NC Party Guide
More Than Just a Bowling Alley
Family Bowlaway Introduces The BackAlley for Winter Fun
T
he winter season creates a conundrum for those seeking fun activities in Western Pennsylvania. Nestled in Butler County is Family Bowlaway, a family-owned bowling center established in 1954. Originally, the biggest customers for the bowling alley were mill workers needing a release after work. The current co-owners are Kevin Caparosa and Joe Caparosa Jr. “The goal is to have people think of us differently,” said Tricia Pritchard, director of sales, marketing and events, and continues to play a huge role in all the improvements. Since adding laser tag in the 90s, Family Bowlaway has surged forward with new ideas. The first innovation began when they replaced the old bar with the 11th Frame Bar and Grille. With a family-friendly 46
FEBRUARY 2019 | www.northernconnectionmag.com
atmosphere, non-smoking environment, and vast menu, the 11th Frame brings a different feel to Family Bowlaway. They are working on a brand new, never-before-seen space called The BackAlley. “We haven’t publicized [The BackAlley] yet,” Pritchard said. “There are a lot of moving parts that we’re trying to get a handle on.” However, Pritchard was willing to exclusively reveal some of the features of the new space. The BackAlley will be an event venue featuring a service bar, bocce courts, duckpin lanes, and pigskins and pins. This space will allow Family Bowlaway to host more events for bigger parties (seating capacity for 150 guests). “We’re warmer [than sledding or skiing]!” Pritchard said. “Everyone can