bowling industry magazine 03/12
DESCRIPTION
The Worlds Only Magazne Devoted Exclusively to the Business of Bowling.TRANSCRIPT
4
6ISSUE AT HAND
The Wine GlassHalf Full
By Scott Frager
8SHORTS
Kenneth Brammerremembered
BWAA launches YouthChallenge
BPAA announces 2012Service Awards
Puzzles and bowling:two strikes against
dementia
14Bowl Expo 2012
A preview of the “Trio ofHeroes” keynote speakers
for Bowl Expo 2012By Fred Groh
20 COVER STORYCelebrity Lanes
Where getting the startreatment is just the
beginning of a greatentertainment experience.
By Paul Lane
34
CONTENTS
29SPECIAL REPORTBowling ChallengeNew York City is thebackdrop for a unique andfun bowling-filled day (andnight!)By Chris Homes
34OFF THE CLOCKTango in Grand JunctionFrom the cha cha to thewaltz, Bill Walters has allthe movesBy Anna Littles
46REMEMBER WHEN1960 Coke and bowling wenttogether
36 Showcase
38 Classifieds
45 Datebook
VOL 20.3
THE WORLD'S ONLY MAGAZINE DEVOTED EXCLUSIVELY TO THE BUSINESS OF BOWLING
IBI March 2012
20
29
PUBLISHER & EDITORScott Frager
[email protected]: scottfrager
DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISINGChris Holmes
EDITORIAL CONSULTANTGregory Keer
OFFICE MANAGERPatty Heath
CONTRIBUTORSFred Groh
Patty HeathChris Holmes
Paul LaneAnna Littles
EDITORIAL DIRECTORJackie Fisher
ART DIRECTION & PRODUCTIONDesignworks
www.dzynwrx.com(818) 735-9424
FOUNDERAllen Crown (1933-2002)
13245 Riverside Dr., Suite 501Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
(818) 789-2695(BOWL)Fax (818) 789-2812
www.BowlingIndustry.com
HOTLINE: 888-424-2695SUBSCRIPTION RATES: One copy ofInternational Bowling Industry is sent free toevery bowling center, independently ownedpro shop and collegiate bowling center inthe U.S., and every military bowling centerand pro shop worldwide. Publisher reservesthe right to provide free subscriptions tothose individuals who meet publicationqualifications. Additional subscriptions maybe purchased for delivery in the U.S. for $50per year. Subscriptions for Canada andMexico are $65 per year, all other foreignsubscriptions are $80 per year. All foreignsubscriptions should be paid in U.S. fundsusing International Money Orders.POSTMASTER: Please send new as well asold address to International Bowling Industry,13245 Riverside Drive, Suite 501, ShermanOaks, CA 91423 USA. If possible, pleasefurnish address mailing label.Printed in U.S.A. Copyright 2012, B2B Media,Inc. No part of this magazine may be reprintedwithout the publisher’s permission.
MEMBER AND/OR SUPPORTER OF:
6 IBI March 2012
THE ISSUE AT HAND
If you’ve never been to Napa, you’venever been to paradise.
I’m truly envious of those fortunateenough to live in Napa and those whohave embraced the Napa lifestyle.Make no mistake, there is a uniqueand special type ofperson who makes thatpart of our country theirhome. A certain zest forlife, food and wine isfound in that region andfor a guy who rarelyuncorks a bottle of vino,I find that area quite intoxicating.
This year, bowling proprietors fromaround the country, and even some fromEurope, descended on this quaint littletown to gather and discuss some of thebig picture issues affecting our industry.
Of the past 18 Summits I’veattended, I’m convinced this was themost exciting and vibrant ever. TheBPAA staff, leadership and volunteersreally did their best to make thissession relevant and topical. And, likea world-class vintner, the BPAA addeda sweet fragrant flavor of theater anddrama to the meetings. Building up tothis event were two major releases ofnew and innovative products. Both
have been recently and proudly featured exclusively in the pages ofIBI. If BPAA’s new Customer Connect customer relation managementsoftware were a wine, it would be a big, bright and beautiful Cabernet.The new program launched with great fanfare was a standing-room-only, sellout crowd. This CRM software should produce a wonderful yieldfor BPAA members and is exactly the type of added value benefit that
a trade association should offer itsmembers.
Then, almost as soon as the CustomerConnect grapes were pressed, filtered andready for aging, Summit attendees weretreated to a taste of the future by presenterand tech guru, Jeff Martin. Martin, aformer Apple Computer executive, is
currently the CEO of Tribal Technologies, Inc., a company that helpspeople and companies communicate their ideas through the use oftechnology. He spoke about the trends in technology and how they maybe applied to the business of bowling. His work now is like the first vintnerplanting the seedlings that will become great vines. It takes a lot of timeto allow nature to do its thing. The good news is that the seeds are planted.
Virtually unanimously, the guests who attended this year’s BPAA’s BowlSummit left the event with their heads heldhigh and looking forward to a bright 2012. Likeour friends who are lucky enough to live inNapa, the industry should view its business asthe glass half full.
– SCOTT FRAGER, PUBLISHERAND [email protected]
The Wine Glass Half Full?
MICHAEL MONROE, you are a winner of a FULL registration to Bowl Expo for invitingyour industry friends to join IBI online! CONGRATULATIONS!
Ideas beget ideas and enthusiasm comes from trying out new things. Take the time topromote your center and the programs that you have found successful.
As a member of IBI online you can upload your own promotional flyers and materialto share and make the bowling industry a better place. If you are not a member, this isthe perfect time!
To help get this started, IBI will offer one free 2012 Bowl Expo registration ($350 value)to one lucky person who adds one or more flyers to this forum by March 31.
Don’t hesitate; act now! Go to the homepage and click “Forum” and then the +ADDbutton and just follow the prompts.
�THIS MONTH AT www.BowlingIndustry.com
8 IBI March 2012
SHORTS
Looking across the board at the bowlingindustry’s activities during the holidays, therewas no respite from good deeds, charity eventsand community support. Below are just someof the doings that took place in December andJanuary.
Sports Page Bowl & Grill in Medford, WI,hosted an afternoon of bowling to benefitTaylor County’s Project Lifesaver according toTim Hansen. Project Lifesaver supports localautistic and Alzheimer patients and otherssuffering from traumatic brain injury.
Raising money for Easter Seals was justone of the goals for Strikes for Tykes held atUncle Buck’s Fishbowl & Grill in Peoria, IL.Organizers led by Paul Prest and Mike Joynerhoped the event would also begin aconversation about ways kids can look outfor and accept their peers. Easter Seals is anational organization that provides servicesand advocacy to children and adults livingwith disabilities.
Eric Loeb of Orchard Mesa Lanes in GrandJunction, CO, hosted “Bowl with a Cop,” anevent which has been held for nearly 15 years.“I think it’s a good thing for the kids to meetpolice in a little different setting where it’snot imposing,” Loeb said. The goal is aboutkids making a positive relationship with police,and bowling seems to break the ice.
The Farwest Rotary Club hosted its annualFrames for “Fun”ds bowling tournament. Theevent was held at Midway Lanes in Mandan,ND.
More than $4,000 in scholarship moneywas raised during the third annual RobbyHague Bowling Event at Fair Oaks BowlingLanes in Fair Oaks, PA. To date there havebeen three recipients who are all attendingfour-year colleges.
The BVL, Bowlers to Veterans Linkorganization, received $7,013 from six localBowland Centers and partner center All StarLanes in southwest Florida. BVL will use thisdonation for VA clinics in Lee, Collier andCharlotte counties.
Goodwill is good business. Tell us whatyour center is doing.
Email: [email protected]
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JohnHoushmand, contemporary furniture designer situatedin the Catskill Mountains of New York, is known for custom-made,
limited edition furniture andinterior design solutions.Many of the piecesjuxtapose wood and glass.
The newest offering isNo. 0223 – The BowlingAlley Table. This item boastsantique mahogany buttonsand ribbon inserts with athick, butcher-block weight
and crisp, clean edges. Reclaimed and salvaged materials,including vintage bowling alleys sourced from upstate New Yorkwere used. It was initially created for Ralph Appelbaum Associatesfor its expanded offices with the idea to help foster creativity andcollaborative design.
High-end Accoutrement
Prompted by the passing of North Korea’s Supreme Leader,Cindy Boren, a writer, reporter and now blogger on TheWashingtonPost.com, PostSports, pointed out in her blog, TheEarly Lead, some of the self-created myths around Kim JongIl’s sports acumen.
It was purported that he excelled at golf and bowling.Cindy states, “In his very first golf game in 1994, Kim finishedan 18-hole round at 38 under par.” According to state media,Kim had at least a stellar five holes-in-one. Another “legend”was bowling a perfect 300 in his first attempt at bowling.Well, it is something to think about or not.
Unbelievable Tale
What do puzzles and bowling have in common? A small, newstudy in the journal BMC Medicine shows that doing puzzles,bowling and singing help to make dementia-slowing drugs moreeffective and seem to be effective at slowing down the brain declineof people with dementia.
As reported by The Huffington Post,researchers from the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg in Germany had 61 dementiapatients enrolled in the study. The treatmentcalled “MAKS,” which includes daily activitiesand cognitive stimulation, was effective atstopping the dementia from progressing further.One more reason to hit the lanes!
I didn’t know that!
The BPAA announced the recipients of the 2012 Bowling Industry ServiceAwards, the most prestigious awards presented by the bowling industry, at itsTown Hall Membership Meeting at the Meritage Resort in Napa, CA, January 24.
Jeff Bojé, Brandon Crossroads Bowl, Inc., Tampa, FL, has been selected as the2012 BPAA Hall of Fame inductee and recipient of the Victor Lerner Memorial
Medal. The Lerner Medal is the highest honor in the bowlingbusiness.
Bojé is being cited for his many years of service to the USBC,involvement in BPAA programs, events and tournaments onthe local, state and national levels as well as his centermanagement in Florida and Missouri. With his induction, Bojéwill make history with his father, Bill—honored in 2003—as thefirst father-son duo to be enshrined in theBPAA Hall of Fame.
John Losito, Sun Valley Lanes, Lincoln, NE, will be honoredwith the President’s Medal for his leadership and years ofservice to BPAA, especially in the area of tournaments, one
being Bowling’s U.S. Women’s Open.
Bev Van Blair, Cardinal Lanes, Newton,IA, will be recognized with the BPAASpecial Projects Award. Van Blair is being acknowledged for herinitiative and continued work on Bowling’s Organization forWomen’s Leadership (BOWL) as well as contributions onnumerous projects.
John Davis, The Kegel Company,Winter Haven, FL, will receive the coveted V.A. WapenskyAward, named after BPAA’s long-time chief executive officer,“Chief” Wapensky. Davis is being recognized for his innovationand contributions to improving the game and sport of bowlingas well as for his strong support of BPAA events over the years.
Norm Duke, Clermont, FL, rounds outthe announcements with the Dick Weber Bowling AmbassadorAward for his contributions to the game and sport of bowlingboth on and off the lanes.
BPAA president, John Snyder said, “The BPAA is proud torecognize these industry leaders.” The awards will be presentedduring International Bowl Expo 2012 in June.
Garrad March, co-owner of McHenry Bowl, was electedmayor of Modesto in a run-off election held February 7. Hewill be sworn in February 28. According to the press releaseat the time of the victory announcement, Marsh has promisedto make City Hall more accountable to the public and lessreceptive to special interests. “I will work hard to makeModesto a better place for all of its citizens,” he said afterTuesday’s win.
PEOPLEWATCHING
Jeff Bojé
John Losito
Bev Van Blair
John Davis
Norm Duke
Garrad March
10 IBI March 2012
SHORTS
Outside view of Moreno Valley Mall in SouthernCalifornia
Bowling was front and center in anew episode of Parks & Recreation,“Bowling for Votes”,starring Amy Poehleron NBC, January 26.Characters Leslie(Poehler) and Ben(Adam Scott) decideto hold a casualbowling party to garner votes for Leslie’sPawnee City Council campaign. Ofcourse, everything goes as unexpected,but as quoted by Damian Holbrook of TVGuide, Poehler points out “there’s kissingand punching in this episode. Kissing,punching and bowling. It’s like the perfectThursday night.” There was, and it was!
BOWLING FOR VOTES
WATCHMedia
OPENS #2 Round 1 Entertainment is opening its second
location in Moreno Valley Mall in SouthernCalifornia. This high-end family facility will have20 lanes of bowling plus a wide variety of activitiessuch as billiards, arcade games and ping pong. Itis due to open in Summer 2012.
12 IBI March 2012
Kenneth A. Brammerlost his battle with cancerthis past January. For thepast 14 years, he ownedand operated The AlleyBowl in Osceola, IA.
Along with his business partner CraigDoren, he owned Leon Lanes & Café,Adel Family Fun Center and Indian Lanes,all in Iowa. Brammer was also arepair/installation technician. As quotedin his obituary, “Bowling was not just a jobto Kenny; it was his passion.” It wasthrough that passion that Brammeroffered his input to others to improvetheir game and was instrumental ingetting kids interested in bowling. Healso helped develop the high schoolbowling program.
“We sure lost a good proprietor anda real asset to bowling,” stated Doren.
Brammer leaves his wife, Rhonda , hisson Weston and daughter Brenda plus alarge family and a host of friends.
R E M E M B R A N C E S
14 IBI March 2012
EXPO PREVIEW
ittle tornadoes spin off the wing tip of a cruising jetplane. They’re called jet wash. If you’re flying too closeto another aircraft and run into it, you are suddenly in very,
very turbulent air.“That threw us into a Dutch roll,” remembers Lt. Col. Kevin
Sweeney (Ret.), who was commanding a KC-135 tanker aboutan hour out from base at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The plane is aBoeing 707 fitted for air refueling operations. Five miles abovethe desert floor, Sweeney and the other three men in the crewwere flying Air Force support for Desert Storm. Three milesahead of him and 500 feet above him in the night sky, anothertanker was one degree off the same heading. In combat, planesfly without radar traffic control. Sweeney hit the jet wash.
Rotate your hand back and forth at the wrist. That’s a Dutch
roll. Imagine 144 tons of airplane and fuel twisting back andforth over 110 degrees of arc every 1.1 seconds. Imagineyou’re in charge.
On the panel, the engine instruments “looked like TimesSquare on New Year’s Eve—everything lit up,” Sweeney recalls,including the lights that come on if the two engines on the leftside of the plane are on fire.
He raised his boom operator, the man who manipulates therefueling pipeline, on the interphone. “‘Steve, run on back andscan that left wing. Give me an idea how bad the fires are.’ Hecomes back very quickly over the interphone and says, ‘They’renot on fire. They’re gone.’”
When two of your four engines are torn off the wing, youlose various systems for flying the plane and you can’t get them
By Fred Groh
L
Mark Kelly Scott O’Grady Kevin Sweeney
16 IBI March 2012
EXPO PREVIEW
back. Wires are broken, connections are ripped apart. Youhave to devise work-arounds.
And if you are Kevin Sweeney at this moment, you also haveto turn the plane around and get it back to home base about400 miles away, because the first landing strip where youcould normally set down a plane is blanketed by a sandstorm.
An hour and 15 minutes later, on final approach to Jeddahat last and calculating the timing for a landing, you call yourboom operator again. He will have to lower the landing gearmanually. This takes seven minutes, he tells you. You tell himhe will have three or four.
“If we didn’t get the gear down,” says Sweeney,“you could bring the hot dogs and marshmallows,because [you wouldn’t want to] waste the fireafter we cartwheeled down the runway.”
✰ ✰ ✰Twenty years later and half a world away, BPAA
E.D. Steve Johnson talks about how quiet theoccasion was at Arlington National Cemetery onVeterans Day. He and USBC executive director StuUpson had joined the solemn annual ceremony atthe invitation of the Bowlers to Veterans League.Johnson calls BVL “our number-one charity in
the industry.”The two men and the BVL contingent—proprietor and
BPAA past-president Wally Hall, USBC past-president DarleneBaker, and BVL’s Elizabeth Montanya—had had breakfast withPresident Obama at the White House. Everyone then adjournedto the courtyard at Arlington where the Unknowns lie. ThePresident lays a wreath each year, as does BVL.
“It wasn’t a celebration. It was humbling,” Johnson says. “Atime for observance, to reflect.
“I realized how lucky I am and have been my entire life. I don’tlook at anything I’ve had as hardship. Hardships are out therewhere you see all those white headstones. All those young men
Photo courtesy of Kevin Sweeney
18 IBI March 2012
EXPO PREVIEW
working people in the world—you could sayproprietors are heroes for doing that.”
The current state of the economy was nota conscious part of deciding on the theme.“A couple of the past years I think a lot ofpeople were living on hope, hoping that theeconomy was going to turn around, thatjobs would come back, and that it wouldget back to the way it was. This year I believethe mindset is different. We know it’s goingto be [more] of the same, [but] I believeproprietors are more prepared than ever todeal with those challenges.
“Maybe subconsciously that helped uspick the salute to heroes and talking aboutthe challenges they faced and how theyovercame them, but that wasn’t what wewent into that theme for.”
✰ ✰ ✰Sweeney’s plane was on the ground
before the after-shock hit him. “Then you gota little nervous,” he says about himself,impersonally. “You couldn’t allow yourselfto think about it when you’re under thatpressure. You have to focus on what you cancontrol, ignore the immaterial, and commandyour mind.”
That lesson, and the full story of hisadventure over Saudi Arabia, will wraparound his keynote talk at Bowl Expo.
For his feat, Sweeney, his co-pilot, hisnavigator and his boom operator all receivedthe Distinguished Flying Cross for“extraordinary achievement or heroism whileparticipating in an aerial flight combatmission.”
Steve Johnson returned from the VeteransDay ceremony with the thought that he mostlikely would not go again.
“If the invitation came, I would pass it tosomebody else. It’s something I wisheverybody had the opportunity to be a partof, because it makes you feel very proud tobe an American. I would want somebodyelse to be able to have that experience.” ❖
Fred Groh is a regular contributor to IBIand former managing editor of themagazine.
U.S. Navy Capt. Mark Kelly (Ret.)Recently retired from the Navy and NASA, Kelly flew four space missions,
including Endeavor’s final mission. A degreed marine and aeronauticalengineer, he has logged 6,000 flying hours in more than 50 different aircraft,375 aircraft carrier landings, 39 combat missions, and has spent more than50 days in space. He sprang into prominence last year when his wife, U.S. Rep.Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ), was shot. Kelly’s talk about his career will illustratethe leadership, courage and initiative that identify a hero.
USAF Capt. Scott O’Grady (Ret.)An F-16 fighter pilot during his 12 years of Air Force service, O’Grady was
helping enforce NATO’s no-fly-zone policy over Bosnia when his plane washit by a Soviet-made anti-aircraft missile. He’ll talk about how he survivedbehind enemy lines for six days before he was rescued by U.S. Marines.
USAF Lt. Col. Kevin Sweeney (Ret.)Interweaved with the suspense of his Desert Storm flight and stories from
his college sports career and his 25 years in the services division of IBM,Sweeney says, “I’m going to talk about how you properly prepare for whatyou need to do. How do you have that passion to do it every day? How doyou focus on the right thing at the right time? How do you become the teammate that your team, customers, vendors, that everybody covets? How doyou have the charismatic confidence that you can get the job done? Whatwould you do if you lost your life dream?”
(The Colonel has a bowling background, by the way. His paternalgrandfather, Dennis Sweeney, helped organize WIBC. His father, Ed, was ABCpresident in the 1980s. Around age seven, he and his brother would spenda Sunday at granddad’s center in St. Louis. “We would bowl 10 or 15 gamesuntil I couldn’t pick the ball up. Bowling was the first sport I ever did like that.”And in high school and college, he certified lanes for ABC.)
HEROES FOR THE DAY:EXPO’S KEYNOTERS✰ ✰ ✰
and women that didn’t get to appreciate the day-to-day things.”Johnson says the theme for the keynote and featured speakers at this year’s
Bowl Expo had already been chosen. He thought it was time to get away frompoliticians and sports stars. Time “to recognize people that help lift this countryup on their shoulders and make people feel good.”
Thus the theme, “United We Bowl,” and the sub-theme, a salute to heroes.People like Kevin Sweeney, one of the keynote speakers on the Expo slate. Andlike Mark Kelly and Scott O’Grady, coincidentally also retired military pilots, whowill also address the convention (see sidebar).
“You kind of know [heroism] when you see it,” Johnson reflects. “They’re peoplewho go above and beyond. When times are tough, heroes shine a light that peoplegravitate towards. They come from all areas of the country—small towns, bigtowns, rural, urban. Sounds a lot like bowlers. Our bowling centers are homesto many of these heroes on a daily basis. And proprietors, by providing what theydo and the sacrifices they make for these bowling centers—they’re the hardest
20 IBI March 2012
COVER STORY
By Paul Lane
21IBI March 2012
n its day, Celebrity Lanes in the city of Glendale,CO, along with the likes of Frank Esposito’sParamus Lanes in New Jersey, was one of a
handful of bowling centers that was well knownboth nationally and internationally. The originalinvestors included such luminaries as Walt Disneyand his brother Roy, Bing Crosby, CharlesLaughton, Jack Benny, George Burns, ArtLinkletter, Burl Ives, and Spike Jones, to name buta few. Hence the name: Celebrity. The 80-laneCelebrity Lanes opened its doors in 1960 andoperated continuously for 34-years, before closingits doors in 1994 and being demolished in 1995.Today it’s the site of a Home Depot store.
I clearly remember watching extensive newscoverage of the closing of Celebrity Lanes on localDenver TV channels with loyal customers tearfullylamenting the closure of the family-orientedlandmark facility that had been like a secondhome to them for so many years.
But happily for metro Denver’s bowlingcommunity, there is good news. After a 17-yearhiatus, a new facility opened its doors onSeptember 9, 2011, and yes, it’s called CelebrityLanes! The owners/investors of the new center,Robert Koontz, the principal of KenmoreDevelopment Corp., and Cal Eichinger, with 35-years of coast-to-coast experience in the bowlingindustry and, for the past 9-years, the owner ofElitch Lanes in Denver, put much thought, researchand planning into creating the new facility. Theconcept was not just to call it Celebrity Lanes - thatwould have been too easy. They had a wholenew concept, a whole new idea.
The original Celebrity Lanes was owned bycelebrities. In contrast, the new Celebrity Lanesis designed and managed to make its customersfeel like celebrities.
“If you want to have a Celebrity experience,all you need to do is visit the new CelebrityLanes in the city of Centennial, which is a partof the Aurora/Denver Colorado metro area,”said Eichinger.
The Celebrity Experience starts immediatelywhen you walk through the entry canopy intothe facility’s entry hall where a long red carpetleads you to the reception counter. As younegotiate the red carpet, already beginning to feellike a celebrity, you can visually experience manyof the centers amenities and venues, most of
which are accessible even before you reach the reception counter. The center houses 40-lanes, a split house with a concourse and 16-lanes
on either side, plus two 4-lane themed and branded VIP suites.To the right of the red-carpeted entry is Rocky’s Arcade and Soft Play
(named and themed after the Denver Nuggets basket ball team mascot calledRocky) which features a mix of arcade and redemption games, including anostalgic section of vintage arcade games such as Galaga and Pac-Man.Rocky’s Kids Zone features “Playtime” soft climbing forms and equipmentfor toddlers, a 50-foot long Rocky mural and lots of interactive Nugget’srelated toys, plus an upper mezzanine for children’s party functions. Aredemption display area and a retail merchandise area sell sports memorabiliaand goods.
To the left you will find the Altitude Sports Grill & Taphouse, a sports barand full-service restaurant offering forty beers on tap and an extensivefood and beverage menu. In addition to traditional restaurant and bar seatingand large screen TVs, the Altitude Sports Grill and Taphouse features two“snugs” in the dining area. Popular in Ireland, a “snug” is a small enclosedbooth, perfect for private meetings or dinners. Each snug will seat 10-12guests. There’s also a mezzanine that’s available for private parties andmeetings, or where patrons can simply sit and relax. Wander outside andyou’ll find a full-service patio where customers can enjoy a beverage arounda pit-fire and take in a view of the Rocky Mountains. Or, they can test theirskills on one of two adjoining bocce ball courts.
The two themed and branded VIP suites, named after the ColoradoAvalanche and Denver Nuggets, are available for private parties, either asself contained four-lane units, each with plush seating, a bar and separateaudio/video capabilities, or opened up to become one 8-lane suite (four-lanes back to back).
When the lights are turned off, UV projection in the hockey themedAvalanche Suite makes the lanes appear as if they are covered in ice. Andthe UV projection in the basket ball themed Nugget’s Suite gives the lanes theappearance of center court at the Pepsi Center. For a final touch of authenticity,
I
COVER STORY
Cal Eichinger (left) and Bob Koontz (Principal of Kelmore Development Corp.), co-owners of Celebrity Lanes.
22 IBI March 2012
COVER STORY
the house balls resemble basketballs.Bob Koontz personally undertook the research
required to develop the special effects lightingand UV image projection to create the basketballcourt and ice illusion in the Nugget’s andAvalanche VIP suites. Working closely with lightingand sound vendor, Jason Goetz, Bob says: “Ihad no idea how much there was to learn aboutpixels and DPI (dots per inch), it was a wholenew learning experience for me.”
Although the center has only been open sincelast September, it’s been long enough forArchitect Kevin Mills, principal of Denver-basedArchitectural Concepts, to collect a couple ofarchitectural awards, one for Best Exterior and onefor Best of Centennial.
However, Celebrity Lanes does not rely onthe center’s design, amenities and venues toprovide the Celebrity Experience. “That’s amanagement and center staff function andresponsibility,” says Cal Eichinger, “It’s aboutthe level of customer service we provide ourpatrons. And this cannot be accomplishedwithout having a policy of only hiring (and
training) the very best employees available in the market place, andrewarding them accordingly,” added Bob Koontz. “We are very selectivein who we hire, and demand the best from every employee, including thosewho do not interact directly with customers, as even employees who workbehind the scenes are equally responsible for creating and maintaining theCelebrity experience.” The new Celebrity Lanes has generated 85 new jobsin the Centennial marketplace.
The Avalanche suite.
continued on page 26
26 IBI March 2012
COVER STORY
To make it easy for customers to check in and enjoy the celebrity experience tothe fullest extent, customers can have their credit card validated just once, andthereafter take to the lanes, order food and beverages from the Celebrity Lanes servers,enjoy fine dining in the Altitude Sports Grill & Taphouse, or order a beverage on thepatio. No matter which or how many venues customers visit they only need to havetheir card validated when they sign in, and when they close out their visit. Forultimate convenience, customers do not have to sign out from the venue in whichthey started. For example, if a customer starts at the reception counter and finishesin the Taphouse, he can close out his bill in the Taphouse without having to returnto the reception counter. Ninety percent of customers choose the plastic (credit card)option and what’s interesting is that they typically leave a larger tip when they close
out their visit in any venue other than thereception counter.
Audio visual technology is usedextensively (another project undertakenby Bob Koontz), with 48 large flatscreen TV monitors throughout thevarious venues that can be drivenindividually from a control system with32-outputs. This includes sixteen 3-DHD 65” TVs providing entertainment onthe lanes. As an example, during amixed league they may show “Dancingwith the Stars” and an NFL footballgame on alternate screens across thehouse, to appeal to both their femaleand male league bowlers.
On Friday and Saturday nights, frommidnight until 2:00 am, Celebrity Lanesfeatures a “Tweet, Hop & Roll” program,where customers can rock, roll andexperience the latest videos and glow-in-the dark bowling while texting their“Tweets” on the 65” HD TVs for all to see.
Audio visual technology is also used formeetings and corporate functions,projecting custom corporate logos,videos, and provide all forms of audio
Lucky StrikeKansas City, Missouri
Bowling’s Only Full-Service Brokers,Appraisers & Financial Advisors
28200 Southfield Rd., Southfield, MI 48076
(800) 222 • 9131
We congratulate Michael Ducat andPaul Barkley on their purchase ofthis fine facility and thank StevenFoster for trusting us to handle thesale. We wish Michael, Paul andSteven all the best in the future.
The Nuggets VIP suite.
continued from page 22
Taphouse Lounge from the Mezzanine.
28 IBI March 2012
COVER STORY
visual equipment for meetings andcorporate sales conferences. In the fewshort months the center has been open, ithas become a well- established and popularvenue for corporate conferences andparties, company cookouts, team buildingfunctions, fundraising events, meetings,holiday and birthday parties, and more.
With options like the outdoor patio,Altitude Sports Grill and Taphouse, theAvalanche and Nugget’s VIP suites andmeeting facilities, Celebrity Lanes is able toaccommodate events of up to 500 people.Expert chefs ensure events include a mouth-watering food experience with options tosatisfy every taste bud, Italian feasts, Mexicanmeals, good ol’ brats and burgers, andcustom menu offerings if requested.
“The celebrity experience also extendsto the telephone,’ says Eichinger, “as there’snothing worse than being put on hold by abusy receptionist. To relieve the burden onthe reception counter staff during those peaktimes on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, wehave established a dedicated phone bankwith multiple lines and telephonereceptionists. It’s unlikely that a call will be put
on hold during those busy times,” he added.While the emphasis at Celebrity Lanes is on family recreation, corporate and
party functions and hospitality, Cal Eichinger has been in the bowling businesslong enough (35-years) to appreciate the value of league bowling. Unlike manyFamily Entertainment Centers (FECs), Celebrity Lanes has a league schedule thatruns from Sunday through Thursday between 6:00 pm and 9:00 pm and Mondaythrough Friday during the daytime. Indeed, this writer was delighted to see aleague winding up its weeks activity when I arrived at the center at noon on aweekday to interview Koontz and Eichinger.
An interesting feature on one of the centers two concourses is “Red RocksWall,” featuring the names of all the major acts that have appeared in concertsat the Red Rocks Amphitheater located at Red Rocks Park near Morrison,Colorado — some 15-miles west of Denver.
The plan is to develop a Celebrity Wall on the other concourse. A few namesof celebrities known to have been bowlers come to mind that may help kick-start the program, including Roy Rogers, Dinah Shore and Jerry Lewis.
In terms of cross promotion, Celebrity Lanes is closely allied to AltitudeSports and Entertainment, the most watched regional sports network in theRockies, created by Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche owner StanKroenke — hence the facilities naming of the two VIP suites and the Altitude SportsGrill & Taproom, from where Altitude Sports plans to host broadcasts in the future.This would bring sports celebrities to Celebrity Lanes. Altitude Sports andEntertainment cross promote Celebrity Lanes on its website and during gamesat sports arenas.
As you can see, Celebrity Lanes has taken the concept of a familyentertainment/recreation center to a new level, a level where every customerexperiences that “celebrity” feeling. ❖
Paul Lane is former Director of Marketing and Marketing Services for AMF Bowling, Inc.He has been the director of 18 AMF World Cups, an officer in national and internationaltrade associations, and a pro bowler during a career that spans more than 60 countriesand 50 years.
The Rocky’s kids zone arcade.
The Red Rocks Wall.
29IBI March 2012
SPECIAL REPORT
e all know New York is the city that doesn’t sleep and on a recenttrip to The Big Apple, I decided to put the moniker to the test bysetting out on an aggressive adventure: bowl in each of NYC’s
famous boroughs in one day.The day to day grind of running a company can be a challenge. Sometimes
it can be hard to see the forest for the trees when working on the front lines everyday. It can be invigorating to take a step back and look at our industry from thatof a visiting tourist to gain new perspective on how we can better ourselves andour business. So, I became a “bowling tourist,” and I had a great adventure.
Has it ever been done? Could it be done? How would you get around thecity of over 8 million inhabitants? What centers would you visit? All thesequestions my supportive wife and two of my amazingfriends set out to answer on a warm Saturday in October.
We wanted to be strategic in our attack to hit eachof the boroughs and some simple Googling gave us ahandful of target centers. Starting at my friend’sapartment near Times Square, we all agreed headingto Staten Island was the best choice for stop numberone since it required the longest travel time. Hoppingon the 5 train, we made our way to Battery Park at thesouthern tip of Manhattan and boarded the StatenIsland Ferry.
Probably one of the best kept secrets is the freeStaten Island ferry. It offers some of the best views ofthe Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. It is hard not toreflect on the history as you pass by these twomonuments. It can be argued that these waters servedas a gateway for the sport of bowling. Millions of
immigrants brought the passion and their owncultural flare of the game to America and helpedtransform it into what we know it as today.
Exiting the massive ship, we hopped on alocal bus that took us through the windingsuburban streets to an area that couldn’t feel anyfarther from Wall Street. The bus dropped us infront of Rab’s Country Lanes. We walked in tofind the traditional, 48-lane center packed ona Saturday afternoon. The straight-talking deskclerk convinced our group that a half hour ofplay would be best for our quick-stop needs. Wemade our way to the lanes and I was introducedto proprietor Frank Wilkinson. An activemember of the East Coast Bowling Conventionstaff, Frank shared some of the highlights of thecenter including the recently installed
WBy Chris Holmes
Our own Chris Holmes hits the bricks for 12
hours to accomplish his goal of bowling in
every one of the five boroughs of NYC.
My wife Allison and I embarking on our great journey.
30 IBI March 2012
SPECIAL REPORT
Funovation laser maze catering to many birthday parties thathad a line of kids about thirty deep.
As we laced up for the game, to our surprise the lightsdropped and the entire center went to glow blowing for therest of the afternoon. Frank mentioned it’s a great change ofpace and kids love it. After a sub-par performance on thelanes, we flagged one of the few Staten Island cabs and madeour way back to the ferry.
Back in Manhattan, we decided to head to the Bronx at theother end of town, giving us the opportunity to work the restof the boroughs from the outside-in. Getting off the subwayin the shadows of the new Yankee Stadium, we stood in aweof the modern-day cathedral of baseball. As we strolled pastthe Little League fields where the old stadium sat, we came toBall Park Lanes only to find it was recently closed for renovations!
Not to be deterred, I grabbed my iPhone and luckily foundanother center a few miles away. A short taxi ride later wearrived at Van Nest Lanes and walked into another era.Featuring original Brunswick equipment, this manual scoringhouse had challenges for customers both with its authenticwood lanes and having to do the simple algebra on thescorecards. I tracked down manager Jim Farago and he sharedthat his league base really enjoys the classic setting. Themellow yellow and burnt orange motifs take customers backto bowling’s golden years and that retro feel resonates perfectly.
Dusk was setting and as we step back into the 21st century,we had a harsh realization; our little detour to this area of theBronx left us in the middle of an unknown neighborhood withno idea how to get back to the subway. Luckily my crafty NewYorker friends knew of a new city-friendly car rental service calledZip Car where you can take a vehicle in their fleet for as littleas one hour.
We found highway 678 that took us past LaGuardia Airportand the new home of the New York Mets, Citi Field. A few tollslater we ended up in Queens and pulled in front of thewelcoming lights of Astoria Lanes. We entered the split house,with twelve lanes a side, as an early Saturday night league wasending. We were greeted by energetic manager Jorge Lopezwho proudly showed off the newly renovated sports barfeaturing nearly a dozen flat screen televisions and the intriguingfrozen beer tap that pipes suds directly through a block of ice.
Jorge shared with me how Astoria’s focus on bowlerexperience has brought bowlers to his place from all over thecity. He also talked about some unique marketing ideas thatbring support to local businesses. This community outreach hasalready proven successful with a neighborhood pub bringingin their regulars to start a league.
In need of food, our group found a trendy Thai restaurant,The Golden Elephant. If you are ever in this neck of Queens,I recommend the pad thai and the pineapple fried rice…delicious! Fueled up, we stayed on surface streets and made
our way to Brooklyn. Following the GPS through a darkindustrial area, we almost drove past The Gutter, which waslabeled with nothing more than a simple “BOWLING” sign outfront. As quiet as the streets were, the inside was equally as loud.
Rab’s of Staten Island has birthday business booming thanks to their recentlyinstalled Funovation laser maze.
The Bronx’s Van Nest Lanes captures the Golden Era of bowling with classicBrunswick equipment.
Our crew for the adventure: Allison and I are joined by Christie and RamenEdwards.
32 IBI March 2012
SPECIAL REPORT
The Gutter is definitely a hipster hangout that finds its sweetspot with the feeling of an old-time highway roadhouse. Thebar is the focal point of the operation with over twenty beerson tap. In the backroom, an indie rock band was tuning up forthe night’s set list. On the bowling front, despite having circa1980’s black and white, boxy scoring monitors that matchedthe worn down lanes, there was an hour-long wait to play. Thisis the new era of “retro” bowling centers. As Generation Yenters the workforce, they look for experiences like this thatbrings them back to their Reagan-era upbringing.
Hopping back in the Zip Car, we made the short driveacross the Brooklyn Bridge with a breathtaking view of theManhattan skyline at night. We dropped off the car andreached our final destination: The Port Authority. This buildingthat brings thousands of people in and out of New York’snucleus everyday, is a self-sustaining miniature city. You can shopfor groceries, get your nails done and even bowl all whilewaiting to catch the next bus to Atlantic City.
After some careful navigation through the multi-levelstructure, we found Frames tucked away in a corner of thebuilding. Once inside, this “Lounge meets the Lanes” conceptcenter we had plenty to be impressed by. The onsite managerwalked us through the $20 million transformation from LeisureTime Bowl to Frames. The flare of Midtown Manhattan ispersonified in Frames with a high-end restaurant and two chicbars that include a VIP area that gets patrons primed for fun.When customers are prepared to hit the lanes, they visit theunique rental shoe wall where they are free to pick out theperfect fit without having to make any return trips. A bumpingvideo and sound system keeps the party going and if youwanted to kick it up a notch, a two-lane party suite is availablefor private events.
We each bowled our last frame and came to the harshrealization that our average score over the course of the daywas nothing to write home about. Nonetheless, we exited ThePort Authority just after midnight. Over twelve hours later, itwas done… it can be done. We all looked at each other witha sigh of relief and nodded with approval that this wassomething special.
New York City is a metropolis that offers experiences likeno other place in the world. While the stereotype of the cityas a concrete jungle can scare people, it is also the type ofplace where even the crazy journey I dreamed up could becompleted. The wide variety of centers that we visitedmatched the personalities of each neighborhood from thehard-nosed Bronx to stylish Manhattan. More importantly, thepeople that operate and patronize these places are truly thelifeblood of The Big Apple that makes it one of the greatestcities on earth.
The next time you are traveling, I encourage you to stop inat the local bowling center. The knowledge you gain from
interacting with proprietors from outside your area code cangive you a new outlook on ways to improve your operations.At the very least, it is nice to spend a few hours at a bowlingcenter without having to worry about who is manning thefront desk! ❖
Chris Holmes is IBI’s Director of Advertising. He is a graduate ofUC Santa Barbara where he received his degree inEconomics/Mathematics. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife,Allison. To learn more about advertising opportunities, email himat [email protected].
Astoria Bowl proudly serves the Queens borough.
The old warehouse feel of The Gutter in Brooklyn attracts a young crowd.
The eye-catching rental shoe wall at Frames gives customers plenty of choices.
34 IBI March 2012
OFF THE CLOCK
y day, Bill Walters is a mild mannered facilitiesmanager at a bowling center. By night, he rips upthe dance floor! Tango, Cha Cha, Rumba, Disco
Hustle, Salsa. . . the list goes on and on. This transformationwas ignited eight years ago when Bill went on a cruise withhis wife. Just for fun, they took a few ballroom dancelessons and Bill was hooked. Though the marriage waned,ballroom dancing captured his heart forever.
When the music plays, Bill can be across the room fromhis dance partner of 2 years, Penny Lyons. One look andthey take on the character of the dance and glide acrossthe floor. Penny, his dance partner, is petite; Bill is tall.Visually they may be a bit of an odd couple, but when theyhit the dance floor they are a force to be reckoned with.They command attention and have a great time doing it.Swing dancing (East coast swing that is) is one of hisfavorites. Bill gets caught up in the music. Once he’s in themoment he has a great time improvising steps. Accordingto Bill, “You can’t do that with the waltz!”
Penny says, “Bill was the first man who asked me todance.” Not only does she feel privileged that she and herhusband Dan have such a strong friendship with Bill; sheprides herself on being smart enough to have asked Billto be her dance partner first. She knew it would not belong before he would be considered a hot commodity inGrand Junction, Colorado. Especially at La Puerta DanceStudio where they both take lessons.
The respect and admiration Penny has can be heard inher voice, “Bill is a gentleman, a wonderful man. Dancingwith him is a lot of fun.” As much fun as they have dancingand competing, is as much fun as they have practicing.Bill and Penny have even been spotted practicing afterhours in the bowling center Bill manages. They surprisedand delighted the clean-up crew with a show in theapproach areas.
Last June Bill and Penny competed for the first time atthe Colorado Star Ball. Cautiously, they signed up foronly four dance competitions: Waltz, Foxtrot, Rumba andBolero. Bill explains that “you’re being judged the moment
B
Fred Astaire has nothing on Bill Walters!Along with his partner Penny Lyons, BillWalters is dancing his way to the top.
By Anna Littles
Shall WeDance?
35IBI March 2012
your feet hit the floor.” In spite of allthat pressure, he and Penny finished astunning second in all four groups. Nextyear, they plan on competing in morecategories. They’re even going to take onthe pasodoble, so look out!
Bill has observed that ballroomdancing gives people the chance to besomeone else. He embodies Fred Astaire,Penny becomes Rita Moreno. Ballroomdance competitions are especiallyexciting. They are filled with people fromall age groups and some who strugglewith physical challenges. Bill watched awoman well into her 90s exude eleganceas she danced with her partner. He wasmoved when he saw a blind manbeautifully compete with his coach. Andthen there was a woman who sufferedfrom cerebral palsy. She danced on airand smiled the whole time. “To look outand see people have so much fun and dothe best they can do is inspiring.”
But there’s still more to Bill Waltersthan meets the eye. As light footed ashe may be, he is also known for havinga big heart. According to Dave Reilly,owner of La Puerta Dance Studio andBill’s teacher for the past two years, “Billis a great student. He puts in a lot of timeand effort.” Bill also helps set up a
Christmas fundraising toy drive for the Salvation Army and has been known todonate dance shoes for kids who can’t afford it. Dave is impressed with Bill’s generousspirit and feels that he brings a lot to the studio. Dave says, “We like having him here.”
Tango, Cha Cha, Rumba are part of the fascinating rhythms of life that inspires atall man with a big heart, who at times dreams of being Fred Astaire! ❖
Anna Littles, a screenplay and freelance writer and producer originally from the Bronx, New York,now resides in Santa Monica, California. You can see her work on YouTube, IMDB, or on her websiteat www.alittleLA.com.
OFF THE CLOCK
36 IBI March 2012
SHOWCASE
INCENTIVE VACATIONSVacation Adventures Internationalhas been providing high-end promo-tional vacation packages for more than25 years. Trips include a Bahamas Cruise Excursion andAir/Resort packages to Aruba, Cancun, Jamaica, Puerto Rico,Las Vegas and more. Vacation Adventures provides globaloperations and full administrative support for $99 or less!Bowling centers have been able to increase their bottom linewith this promotion. Call today for 20% off & free vacations!Call (888) 448-3980 or visit www.vacationadventures.biz.
CARPET SELECTIONAstro Carpet Mills offers the largestselection of unique blacklight, glowin the dark, fluorescent carpet andneon carpet patterns for bowlingcenters, skating rinks, and familyentertainment centers worldwide.It's also fun carpet for your new game room. Call 800-542-4189 or visit www.astrocarpetmills.com to check out theentire selection of new, upscale patterns with vivid colors thatyour customers will love!
PIN CLEANEROne of the first things a customer sees whenwalking in a bowling center is the pins.Kegel’s Pin Shine bowling pin cleaningmachine provides the easiest and bestmethod for cleaning your pins. Clean pinslast longer, reduce pinsetter problems,transfer less dirt to equipment and bowlers,and convey a nice clean look to your bowling center. For bestresults, use Kegel’s Pin Shine pin cleaning solution. Visitwww.ebonitebowlingcenterdirect.com to order.
BAR EQUIPMENTStockTheBar.com – The BarStore With So Much More! Shop for thousands of baraccessories and equipment at deeply discounted prices.You’ll find a huge selection of bottle openers, pour spouts,garnish trays, bar stools, management books, training DVDs,neon signs, floor mats and just about anything you couldpossibly want for your bar. Make sure to check out our website.We’re the guys for your bar supplies! www.stockthebar.com
ON-LANE REDEMPTIONYour center will offer more FUN andEXCITEMENT with the new TicketDepot! Whether you already haveredemption games or are looking tocash in on the popularity and growth ofredemption games, if you have Vectorscoring, Ticket Depot is right for you. Bowlers are rewardedwith tickets based on their score, spares and strikes. TicketDepot is available for centers with Vector Plus version 5. Formore information, contact your Brunswick Representative, call1-800-YES-BOWL or 1-231-725-4966.
KARAOKE CONTESTThe Lighting Store presents the karaokecompetition. Designed exclusively forbowling centers, it brings excitement andpeople to your center. Singers bring theirfriends and family, and they all spendmoney at YOUR CENTER! NEW FACES in your center!Singers will come out of the woodwork to win a trip to Reno,NV, sing on The Eldorado Ballroom Stage, at the EldroradoHotel and Casino, and have a chance at winning big money.Visit www.soundandlightkaraoke.com for more details.
DISPOSABLE SHOE PADBowlSoles are an alternative forcustomers who dislike wearing rentalshoes. They are designed to fit alltypes of footwear, are easy to apply,do not come off while bowling, andtested by the USBC. Centers world-wide are enjoying the added income and repeat customersatisfaction that BowlSoles offer. Millions of customers lovethis option and happily pay a premium of $1-$2 over astandard rental shoe fee. See Increasing Your Income video atwww.bowlsole.com.
NEW PINSPOTTERQubicaAMF is excited to intro-duce the XLi EDGE Pinspotter, the most advanced pinspotterever. The innovative design of the XLi EDGE makes runningyour business easier by solving the most prevalent problemsaround pinspotters. We invite you to learn more by watchingthe product video at www.bowlinginnovation.com.
38 IBI March 2012
CLASSIFIEDS
WWW.FACEBOOKBOWLING.COM
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE
REPAIR & EXCHANGE. Call for details(248) 375-2751.
NEW & USED Pro Shop Equipment.Jayhawk Bowling Supply. 800-255-6436 or jayhawkbowling.com.
39IBI March 2012
CLASSIFIEDS
Michael P. Davies (321) 254-7849291 Sandy Run, Melbourne, FL 32940
on the web: bowlingscorer.com email: [email protected]
AS80/90 • BOARD REPAIR • FrameworxSERVICE CALLS WORLDWIDE • PRE-SHIPS • WE SELL
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Toll Free: (866) 961-7633Office: (734) 469-4293
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CONTACT BRIAN ESTES
40 IBI March 2012
CLASSIFIEDSEQUIPMENT FOR SALE
FOR SALE: 24 HPL synthetic lanes,foul line forward; 16 lanes BOSSscoring w/ BOSS desk only. (712)253-8730.
EQUIPMENT WANTED
17 inch Magic Score tabletop monitors.(419) 668-9933.
CENTERS FOR SALE
UPSTATE NEW YORK: 8-lane center/commercial building built in 1992.Synthetic lanes, new automatic scoring,kitchen and room to expand! Reduced tosell @ $375,000. Call (315) 376-3611.
CENTERS FOR SALE
16-lane center in Southern Coloradomountains. Great condition. 18,000s/f building w/ restaurant & lounge.Paved parking 100 + vehicles.Established leagues & tournaments.$950,000 or make offer. Kipp (719) 852-0155.
CENTRAL WISCONSIN: 12 lanes, autoscoring, Anvilane synthetics, 82-70s. Greatfood sales. Yearly tournament. Attached,large 3 bedroom apartment w/ fireplace.$550K. (715) 223-8230.
NW KANSAS: 12-lane center, AS-80s,Lane Shield, snack bar, pro shop, game &pool rooms. See pics andinfo @ www.visitcolby.com or contactCharles (785) 443-3477.
SOUTHWEST KANSAS: well-maintained8-lane center, A-2s, full-service restaurant.Includes business and real estate. Nice,smaller community. Owner retiring.$212,000. Leave message (620) 397-5828.
NE MINNESOTA: Food, Liquor &Bowling. Established 8 lanes between Mpls& Duluth w/ large bar, dining room,banquet area. Two large Stateemployment facilities nearby. High sixfigure gross. Call Bryan (218) 380-8089.www.majesticpine.com.
SOUTHERN INDIANA (close toIndianapolis): 18-lane Brunswick centerwith lounge, liquor license & movietheater on 4+ acres. Turnkey business.Owner retiring. Great investment! (765) 349-1312.
NORTHWEST LOUISIANA: 12-LANEBrunswick center. REDUCED TO SELLNOW! Includes auto scoring, glowbowling, pizza, large dining area & videopoker. Good income. Long Lease. Greatopportunity. Call Mike (318) 578-0772.
NEW YORK STATE: Thousand Islandregion. 8-lane Brunswick center w/ cosmicbowling, auto scoring. Established leagues+ many improvements. $309,000. Call Jill@ Lori Gervera Real Estate (315) 771-9302.
GEORGIA: busy 32-lane center, realestate included. Great location in one offastest growing counties in metro Atlanta.5 years new with all the amenities.Excellent numbers. Call (770) 356-8751.
WWW.FACEBOOKBOWLING.COM
41IBI March 2012
CLASSIFIEDS
42 IBI March 2012
CLASSIFIEDS
PROPRIETORS WITH AMF 82-70S.S. & M.P. MACHINES
Save $$ on Chassis & P.C. BoardExchange & Repair!
A reasonable alternative forChassis and P.C. Board Exchanges
MIKE BARRETTCall for Price List
Tel: (714) 871-7843 • Fax: (714) 522-0576
CENTERS FOR SALE
WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA: One ofthe top five places to move! Remodeled32-lane center. Good numbers. $3.1mgets it all. Fax qualified inquiries to (828)253-0362.
CENTRAL IDAHO: 8-lane center andrestaurant in central Idaho mountains.Small town. Only center within 60-mileradius. Brunswick A-2 machines;Anvilane lane beds; automatic scoring.(208) 879-4448.
EASTERN NORTH DAKOTA: 6-laneBrunswick center, bar & grill, drive-thruliquor store in small college town. Also, 3apartment buildings with 40 units, goodrental history. Call (701) 330-7757 or (701)430-1490.
GEORGIA: 32-lane center – strongleagues & good demographics in suburbanAtlanta. Leased building with opportunityto expand. Jetbacks, synthetics, Accuscoreall in good condition. Call Ken Paton (503)645-5630.
WISCONSIN: Three centers from 16 –48 lanes. Must sell. Great opportunities.Broker: (262) 901-1333.
CENTRAL ILLINOIS: PRICED TOSELL!! 8-lane center with AMF 82-70s, fullservice restaurant, pro shop. Plus pooltables, karaoke machine & DJ system.Asking $125,000.00 with RE. (217) 351-5152 or [email protected].
CENTERS FOR SALE
SOUTHERN IDAHO: Profitable, Well-Maintained, Family Oriented Bowling Center.12 wooden lanes w/ AMF 82-70s, Qubicascoring, Cosmic Bowl & automatic bumpers.Food/beverage (58% of revenues); openbowling (37%). Asking $360,000 includesRE. Call Dave, Arthur Berry & Co., (208)639-6167.
SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN: LARGEcenter. Priced at severe discount due tounique situation. Excellent physicalcondition. Solid revenue. Perfect turn keyopportunity. Contact (248) 252-1427 [email protected].
NE NEVADA: New 2001. 16 lanes, 19,200square feet, 1.68 acres paved, sound &lighting, lounge w/ gaming, arcade, fullservice snack bar & pro shop. Call (775)934-1539.
43IBI March 2012
CLASSIFIEDS
WWW.FACEBOOKBOWLING.COM
MECHANIC WANTED
For 82-70 pinsetters with FrameworXscoring. Frankfurt, KY. Daniel (502) 875-3610.
MANAGER WANTED
Don't miss your chance to grow withan Industry Leader! Looking forExperienced, Service-OrientedGeneral Managers for our U.S.bowling retail center locations.Please check us out atwww.brunswickcareers.apply2jobs.com for more details on our currentopenings. Act Now! Apply Today!
SERVICES AVAILABLE
See a list that will help centers fill lanes w/1200+ New Bowlers, Birthday Parties &Corporate Outings that generate $15,800 –a 600% ROI from 4 payments starting at$278. Visit mcprs.bmamkt.com or call(888) 243-0685.
Drill Bit Sharpening and Measuring BallRepair. Jayhawk Bowling Supply. 800-255-6436 or Jayhawkbowling.com.
AMF 65-25 CHASSIS: Conversion,Repair, Replace & Exchange. Includesrewiring, requested repairs, conversion toMK 30 board system and convertingchassis to new PR system whereapplicable. Cash customers—buy 3, getone FREE. TOTAL SATISFACTIONGUARANTEED! References available.CHASSIS DOCTORS (330) 314-8951.
CENTERS FOR SALE
MINNESOTA: 8-lane Brunswick center w/liquor license. Good condition. Greatopportunity. $99,000. Call Ray, XtremeTrophy Properties, (218) 790-1468.
IDAHO, Rigby: 8 lanes, Brunswick A-2s;refinished wooden lanes, snack bar, manyupgrades throughout. Dropped to $65,000.Long term lease. VERY MOTIVATED!! (208)535-9905; www.arthurberry.com.
SOUTH CENTRAL NEBRASKA: CleanRETRO 8-lane bowling center, lounge, food,liquor store & established leagues. Call (402)224-4725.
44 IBI March 2012
CLASSIFIEDS
AMF and some BRUNSWICK PC boardrepair/exchange. 6-month warranty, fastturnaround. Call or write: WB8YJF Service
5586 Babbitt Road, New Albany, Ohio 43054Toll Free: 888-902-BOWL (2695)
Ph./Fax: (614) 855-3022 (Jon)E-mail: [email protected]
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POSITION WANTED
Seeking managerial position:EXPERIENCED manager/district manager ofsingle & multiple unit centers; specializing inturn around centers; great customer serviceskills, inventory and payroll controls and P &L controls. References and resume availableupon request. Email:[email protected] or leave message@ (817) 232-2219.
Former center owner with 15 years all aroundexperience as GM, league promoter, A-levelBrunswick mechanic, scoring system installerand lane technician. Well suited for manypositions. Call Mitch at (808) 443-3868.
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DATEBOOK
APRIL21-2470th Annual BBIA ConventionHilton LaJolla Torrey PinesLaJolla, [email protected]
MAY7-11Brunswick European PinsetterTraining SessionsGS Series & Vector ScoringHungary. For info email:[email protected]
21Illinois State BPA Board ofDirectors MeetingMarriott Hotel & ConferenceCenter, Normal, ILBill Duff – [email protected]
31 – 6/32012 Hall of Fame Extravaganza(BPAA & USBC)
Red Rock Casino Resort & SpaLas Vegas, NVDavid Garber, 702-495-4249;[email protected]
JUNE3-5Kansas State BPA AnnualMeetingChateau on the Lake, Brandon, MO Mary Thurber, 913-638-1817
23Pairings Party – Bowl ExpoEldorado Hotel Casino, Reno, NVPre golf tournament mixer forteam selectionsInfo: 888-649-5585www.bowlexpo.com
24Bowl Expo Golf Tournament8 a.m. Wolf Run Golf Club7 a.m. transportation fromEldorado HotelInfo: 888-649-5585www.bowlexpo.com
24-29BOWL EXPO 2012Silver Legacy, Eldorado & CircusCircus, Reno, NVTrade Show: Reno SparksConvention Ctr. 800-343-1329www.bowlexpo.com
258th Annual Bowl Expo KaraokeContest presented by TheLighting StoreEldorado Showroom, Reno, NVCJ Fox, 888-746-54383email:[email protected]
JULY20-22Independent BowlingOrganization ShowBavarian Inn Lodge,Frankenmuth, MIScott Bennett, [email protected]
30 – 8/1Striking SixtiesBowling Centers Association ofMichigan Soaring Eagle Casinoand Resort, Mt. Pleasant, MI Ken Prokopec, 800-833-2695
45IBI March 2012
CLASSIFIEDS
ForFLORIDA CENTERS
CallDAVID DRISCOLL& ASSOCIATES
1-800-444-BOWL3800 Lake Center Loop,Suite B1, Mount Dora,
FL 32757-2208AN AFFILIATE OF
SANDY HANSELL & ASSOCIATES
nyone who watched TV in the 50s and60s must remember “The Adventuresof Ozzie and Harriet” which ran for 14
years. Viewers watched the Nelsons, Ozzie andHarriet, herd their two sons, David and Ricky,
1960
46 IBI March 2012
REMEMBER WHEN
through the teenage years. They saw Ricky, son #2, go from funny, trouble makerto the singing heartthrob of teenage girls everywhere. The Nelsons were thequintessential American family.
Coca-Cola used the back cover of National Geographic magazine, whichtook its readers all over the globe, to pay homage to family togetherness andrefreshment. The Joneses could very well have been the Nelsons, albeit a bettermix of boy and girls. They were perfect in every way: matching league attire;an athletic son who definitely knew his way around winning; the dazed princessin pigtails; helpful big sis; and two warm, involved and enthusiastic parents. But,
the cherry on top was, ofcourse, BOWLING—family, league bowling!
Coke couldn’t havebeen more on the mark.In 1960 there were135,041 certified lanes.YABA had over 400,000members, and the ABCtouted 108,444 leaguesand over 4,000,000members.
Life was good! And,bowling and Cokewent together. ❖
A
