% globally.

The interest in mocktails isn’t derived from big companies pushing particular products, instead it’s the result of good old-fashioned, consumer-driven behavior, and at the very least is a trend that should be watched.

There’s no need for bartenders to fear the inevitable ‘Dry January’ and similar New Year’s resolutions. As with most big changes in socio economics, the new wave of zero-proof followers are being deemed ‘Sober Curious.’

Abstaining completely from alcohol isn’t the idea, it’s more of reducing consumption and avoiding full benders for a more sober experience. Most consumers looking for zero-proof drinks aren’t completely cutting out alcohol, just limiting amounts throughout the night.

It’s up to bars and restaurants to decide if they want to offer mocktails and cater to the sober curious crowd.

Offering Virgin Marys and Watermelon Nojitos at a

SELTZER FEVER

premium is a fantastic way to keep customers sipping more interesting beverages than sodas or lemonade and comes with an elevated price tag to boot. Even Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas provides a mocktail menu, and I figure if Vegas has a zero-proof market, then you might too.

Mocktail Menu ORANGE MANGO CRUSH Using a blender, blend orange juice and sorbet until combined. Add mango and soda water, top with orange mixture.

WATERMELON NOJITO Muddle watermelon chunks with lime and sugar, stir in mint leaves, vanilla extract, and top with ginger ale.

BRAZILIAN LEMONADE Wash and quarter limes, add them to blender with sugar, water, and sweetened condensed milk. Pulse until limes are chopped, then pour mix through a strainer to remove peel and pulp.

DEMAND REMAINS STRONG FOR THIS LOW ALCOHOL, LOW CALORIE CANNED DELIGHT There’s more to the industry than White Claws and Trulys; here are some fan favorites to add to your repertoire:

● Spindrift SPIKED’s Organic Seltzers ● Crook & Markers’s Organic Cocktails ● Vista Bay Hard Seltzers ● Cool Cat’s Wine Spritzers Not everyone wants to go zero-proof. The past few years have shown us a big swing toward spiked seltzers. As Americans continue to pursue healthier lifestyles, the ISWR reports that the market for alternatives to beer and cocktails have experienced more than 30% growth in the last year. ISWR also reports an expected 31% increase in sales of no/low alcoholic beverages by 2024.

This trend shows no signs of slowing down. Seltzer in the category’s impressive expansion is also due to seltzer brands going all-in on their social media presence, working with influencers to promote their products. In fact, Bank of America research reports six times more conversations about hard seltzers on Instagram in January of 2020 compared to January of 2019.

The appeal of seltzers stems from the idea of a low-sugar, low-calorie, low-alcohol alternative. Things are just getting started as low alcohol alternatives have evolved to more than just carbonated, flavored water. Some brands have taken the initiative to use organic flavoring from real fruit, appealing to more health-conscious dietary trends.

Others have taken a different approach, and offer lowalcohol, canned versions of popular cocktails like mojitos, margaritas, pina coladas, and even wine!

•

Mike Fernandez is a freelance contributor on all things food and booze. Growing up in his family’s restaurant business fueled his passion for good eats and tasty drinks. By day Mike is a health insurance professional, by night he scours south Florida looking for trends and newcomers in the food and drink business.

IBI January 2022 37

Marketing

22-29_Marketing_Marketing 10/25/21 10:16 PM Page 22

MARKETING

Marketing Monthly

WITH BRUCE DAVIS

I

t’s a fact of marketing life: people tend to believe what others have to say about your products and services far more than what you have to say about your business. If you want your marketing efforts to produce to the max, you should strive to include testimonials in your messaging.

TESTIMONIALS ARKETING BASIC Sof W ITH B UCE DAVI 72% consumers sayR positive AREMPOWERFUL testimonials and reviews increase their MARKETING TOOLS LESSONS TO REMEMBER trust in a business Get ‘em, Use ‘em

Over the next few issues, IBI will highlight the seven elements of creating killer messages that produce results. All seven elements will be on IBI’s new website, which is launching in January 2022, for reference.

THE MARKETING PROCESS

Even though most centers have many happy customers, very few operators employ testimonials on a regular basis. The omission of testimonials is often an error brought on simply by a lack of obtaining them. Securing ant toeffort get the most out of you testimonials should be a regular which of front-line money and efforts includes your entire team, outlays especially staff who regularly interacteffective with customers. way I know to gain o

W

your investment is to alw Consider creating a “happyforfile” that has a collectionthree-step of testimonials covering each sector procedure when working to of your business that you spending marketing plan anticipate or promotion.

The three ste outbound marketing dollars on. When you’re below not only need to be followed they ready to promote a particular segment of in the order presented. business, followed you’ll already have ammunition in your marketing toolbox.

Step 1 – ID The TargeT of Your

38 IBI January 2022

MarkeTIng First you need to dial in on the target of

Marketing A few thoughts to consider:

Videos are hot – people love them!

79% of consumers have watched a video testimonial to learn more about a company, product, or service In general, videos are engaging, grab people’s attention, and are ideal for social media and digital sends. Video testimonials can be a very strong element for your marketing as well.

The approach to getting them most often occurs “on the spot” and can provide candid, powerful testimonials. With selfies being the norm for younger generations, you may even get some selfie-videos from your happy customers that you can use in your social media. Written permission is always needed, so keep those forms readily on hand.

However, not all customers are comfortable having a video of themselves used in someone’s marketing, so compiling old-style written testimonials are still important.

Build a “happy file” to make your marketing efforts easier Jump starting this initiative can be effort-heavy in the beginning, but the payoff is significant. Once you and your staff regularly ask for feedback and testimonials, your happy file will grow, and your customers will feel like a valuable part of your business.

70% of people trust reviews and recommendations from strangers When you or a staff member asks a departing customer how they enjoyed their visit and the response is positive, make some quick mental notes of their specific comments. Make a short note on your phone or jot it down even if it’s on a cocktail napkin. Usually people will respond with a, “Sure, I’d be happy to,” but most often never follow through with that commitment.

This is why I suggest you take things into your own hands.

IBI January 2022 39

Marketing Armed with the notes taken from customer’s comments you gathered at the time of their visit, contact the customer within a day or two, thank them again for their visit and ask them if they would be ok with providing you with a testimonial that you might use in your future marketing.

Once they agree, quickly let them know that you understand they are busy and since you remember some of what they told you about their visit, you would be happy to put it together for them and send it for their approval.

Most people will happily agree to have you write their testimonial for approval, and you get to write your own positive comments. It’s a win-win for everyone! Once you construct the testimonial and send it to the customer for his or her written approval, ask them to send you a headshot photo that you might use to accompany their testimonial.

Including a photo and the person’s full name with a written testimonial makes the marketing effectiveness go way up.

Include all parts of your business Birthday party parents (and kids), company outing organizers, through-league, tournament, and open play guests, you should be filling each category with happy videos and messages. Once you have various testimonials

for each category of your business, you will find it easy to grab one quickly and attach it to the marketing message you’re sending out. Testimonials should be considered for all communications, from flyers, posters, emails, social media posts, and even commercials.

Testimonials are powerful marketing tools Get them, save them, and use them as often as possible. Most big companies find testimonials very effective and employ them often, but the truth is, pound-for-pound, they are even more important for the marketing messages of smaller operations where they deliver more credibility.

•

! r ve E n io t o m ro P t s e g n tro Bowling’s S15th Year • Over 30 Million Kids Registered

• Summer Traffic Where & When You Want It • Summer Cash Sales from Visits • Great Family Database with Birthdays • Automatic Marketing to Families to Drive Business Year-Round

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call 1-877-841-4590 or email Bruce@BowlingBusinessBuilders.com 40 IBI January 2022

Shorts

Goodwill Central THE NEW YEAR IS RAMPING UP AS CENTERS ARE RE-ESTABLISHING THEIR PLACE IN THEIR COMMUNITIES. GOODWILL, SUPPORT, AND OUTREACH ARE BACK! THAT’S WHAT CENTERS DO! The National Bowling Stadium in Reno, NV, is used for professional players or special events. However, last November, it opened its doors for Special Olympics’ Bowl for Gold. Funds raised were designated to support the organization’s sports, education, athlete leadership training, and health programs for athletes with intellectual disabilities.

It also will assist Special Olympics of Northern Nevada in its efforts to establish an independently run chapter in the state.

Crystal Lanes in East Corning, NY, celebrated its 11th annual bowling fundraiser for breast cancer. The Bowl for a Cure raised between $8,000 and $10,000. The funds raised will be used locally. The event is one of the biggest charity bowling events. This last one had 150 bowling teams. Bobby Downing, owner of Crystal Lanes, said that the center survived the pandemic because of the community, and “this was one of the ways that we try to give back.” Not to stand still, Crystal Lanes also held the 3rd annual Pawz and Purrz. The animal rescue organization raised funds at the center to aid the rescue efforts for their furry friends.

The Store Next Door is a nonprofit organization supporting Lewiston, ME, homeless youth. At least 52 Lewiston High School students struggle with homelessness and living outside the traditional family structure. Just-in-Time Recreation is a bowling center under new ownership in Lewiston. Tom Giberti, the longtime manager came up with an idea to help The Store Next Door. Participants of an eight-week bowling league were required to bring at least two food items each week. Sometimes, the cans were replaced with a cash donation. From the onset, the idea mushroomed.

Other leagues began to donate as well. As the bowlers reached out to help families in need, so did the homeless students who often are helped by families who are already in need. They began helping at The Store Next Door which provides food, clothing, and academic support to the students. Just-in-Time became a pivotal partner in collecting the needed goods. Samantha Juray, owner, set up Christmas meal packages containing a collection of gift cards. Just-in-Time’s partnership with The Store Next Door won’t end with the food drive. They are already talking about other ways the bowling center can continue to support the city’s homeless youth.

What’s your center doing? Please email Patty@bowlingindustry.com and let IBI tout your center and its community support.

42 IBI January 2022

PREFERRED VENDOR LIST Architecture Design DYNAMIC DESIGNS

www.dynamicdesignsinc.net

Howard Ellman

Info@dynamicdesignsinc.net

248.644.7275

Interior & Exterior Design – New Concept Development – Planning & Consulting – Architecture – Theme Design – Re-imagining of Existing Facilities

Arcade Distributor BETSON ENTERPRISES Sales Department

www.betson.com/bowling

800.524.2343

Sales@betson.com

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

Automatic Scoring STELTRONIC SCORING

www.steltronicscoring.com

Sales Department

Info@steltronicscoring.com

800.942.5939

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

NEW CENTER CONSULTING Glenn Hartshorn

www.newcenterconsulting.com

248.375.2751

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

Capital Equipment/Supplies BRUNSWICK BOWLING PRODUCTS www.brunswickbowling.com Michael Postema

231.343.2043

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.

KEGEL Gus Falgien

863.734.0200

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Lane maintenance equipment/supplies, pinsetter parts, and coaching tools.

QUBICAAMF

www.qubicaamf.com

Sales Department

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.

IBI January 2022 43

PREFERRED VENDOR LIST Cashless Technology INTERCARD Sales Department

www.intercardinc.com

800.732.3770

Sales@intercardinc.com

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.

Cashless Technology SEMNOX SOLUTIONS Sales Department

www.semnox.com

610.400.8901

Sales@semnox.com

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

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 www.eBowl.biz Carey Tosello

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Carey@eBowl.biz

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

THE KAPLOE GROUP Fred Kaplowitz

516.359.4874

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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.

REX RESERVATIONS

www.reservewithrex.com

Kevan Sadigh

Kev@reservewithrex.com

323.805.8310

Seamlessly manage lane reservations for your bowling venue. Set different prices for peak and off-peak times.

Allocate your desired number of lanes to be reserved online, while also keeping some for walk-ins.

44 IBI January 2022

PREFERRED VENDOR LIST 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.

IBI January 2022 45

Shorts

People Watching Opportunity creates change. David Garber, IBI’s associate publisher, has accepted a new position with Brunswick Bowling Corp as a product champion of capital equipment. The IBI staff sends him off with enthusiasm for his new opportunity. David’s background has definitely cemented him as a veteran of the bowling industry with experience in sales with highend companies and as an amateur bowler with Team USA for four years.

His knowledge of the industry helped IBI bring business and bowling to proprietors and suppliers; we know he will carry that forward to his new endeavors. Condensed: business comes down to relationships; all of us at IBI are going to miss you, David. Bunches!

USBC Hall of Fame Chooses Three for 2022 The United States Bowling Congress (USBC) committee elected three new members for the 2022 USBC Hall of Fame induction, which will take place on April 27 during the USBC Convention in Las Vegas. Those elected were: Bo Goergen of Midland, MI, in the Outstanding USBC Performance category; Bill Allen of Orlando, FL, in the Veterans category; and Roger Zeller of San Antonio, TX, in Meritorious Service category.

Goergen is a two-time champion at the USBC Open Championships. He won the 2009 Regular Singles title, with a record score of 862, which is still the highest series ever rolled in Open Championships competition.

Allen and Zeller both will be inducted posthumously, as they died in 1992 and 1997 respectively.

Allen was a 13-time PBA Tour champion between 1963 and 1968. He claimed seven top-10 finishes at the Open Championships between 1966 and 1976. Allen was inducted into the Florida State USBC Hall of Fame in 1970, Orlando Hall of Fame in 1982, and the PBA Hall of Fame in 1983.

Zeller was the owner, president, and CEO of Columbia Industries, which he purchased in 1960 and ran as Columbia 300 which produced more than 5,000 bowling balls a day and more than 1 million for the first time in 1976. Through the 1990s, Columbia was the largest manufacturer of bowling balls. Columbia 300 served as the title sponsor for many professional events, both men’s and women’s. He was elected to the PBA Hall of Fame for meritorious service in 1995.

46 IBI January 2022

Bo Goergen

Bill Allen

Roger Zeller

Shorts

In Memoriam TRIFECTA OF LOSS The bowling industry had a sad beginning in December. Three Hall of Famers passed away in short succession: Mark Roth, Anthony “Teata” Semiz, and Max Skelton. They gave a lot to the sport of bowling, and their loss is deeply felt by bowlers and the industry at large.

MARK ROTH was 70. He had reached acclaim in the ‘70s and ‘80s and, with his powerful, high-revolution style, won 34 titles including PBA Player of the Year in 1977, 1979, and 1984. He died after a battle with heart and health issues, which he had been facing after a stroke left him partially paralyzed in 2009. Roth’s influence and success earned him the No. 5 spot on the list of the 50 greatest players in PBA history, published in 2009, and he was inducted into the USBC Hall of Fame the same year in the Superior Performance category. With Marshall Holman, his biggest rival, the two were one of the sport’s most revered doubles teams. They won three doubles titles together.

MAX SKELTON of Ada, OK, passed at the age of 89. An avid bowler from the age of 5, Skelton gained notoriety not only on the lanes but also through his volunteering and work with state associations.

He served for more than 20 years on the USBC Board of Directors and also served as the president of the United States Tenpin Bowling Federation. His lifetime of service was honored with induction into the USBC Hall of Fame for Meritorious Service in 2002. Beyond bowling, Skelton made a career as an educator, serving as the superintendent of the Ada City Schools from 1967-1980, and later as the assistant superintendent for the Little Axe District. He was recognized for his efforts to integrate bowling in 1950.

ANTHONY “TEATA” SEMIZ died at 87. He earned his spot in the USBC Hall of Fame in 1991 in the Superior Performance category. The right-hander captured the first of his three PBA Tour titles in 1968 and excelled on the PBA50 Tour, winning eight titles. Semiz also found success at the USBC Open Championships, winning two titles at the 1972 event. He made 33 appearances at the Open Championships, finishing with a lifetime average at the event of 195.6. Semiz continued to stay competitive up to the age of 80.

48 IBI January 2022

Showcase AXE THROWING FITS ALL 2021 IAAPA Expo was a big success for LASERTON’S High-End Axe Throwing Experience, along with their LED Arena obstacles, a giant LD Sector, and their LT-12.9 Game Vests. Prior the show, LASERTRON had a minimum 4-lane option for axe throwing. While the activity has a big draw, the footprint is large and not amenable for smaller venues. However, the company has offered a 2-lane axe throwing attraction that can hold up to 16 players (8 per lane). This new option is more doable for bowling centers and smaller FECs. www.laser-tron.com

STELTRONIC FOOD AND BEVERAGE MOBILE ORDERING Steltronic has unveiled its new food and beverage mobile ordering system. Food and soft drink orders will be printed in the kitchen, while alcoholic drinks will be printed in the bar.

Customizing a pizza is super simple with the touchscreen for the items you want added to your pizza. Adding a custom menu item to your burger, or a personal note to the chef for preparation is also available for any item purchased.

Customize each tablet for the specific items to be purchased. It’s all customizable from your Steltronic Focus-NEX front desk or back office computers.

(800) 942-5939 or by email: info@steltronicscoring.com

Introducing our New Glow Bowling Socks for Bowling fanatics; look great at the lanes and in loafers.

Available in Men and Ladies / Teens sizes. Centers are selling bowling logo socks for extra revenue. Mix and match Athletic and Glow Bowling Socks by the dozen. Expert Hosiery / Funtime Footwear is THE athletic sock supplier for Bowling and FEC’s.

The AMOA Innovator Award of 2021 is LAI Games’ 2-play and 3-player version of Angry Birds coin crash. Operators report that this version is earning fantastic revenues. The towers are built from the bottom up via a special mechanism that deposits coins in a circle—one layer at a time. The tower heights can go all the way up to 1,200 coins.

For more info, visit www.laigames.com/angry-birds-coin-crash

Call us for details on how Centers are using Glow Socks in their centers.

Phone: 919-799-7707 Email: support@experthosiery.com www.funtimefootwear.com

IBI January 2022 49

CLASSIFIEDS

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WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/BOWLINGFAN

EASY WAYS

to place your Classified Ad in International Bowling Industry Magazine

Call (239) 821-2534

E-mail your ad to:

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November 2021

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CLASSIFIEDS

Classifieds SUBSCRIPTION RATES: One copy of International Bowling Industry is sent free to every bowling center, independently owned pro shop and collegiate bowling center in the U.S., and every military bowling center and pro shop worldwide. Publisher reserves the right to provide free subscriptions to those individuals who meet publication qualifications. Additional subscriptions may be purchased for delivery in the U.S. for $60 per year. Subscriptions for Canada and Mexico are $65 per year, all other foreign subscriptions are $80 per year. All foreign subscriptions should be paid in U.S. funds using International Money Orders.

POSTMASTER: Please send new as well as old address to International Bowling Industry, 1850 San Marco Rd, Marco Island, FL, 34145, USA. If possible, please furnish address mailing label.

Printed in U.S.A. Copyright 2021, Davis Productions Inc. No part of this magazine may be reprinted without the publisher’s permission.

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/BOWLINGFAN

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1850 San Marco Rd Marco Island, FL 34145 (239) 366-2230 Fax (239) 970-0538 stephanie@bowlingindustry.com www.BowlingIndustry.com

HOTLINE: 855-415-7517

IBI January 2022 51

Classifieds CLASSIFIEDS EQUIPMENT FOR SALE Highway 66. 2 lanes. Excellent condition.

Lightly used only 2 years. $25,000 obo 616-322-3119.

FOR SALE: 10 pin drilling machine with vacuum system, measuring ball, scale, etc. Call Vic at (780) 454-1110.

NEW & USED Pro Shop Equipment.

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

REPAIR & EXCHANGE. Call for details (248) 375-2751.

WWW.TEXTBOWLING.COM

CENTER FOR PRICED TOSALE SELL

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE INFECTED with the REMODEL BUG as you FALL into League Season? ENTERTAINING the idea of a face-lift? Got you covered: A2s, parts, lanes, scoring, seating, and, of course, masks. knotritellc@gmail.com.

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

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

AMF EQUIPMENT -

NORTHERN ILLINOIS

• • 24 • POS for lounge that work • Brunswick A pinsetters 20 lanes lanes8270XL with humpback lifts • Ball returns with teardrop perfectly • 25 miles east of Pittsburgh • 25ea 32 inch flat-screen monitors • PVC gutters with bumpers all • AMF Scoring • • Conqueror Scoring, BES 24 lanes Owner retiring Fly English keyboard.

• Small•snack Lanebar Machines Kegel • 300+ contracted league • BOSS System and Kustodian and Century Silver bowlers everyfront week back office, Bullet

speckmancpa@aol.com (815) 979-6036 Call Shawn | |412-614-0587

5260IBI JanuaryIBI 2022November 2021

HEAD MECHANIC WANTED Head Mechanic Wanted for two busy 32 and 36 lane state of the art family entertainment centers in the Treasure Coast of Florida. One is a Brunswick center and the other is AMF. Great opportunity for a qualified individual.

Salary compensable with experience. Email resume to tthompson@bowlstuart.com. Call 772-286-9700 or 772-299-7467 ask for Tammy.

CENTERS FOR SALE ILLINOIS: 24-lane, recently remodeled center w/ new parking lot. 40,000 s/f on 1.67 acres.

Qubica scoring and POS system. Strong leagues w/ 900+ bowlers, also pool leagues. Sports bar & grill, pro shop, video gaming, & banquet hall w/ lots of room to convert. Owner retiring. Call (847) 613-5020 for price & info.

NEBRASKA: 32-lane center, land & building.

Features Brunswick A2 pinsetters, Brunswick Pro Anvilane lanes, Brunswick 2000 ball returns. Also, large lounge seating to 250; party room seating up to 80; game room, café with established catering service. Center caters in-house and to other locations year-round. For more information, call Don Mehring, Action Holdings Real Estate, office (308) 384-3777 or cell (308) 380-0444.

CENTER FOR SALE Southern Indiana 20-Lane newly remodeled Bowling Center with strong leagues, party room, video game room, Qubica scoring, POS system, pro shop, 82/70 AMF equipment, and located on primary highway. Owner retiring and please call (812-547-2200) for price and info.

CLASSIFIEDS Classifieds

AMF • BRUNSWICK EQUIPMENT COMPLETE PACKAGES WORLD’S LARGEST NEW – USED SPARE PARTS INVENTORY ALL AMF BUMPER PARTS, XS Q-BUMP, DURABOWL AND GEN II IN STOCK

BUY

SEL

Danny & Daryl Tucker

Tucker Bowling Equipment Co. 609 N.E. 3rd St. Tulia, Texas 79088 Call (806) 995-4018 Fax (806) 995-4767

L

Bowling Parts, Inc. P.O. Box 801 Tulia, Texas 79088 Call (806) 995-3635 Email - daryl@tuckerbowling.com

www.tuckerbowling.com

OFFICIAL ENTRY RULES FOR THE BUSINESS OF BOWLING $20,000.00 GIVE-A-WAY

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Entries start on 10/1/2021 at 12 AM ET & end on 12/20/2021 at 11:59 PM ET. Winners selected 1/31/2022. You must be legal res of US/DC/CA (excl Quebec), 21+ & auth rep of bowl ctr/free IBIM subscriber. CA winners must correctly solve time-based skill problem. Enter either: (a) online at bowlingbusinessbuilders.com/giveaway; (b) by calling (877) 841-4590; or (c) via email to Natalie@bowlingindustry.com.

Limit 1 entry & 1 prize/bowling ctr. Odds of winning dep on # of entries rec’d. Prize (20): $1000 voucher for bowling indus gds/svcs valid for 1 yr. ARV: $1000. Winners resp for all taxes/costs not stated above. Other restrs & elig lims apply. For full rules & Winners’ list (avail 3/2/2022), visit bowlingbusinessbuilders.com/giveaway. Sponsors: BBBI & Internat’l Bowling Indus Magazine, 1850 San Marco Rd Ste A, Marco Isld FL 34145. Void where prohibited.

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 Visit us on the WEB! http://home.earthlink.net/~wb8yjf/

LOCKER KEYS FAST! All Keys done by code # Locks and Master Keys E-mail: huff@inreach.com

Phone:

(530) 263-2135 IBI

November 2021

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Remember When

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© 2021 BBBI 210911

CONQUEROR EXPERIENCE RELATIONSIHIP MANAGER ONE SYSTEM FOR THE ULTIMATE CONSUMER JOURNEY

Coming Soon!

DELIVER AMAZING SERVICE. Make Conqueror Kiosk the first touchpoint for your customers when they arrive and get ready to deliver! Check in for reservations, explore offers, pay for bowling and extras, order food and beverage. The Kiosk is the perfect way to upsell your customers to play and spend more at each visit. Plus, it provides an easy self-service experience that customers want. qubicaamf.com/conquerorkiosk

To learn more visit: