2023 July Issue

STEPHANIE DAVIS

PAUL LANE

MIKE FERNANDEZ

BY MIKE BOVINO

ROBERT SAX

PUBLISHER & EDITOR

Stephanie Davis stephanie@bowlingindustry.com MARKETING MANAGER & SALES

Natalie Davis natalie@bowlingindustry.com

Mike Fernandez mike@bowlingindustry.com

EDITORIAL

Jackie Fisher fisher@bowlingindustry.com

Patty Heath patty@bowlingindustry.com

OFFICE MANAGER

Roxanne Damask roxanne@bowlingindustry.com

Mike Bovino

Bruce Davis

Stephanie Davis

Mike Fernandez

Danny Gruening

Patty Heath

Paul Lane

Corrie Pelc

Robert Sax

Dave Schwartz

Ryan Vasko

9 500 9,000

33

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YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

America’s birthday is often celebrated with backyard barbeques, local parades, and other patriotic and social events. Often our active military and veterans are honored as part of this American holiday. Again, this year the IBI team dedicates the July issue to the efforts of Bowling to Veterans Link (BVL) and the good work they do on behalf of current and former soldiers.

It’s no secret that the bowling industry is full of generous and compassionate people who pull together in times of need. Whether it’s offering support during a weather-related disaster, sharing advice to help a fellow operator’s business, or being there in times of personal illness or challenge, bowling people always step up!

This month’s issue highlights another way you can step up and make a difference in times of need. Our veterans have needs, our active military has needs. And we have a way to help.

Through fundraising efforts, BVL can provide therapeutic and recreational services and programs to help those who gave so much to make a difference in the lives of all Americans.

Even if you’re short on time or staff, you have the ability to help. I hope our cover story by Robert Sax will inspire you to gather your own troops and join the fight that BVL leads on behalf of our industry.

Keeping with the patriotic theme this month, writer Paul Lane showcases the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base bowling center, recently renamed The REC Room, short for ‘Recreation and Entertainment Center.’ The facility has had a fresh makeover and the new recreation space provides a taste of home for the 6,000 U.S. service men and women and their families living on base.

“AMUSEMENT ALLEY” AGAIN THIS MONTH!

Be sure to turn this month’s magazine over and check out the innovative “Amusement Alley.” This flip section features a variety of entertainment options that center operators might consider offering their customers. Whether your

operation is a large entertainment venue, or a smaller, more traditional bowl, you’ll find something of interest in each issue. This month we focus on how operators are capitalizing on the cashless trend that technology and consumers are driving. Up-to-date cashless systems are much more than just a swipe card; they provide a myriad of benefits that guests and operators love.

And finally, be sure to head over to www.bowlingindustry. com for IBI’s exclusive online-only content. Birthday parties featuring laser tag have become an increasingly popular attraction for all age groups. An informative contribution from Delta Strike highlights the top five tips for hosting a laser tag party at your center. Another interesting article explains how you can garner digital signage to increase customer engagement at your facility. Control Play offers some great advice on how to increase your ROI using digital signage.

If you’re reading this column in the month of July, part of the IBI team is across the world celebrating the marriage of our very own team members, and my daughter, Natalie Davis, and new son-in-law, Mike Fernandez. The rest of the hardworking IBI team is stateside in case you need them. It’s best to reach out to Roxanne@bowlingindustry.com until the Davis-Fernandez fam is back in the office in late July.

Congrats to the newlyweds and Happy Birthday, America!•

– 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

READ THESE TOP STORIES EXCLUSIVELY ONLINE

Why Adding Skee-Ball to Your Game Room Makes Sense

BY BETSON

Skee-ball has been a staple in arcades for over 100 years. It is a classic game that appeals to all ages and gives customers a timeless arcade experience. Read how Betson explains the benefits to adding skee-ball to your arcade, along with the various styles and sizes that are now available.

5 Tips for Throwing a Laser Tag Birthday Party

BY DELTA STRIKE

Laser tag has become an increasingly popular attraction at FECs for all age groups and because of this so has laser tag birthday parties. Throwing a laser tag birthday party might seem complicated but Delta Strike is here to tell you how to execute it easily! Make sure to read their top 5 tips for throwing a successful laser tag birthday party at your location.

Why Should Your Insurance Adviser Review Your Lease?

BY SAFE PARK USA

When renting a commercial space for your FEC, you need to make sure your insurance covers all possible scenarios. When it’s renewing your lease, you need to make sure that your current coverage is managing all the potential risks. Safe Park USA explains why your insurance adviser should review your lease before you renew!

Increase Your ROI With Digital Signage

BY CONTROL PLAY

Marketing in your FEC might seem like an overwhelming task, but digital signage is one tool that is a game changer. Digital signage can be used almost anywhere in your location and increases customer engagement. Read some tips from Control Play on how to increase your ROI using digital signage.

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HOME A Away from Home

A little R&R, American style

By Paul Lane

When the average American hears the words Guantanamo Bay, she automatically thinks of the infamous detention center that sits very isolated in the southeastern corner of Cuba. However, Guantanamo Bay Naval Base is much more than the detention center; it is the U.S. Navy’s most important base south of Charleston, SC. The Americans have been present in Guantanamo Bay since running the Spanish out of Cuba during the Spanish American War at the turn of the 20th century. A treaty was signed in 1903 that guaranteed U.S. rights to the area in perpetuity. The naval base is now home to 6,000 U.S. service men and women and their families. For U.S. military families serving abroad, it is nice that a little R&R should include the wholly American pastime of bowling.

Guantanamo Bay is no exception. Cory Geiger, the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWF) director at GITMO says, “We are remote and isolated here on the base; there is no leaving. Providing experiences that help patrons forget that fact boosts morale. It is escapism entertainment that feels like what our patrons would enjoy back home.” The MWF offerings are vast, from aquatics to car repair to a library to on-base restaurants. However, military personnel wanted more.

developed project goals to expand their recreation and entertainment attractions, including:

• Modernize Marblehead, the oversized and dated 28-lane bowling center on base

• Create new sources of revenue for MWF through

entertainment, recreation, amusement, and food and beverage service

• Create a true full-scale FEC for the community

Cory Geiger

The MWF team

The modernization project at Marblehead started with reducing the number of lanes to 16 and utilizing the extra air-conditioned space to add a variety of entertainment and recreation attractions and renaming the facility The REC Room, short for ‘Recreation and Entertainment Center.’ Geiger said, “Having air-conditioned space is another benefit for the community. Our location in Cuba is extremely hot year-round so having a reprieve from the heat is a major plus. Without locations like this, the community must get out early, stay indoors through the middle of the day, and then enjoy the cooler evenings. Facilities like The REC Room offers climate-controlled spaces the community can enjoy from morning until night.”

The REC Room follows FEC trends stateside. “Groups can enjoy The REC Room which has multiple entertainment and recreation experiences under one roof. These experiences are becoming more important,” emphasized Geiger. “[Having] multiple entertainment options retain patrons who want to maximize all the attractions during a single visit.”

• New full-service bar

• Two Full Swing S8 golf simulators with 16 sport game packages

• Insight Ballistic VR shooting

• Three pool tables

• Two shuffle puck tables

• 16 arcade games: Halo, Jurassic Park, Nerf Shooter as well as classic games like pinball, Skeeball, and Pac-Man

• New dining space near the bar

• New flooring, walls, lighting, and ceiling

Geiger appreciates the new cashless system in the arcade. There is no cash used in the arcade. Instead, customers purchase gaming cards at the center’s main reception desk.”

Handicapped and scratch leagues and tournament bowling are year-round activities, and packages are available. In addition to promoting organized bowling activities — adult men’s, women’s, and mixed leagues, monthly tournaments,

and junior bowling programs — organized competition extends to the newly-added golf and shooting simulators.

The base also features more than a dozen bars, restaurants, and coffee shops, plus two fitness and aquatic centers, three baseball fields, a football field and track, four tennis courts, a skate park, four pickleball courts, and a golf course. Along with The REC Room in full swing with its multiple attractions, the base offers that home-away-from-home experience.•

A special thank you to Joycelyn Biggs, Public Affairs Officer, Naval Station Guantanamo Bay

Paul Lane has had an extensive background in marketing since 1960, especially in the international arena, in a career that spans more than 50 countries. This includes a 30-year tenure with AMF Bowling Inc. (1960-1990). Since 1990 he has worked as an independent contractor assisting more than a dozen major domestic and international integers in the bowling industry in a variety of marketing assignments.

THE ATTRACTIONS ADDED TO THE REC ROOM INCLUDE:

2023: Food in The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

By Mike Fernandez

WHAT’S TRENDING ON THE MENU IN 2023?

Social media provides a platform for new food trends to take off every week, but sometimes it’s hard to tell if you’re looking at a meme or a game-changer.

Whether it’s good or bad, it gets the people going!

The Good

There’s a big wave in lifestyle foods, offering a better solution for both our bodies and the planet. Menu options that utilize urban farming techniques which are climate-conscious and crueltyfree have been on the rise for years. Now, chefs have worked out how to make those options taste better, and the ingredients are generally more competitive than ever.

Adding to your menu that chicken or beef being served is pastureraised or that fruits and veggies

are from the local fresh market will leave guests ethically satisfied — and willing to pay more to protect the planet!

But how far do we go when serving earthfriendly foods?

Do you Watch Shark Tank ? If so, you’ll know that the Sharks repeatedly invest millions in companies selling peanutfree peanut butter, seaweed-based bacon, and chips made from egg whites.

Many of the ideas can be a bit unorthodox, but the proof is in the mushroom-based pudding, and the sharks know that!

Another trend that I think qualifies is the ‘swicy’ one.

Swicy: (adj.) A collision between sweet and spicy elements in a single entree, dessert, or side.

Example in a sentence: Dude, that jalapeno chocolate bar was swicy.

Some examples of swicy foods include hot honey, chili dark chocolate candy bars, or, more familiarly, sweet and spicy wing sauces. Koreans are masters of swicy foods, and it’s no coincidence that Korean restaurants have shown a rise in popular demand over the last few years.

The Bad and the Ugly

Some of these menu trends didn’t necessarily scream terrible idea, but some of them do.

Let’s start with one of the largest trends that has taken off: Butter boards.

Just like I did, you might think this is a two-pound block of butter slapped on a board with some parsley. It’s classier than that, but barely.

Butter boards are a more cost-effective charcuterielike option. For example, you can spread some roomtemperature butter over a charcuterie board and add some flavor like salt, lemon zest, basil, roasted garlic, chili pepper flakes, or honey. Throw in some plain white bread and crackers and, boom! You’ve got a board of… seasoned butter? Surely, some might be a fan, but if you ask me, it’s K-Mart charcuterie.

The last trend is what originally drove me to write this article. It’s the reason that I take pride in providing valuable information for food and beverage operations. It’s cheap, it smells and hasn’t peaked in popularity since the literal Great Depression. Want to take a guess? It’s tinned fish! To make

BOOZE

it even worse, the hottest trend-within-a-trend is tinned fish date nights. It’s exactly what it sounds like: lighting a candle, pouring some wine, and slurping down some sardines on a cracker with your loved one.

Tinned fish date nights have taken off on TikTok and have been coined a “hot-girl food.” Many influencers’ accounts consist solely of eating different tinned fish every day and rating them. The video considered to be the start of the trend has over 4.5 million views.

This isn’t chunk light tuna, which is clearly delicious. This is canned sardines, tinned salmon, and smoked mussels that have been sitting at room temp for who knows how long. Their spot in grocery isles is increasing every day — sales of tinned fish in the U.S. are up 130% since 2022.

Is it Gen Z’s unfortunate answer to inflation? Is it TikTok’s algorithms trying to destroy the world? Is it mass hysteria? I don’t know, but it’s bad, ugly, and everything inbetween.

Since nobody can stomach a martini after a can of sardines, let’s look at some non-alcoholic beverage trends that have shown promise.

CBD INFUSED DRINKS: CBD drinks were a trend in 2022, and it looks like they’re here to stay. Last year, they could be found on the cocktail menus of only the trendiest locations. They have become a mainstream staple for both the alcoholic and nonalcoholic markets. While CBD drinks don’t give you the buzz that cannabis offers, it’s packed with other benefits like anti-inflammatories and claims of improving both mood regulation and memory.

BUBBLE TEA: Bubble tea has been having its moment for quite some time now. What seemed like a craze looks set to stay a favorite among younger generations in 2023. Despite being invented in the 1980s, the demand for bubble tea has gone global with its expected market growth of nearly $2 billion to reach $4.3 billion by 2027. The refreshing Taiwanese-born tea drink includes the iconic additional tapioca or fruit jelly bubbles. It’s great for those looking for a fun, healthy beverage. It’s popular for both the health conscious and under 21: healthier variants are low in sugar, use organic soy milk, green tea, or fruity mixes, and the younger generation is seduced by its over 200 flavor combinations and even more customizable options making

for a truly unique and tasty drink. The big straws needed to sip jelly bubbles provide the nostalgic feeling of sipping on a slushie without the brain freeze!

READY-TO-DRINK COCKTAILS: While some like me enjoy researching mixology to make my own delicious drinks for guests, many long for the days where they don’t need a home bar and a few years of restaurant experience to serve simple drinks up.

Spirit brands and hotel chains have wasted no time in offering the perfect solution and created a variety of delicious, bartender-quality, ready-to-drink cocktails in cans. Expected to be the hottest trend in the beverage industry, the creation of prepared cocktailsto-go has, according to Nielsen Premium Panel data, accelerated 171% in 2021 and was valued at USD $782.7 million. This trend shows no sign of slowing down in 2023!•

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.

Expert Alley

IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES Integrating audio, video, and lighting

In today’s highly competitive entertainment market, delivering exceptional customer experiences is a top priority for businesses seeking to attract and retain clientele. Whether you own a family entertainment center, bowling center, trampoline park, bar and restaurant, mini golf, or any other entertainment venue, the audio, video, and lighting (AVL) system plays a critical role in enhancing the overall ambiance and customer experience. A welldesigned and integrated AVL system can provide customers with a seamless and immersive experience that sets your entertainment facility apart from the competition.

As a business owner, you face several key considerations when selecting an AVL system. It’s important to balance factors such as value, quality, longevity, expenses, and return on investment. However, one vital element that is often overlooked is how your AVL system is controlled and operated. How your AVL system is controlled can significantly impact your ability to provide a unique and personalized experience.

Customers have varying preferences when it comes to music, television, and lighting. It is essential to have an integrated automation system that can seamlessly communicate with all AVL systems to deliver a custom experience.

The size of your facility will determine the number of speakers, televisions, and lighting fixtures needed, with each area requiring different audio sources, volume levels, video

sources, and lighting levels. An integrated control system that provides an easy-touse interface, such as a tablet or touch panel, can enable you and your employees to select various components and control them either individually, by area or room, or even the entire facility.

The automation system acts as a central control that simplifies the management of complex AVL systems. Moreover, the automation system can save you both time and money by eliminating the need to manually control each element, reducing operator errors, system downtime, and costly repairs.

In summary, an integrated automation system for your AVL can help you deliver an exceptional customer experience, generating revenue and ROI. The ability to control and customize various elements of your AVL system through a single interface enables you to provide your customers with an unforgettable experience while simultaneously saving you time and money. By focusing on creating an immersive and personalized experience for your customers, you can set your entertainment facility apart from competitors and build a loyal customer base, which is crucial in today’s highly competitive entertainment market.•

Mike Bovino DFX

with

Working

TOGETHER MAKE DIFFERENCE to

Bowlers to Veterans Link (BVL) is bowling’s oldest charity and has raised more than $53 million since 1942. Money raised helps fund recreation and therapy programs that address the emotional and physical needs of veterans and active-duty military. “Our goal is to help our veterans transition back to civilian life and live happy and healthy lives. Mostly, we want to put a smile on their faces. Give them something to look forward to instead of doctor appointments, pain and feeling lost,” said Mary Harrar, Executive Director of BVL.

Fundraising events and donations from thousands of bowling associations, bowling centers, industry partners, and bowlers throughout the U.S. help fund the efforts of BVL. Besides being incredibly rewarding, raising money for soldier and veteran outreach is easier than you think.

CREATIVE FUNDRAISERS FOR BVL SHARE THE SECRETS OF THEIR SUCCESS

As part of IBI’s annual salute to veterans and BVL, we asked several successful BVL fundraisers to share their stories about how they have operated successful campaigns. These folks used a creative approach to host successful fundraisers, build excitement in their community, and raise needed funds. We hope their stories will inspire industry colleagues across the country to do the same.

Help BVL Help Our Vets

By Robert Sax

WORKING TOGETHER PAYS BIG DIVIDENDS – A NEW JERSEY SUCCESS!

Retired pro shop owner Tony Norcia has run Pro-Am tournaments to support BVL for more than eight years. Most recently he has used Howell Lanes in Howell, NJ, where 200-300 people attend a typical tournament. Norcia says Howell Lanes co-owners Neil Feingold and Charlie Anderson give outstanding support by setting aside lanes, discounting lineage, and “helping us in any way they can.”

Mary Harrar

Bob Rogers (left) and Tony Norcia (right) at Howell Lanes

Norcia secures local tournament sponsors that are big supporters of veterans’ causes, providing t-shirts, and other support for the event. While in a typical year the Pro-Am tournament raises about $6,000, in 2022, Norcia teamed up with his local USBC chapter, the Monmouth County Bowling Association, and over doubled that amount!

As a nonprofit entity, Monmouth County Association holds a license that allows them to operate 50/50 raffles. “Now the association presents the tournament. They have the license for the state so they’re the ones that actually are in charge of that. That’s why last year we grossed $12,500,” explains Norcia.

Bob Rogers, president of the Monmouth County USBC chapter, says the group historically runs seven or eight tournaments a year of its own, raising around $4,500 in total from 50/50 raffles. When he joined the board, he suggested adding a bowling ball raffle. “I knew so many people in the industry, I was getting five, six, and seven balls donated. We would sell raffle tickets at $5 apiece, on an average of about a thousand tickets. So, we doubled our BVL donation from $4,500 to almost $10,000.”

Rogers praises the tireless efforts of the 25 directors in the association. “They all take a pack of tickets to their leagues to sell them. It’s a group effort from the whole county,” he says. “The directors are very dedicated, and the bowlers are very generous.”

The partnership with Norcia’s tournament boosted the total money raised for BVL by Monmouth County bowlers to more than $22,000 in 2022. “Before we were in the top 10 in the country raising money for BVL,” says Rogers. “When we married up with Tony, it took Monmouth County to second place for the most amount of money raised in the country. We only lost to Greater Dallas, which is a much bigger organization.” BVL executive director Mary Harrar calls the New Jersey alliance a perfect story about bowling associations and bowling centers working together.

WHAT DOES DO WITH BVL

MONEY RAISED?

While there are many ways BVL touches lives, IBI has highlighted a few of our favorites.

1. A popular new program from BVL harnesses the power of virtual reality to open a wide range of experiences for veterans. MyndVR is a Dallas-based company that has designed a VR headset to help PTSD in veterans. These VR headsets can take someone almost anywhere he or she wants to go. Imagine not being able to leave a facility, or, even worse, confined to a bed, and through the magic of VR they can climb the Eiffel Tower or land a plane on the deck of an aircraft carrier or go to a Broadway play or visit their childhood home. BVL purchases these headsets and delivers them to VA hospitals.

2. Equestrian Therapy allows veterans to help take care of horses and teaches them basic skills. For our paralyzed veterans they get the chance to “walk” again!

3. Bowling outings can help veterans with PTSD develop tools to help them when they hear sounds that remind them of combat, like the ball hitting the lane or the pins crashing. Our sport is used as immersion therapy!

Bob Rogers (far right) with award from BVL. With him are the directors of the Monmouth County USBC association.

ONE CALL GOT THE BALL ROLLING

Pat Allen, the owner of Conway Family Bowl in Conway, AK, is from a military family and spent his early years living on the local air force base. In 2022 he held his first BVL fundraiser, setting what he thought was “a pretty lofty goal at $10,000.” The event was a big success and they ended up raising over $12,000.

Allen’s approach was quite creative. He sold lane sponsorships for $300 apiece, selling out his 24 lanes. Some sponsors brought their teams to the tournament, while others asked him to bring veterans to bowl. Allen contacted the local recruiting offices and arranged for teams from the Army and Navy to compete.

Allen contacted Little Rock’s TV stations, which cover the entire state, to publicize the event. At first, he didn’t get any callbacks but then received a voicemail from Amy Sullivan, the news director at KATV, the ABC affiliate in Little Rock. Sullivan was a veteran who had run the bowling center at the base where she served in Japan. “She was excited and got me the names I needed for the other television stations,” says Allen. That one call got the ball rolling and three local stations covered the event. One of them, KTHV, even selected Conway Bowl for its veterans-focused “Heroes of the Month” segment. “As a result of the TV coverage, a local law firm donated a thousand dollars to BVL,” says Allen, “and we got a lot of recognition for what we do.”

This year Allen plans to run tournaments at Conway Bowl and his other center, Allfam Lanes, which is located just outside

Little Rock Air Force Base. With the potential of running two shifts of bowlers, he’s setting his fundraising goal at $15,000. From the way Allen can build excitement for his events and spread the news, we’re confident he’ll make that goal, and maybe even surpass it.

IBI would like to thank these dynamic fundraisers for sharing their stories with our readers. It is our hope, and theirs, that it inspires other industry friends to help BVL support our active duty and veterans in an even bigger, more consistent way.•

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

Pat Allen

Bowling coach Mike D’Ambrosio (far left) with participants at the 2022 BVL Fundraiser at Howell Lanes in New Jersey. (Photo: Tony Norcia)

FEATURING THE 40 FRAME GAME!

Rethink Your Scoring System Investments Already Made-AND in the Future

MULTIPLE SCORING UPGRADE OPTIONS

If you simply want to keep the investment you already made running, we may be able to help with a combination of new, used, refurbished, or repair on many scoring and machine components. We have been offering support to maintain your current investment for over 12 years.

TouchDesk Management System

If you have Legacy Scoring (Brunswick AS-80/90, Frameworx or AMF Magic Score, Accuscore, Boss) you can upgrade the Management System to TouchDesk. This is a great option if your scoring is still doing the job, but you worry about the management system lasting through another season. System is CDE/BLS Compatible, offers POS options, and more. Once purchased, you can upgrade scoring - one pair at a time.

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● Use Standard Computing Technology. TS3 uses standard Windows PCs on the lanes, counters, and back offices, making your scoring computers relevant and inexpensive to repair or replace. Never pay manufacturer's prices to repair proprietary computers. TS3 also connects directly to any flat screens without converters and auto scales to resolution of screens for easy upgrading.

Integrates Live with Lane Talk AND Lane Engine!

ODDS & ENDS

Escape Rooms – More Than Just for Fun

Escape Rooms have become standout areas of entertainment for FECs. From birthday parties to company field trips, not only do guests enjoy bowling, but they love the escape rooms. Now these entertainment sources have been found to have even higher goals.

Suicide prevention is a high priority in the care of veterans. VA healthcare sites throughout the country train their staff to identify triggers and learn how to diffuse crises. Through creative research, it has been found that the use of escape rooms has been beneficial in training those who are on the front lines of bringing vets back from the precipice. Using simulation escape rooms can prepare VA staff for interventions.

VA Black Hills Healthcare System (HCS) in Fort Meade, SD, created a mental health escape room called “Don’t Wait, Reach Out” to prepare its staff to encounter suicidal patients. The learners were presented with a simulated suicidal patient that required appropriate intervention to ‘escape’ the room. The escape room simulations provided staff teams the opportunity to practice communication, clinical skills, leadership, team building, and problemsolving in a dynamic and innovative way of training.

When escape rooms have been used at VA sites, participants show better engagement, use more teamwork, and report stronger understanding than with standard course training. At the Black Hills HCS, learners included practical nurses, registered nurses (RN), nursing assistants, social workers, housekeeping, and chaplains.

GOODWILL CENTRAL

FOCUS IS ON VETERANS

Camelot Lanes in Boardman, OH, opened its doors to the inaugural Stars and Strikes fundraiser for Veterans’ Outreach, whose mission is to honor and serve all veterans. Over the past 29 years, Outreach has helped more than 150,000 veterans through its programs and charity events. Its Direct Aid program provides up to $200 per veteran per year, including the need for shelter, rent, utilities, food, auto repairs, clothing, and relocation. All participants at the tournament enjoyed a luncheon buffet hosted by Camelot Lanes. Tickets were available for a basket raffle which included items from local businesses and sponsors. The center is planning to host the event again next year.

MISSION: GRATITUDE

The bowling industry has its veteran charity, BVL. However, the USBC’s Carson City, NV, association chose to reach out to the national Honor Flight Network organization’s Nevada chapter with a donation of $5,519 garnered through a BVL tournament held last November.

The Honor Flight Network is a national nonprofit comprised of independent hubs working together to achieve the Honor Flight mission: transporting military veterans, at no charge, to see the memorials in Washington D.C. of the respective war in which they fought. Currently the organization honors those who served during World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and veterans of any service era who are critically ill. The minimum age is 78.

EXPANSIONS, HAPPENINGS, & NEW BEGINNINGS

Bowling Around The Globe

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Bowling is not unfamiliar to Egyptians. In fact, it is quite popular. The largest Egyptian center, the International Bowling Center, is in Nasr City, offering 24 lanes of bowling and billiards. The 6th of October, a satellite city of Giza and part of the Greater Cairo metropolitan area, has FUNTOPIA. Also located there is Cityscape Mall which features a one-of-a-kind ice rink as well as bowling lanes. You can find bowling wherever you go.

PHILLIPPINES

LIMITLESS BARCADE in Pasay is for the kids at heart. It is a two-level arcade with classic games, including basketball, darts, karaoke, duckpin, and tenpin bowling to keep guests busy.

INDIA’S FECS ARE THRIVING

Bowling fans have a lot to choose from in India. SMAAASH 2.0 in New Delhi offers a unique adrenaline rush with highly advanced VR games, vending and arcade games, and an interactive, adventure tower. Besides games, trendy music is offered by the city’s best DJs.

New to Mumbai is the full-scale, first-class gaming heaven called SHOTT . The 12 lanes of bowling also have Spark Technology from Brunswick, the first to be found in India.

Most recently opened is TIMEZONE in Ahmedabad. This FEC includes a wide range of attractions, games, and VR rides. Masti Zone is a new FEC chain that is up and coming with more than 50 outlets planned, including the 20 locations already in existence.

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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.

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EXPANSIONS, OPENINGS, & NEW BEGINNINGS

PENNSYLVANIA

South Bowl is a 26-lane happening bowling center in South Philadelphia, the sidekick to North Bowl also in Philly. South Bowl has an outdoor area dubbed The Yard, which opened in 2019. This expansion to the center offers fast-pitch batting cages, two 40-footlong bocce courts, shuffleboard, horseshoes, an outdoor arcade area, and a full bar with seating. The bowling lanes and the outdoor embellishments make South Bowl a very successful, local hangout.

INNOVATIVE OFFERINGS

810 Billiards & Bowling has introduced a new concept, Mean Mugs Milkshake Bar, to its Myrtle Beach, SC, location. The concept features unique and indulgent milkshake combinations which are crafted with more than 40 different ingredients. The idea was spawned by the owners’ beloved pet pug, Belle, who looks menacing but is a sweetheart. “Mugsy,” the mascot of Mean Mugs, is an homage to Belle who is a fun-loving, misunderstood pug with a mean-looking mug and embodies the brand’s celebration of individual expression.

When you think of a milkshake, you think of a kid, but Mean Mugs caters to adults too. “Mugshots” of alcoholic choices add a new twist to the milkshake experience. Michael Siniscalchi, CEO of 810 Billiards & Bowling, said, “This is just one example of how we are looking to remain innovative in the industry and create a next-level family fun environment. We look forward to bringing Mean Mugs to more of our locations in the future.”

YUMMY ALERT!

The all-new Boost ST isn’t equal to other string pinsetters—it’s in a class by itself. Boost’s USBC-certified design incorporates advanced sport technologies to elevate performance, safety, operational efficiency, and the bowler experience. Combining the 360 Controller’s future-forward engineering with professionalgrade construction, Boost is the only cloud-enabled string pinsetter ready to evolve and adapt with your business well into the future. Compatible with any major scoring system, and even better with Sync · BRUNSWICKBOWLING.COM/BOOST-ST-STRING-PINSETTER ·

Apparel

Attractions

Automatic

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

full-service distribution network serving the

offers

and

Design CREATIVE WORKS www.thewoweffect.com Russ Van Natta 317.834.4770 sales@thewoweffect.com

Equipment/Supplies

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 www.neotac.com Frank Bernabei 585.798.6400 300@neotac.com Lane Conditioners

Capital Equipment/Supplies

QUBICAAMF

Sales Department

PREFERRED VENDOR LIST

804.569.1000 info@qubicaamf.com

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

SWITCH

John Fatigati

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.

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

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

TRIFECTA

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.

VENUE INDUSTRIES www.venueindustries.com

Sales Team

855.558.3683 sales@venueindustries.com

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.

TILTON, THOMAS & MORGAN INSURANCE PROFESSIONALS www.ttminsurance.com

W. Tyler Compton

866.233.0266

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!

Furniture Insurance

Insurance (continued)

WESTERN BOWLING PROPRIETORS INSURANCE www.wbpiprogram.com

Cameron Linder 800.200.9998

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

Online Reservations

ALLEYTRAK www.alleytrak.com

Chris Behling 815.519.9843

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.

Online

Training

FEC PROMO TOOLS www.fecpromotools.com Sales Department 239.389.9583 FECpromotools@gmail.com

Virtual

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 www.redemptionplus.com Mike Tipton 888.564.7587 Smile@redemptionplus.com Products

35 IBI July 2023

USED ROLLERBALL

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.

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

EXPERIENCED MECHANIC NEEDED 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. Jayhawk 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

www.bowlingindustry.com

Remember When 1947

Ribbons indicate awards and awards symbolize excellence. Pabst Blue Ribbon beer, started in Milwaukee in 1844, was America’s beer. Legend has it that it was awarded “America’s Best” at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893. Hence, the “Blue Ribbon.”

In 1947, the year of this ad, beer and bowling were a team. Men drank beer and men bowled.

For those who can remember, take a peek at the ball return behind our all-American guy. No frills there. And, check out the invitation to “tune” in to the Eddie Cantor Show “over” NBC. It took a minute to realize that it was a radio show not a television show.•

In 1947...

• The Cold War began.

• The Kon-Tiki Expedition with Thor Heyderdahl completed 4,300 miles across the Pacific Ocean.

• The then Princess Elizabeth was engaged to Lt. Philip Mountbatten.

• The Oldsmobile Woody was a new car!

• Chuck Yaeger broke the sound barrier.

• Flying saucers were seen in Roswell, NM.

And... ABC membership reached 1,259,000; WIBC was 362,779; and there were 5,747 certified bowling lanes.

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:

PUT REAL BOWLING ENTERTAINMENT ANYWHERE!

Fly’n Ducks is classic duckpin bowling reimagined for today. Amazingly easy to operate, available in a variety of sizes and options, cool and exciting for adults and children alike.

New Ideas // Different Concepts // Fresh Revenue Streams

“Amusement Alley” is where new ideas, different concepts, and fresh streams of revenue are featured periodically throughout the year. New and interesting entertainment trends continue to shake up how we do business in the industry of FUN. The IBI team, including our knowledgeable guest contributors, are digging deep to bring you cutting-edge, valuable information to help your business.

Who pulls cash out of their wallet anymore? How many of you even own a change purse? (For you younger folks, you may not even know what I’m referring to.) Cash transactions are becoming fewer and fewer and one day will likely go away completely.

This month’s cover story shares how some operators are cashing in on the cashless trends with their innovative and business-savvy cashless systems. Beyond being guest-friendly and even expected, today’s new cashless systems provide operators with a plethora of knowledge to help them make smart business decisions. Kicking cash to the curb is the name of the game in 2023 and will continue its fast pace into the future.

We listen to you, our readers, and advertisers too!

If you have had success with adding a new attraction, have recently completed an upgrade or remodel, or are enjoying a lucrative stream of revenue from a new approach or product, we want to know! Your fellow operators want to know, too!

Reach out to Stephanie@BowlingIndustry.com with news to share, or topics you’d like us to highlight.

This Month’s Featured Content:

SCHWARTZ

A big shout-out to these innovative companies for their involvement in this month’s Amusement Alley. Progressive companies like these are critical to the future of the industry.

EARNING VISITS

Marketing Monthly with Bruce Davis

Five tips on connecting with Millennials

Are you doing what you should to increase the number of visits from these casual consumers ages 27 to 42? This is a very large segment of consumers, many of whom are out and about regularly. Getting them to give you a try and then earning repeat visits can be a marketing challenge that is a bit different from other age groups.

Listed below are some suggestions that are important to any customer who might consider spending more time and money with you, but for Millennials these topics carry a lot of weight in their decision-making process.

1. BARGAIN HUNTERS: Millennials are bargain hunters for sure but don’t confuse their quest for a bargain as just a search for a low price! Millennials strongly want to feel they got more for their money than it cost them. They are looking for great, full, and exciting experiences and will happily pay the price if you deliver properly. Delivering them great experiences compared to the cost will result in more frequent visits.

2. RESEARCHERS: 80% of Millennials research where they are going to go to spend time and money. How do you check out online? Have you answered any weak reviews? Does your marketing material contain positive photos of and testimonials from customers from their age range? Many customers give more credence to what other customers have to say about your services than depend upon what your marketing says about you. With Millennials, what others have to say about you carries a huge amount of weight in their decision-making process.

3. EXPECT RESERVATION OPTION: If appropriate for some of your offers, do you offer reservations online? If not, you are no doubt missing the boat with this consumer group! Millennials want to be able to schedule their time and activities and most are happy to even pay extra to do so. They are used to paying an online convivence

fee attached to a reservation or an admission. Many Millennials will opt to pay in advance for services if provided the option. Besides providing services they appreciate, your operation can benefit in numerous ways by offering such options.

4. CAUSE CONSCIOUS: Most Millennials like to do business with companies that support a social cause, that use some of their profits (and the Millennials’ spending) to help others in need. There are many examples of national companies that have recognized this behavior and boldly support recognized needs. Many of these companies promote this merit rather than market low prices or deals. Find a local cause or two to support, do so consistently, and make sure all your marketing communications mention your support.

5. ACCEPT COMMUNICATION: If you are performing well on the suggestions above and delivering a great guest experience, you can build up trust with Millennials to the extent that most will provide you with their data so that you may communicate with them in the future. Since data is the best business insurance you can obtain, remember that earning it from Millennials is a “give and a get” situation. Giving them a game or gift card in exchange for their data provides you with the most effective and efficient tool to earn additional visits from them.

Taking time to work on improving how you deliver on these topics can result in Millennials (and others) saying, ‘We should go back there more often, it is great fun, they take reservations, it was a bargain, and on top of that they are helping those in our community.’•

Bruce Davis is President of Bowling Business Builders International (BBBI) whose flagship program Kids Bowl Free has registered over 35 million children for participating centers.

OFF YOUR BUSINESS! BLOW LID

If you’re reading this article, it means you’re a learner. You’re looking for new ways to improve your business and your guest experience. I applaud you for that! Why? Because it means you’re on the path to becoming a top business owner.

As I look around the industry, the top operators also happen to be top learners, and that’s not a coincidence. These top operators don’t ever feel like they’ve “arrived” and that they’ve figured it all out. They understand there’s always something new to learn. John Maxwell, one of the biggest voices on business leadership, talks about The Law of The Lid. As a leader, you are the lid that limits the growth of your business. If you want the business to grow, you must also grow and learn.

Ok, so you’re on board with the concept of continuous learning. But what are the best ways to do that in our industry? Some of the examples may seem obvious and simple, but I’ll discuss some important strategies that will help you get the biggest return.

The first and most obvious method is attending events and trade shows. These events offer fantastic education in the form of presentations, workshops, and panel discussions. As an operator, you should attend these seminars. Even if you’ve seen a presentation before or you feel like you’ve got a lot of experience in that topic already, attend anyway. You never know what tiny nuggets of information could produce a big impact on your business.

By Danny Gruening

And beyond the formal education at these events, talk to other operators. One of my favorite things about this industry is how everyone is open and willing to share what’s been working for them. This informal networking time is possibly the most valuable way to learn. And it helps you create a greater sense of community with your peers.

Events and trade shows are in-person, face-to-face experiences. And we’re a face-to-face industry. But don’t overlook virtual education in the form of webinars, which exploded in popularity after the pandemic.

I know virtual is not the same as being in person. And many of us have become burned out by too many Zoom calls and virtual presentations. But they are a great way to continue your education between the larger events. Education is important, and you don’t want to limit that experience to only a couple of events a year.

If you’re going to register for a webinar, block out the time on your calendar, close your inbox, and put on your “Do Not Disturb” notifications. If you’re going to attend the webinar, then attend it with your full attention.

It can be easy to fall into the trap of multitasking, and simply listening to the webinar in the background while you do other work. After all, it feels productive because you’re getting more done! But in reality, multitasking doesn’t work. You’ll be doing two things poorly instead of doing one thing well.

Here’s another webinar mistake that I’ve made many times before, and I’m guessing you have too. I registered for a webinar, but I didn’t attend the live stream because more urgent work came up; I told myself I would watch the replay. But here’s the problem: I never got around to watching the replay. If you’re going to register for a webinar, do everything you can to attend live. And if you can’t, then schedule time in your calendar for when you’ll watch the replay. Because if you don’t plan it, you likely won’t do it.

These methods are great for learning about industryspecific topics. But I highly recommend reading books from entrepreneurs and experts outside our industry. There’s an enormous wealth of knowledge from some of the most

• EmotionalIntelligence: Twelve and a Half

byGaryVaynerchuk

successful business owners in the world, and they’ve distilled their lessons into a few hundred pages that you can read or listen to on audiobooks.

I like the concept of “read what you need.” Identify the areas where you want to grow most and find the highest-rated books focused on that category.

The bowling and attractions industry has evolved a lot in the last decade, and it seems to be changing at an increasing rate. The best way to set yourself up for longterm success is to learn every single day. When you make learning a habit and a priority, you’ll lead your business into a fruitful future.•

Gruening is vice president of Business Development at Creative Works

Here are some of my favorite booksI’ve read in different categories:

• Leadership: The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership

byJohn Maxwell

• Habit Creation: Atomic Habits byJames Clear

• Business Strategy:TheInfinite Game by Simon Sinek

Danny

DISAPPEARING

Cash Transactions

By Ryan Vasko

Capitalizing on Cashless Trends Pays Off In A Big Way

Cashless systems have been an important part of this industry for a while now. They’ve been game changers in terms of getting more customers through the doors, elevating the peak of efficiency for day-to-day operations, and expanding the scope of what a business can do. From the smallest local bowling alleys to sprawling, modern family entertainment centers, owners everywhere have seen the benefit of upgrading to these forward-thinking solutions.

As the years have passed, the makers of these systems have been able to adapt their operations to help an ever-changing industry keep up with the times and be agile in the face of a demanding, shifting customer base. The products are only getting better, and more functional, and smart proprietors are constantly finding new ways to uncover additional revenue streams and upgrade to a setup that’s better for them and their patrons.

“I was always a big supporter of tickets and tokens,” said John Sarantakis, owner of The People’s Choice Family Fun Center in Waukegan, IL, who uses Semnox’s suite of systems solutions. “Kids love tokens, kids love tickets, but, ultimately, it’s a hassle and an extra expense for us. I knew we had to go cashless.”

“For so long, the number one thing that would put a game out of order was a token jam or a game out

of tickets, and that’s lost revenue,” said Sean Lemmon, Amusements Manager for Laser Alleys and other centers in York, PA, that utilize Intercard’s cashless ecosystem. “This is so much easier, and for the customer, it’s a lot more convenient having everything in one spot, on one card.”

As consumers grow used to taking more of the transactional journey into their hands via online reservations, unmanned counters, and app-based experiences, these kinds of setups are becoming the baseline, not the aspiration. We might not see a true cashless society for a few more years still, but it can only help your business to establish its place ahead of the curve.

“It’s about giving guests the options for what they want to do,” said Jason Mitchell, Client Success Manager for Intercard. The goal should be to make it as simple as possible for customers to use and pay for your services. With entertainment options available on every corner and smartphone, you might only get one shot at making a good impression and creating a return customer. But if you’re able to offer a seamless, easy-to-operate day out — and even plus up their time with bonuses for using your system — the likelihood of creating loyal, returning customers skyrockets.

“Proprietors have seen a definitive paradigm shift in how their guests interact with their location,” said Phil Showler, Sales Partner for Semnox Solutions. “They look for touch interface kiosks instinctively, and at the game level especially, they look for ways to touch or tap, play and go.”

Trend studies are showing that even the youngest redemption game players are just fine with no paper tickets or tokens. They’re trained from the start in simple user interfaces like smartphones and can translate those experiences to every facet of the game-playing experience.

“The kids who come in here automatically know to walk up to the station, put their money in, get their card, and how to use it,” said Sarantakis. With his Semnox system in place, players can scroll through images of the prizes they can earn with their winnings and have their selections relayed to a redemption attendant. Simple, fun, and efficient.

Money is in the Data

One of the more underrated aspects that systems like Semnox and Intercard offer are the many lessons that can be found by digging deeper into reports. Every owner is familiar with the broad strokes of money in, money out, and being able to track and predict revenue on a day-to-day, week-to-week, month-to-month basis. Simple reporting on games reveals what games are being played, what’s falling in popularity, and what is paying out the most.

“You have the ability to tie it into membership programs, loyalty programs, and similar things that can market your facility, so your top-line revenues will increase,” said Mitchell.

“Where you can really make an impact on your business with a cashless solution is more in the bottom line.”

“It’s the best pathway to maximize profits by monitoring the performance of your arcade and the games within it,” added Lynda Brotherton Sherrod, Global Marketing Director for Intercard.

These reports can be customized to go much deeper and reveal more intricate layers that tell you a lot about your user base and what opportunities they might present. Things like the cost of goods sold in terms of redemption, win and play percentages across different times and days, what is paying out too much or too little, and the adjustments that you can or should make based on those numbers.

“Game trend reports are a fantastic tool for snapshot and in-depth looks at an operation’s games,” said Showler. “Usually, games drive a third or more of gross revenue in bowling locations, but without an operator knowing if games are performing, that won’t be the case over time. The machine-down report tracks key metrics related to uptime of machines and top reasons for machines being out of service.”

“It’s nice because all the reporting is in one spot,” added Lemmon. “We get a detailed look at each center and our numbers. The biggest thing is that it’s easier to identify a payout issue or see if a game is broken instantly.”

This ability to personalize and further dip into your reports is important because our industry is not a one-size-fits-all

situation. An arcade located in a heavy-volume, seasonally predictable tourist area is going to have much different expectations and needs than a center that has been a momand-pop community staple for decades.

Kiosks for the Win!

Having a system that can function around automated kiosks lets you be nimbler and more specialized with your staff. “Kiosks do not replace employees, but rather help in situations when [the staff] is undermanned,” explains Brian Duke, Senior Sales Partner at Semnox. If you don’t need a maintenance worker to constantly unjam ticket dispensers, you can allocate them to do more important tasks.

“Unmanned kiosks can be the most efficient staff member you have managing throughput of clients on a busy day,” said Showler. “We’ve witnessed bottlenecks where operators failed to invest in enough self-service kiosks and not enough staff on a Saturday which all adds up to a failure.”

Offline Mode Keeps You Running

A backup or offline mode is a great piece of insurance. Knowing that your business and data collection won’t suffer from an internet outage for a few hours is a huge safety net. “Even more than long lines, guests hate a system being down,” says Duke. “The best system is one that is not 100% cloudbased and continues to function even if there are connectivity issues.” If your data is stored and able to be uploaded to a redundant server or cloud-based setup, you can carry on with business as usual, keeping your customers from having an interrupted play experience, all without losing a thing.

There’s a lot to look forward to and many great features being developed by companies like Intercard and Semnox. The owners who have already upgraded their systems are reaping the revenue rewards and better positioning themselves to handle curveballs thrown their way.

The pros for a cashless system are clear: more confidence in your numbers and your ability to adapt to customers and trends; added marketing opportunities from more consumer touchpoints; adaptable solutions for staffshortened centers; smoother, more intuitive experiences for everyone involved. Cash might have once been king, but these days, cashless is the way to go.•

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

Brian Duke

Lynda Brotherton Sherrod

Food and Beverage

CHOW DOWN!

Elevating your food offerings

By Corrie Pelc

Has it been a minute since you updated the menu at your FEC or bowling center? Then consider a refresh of your food offerings. Here’s a look at what two FECs with bowling have done to stay on top of culinary trends and increase their food and beverage sales.

Follow the Trends

Jennifer Emley, a co-founder of High 5 Entertainment, with locations in Lakeway and Austin, TX, says they are continually evolving their menu to stay current with food trends. “One of the most important things is staying with the trends and not being afraid to evolve or change,” she adds.

For example, High 5 Entertainment has several gluten-freefriendly and vegan options for guests. “Austin is the hub of Texas for healthy eating,” Emley explains. “You can’t go into an Austin restaurant now without there being a gluten-free, vegan, or vegetarian offering; we had to be able to compete with our environment.”

Bryan Maxwell, president of Jake’s Brands, the parent company of Jake’s Unlimited and Jake’s Sweet Shoppe in Mesa, AZ, says they have added several salad options to their traditional buffet which emphasizes pizza and pasta.

“The pizza is a no-brainer for kids – they love pizza,” Maxwell explains. “Adults do too, but we’re supposed to be a little bit more moderate. We still have the traditional salad bar, but we also have created specialty salads. There are four or five specialty salads, like a Chef Salad or a Cobb Salad, and a couple of higher-end ones with mozzarella and tomatoes.”

A Proper Mix

At High 5 Entertainment, Emley says their menu has evolved from very entrée-heavy to more handheld and shareable items.

“We have found that folks want to be bowling and eating at the same time or axe throwing and having a beer and some nachos at the same time, so we have setups that make that accessible throughout our area,” she says. “We did away with having the formal restaurant setting in our FEC because people wanted to be doing the activities, eating, and drinking at the same time.”

Leave Room for Dessert!

Although guests at Jake’s Unlimited pay one price for the buffet and all entertainment, the FEC found a new revenue stream by turning an unused bar into a ‘50s retro-style soda counter, serving up over-the-top ice cream sundaes, such as Jake’s Tremendous Tub and the Behemoth Banana Split. Called Jake’s Sweet Shoppe, Maxwell says their star offering is the Unicorn Taco. “It’s a taco made out of cotton candy shells and has everything in it,” he explains. “Buzzfeed, Thrillist, and other food bloggers have flown out their teams to come and film us making it. We won 2019 Dessert of the Year at IAAPA with it.” Maxwell says Jake’s Sweet Shoppe has done so well they plan to franchise the concept soon.

“It also helps for add-ons for birthdays, groups, [and] parties,” he says. “We were doing a bundle for colossal cookies with ice cream for birthday parties. We also started offering voucher add-ons so patrons could use the voucher and pick an item at the Sweet Shoppe for everybody at the party. Those increased our birthday per caps because the parents will add those on.”

It’s always a delicate balance to strike between classics and trends. Finding the sweet spot is the goal, and your bottom line will thank you!•

Corrie Pelc is a journalist and freelance writer covering the business of recreation and etertainment.

will your Increase

Using the Right Redemption Merchandise BOTTOM LINE

By Dave Schwartz

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, amusement means, “something that provides entertainment.”

Your arcade is in your center to entertain customers, not to bore them, right? Whether it’s the games you put in your building or the merchandise in your redemption center, entertaining is the name of the game. Don’t make the mistake of investing in the right games for your center but drop the ball by failing to invest in the right merchandise that attracts players and keeps them coming back.

Prizes Drive Gameplay

Whether a player spends ten minutes or an hour, ten minutes in the arcade depends on what they see they can win. That’s why prize walls that have gaps and holes in them genuinely dissuade gameplay. These types of displays remind consumers of the COVID days of empty

retail aisles and stores being closed. No player wants to see a pandemic-type presentation at the prize counter. They want to see the latest merchandise and plenty of it.

Today, entertainment flows from content providers like Disney, Warner Brothers, NBC Universal, Hasbro, Pokemon Company, and more. Their content saturates every media outlet: online, social, movies, TV, and games, as well as the aisles of every brick-and-mortar retailer. Consumers are aware of these entertainment brands and seek them out. From SpongeBob to Nerf, DC Superheroes, Jurassic World, Connect 4, and more, America’s bowling centers and FECs are full of leading amusement games featuring these latest characters.

The nation’s largest content providers spend billions producing and promoting their brands, and it is smart business to be associated with them when it comes to stocking your redemption center. You can enjoy a good return on these companies’ investments by offering redemption merchandise that players want to win and is displayed like the retail stores they’re accustomed to visiting.

Ask yourself, “If any of my games feature this content, and it’s also pervasive across all media outlets, why doesn’t my prize wall feature them?” You do not want your wall to look like your local dollar store!

Choosing the Right Merchandise is an Art and a Skillset

Luckily, professionals in the industry are ready to help operators make wise choices based on their type of operation and customer base. Choosing wisely — without secondguessing — can be difficult and time-consuming. Relying on specialists that do this every day will help your redemption store remain adequately full of the prizes that drive gameplay.

Beware of Product Providers versus Redemption Specialists

What if on your next visit to Target, instead of featuring the brands, designers, and characters you love, the entire store displayed only Target-branded items, how long would it take you to run for the exit?

The same applies at your redemption counter. When you buy from a commodity supplier, your players aren’t seeing the world’s brands or characters they want to win; they’re playing for mostly generic items from the same manufacturer. How do you know if you’re redemption selection has come from the commodity supplier trap? When your prize vendor says there’s no need to affix bar codes to their prizes so the item can be scanned out from inventory when redeemed, it’s because the bar codes are already printed on every package they sell you; you’ve just bought every item from one factory.

Guests want to see new and trending products when stepping up to a redemption counter — that’s why they come back! Yet, for too long, U.S. importers of generic prizes have pushed walls full of indistinguishable toys, novelties, and a few no-name electronic prizes, thinking that’s good enough for your players.

require a separate bar-code sticker that ties to your redemption POS. That’s so your POS software can accurately decipher the item when it’s scanned out. For BMI Merchandise, we affix stickers containing your item’s POS bar code to every package that’s large enough. If you don’t have redemption POS, we provide you with a manual inventory template comprised of those items. Other professional redemption providers have a similar system; don’t confuse a commodity provider with a specialist in redemption merchandising.

Your players aren’t stupid; don’t insult them by presenting a redemption area that is filled with stuff but with very few items that will have them staying and playing for more. There is a good chance your guests were just down the road shopping at Target or Walmart, each of which is loaded with content-based items. Or, they may have just come from the nearest multiplex, immersing themselves in the latest content (and popcorn) before visiting your arcade. Maybe they’re in your arcade now, looking up from their phone’s hottest TikTok videos to eyeball your prize wall. Be sure your redemption store is in sync with their experiences elsewhere!

You are well-served to feature the content-based merchandise today’s players want to win. Those items should also align with your redemption POS for the most accurate inventory control.

If you’re still unsure, visit your nearest dollar store’s toy aisle. Even there you will see more licensed items in three linear feet than in the entire prize wall proposed by prize vendors who are, simply, commodity importers. You won’t get a second chance to make a first impression. Show your players the latest branded and trending redemption merchandise – and they’ll stay and play, and play, and play.

Dave Schwartz is the VP of Sales at BMI Merchandise