International Bowling Industry Magazine by International Bowling Industry Magazine

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CONTENTS

September 2021 | VOL 29.9

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Shorts

Cover Story

Showcase

By Patty Heath and David Garber

Mighty Micro Centers Three entrepreneurs save the day for their local bowling centers By Mark Miller

18 Food and Beverage Order Up! Diving into the food and beverage offerings of yesterday, today, and tomorrow By Gary Ciniello

Classifieds

30 Trade Show Rolling Forward The East Coast Bowling Center Convention is on By David Garber and Natalie Davis

32 P.O. Box 7350 Overland Park, KS 66207 (818) 789-2695(BOWL) Fax (818) 789-2812 info@bowlingindustry.com www.BowlingIndustry.com

Feature Filling Holes The COVID recovery spotlights creative ways to floor leagues By Robert Sax

46 Remember When 1963 7-Up By Patty Heath PUBLISHER & EDITOR Scott Frager frager@bowlingindustry.com

38 Marketing Be Different or Go Home!

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Stephanie Davis Stephanie@bowlingindustry.com

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER David Garber garber@bowlingindustry.com

OFFICE MANAGER Patty Heath heath@bowlingindustry.com

CONTRIBUTORS

HOTLINE: 818-789-2695 MEMBER AND/OR SUPPORTER OF:

Gary Ciniello Natalie Davis Stephanie Davis David Garber Patty Heath Fred Kaplowitz Mark Miller Robert Sax Mike Tipton

MARKETING MANAGER AND SALES Natalie Davis Natalie@bowlingindustry.com

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Jackie Fisher fisher@bowlingindustry.com

ART DIRECTION & PRODUCTION Designworks www.dzynwrx.com (818) 735-9424

FOUNDER Allen Crown (1933-2002)

A lesson from the past By Fred Kaplowitz THE WORLD'S ONLY MAGAZINE DEVOTED EXCLUSIVELY TO THE BUSINESS OF BOWLING

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SHORTS

INDUSTRY AT LARGE 8 LASERTRON HITS BULLSEYE WITH HIGH-END AXE THROWING EXPERIENCE Lasertron, laser tag arena creators and owners of two FECs in upstate New York, has developed a high-end axe-throwing experience. The design has gamified the playing experience while significantly upscaling the overall look and feel. The concept integrates bar-height seating and tables, scoring software, target displays, and heavy gauge steel safety dividers to give the attraction its premium feel. In addition, Lasertron integrated laser projectors to create a multitude of high resolution and illuminated target displays, easy-to-understand instructions, and brand-new fun and entertaining games. Lasertron hit the bullseye with its upmarket, boutique axe-throwing experience!

SPOTLIGHT

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS AT LION BOWL

Three brothers, a mother’s faith, and a lot of dedication are the ingredients the Zelgers used to nurture their bowling center for 40 years. In their early 20s, Mike and Dave, bowling enthusiasts, were approached with the idea of purchasing a 12-lane center in Red Lion, PA. Sometimes, things just come up and greet you and put you on a path, which is what happened. They negotiated a sales agreement and their mother put up her home as collateral; what better incentive than making sure mom had made the right choice. Their younger brother, Tim, joined them after graduating high school, and the three men ate, slept, and breathed Lion Bowl for 40 years. It is the only 12-lane center in York County. Small centers have to scurry to keep up with the larger centers, but over the years upgrades came with automatic scoring, synthetic lanes, and projection screens. With the fourth decade approaching, there is excitement Owners (R to L), Dave, Mike, and Tim Zelger celebrate their with the addition of Scrubby’s Craft Brewery and Taproom which has opened 40 years with Lion Bowl. in the center. Also, there is a possibility of bowling becoming a Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association sport which the Zelgers have worked for and supported. In reflection, mom was right about her boys; bowling was their calling with 40 successful years and more to come.

MARRIAGE & BOWLING FOR 56 YEARS Nonagenarians, Nancy and Paul Perez, are members of the Bee Family Fun Center 55+ bowling league in Beeville, TX. The couple, Nancy, 96 years old, and Paul, 95 years old, have bowled for 56 years, traveling across the U.S. for bowling tournaments since 1955. While an important part of their life, the couple has decided to hang up those bowling shoes and retire. The 55+ league at Bee Family Fun Center boasts 21 bowlers ages 61 to 79. Bowling, getting out and getting exercise, plus socializing is the glue for a good life. Just ask Nancy and Paul. 6

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SHORTS

EXPANSIONS, OPENINGS & NEW BEGINNINGS

FORMER CAPITAL BOWL IS ON FOR 2022 Capital Bowl in Jefferson City, MO, was heavily damaged in a 2019 tornado. With the pandemic, it announced it would not reopen. The property was sold and the idea of a new bowling center was almost lost. However, this year, new owners envisioned an arcade with old-school games, VR simulation games, 12 bowling lanes, a full restaurant, and sports bar. The new name for a new life is Strikers, although the exact spelling is yet to be determined, as well as the opening of the new venue.

ALSO HAPPENING It is official. Conchranton Lanes, in Conchranton, PA, has a new owner. Lee Duck purchased the center from Keith Seidel, who has been the proprietor since 1975. With a new owner comes new plans. Scoring monitors will replace the pencil and paper. A refresh with paint, resurfacing the lanes, and building a small kitchen is in the works. In the purchase agreement, Seidel will operate the pro shop as he has a strong background in ball drilling.

There once was a bowling center that entertained for 50 years in Fort Wayne, IN. After sitting idle, it is now taking on a new life as MVP Lanes. Reconstruction started at the end of 2020. A total demo is finally finished, the lanes are ready for action, and Brunner’s pub awaits hungry patrons. The pro shop will be operated by PBA bowler Wes Malott.

*** Crestline is a mountain community in the San Bernardino Mountains in Southern California. Rim Lanes, an entertainment bowling hub, was originally opened in 1959. It went through some dormant periods but Jody and Joseph Galviano had a vision and purchased the space in 2009. The pandemic made life in a small mountain community difficult, but the Galvianos were steadfast with the commitment to hold the course. They went through all the steps to reopen last year but were forced to close once again. In April, they decided to stay shuttered until July. But now, Rim Lanes is open at last! Let’s bowl!

*** Smaaash is India’s go-to entertainment venue, with 10-pin bowling, go-cart tracks, and VR gaming in its multiple locations. COVID hit the country hard in the spring of 2021, and Smaash had to close

*** A duckpin center is in the works for Bristol, TN. Plans will be submitted and include a roof top bar, restaurant, and vintage arcade.

*** 810 Billiards and Bowling has three corporate-owned locations in South Carolina. In Arizona, there is going to be another twist to 810 Billiards and Bowling coming to Chandler. In this case, it will be a franchise. The husbandand-wife duo, Poonam and Ronak Manek, do not see competition between the corporation and the franchise. In fact, a corporate venue is slated to open soon in Phoenix, and they see it as a good sign. Neighbors can create more popularity for the business. The Chandler site will feature a full-service bar and restaurant, 12 bowling lanes, five billiard tables, shuffleboard, darts, and an arcade.

*** After less than a year of renovation, Village Lanes Bowling Center in Leesburg, VA, has reopened with new owners, a new name, The Branch, and a new vibe. Patrons will still bowl on 16 lanes, but the lanes will be enhanced with a new scoring system, a new kitchen, and a new HVAC system with new ducting for more efficient heating and cooling. The restaurant serves upscale pub fare and there is a bar and arcade.

ALSO HAPPENING

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all locations. However, with all the new health security measures Smaash has taken to make guests comfortable, many locations are reopening, specifically in Bombay, Gurugram, and Chandigarth.

*** 10 Pinz Pizza & Arcade was the only bowling center in Noble County, IN. The center, in Kendallville, closed permanently in March, 2021. The result was the migration of bowlers, teams, and leagues out of the county. Local business men, Doug Ebey and Andrew McGill, acquired the space and are working to bring back bowling. The renovation will go modern versus retro, with new flooring and LED lighting over the lanes, 12 lanes, and hatchet-throwing courts with leagues beginning in September.

SHORTS

Media

WATCH NETFLIX’S SERIES FINDS AMERICANA IN WALES Rhondda Bowl in Tonyrefail, Wales, is reminiscent of a smalltown center in the U.S. The filmmakers of Netflix’s popular series, Sex Education, thought the center was spot-on. The center has been owned and run by Nicholas Keppe and Graham Maddox since 1998. Not only has the vintage charm survived the fashions of changing years, it’s also survived the pandemic.

FANS RUBBING ELBOWS WITH THE PROS What would be better for a hard-core bowler than to spend some time talking and bowling with a pro. That is what David Small, owner of Championship Lanes in Anderson, IN, put together. Local bowlers had a chance to knock down pins with an all-star lineup of PBA50 Tour veterans such as Pete Weber and Norm Duke. The pro-am event offered bowling enthusiasts unique access with no barriers — just time to watch, bowl, and hang around. Norm Duke, who has won five

BOWLING IS FOR MONSTERS BIG AND SMALL Monsters at Work is a computeranimated streaming television series on Disney+ TV. It serves as a sequel to the widely popular 2001 film Monsters, Inc. Some of the recognizable voices are Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Jennifer Tilly, and Henry Winkler. In a recent episode, bowling is the plot fodder for a competitive Bowl-Off-A-Thon. Children and adults can relate to these 22-24minute segments.

DID YOU KNOW?

titles on the PBA50 Tour, feels that having time to connect with fans is important. “For one evening, we’re just bowlers bowling,” Duke said. “It’s not about us being pros as much as it is about us bonding with the locals.” Bottom line, it is a way to build a fan base. Headliners Pete Weber and fellow PBA Hall of Famer Walter Williams Jr. joined practice sessions, after which they shook hands, signed autographs, and posed for pictures.

HISTORICAL TIDBIT

Connecticut businessman Henry Chandler Bowen can be given credit for keeping bowling alive and well. In the 1800s, bowling was 9-pin. Its origination and social face were associated with gambling, crime, and inequity. Even earlier, English soldiers were discouraged playing the game. To curb the temptation, in 1841, Connecticut banned 9-pins with a fine for the perpetrators at no less than $7 and no more than $50, the equivalent of $1,500 today. Where there’s a will, there’s a way, and 9-pins became what we know as 10-pin. What a difference a pin makes. Even philanthropist, publisher, businessman and devout Congregationalist Bowen followed the forward thinkers and, in 1846, built a 10-pin alley in his summer home, Roseland Cottage, in Woodstock. To this day, it is considered the oldest lane in the United States. President Ulysses Grant, while visiting and bowling, was directed to go outside while smoking his trademark cigars.

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The bowling alley at Roseland Cottage in Woodstock, CT, is the oldest surviving bowling alley in the United States. Historic New England contributed photo.

CREATIVE WORKS LINKED TO MAKE-A-WISH

Make-A-Wish is a well-known organization that creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. They grant a wish to a deserving child, on average, every 3-4 minutes in the U.S. Their work helps children believe that anything is

possible, and gives them the strength and encouragement to fight harder against their illness. Creative Works is a company that also builds emotions and memories. Therefore, partnering with Make-A-Wish was a no brainer. They will be working with children in Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio to grant wishes and provide lasting emotions and memories. Recently, Creative Works was involved in a room redo for Noah, a 12-yearold boy from Fishers, IN. Noah is battling cancer and instead of a trip to Disneyland, he opted for a full room renovation at his home with an outdoor theme and a large mural, which is just the company’s forté. Watch Creative Works video and see how their talented wish-maker team made Noah’s dream come true.

SHORTS

17-YEAR-OLD BOWLER ENTERS THE RECORD BOOKS Jillian Martin, a 17-year-old Junior Team USA member, from Stow, OH, has made history by becoming the youngest bowler to win a Professional Women’s Bowling Association Tour event. She defeated England’s Verity Crawley in the title match of the 2021 PWBA BowlTV Classic to claim the $10,000 top prize and place first in the bowling record book. The event was held at the International Training and Research Center as part of the PWBA Summer Classic Series, which was broadcast live on BowlTV. Martin bested the 35-year-old record set by PWBA and USBC Hall of Famer Wendy Macpherson, who won the 1986 Women’s Open as an 18-year-old high school senior. “I was very nervous,” Martin shared. “I reminded myself how special it was to have an opportunity to win a tournament against the best ladies in the world.” The strength of bowling’s future has continually looked to its youth bowlers. Martin is a good sign that our bowling youth will lead us in a new and positive direction.

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SHORTS

BVL DONATES AND SUPPORTS ONCE AGAIN By Mike Tipton, COO Redemption Plus A few years ago, you couldn’t go anywhere without seeing fidget spinners. By the time some businesses caught on, the demand had slowed, and many places over-bought these items and were stuck with the inventory. But what fidget spinners showed us was not just a fad; it was the need for kids and adults to have something to keep their hands busy. Fidgeting is here to stay, but the products that are born out of the fidget trend will continue to evolve and surprise us. The question I get asked often is about the newest craze in the fidget trend: “Are poppers (or Pop-its) just a fad, or are they here to stay?” Around four years ago, squishies came to the market in a big way. While not as popular as they were a few years ago, they are still found everywhere. But why do squishies have staying power while fidget spinners are a thing of the past? The answer is in the ability for manufacturers to create multiple shapes, sizes, and even scents for squishies that they aren’t able to do for spinners. The demand for squeezing a squishie hasn’t gone away because they’re therapeutic and come in hundreds of themes. A fidget spinner is, well, kind of stuck with the design. There’s not a lot more that can be done to change it (except add a Popper to them, which are on the market now as well). The same can be said for the Popper craze. Within just a few months, Poppers went from having square shapes to being found in all shapes, colors, sizes, and themes. The versatility of the materials they are made from allows manufacturers to slap a Pop-it on just about anything. This means a longer lifespan for the trend. With 3.1 million tagged “popit” posts in June on TikTok, it’s a safe bet that this toy will serve the market and possibly follow in the footsteps of squishies down the road. With school recommencing this fall, kids will be gathered to share and trade their Pop-its in school. This will inevitably lead to further evolution of the toy and the ways in which it’ll be found in the market. You can reach Mike via email at mtipton@redemptionplus.com. 14

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Since 1942, BVL (Bowlers to Veterans Link) has been on a mission to help veterans find their way to a productive life after serving their country with the utmost sacrifice. Every year, bowlers across the nation, with the help of BVL, donate to the emotional and physical needs of veterans and active-duty military. To celebrate National Bowling Day on August 14, BVL Chairman John LaSpina went on television on the national FOX & Friends morning show to present a $100,000 check to Vet Center Chief Officer Mike Fisher. This grant will fund multiple vet centers up to $10,000 per program. La Spina said, “We [BVL] can provide this support to the Vet Center because the amazing bowling community continues to step up for veterans and raise funds for BVL, even during the most challenging times.”

Vet Centers, which are located in all 50 states and U.S. territories, provide a wide range of social and psychological services, including professional readjustment counseling to eligible veterans, service members, and their families. In May 2020, BVL also made a $100,000 donation to the Department of Veteran Affairs to fund tele-therapy programs to keep a virtual personal connection during the COVID-19 pandemic. BVL has been recognized as one of “America’s Best Charities” by Independent Charities of America; it earned a “Top-Rated” Nonprofit distinct from GreatNonprofits, and is also a member of the Combined Federal Campaign. LaSpina and his staff guide BVL, supported by the thousands of bowlers throughout the country who step up and donate through their bowling centers no matter the challenges.

It’s more than Insurance...

Because you're family. Cameron Linder CEO, Western Bowling Proprietors Insurance (WBPI) Rednil Insurance Brokers, Inc. cameron.linder@rednilbrokers.com

800.200.9998

www.wbpiprogram.com

FOOD AND BEVERAGE

Diving into the food and beverage offerings of yesterday, today, and tomorrow By Gary Ciniello et’s take a trip back to the ‘50s. You walk into your favorite smoky neighborhood bowling alley. Buddy Holly and The Drifters pour out of the jukebox and mingle with the sounds of pin strikes. You sidle up to the bar and peruse the items on the menu. Pizza, probably frozen, with toppings that don’t get much more exotic than mushrooms. A greasy burger, maybe four ounces if you include the hunk of lettuce on top. The hot dog isn’t much more substantial, but at least it comes in a fashionable paper boat. Fries are the go-to side, but only if you load up on the salt and ketchup. The grilled cheese is just like mom used to make (with school-busyellow American cheese), and at least the egg salad and chicken salad sandwiches are made fresh. (Allegedly.) What else is behind the bar? Looking back at sales data, the top beers of the decade were: Schlitz, “The beer that made Milwaukee famous;” Budweiser, “The King of Beers;” Ballantine, “We’ve got a lot of greatness going for us;” Pabst, “What’ll you have;” and Schaefer, “The one beer to have when you’re having more than one.” You’re in the mood for a bottled spirit, though, so you scan the shelves: Four Roses, one of the most popular rye whiskeys of that era; Canadian Club, usually paired with a beer to make a Boilermaker; 18

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Smirnoff, then and now, the most popular vodka in the world; Old McGregor, the everyman’s scotch; and Old Fitzgerald, always a reliable choice for a bourbon drinker. Maybe a cocktail instead? Safe to say that any bartender worth their salt could whip you up a Martini (first with gin, although vodka martinis became all the rage in the ‘50s). Perhaps a Manhattan or Old Fashioned, if you’re in the mood for rye or bourbon. Or, if you’re like my mom, you call for a Brandy Alexander. Feels like a long time ago, right? But the beauty of today’s bowling centers and FECs — with their upgraded experiences from the lanes to the games — is that they can nod to the traditional fare of the past while offering a much wider range of culinary options. Consider a menu you might see today: Pizza’s still there but in several sizes and a much broader range of ingredients coming out of sophisticated, quick-cooking ovens. Burgers are bigger, meatier (unless you want a meatless option like Impossible Burgers), and loaded with toppings. Wings, whether traditional or boneless, with sauces that’ll tickle your tongue or make you sweat. Want fries with that? Will that be shoestring? Curly? Seasoned? Sweet potato? Waffle? Many new cultures and cuisines are

FOOD AND BEVERAGE making appearances, too — everything from potstickers and ahi tuna rolls to street tacos and overloaded nachos. (Oh, and of course, there are gluten-free options as well.)

Behind the bar, you likely see one of the five top-selling beers in the U.S.: 1. Bud Light 2. Coors Light 3. Miller Lite 4. Budweiser 5. Michelob Ultra

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You’re also definitely seeing more craft beers, single-malt scotches, single-barrel bourbons, and big sellers in the tequila and vodka market. And who could forget the hard seltzers? The new kids on the (bar) block have seen almost every major brewer and spirits maker get in on the fizzy beverage trend, with younger generations craving a tastier, healthier option. White Claw leads the way, but the category is thriving. You’ve seen where we’ve come based on what we had before, so it makes you wonder, what does tomorrow hold? What will the bowling centers of the future serve? And the biggest question yet: what era are your food and beverage offerings living in? ❖ Gary Ciniello has 35+ years of experience in the food and beverage industry. He has been invited to speak at Bowl Expo several times because of his extensive knowledge in the bowling and FEC business. He is a master at menu design and layout to create profitable food and beverages in your center. If you have questions for Gary email him at menuguy00@aol.com.

COVER STORY

Mountainhome Lanes in Mountainhome, PA

Fun Lanes in Vicksburg, MS

Chickasha Lanes in Chickasha, OK

MIGHTY MICRO CENTERS Three Entrepreneurs save the day for their bowling centers By Mark Miller

owlers in small towns in Oklahoma and Mississippi had gone without a place to play the game for many years until local business people in each community came to the rescue. Though they had no bowling background, they wanted to do their part to provide their communities with a safe and fun place for young and old to play. While bowling had continuously been part of the Pocono Mountains region of Pennsylvania for more than half a century, the current owners of the small facility there put their past business ownership knowledge to good use in continuing the tradition for years to come. Their stories are the latest in our continuing series of promoting what’s happening in small-town America.

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COVER STORY

CHICKASHA LANES,

Chickasha, OK

For years, just about the only things for families to do in Chickasha, a town of about 16,000 people located 42 miles southwest of Oklahoma City, was going to the movies and bowling. Unfortunately, the latter option ended when Playtime Lanes closed in 2012. The 16-lane facility sat dormant until Jim Houser, owner of an auto detailing/power washing/convenience store operation and other area businesses, bought, updated, and renamed it Chickasha Lanes in 2017. “There had been several people [who] tried to open the center prior before they just couldn’t get the funding,” Houser said. “Jimmy Johnson owned the building, and he asked me. At first, I told him no. But, he wanted to see it open bad and made me an offer; my partner and I said we’d take it on. We wanted to help the community because the people of Chickasha wanted the bowling center back.” Houser was a neophyte to the bowling industry, including not knowing anything about the mechanical end of the facility. “I couldn’t have told you a 5-pin from a 10-pin,” he said. “The place had been closed down for so long, and it looked terrible. The lanes were a mess. When we took over, we only had five pinsetters that actually operated. We rebuilt what we had. It was quite an undertaking. It took a little over three months to get the place ready.” It didn’t help that the mechanic Houser originally hired vanished after he was paid. So Houser and former head mechanic Kaylie Richmond quickly learned how to troubleshoot, maintain the lanes, and fix the pinsetters from scratch - thanks in part to a mechanic who would travel from Ardmore each week to help them. They also attended a Brunswick introductory school in Nashville in 2018 to learn the basics of how machines operated. By the 2018-2019 season, things were much smoother. “We figured we could make it pay for itself,” Houser said. “We’re a small community, but there’s a number of towns in the surrounding area.

Chickasha Lanes proprietor Jim Houser

It’s the only place in Green County where you can go bowling and have a beer or two. For us to come here and not have a clue about the equipment the first year was a tough year, trying to keep our league players happy and our lanes running.” Houser relied heavily on the advice of Ron Robertson Sr. and Ron Jr., who went through a similar restoration with Good Time Lanes in Ardmore. Ron Sr. also put his business ownership to work, understanding that success was based on optimizing square footage. “The bowling community seems to be helpful,” he said. “They all want to pass it along. It’s a little bit different business than the convenience store business, which is a more cutthroat competition; you can’t tell anyone your secrets. There’s a lot that is unique to the bowling business: dealing with the public is always a challenge. We’ve done a lot of advertising focused on local radio stations.” Houser made extensive renovations to bring the center up to expectations: he installed a new computer scoring system, new masking units, and new automatic bumpers on all 16 lanes. He also brought in an artist from Canada to air-brush the walls in blacklight paint depicting local businesses. Houser’s food offerings feature a full-line snack bar with food items hamburgers, chicken baskets, French fries, pizzas, corn dogs, cheese sticks, etc. Houser also learned that small-town centers don’t IBI

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COVER STORY need to be open as much as their big-town brethren. For example, during the school year, the center is closed on Mondays; it doesn’t open until 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays. (Business hours during the summer are longer.) Until the COVID-19 pandemic closed the center for 10 weeks in 2020, Houser and his team grew the number of birthday parties, company holiday events, and charity events it hosted. It conducted color light bowling and glow-bowling on Saturday nights; Sundays are the Colorama color pins night, and the lanes held their first tournament on New Year’s Day 2019. After the success of the New Years Day tournament, Houser felt confident enough to host a number of 9-pin tournaments during the summer of 2020. During that time, the center offered $2 game specials three days a week and some all-you-can bowl nights. During last year’s shutdown, Houser and his team rebuilt some

machines and updated the facility to comply with cleanliness standards. To get through the tough times, Houser paid his 12 employees to stay safely at home. Upon reopening, Houser used alternate lanes when possible. However, business was still down 70%. Once things became better in the spring, the center enjoyed record-setting income months, including waiting lists of up to three hours to bowl. “We’ll get there. You’re never where you want to be, but we are on the right path to where we want to be,” Houser said. “I didn’t get on this path to get rich or make a lot of money. My satisfaction is when I see these little kids throw the ball and knock some pins down. I like to see their excitement and enthusiasm.”

FUN LANES, Vicksburg, MS Located on the Mississippi River in the far western part of Mississippi, Vicksburg is best known as a critical Civil War battle site. More recently, bowlers in the town of 23,000 rolled for 48 years at Red Carpet Lanes until it closed in 2007 due to structural problems and a lack of bowlers. Then, like Houser at Chickasha Lanes, along came restauranteur Luis Angel to bring bowling back to town in 2018. The difference here is he

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started from scratch after purchasing and renovating a former clothing store in Vicksburg Mall into a 16-lane family entertainment center called Fun Lanes. “My uncle had some money and wanted to invest in other businesses. He knew the restaurant business and wanted to help the community,” said Andres

COVER STORY

Aguirre, Angel’s nephew, and Fun Lanes’ operations manager since last November. “We have a high crime rate here, and juveniles don’t have a lot to do. Our high school graduation rate is pretty low, so Angel decided to create something for the community where the kids could hang out and have an outlet to come have fun.” Born in the Mexican state of Jalisco near Guadalajara, Angel has lived in Vicksburg for 24 years and considers it his hometown. He started working at Mexican restaurants in Atlanta and Tuscaloosa, AL, before deciding to open his own in Starkville, MS. He grew his portfolio to as many as 19 restaurants. Today he owns seven.

Front desk at Fun Lanes

Bar at Fun Lanes

Aguirre, along with his brothers Alex and Ruben, bought one of those facilities, Rey Azteca Mexican Restaurant, from their parents, Ruben Sr. and Lourdes, and their uncle Angel. Aguirre was working there and at El Sombrero of Vicksburg when Angel asked him to lead the daily operations at Fun Lanes following the death of original operations manager Patrick Belden in a car accident last fall. Like the rest of his family, Aguirre’s prior bowling knowledge was at a casual level, but he has quickly learned enough since last year to keep things

going despite the obstacles of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fun Lanes was closed to bowling and entertainment from March to November. But the restaurant opened for carryout after six weeks. The center has an arcade with about 16 games and a pool table area with specialty lighting and electronic scoring. Aguirre has grown Fun Lanes’ league base to three mixed leagues, and the center continues to fare well in open play because of Facebook advertising. Before and since reopening, Fun Lanes has hosted cosmic bowling Friday and Saturday nights and offers discounts to seniors, military members, first responders, and league bowlers at all times. It also is the home lanes for the Vicksburg and Warren Central high school teams. “Things have been steady. The pandemic took a toll on our sales, and our league bowlers are still cautious about coming out in big crowds,” Aguirre said. “I expect that in a year or so we will be back to normalcy, and we continue to look for new ideas to attract not just league bowlers but kids and young adults in the community.”

MOUNTAINHOME LANES, Mountainhome, PA Nestled amidst the famous Pocono Mountains in northeast Pennsylvania and adjacent to other small towns, including Cresco and Buck Hill Falls, the town of Mountainhome has only about 1,200 residents. The 8-lane bowling center has been in Donna Kreckman’s family since her mother and father, Gayle and Dominic Manero, bought it in 1995 and under her and husband David’s watch since 2005.

The facility was initially built as Pocono Lanes in the 1920s, with four lanes exclusively for the high-profile residents of the private resort community of Buck Hill Falls. Kreckman believes it opened to all people in the 1940s when four additional lanes were added, a time when her father-in-law, Thomas Kreckman, was a pinboy. One of Mountainhome’s current bowlers, 90-something Jim Heckman, also worked there and came in an hour before the center opened to light the stove to heat the building; and after lighting the stove, he opened the doors to let the smoke out. IBI

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COVER STORY In the 1980s, a man named Bill Reese bought and remodeled the facility. A decade later, Kreckman’s father became the manager and then bought it a year later with his wife. He renamed it Mountain Lanes. After some financial struggles, the Manero’s sold it to Donna and David. “When we first took over, it was a little bit of a struggle for about two years,” Kreckman said. “It took about two years to convince people [that] I was the daughter, but I’m not going to do the same things. It’s my business, and things are going to be different.” Owners of a construction company, Donna and David, closed the center for three months in 2007 for a $100,000 makeover, including a new roof and ceiling, lanes, seating, rugs, and a snack bar. They also rebranded the facility to its current name. “That kind of convinced everyone that we’re in it for the long haul for our customers,” Donna said. “That brought in a lot of customers and improved business.” About five years ago, they added the Brunswick Vector Plus scoring system and, in 2019, installed central air and heat. “Every year, we try to do something to improve the facility, and our customers are anxious to see what we did after we come back each summer,” Donna said. The business grew to as many as seven leagues before the pandemic, and it was at six in the 2020-2021 season when the number of bowlers went up 10-15%. The center closed for three months last year. The Kreckmans took the opportunity to thoroughly clean and sanitize everything and periodically ran the machines to keep the employees engaged and working.

The arcade and dining area at Mountainhome Lanes

David work every day of the week. Mountainhome has its share of regular customers, most of whom learn what’s happening through word-of-mouth. The Kreckmans promote their events at other centers on Facebook and occasionally place an ad in a local newspaper. Open play has increased about 30-40% since it reopened last June. The Kreckmans also stay connected to the community through various methods, like sponsoring the local Little League. “One thing that helps us in the summers is the seasonal influx of people in our area, and the kids [who visit the Poconos] have come to us for about 10 years,” Donna said. “We do what we can to keep our customers happy because we know word-of-mouth advertising is what keeps us alive.” Mountainhome Lanes has a snack bar that is more of a chef’s kitchen. It features full-service food: hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, wings, fries, cheesesteaks, wraps, etc. Small town centers have been the backbone of the bowling industry for decades. They continue to thrive in different parts of the country and in different ways. But what is the same is the love and dedication all small town center owners have for their facilities and their communities. We Love Bowling! ❖

The full service pro shop at Mountainhome Lanes

They reopened with no dividers, masks recommended, and social distancing. Sanitizing every touch surface continues today. The center closed again for 18 days in late April and early May when about 25 customers tested positive for COVID-19. Mountainhome Lanes employs two employees, plus their son and daughter-in-law who help when needed. For the most part, Donna and 28

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

TRADE SHOW

ROLLING FORWARD AT THE EAST COAST BOWLING CENTERS CONVENTION

By Natalie Davis

he 2021 East Coast Bowling Convention will be held October 17 and 18 at the newly renovated Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. This convention is packed with workshops, education sessions, a tradeshow, and multiple networking opportunities. BPAA’s goal is to educate and expose proprietors to the latest trends, marketing ideas, profit center opportunities, and new information about the industry to help build their business and promote bowling in their communities. Proprietors will be given ample opportunities to network with each other, making it easy to learn from other’s successes in the industry. The trade show this year has a unique spin: for the first time attendees will walk the show with food and drink available. Proprietors and suppliers are excited to see everything the show has to offer. Fred Kaplowitz, president of Kaploe Marketing Group has been attending the show for the past 30 years. He said, “I am always excited to go to the East Coast show. As a veteran in the industry, I always attend the East Coast shows and I can say without a doubt I always learn something. Whether it be from a speaker, at a seminar, or from friends and new acquaintances, I always feel gratified that I got something out of it. Best of all I love seeing my old friends and making new ones.” For the first time in two years, proprietors are finally able to network and learn from each other, as well as from the education sessions. Frank Wilkinson, proprietor Frank Wilkinson

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of Rab’s Country Lanes on Staten Island in New York and ECBCC chairperson, says, “It is great to be able to bring a regional show to local proprietors who may not be able to make it to the national shows. The ECBCC has a new streamlined schedule which will be beneficial for both proprietors and trade show exhibitors. We are looking forward to seeing an energized group of proprietors in Atlantic City.” Abid Sheikh, owner of Expert Hosiery, has been attending the ECBCC for many years. He said, “I am always impressed with the education provided at the ECBCC show. Time and again proprietors say that they learn from each other’s experiences. I think what also makes the ECBCC trade show great is its committee members. It clearly shines through that they use their own business experience in organizing the show. As a vendor, we know that proprietors find value in ECBCC and we benefit from exposure to them as well.” The keynote speaker for this year’s convention is Steve Lerch from Story Arc Consulting. His presentation will discuss how operators can understand, attract, and influence the modern world. In addition to Steve Lerch, there are four other presentations that go in depth about social media, digital marketing and customer experience, Abid Sheikh food and beverage, and league development. These presentations offer a wide variety of topics for everyone to learn from. Many proprietors in the industry face challenges every day. By attending the convention and sharing information with each other, individuals are provided the opportunity to work together to face those challenges and learn from each other’s successes in the industry. This convention is designed to share the latest trends, the best practices from leaders in the industry, as well as shared knowledge for our members to face the future with hope for prosperity. ❖

FEATURE

g G N I L L I F S E L O H g The COVID recovery spotlights creative ways to floor leagues By Robert Sax

emember the predicted demise of league play? Just a few years ago, casual play was the way of the future. Then changes like shorter schedules, margarita and taco leagues, and other innovations began to revitalize league play, even if these leagues didn’t resemble your grandparents’ 35-week marathons. The COVID pandemic shut down brought more dire and thankfully premature predictions of the end of bowling, period. Now that BECs in most states have reopened at full capacity, IBI wondered if league play was rebounding along with the overall bowling business. The good news is that it is coming back, although recovery rates can range from slow and steady to torrid. A number of operators we spoke to provided insights into how they have rebuilt their league business and how they plan to continue that growth. Pent-up demand among consumers has been the big driver for bowling overall; people are ready to get out of the house and have fun again. Returning leagues are a significant part of

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the increased play, thanks in large part to the strong relationships operators built and maintained with their longtime league bowlers. Mike Marquez, director of revenue for The Summit in Colorado, reports a strong resurgence in league play at its three FECs, currently providing about 50% of their bowling revenue. “For our summer line-up, we’re up 30% compared to 2019,” he says, with shorter-term leagues a big factor. Summit has also had success with their bowling clubs, described on their website as “a laid-back, not-so-competitive bowling league. Just think regularly scheduled bowling fun.” “The word ‘league’ can be scary to some people,” says Marquez. Keeping in touch with existing league bowlers during the shutdown was crucial to bringing Mike Marquez

FEATURE lanes. She is also pulling in bowlers who are new to league play. “People miss that sense of belonging,” notes Zwicker. “We’re actually getting quite a few new bowlers that are trying it out and signing up. It doesn’t seem as hard as it used to be.” Email and postal mail were also successful for Poelking, who obtained from USBC lists of league bowlers from the previous three years who had not reupped for 2021. He notified those people of the upcoming league start them back, says Joe Poelking, owner of three BECs in Dayton, dates and invited them to come back. OH. He and his league coordinators used social media, setting “We’re getting a big response on up private Facebook groups for league players or leveraging that,” he says. groups started by their customers. These groups allowed Poelking has also been members to stay in touch with each other and get updates on running TV and radio ads to the pending return of leagues. “They’ve been able to get on promote his three centers. In those and kind of stay informed about what we’re doing, the good economic times, such different [COVID] precautions we’re taking,” says Poelking. campaigns can be expensive, “That made a big difference for some. We also have but he has taken advantage of Facebook pages for each one of our locations. reduced ad rates at stations We’re constantly updating them.” willing to discount their excess An email was another effective way of inventory. His campaign Joe Poelking keeping in touch, says Tawnya Zwicker, includes ads on a local FOX executive director of the Oregon State affiliate that runs the PBA’s Bowling Proprietors Association and owner programming. The station produces the ads to of Silver Creek Lanes in Silverton. “We keep production costs down, and the results have started an email program, which we hadn’t been encouraging. “We open the doors, and we’re had in place before. Just kind of touched seeing people coming in,” he says. “Open play has base, let them know what was going on when been up substantially in the last three to four months.” the leagues are going to be kicking up, kept Poelking plans a similar ad campaign to promote league the communication open that way,” she says. bowling and will also participate in a joint campaign to be Tawnya Zwicker That strategy has resulted in more than 95% run by a group of centers in the Dayton area. of her previous league bowlers returning to the Long-term success with leagues also means bringing in new league bowlers. The BPAA’s Go Bowling America program gives members a free pointof-sale marketing program that comes with all the tools necessary to start flooring leagues quickly. If they don’t want to print flyers and other materials, BPAA members can purchase a turn-key package for just $149. The program also offers operators a deal on Brunswick’s entry-level Twist reactive ball so that every new league bowler can get their own ball at a value price. Jay Trietley is a veteran operator and director of Strike Ten Entertainment, which produces and distributes the program. He says that Go 34

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FEATURE Bowling America has been a great tool for centers reopening this year and was a real highlight in their spring and summer schedules. Participants, on average, attracted 23 new bowlers per center, while Don Klackner from Olivette Lanes in Olivette, MO, floored 160 new bowlers between October 2020 and Jay Trietley May 2021. “The success of Go Bowling America has not only spawned bowling leagues but put bowling balls in thousands of new bowler’s hands,” says Trietley, “and once they have a new ball, you got ‘em for life!” Youth bowling is another potentially rich source of long-term league players. Kevin Hong, a USBC Silver coach, has been touring the country, promoting a new approach to youth leagues. He believes bowling must take a page from the Little League playbook, and indeed his stump speech is entitled “What Youth Bowling Can Learn from Little League.” Hong feels that bowling has been lagging behind baseball and other sports in some ways to get youth involved. “If you sign up for a little league, you show up, they have a registration,

they introduce you to your coach, and then you go to practice, right?” says Hong. “You learn your drills and skills, and you come up with a game plan, and you probably have half a dozen practices before you ever have a game.” By contrast, youth bowling offers little preparation for kids new to the game. “They show up, buy a card, and we throw them right in to bowl three games without even showing them how to bowl. How to pick up the ball, what fingers to put on the ball,” says Hong. “I propose that when you have a youth league, why not offer two sessions of a basic how-to-bowl class before the kids even throw a ball for a score.” Hong believes that without encouragement and proper

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FEATURE support, kids aren’t going to stick with league bowling. If kids don’t feel like they’re improving, they lose interest, and the parents lose interest. “Kids do not stay in a sport if they don’t see improvement. It might be as simple as a proprietor seeing a youth bowler that’s in there three times a week and coming over and saying, ‘Hey, I noticed you’re in here a lot. Have you thought about signing up for a tournament? We’ve got a city tournament coming up’” says Hong. The industry needs to promote more of a youth bowling culture among the families, Hong says, so that they get into it the way other families do with other sports, like baseball and soccer. With the PBA back on TV with innovative bowlers like Jason Belmonte and exciting new competitions like the Strike Derby, Hong says there is lots of valuable content out there to stimulate youth interest. “Kids see the pros doing it on television, and more and more of our better youth bowlers understand that if you want to be good, you have to challenge yourself,” he says. Social media also presents new opportunities

for youth bowlers to interact with the pros and be inspired by them. “You can send them a message, and they’ll write back. A lot of youth bowlers are following Shannon O’Keefe on Instagram because her entire feed is about training and being in the weight room and the drills that she works on,” says Hong. “You have somebody who’s that good telling you ‘Here’s what I did.’ It’s a great time to be a youth bowler.” Young or old, expert or beginner, heavy competitor or casual clubber, there are more ways to bowl league than ever before. In fact, it seems like a great time to be a league bowler of any stripe, and that’s definitely good news for operators. ❖

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September 2021

STILL GOT OPEN SPOTS? Here are a few current industry successes you may want to consider plugging into your business building plans. Women Bowling with Wine – this casual, short session league appeals to the ‘girls’ night out’ crowd. A male-free evening of socializing, sipping wine, and not-so-serious bowling. Popular with women of all ages who are looking for some much-needed girl time without kids or significant others. For more details contact Bruce Davis at

bruce@bowlingbusinessbuilders.com.

Go Bowling America Have-A-Ball League- using the proven have-aball format, this program is ideal for folks who want to reconnect with family and friends while having a casual night out bowling. Ideal for family nights, the young adult party crowd and youth groups. Contact Jay Trietley at jay@stemarketing.com.

Rum Bucket Bowling League – a young adult, new-to-league bowling social league featuring cocktails, food, and bowling. This popular trend from 2020 still looks like a strong offering heading into the 2021 bowling season. A done-for-you program is available through BBBI, contact Andy Vasko at andy.vasko@kidsbowlfree.com.

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

MARKETING

A lesson from the past that still applies today

BE DIFFERENT OR GO HOME By Fred Kaplowitz

ifferent is good, different is fun, different keeps you relevant in the marketplace. Back in the ‘70s, I met another progressive marketing guy, and we struck up a friendship that lasted many years. In fact, we went into business together and opened up, of all things, a used blue jean shop. At the time, I was living in Maryland and found an empty store in Ellicott City, MD, a funky little town filled with arts and crafts shops. I thought we would fit in perfectly. We designed the store in such a way that it was different than any store on the street. Nearly everything about us was different, and that’s what made the magic happen! We ditched traditional.

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MARKETING We stretched the ideas of ordinary and came up with a winner that lasted a few years, which, back then, seemed like a long time. By staying true to our mantra of being different, we were able to grab consumers’ attention and get people talking about us. They stopped in our unique store for a different experience. A used jean shop could’ve been boring, but our young minds pushed us to be creative and deliver a full experience. Let’s start with our hours of operation. We bucked the usual retail trend of operating seven days a week with an early close and instead were open from noon10 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Even back then, Ellicott City was a tourist town, and most of the stores did 80% of their sales on the weekends. Eating and drinking establishments were open late, but not many of the stores were. Being different, we decided to align our hours more in tune with the businesses that were bringing in the area’s traffic. As one of the few retail stores to stay open late, we benefitted from being open when people were out and about and willing to part with cash. Being young and hip (or so we thought), we had many late-night, smokey, Jack Daniels-infused evenings where ideas seem like finely tuned instruments until you revisit them the following day. But a few nights, we came up with some winners that still seemed good when the morning light broke. Neatly organized clothing stores were the norm, so we decided that was a no-go right from the start. Instead of the usual display tables, we found big leather chairs at a tag sale for $10 bucks each and used them to showcase our used jeans and other denim paraphernalia. We didn’t have any cash for fancy displays, so in keeping with our theme of different, we found large stuffed animals and displayed jeans on their laps (remember this was the ‘70s). We even dressed the animals in denim from top to bottom. A customer favorite was a massive ballerina bear with hanging jeans on her arms and signs illustrating sayings from books of quotes. People would stop and read the little signs and look at the jeans as well. Our vibe was fun, and people liked to stop in and often stayed to hang out. Our atmosphere was more like a club and less like a GAP store. We played popular music our 40

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customers enjoyed, hung posters of contemporary rock n’ roll heroes on the walls, changing them frequently to keep things fresh. I might be biased, but our place was pretty cool. We quickly learned that adding an additional stream of revenue boosted the bottom line. We found a few ladies who agreed to make jean vests, hats, skirts, and other products from tattered jeans that weren’t worthy of sale. We gave them 50% of the sale price once their products moved. It was great for us because we didn’t have to pay anything until it was sold. My partner and I had a successful run of it for a few years, but life throws you changes, and I found myself moving to Chicago, and we eventually closed the store. I learned a lot during those few years, but the most important takeaway was learning the lesson of being different. Different is good, different is fun, different resonates with consumers. Let me ask you, my bowling friends, how are you different? What makes the experience at your center different from other entertainment and recreational options where folks have an opportunity to spend money? How is your staff different? Your customer service? Your league and open play offerings? Your food and beverage? Your overall vibe? I recommend you ask these very questions to your staffing team. It’s a great way to get input, and my experience tells me they may surprise you with their ideas, especially the younger ones! Fast forward to 2021: focus on what you and your staff can do that separates you from your competition and then encouraging people to come and try you out for a fresh, new experience. Because today, that’s the name of the marketing game. It’s not the product that consumers want, and it’s the new experience that keeps them coming back. If you’re not giving it to them, someone else eventually will. So, the lesson for today is, “be different or go home, my friend.” ❖ Marketing is in Fred Kaplowitz’s DNA. He loves to solve problems, and he meets challenges head-on. He has successfully produced results for hundreds of clients. He is a husband, father, consultant, coach, teacher, motivator, copywriter, and a speaker. He has been a friend and contributor to IBI for the past 25 years. Website: www.kaploegroup.com email: fredkaplowitz@gmail.com. Cell phone: 516 359 4874

SHOWCASE BRUNSWICK TECHNOLOGY MAKES IT EASY TO ELEVATE THE GUEST EXPERIENCE

Technology touches almost every aspect of consumers’ lives, and they’ve come to expect guest experiences that are made easier and more personalized through the latest technology. Here are Brunswick’s offerings: ORDERNOW Satisfy customers’ desire for instant gratification and selfservice with OrderNow’s highly visual, interactive menu. OrderNow makes it convenient for guests to order and reorder on the Sync scoring tablet, on demand. OrderNow improves profitability by reducing or redeploying staff, increasing average check total, and streamlining operations with full integration to the POS system and direct delivery to remote order printers. OPENLANE OpenLane is Brunswick’s premier app designed for the bowling industry. OpenLane increases customer loyalty by making it easier and more rewarding to connect with your center as it allows users to sign on to wait lists, track and share their score achievements, and access specials and coupons. At the lanes, guests can use the app to edit their names and photos within Sync games, via Brunswick’s patented mobile scoring system integration.

PRACTICAL BOWLING BALL STORAGE

Steltronic has done it again! With all of the extra room needed in the settee area, room for eight bowling balls, and the included tabletop for food and beverages, this compact table is perfectly sized and priced. With a height of 40 inches tall, a 24-inch round table top, room for up to eight bowling balls, all at a reasonable price for your entertainment center. Add in the optional Steltronic keypad for controlling two lanes from one tabletop, room for the pizza and drinks, and your bowlers will appreciate the new design. For more information, (800) 942-5939 info@steltronicscoring.com We are YOUR bowling center management specialists since 1980.

NEWEST LICENSED ITEMS AT BMI

SYNC SERVICE KIOSK Get guests to the fun faster with Sync Service Kiosk! The Sync Service Kiosk empowers guests to build and purchase their personalized in-center experience including bowling, F&B, game cards, and other attractions. It reduces wait times, engages customers during the ordering process, and improves order accuracy. A kiosk takes orders faster and can upsell on every transaction, leaving your guests happy with a timely, accurate transaction every single time.

Checkout our newest licensed score! BMI carries over 30 of the most trending licenses in the industry featuring products/characters from the latest blockbuster movie, TV show or video game. Our Licensed merchandise assortment includes novelty toys, plush, collectibles, watches, crane kits and more. One of the hottest new licenses is Among Us and BMI is riding this popular gaming trend! If you are looking for the hottest new toy on the market for your redemption center, you can find it at BMI! More: contact BMI @ 800-272-6375 or www.bmimerchandise.com.

SPARK Spark is the industry’s first immersive, interactive scoring experience. Surrounding the bowler in a mesmerizing, oneof-a-kind experience, Spark delivers the latest technology and entertainment trends to your lanes. Spark engages every segment of entertainment seekers with software-driven technology and innovation that’s built for tomorrow but delivered today. Brunswick is the first name in bowling, continuing to lead the industry more than 125 years after its founding. No matter how consumer demands evolve and grow, Brunswick remains committed to developing leading-edge technology that keeps proprietors around the world relevant and profitable. Learn more at brunswickbowling.com/bowling-centers.

Adult Christmas socks for bowlers are back by popular demand! Women, teens and mens sizing available. Hot selling item as a Christmas gift for bowling families! Add to your corporate parties or gift to bowlers a giftcard purchase of $100 or more! Send them home with a reminder of the great time they had bowling! Limited quantities. Expert Hosiery / Funtime Footwear is THE athletic footwear supplier for Bowling and FECs. Call us for details on how centers are using bowling socks in their centers to increase revenue. Phone: 919-799-7707 www.funtimefootwear.com.

GET YOUR CHRISTMAS SOCKS NOW

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September 2021

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, P.O. Box 7350 Overland Park, KS 66207 USA. If possible, please furnish address mailing label. Printed in U.S.A. Copyright 2021, B2B Media, Inc. No part of this magazine may be reprinted without the publisher’s permission.

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/BOWLINGFAN

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September 2021

P.O. Box 7350 Overland Park, KS 66207 (818) 789-2695(BOWL) Fax (818) 789-2812 info@bowlingindustry.com www.BowlingIndustry.com

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September 2021

CLASSIFIEDS EQUIPMENT FOR SALE Highway 66. 2 lanes. Excellent condition. Lightly used only 2 years. $25,000 obo 616-322-3119. 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. 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.

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.

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.

EQUIPMENT WANTED LANE MACHINES WANTED. We will purchase your KEGEL-built machine, any age or condition. Call (608) 764-1464.

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.

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September 2021

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September 2021

REMEMBER WHEN

1963 A

hh, the good ol’ 1960s! It’s Friday night! In fact, it’s my guess that it is an after-work men’s league. To be sure, 7-Up was catering to those wiley competitors: a good whiskey, a loosen-the-tie-relaxing vibe, and 7-Up’s “man’s mixer.” With strikes and spares, it couldn’t get much better than that. However, watch out men! It wouldn’t be long—- women were just around the corner. ❖ - Patty Heath

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September 2021