international bowling industry december 2012

6ISSUE AT HAND

Adopt a ShipBy Scott Frager

8SHORTS

• Varsity Ridgebowlers march tosave their center.

• BVL contributes toveterans on

a grand scale.• CA Bowling Writers

launch 9th PhoneCards for the Troops.Compiled by Patty Heath

14SPECIAL INTEREST

Fueling Bowling inBartlesville

The corporate-ownedbowling center at

ConocoPhillips is filled withhistory and is still an

integral part of its culture.By Robert Sax

20CENTER STAGE

GarageBowling Gets a Tune-Up atSeattle’s Newest Hot Spot

By Anna Littles

CONTENTS

26COVER STORYFairytales doCome True!The anxiously awaitedopening of Splitsville is adream come true.By Fred Groh

32FEATUREThe Imperfect Perfect StormHurricane Sandy was a truemonster, but she couldn’tscare the bowling industry.By Mark Miller

36PHOTO ESSAYTrade Show Wrap UpThe East Coast and WestCoast trade shows werefilled with fun andinformation. Take a peek atwhat we saw.By Chris Holmes

46REMEMBER WHEN1964By Patty Heath

35 Datebook

38 Showcase

39 Classifieds

VOL 20.12

27

THE WORLD'S ONLY MAGAZINE DEVOTED EXCLUSIVELY TO THE BUSINESS OF BOWLING

IBI December 2012

14

PUBLISHER & EDITORScott Frager

[email protected]: scottfrager

DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISINGChris Holmes

[email protected]

EDITORIAL CONSULTANTGregory Keer

[email protected]

OFFICE MANAGERPatty Heath

[email protected]

CONTRIBUTORSFred Groh

Patty HeathChris HolmesAnna LittlesMark MillerRobert Sax

EDITORIAL DIRECTORJackie Fisher

[email protected]

ART DIRECTION & PRODUCTIONDesignworks

www.dzynwrx.com(818) 735-9424

FOUNDERAllen Crown (1933-2002)

12655 Ventura BoulevardStudio City, CA 91604(818) 789-2695(BOWL)

Fax (818) [email protected]

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,12655 Ventura Boulevard, Studio City, CA91604 USA. If possible, please furnishaddress 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:

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6 IBI December 2012

THE ISSUE AT HAND

Part of the legacy of being a child ofsomeone in the bowling business is thatthey are guaranteed the opportunity to stopby at least one bowling center, in every city,wherever they visit, especiallyon a family vacation!

My two boys, Joey andSammy, recently vacationedwith me in San Diego and,true to form, the road led us toAdmiral Robinson Lanes atthe Naval Base San Diego.

Since my boys love thesecenter visits as much as their dear old dad,I was spared the classic, pre-teen rollingeyes routine. Being escorted onto the baseand visiting a beautiful 40-lane center filledwith sailors, marines and dependents was athrill unto itself. Adding to the excitement wasnews that Dom Deluca, general manager ofAdmiral Robinson Lanes, was able to securea private visit aboard a true Navy warship, theUSS Boxer, docked here at the home forthe entire U.S. Navy’s Pacific Fleet.

The USS Boxer, an amphibious assaultship, has an amazing pedigree protectingour nation and is home to more than 3,000sailors and marines. (Google USS Boxer tolearn more about the ship.)

We were introduced to Chris, the FunBoss. Yes, that’s his official title. He’s one ofonly two civilians living on board and is

attached to the ship to help provide for the morale, welfare and recreation(MWR) of the sailors and marines during their deployment at sea and onland. Keep in mind that this is no pleasure cruise. Chris explained howimportant MWR is to our fighting men and women who are away from home

six to seven months at a time.We toured the ship’s impressive MWR

facilities which included a fitness center,DVD and CD library, mess halls, etc. We sawwhere a basketball hoop can be installed overthe main flight deck when the Boxer-basedHarrier jets and helicopters are not active.We saw virtually every type of sport and

related equipment available in the storage locker, save one . . . bowling.But not for long!

I have ordered a Bowling for Veterans Link Bowling Carpet Lane kit thatwill be delivered just in time for the holiday season. Along with the carpetlane, and with the help of the CA Bowling Writers, we will include 100 callingcards giving deployed soldiers a chance to call home during the holidays.

There are about 180 ships in the Pacific Fleet from aircraft carriers,nuclear submarines, destroyers, assault ships plus 2,000 aircraft and140,000 sailors and civilians. Join me in my new mission to outfit everyinterested ship with a BVL Military Bowling Carpet Lane kit.

Check out our forum online at www.BowlingIndustry.com orwww.BowlForVeterans.org to learn how you andyour center can bring smiles to those who giveso much to their country.

– SCOTT FRAGER, PUBLISHERAND [email protected]

The Holidays are fast approaching and with them another year! Looking back, this yearhas been one of accomplishments for IBI Online. As of this moment, there are less than ahandful of new members away from #2,000!

In 2012, IBI Online has more than doubled its groups—BECs, associations, as well asmanufacturers and pro shops—with all aspects of the business of bowling taking part. FredKaplowitz has kept readers on point with relevant blogs. Forums have prompted responsesfrom all corners of the industry. Photos and videos inspire, entertain and inform.

IBI Online has grown! You, the members, have trimmed the proverbial Christmas treewith your membership and involvement.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a very Happy New Year! Oh go ahead, treat yourself– GO BOWLING!

�THIS MONTH AT www.BowlingIndustry.com

Adopt a Ship

8 IBI December 2012

SHORTS

There is no end to the efforts to help others, andbowling centers through the U.S. participate in theseworthy causes. See what your neighborhood centersare doing.

Cherry Hill Lanes, Clarkson, Michigan: DisasterRelief at Work (DRAW) Buckets held a “Bowling forBuckets” to help people displaced by nationaldisasters. Greg Martin, founder of DRAW said, “Whatwe’ve found is that people hit by these unthinkabletragedies don’t see themselves as victims. They seethemselves as survivors. Anytime that our first responseteams can help these people in the recovery process,whether we’re providing supply buckets or we’reshowing them that they are not alone during a toughtime, it is an honor. We never cease to be inspired bythose who persevere through these kinds ofstruggles.”

Pla-Mor Lanes, Watertown, New York: The familyof Christopher Rumney held a benefit hoping thattheir community could “spare” some change to helpraise $10,000 they need to buy a van with a wheelchairlift. Rumney has cerebral palsy and is confined to awheelchair. The family has been trying to save forthree years.

Sarasota Lanes & AMF Gulf Gate Lanes, Florida:These two centers hosted a Strike Out Breast Cancerevent with proceeds earmarked for the Susan G.Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Strike Zone Bowling Center, Huntington, WestVirginia: First Stage Theatre Company, a local non-profit which provides children opportunities toparticipate in the performing arts, hosted a bowl-a-thon for its upcoming production of Disney’s LittleMermaid Jr.

Don Laughlin’s Riverside Lanes, Laughlin,Nevada: As a way to help prostate and breast cancerresearch, the Lousy Bowler’s Tournament, for bowlerswith averages under 176, welcomed more than 60lousy bowlers. Preceding it was the Better BowlersTournament for averages over 175. Aleda Parker andJane Agnello were the lousiest. Everyone bowled forbragging rights with cancer research the winner.

Facenda-Whitaker Lanes, East Norriton,Pennsylvania: The Alexandra Pierce Angel Foundationheld its Third Annual “Bowling for Babies” fundraiser.It is one of the primary sources of funds to cover theexpense of the Foundation’s Annual Diaper Drive.

Columbus Square Bowling Place, Columbus,Ohio: The main fundraiser for the Helping HandsHealth and Wellness Center is Bowl to Help. Presentto meet and greet participants were former worldheavyweight boxing champion James “Buster”Douglas and Ted Williams, the former resident of thestreets of Columbus who has come to be known as“The Man with the Golden Voice.”

Shady Grove, Gaithersburg, Maryland:Washington Redskins linebacker Lorenzo Alexanderhosted his fourth annual celebrity bowling benefit toraise money for underprivileged youth in the D.C. area.Helping Alexander were fellow Redskins players andAntwaan Randle El, a former Redskin now with thePittsburgh Steelers. The event will benefit Alexander’sACES Foundation and El’s El Foundation.

Lucky Strike Lanes, New York, New York: A high profile event hosted by actor Paul Rudd was heldto support Our Time, which helps children who stutter.

There is always room for your center’s events. EmailIBI at [email protected] or call (818) 789-2695.G

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BPAA announced the booking of PepsiCo Digital MarketerJohn Ross to speak at a “Thought Leader” presentation anddiscussion at the 2013 Bowling Summit to be held January 27-30 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on the San Antonio Riverwalk in

Texas. Bowling Summit is a strategic mid-winter conference for bowling centerproprietors, managers and industry leaders, offering education, networking andindustry insights on new and upcoming products.

According to a BPAA press release, “Ross will discuss digital trends seen inbusinesses across the country and discuss the PepsiCo overarching digital strategy,including real-time marketing, research and hyper-local tactics for engaging customers.”

Ross has over 13 years of experiencein the social media space. SteveJohnson, executive director of the BPAAshared, ”In this session, we’re providingproprietors with a chance to learn fromone of the top experts at a leadingFortune 500 company and John bringsa wide array of knowledge from digitalmarketing to social communitymanagement and website relaunches.His insights will be valuable in helpingproprietors understand how to betterutilize their own social media platformsto drive bottom line growth and furthermeet the needs of their customers.”

PEPSICO DIGITAL MARKETER JOHN ROSSSET TO DELIVER “THOUGHT LEADER”PRESENTATION AT BOWLING SUMMIT

10 IBI December 2012

SHORTS

Bowling again confirmed its collective commitment to thenation’s service men and women by increasing its annualcontributions to Bowlers to Veterans Link (BVL). During the2011 – 2012 season, leagues, associations, bowling centers andbowling’s corporate partners donated almost $800,000 to BVL,approximately $500,000 of which was raised by state and localUSBC associations. BVL dollars pick up where governmentfunding leaves off, providing recreational and therapeuticprograms and services that speed recovery and improve morale.

California local associations dominated the list of the top-ranking local association contributors with five in the top ten. Onthe state level, contributions climbed with more than $72,000donated from centers duringthe 2011 – 2012 season ascompared to $13,000 raisedduring the 2008 – 2009 season,when centers first answeredthe BVL call for support.

The top five contributing states were, in order: California -$142,187.02; Virginia - $39,577.78; Georgia $33,954.00; Minnesota- $23,954.00; and Texas - $24,940.59. On the center level, Brooklyn,NY-based Maple Family Lanes for the third year in a row headedthe list, followed by Don Carter Lanes Group in Illinois, BowlandCenters in Florida, Thunderbird Lanes in NE Philadelphia,Pennsylvania, and Broken Arrow Lanes in Oklahoma.

A complete list of contributors for the 2011-2012 seasoncan be found at www.BowlforVeterans.org.

The demise of a bowling center often times isheartbreaking. Not everyone benefits from new buildingsand retail developments. A community’s recreation andsocialization can get lost in the shuffle.

Varsity Ridge resides in the basement of a 62-year-oldbuilding which also houses a theater in the city of Vancouver,BC, Canada. In 1962 there were 25 bowling centers in thecity, today only four. If plans go as they have been approved,there will only be three.

Cressey Developments, after buying the property for$15 million, proposed a five-story complex with retail on themain floor and condos on top. Neither the surroundingneighbors nor the bowlers of Varsity Ridge took kindly to theidea. To bring attention to the matter, in mid-October,approximately 50protesters lined upbehind a guy dressedas Peter Pin andmarched to city hall.

Mel Lehan whoorganized the protestsaid, “You have somany people who relyon this.” He wouldlike to see the citycome up with arevised plan that would retain the bowling center andtheatre as a community amenity from the developer. “Onceit’s gone, it’s history, because you can’t build another bowlingalley; it’s just not viable with real estate prices in Vancouver.”

After heated discussions and much pondering, thedevelopment permit board approved an amended four-storycondo building that would demolish Varsity Ridge. However,they did see fit to chide Cressey Developments for a lack ofcommunity consultation. Cressey will reconfigure its plansbut could not save the bowling because undergroundparking was needed for condo residents and customers ofa proposed grocery store.

Ken Hayden who owns and operates Varsity Ridge sayshe is working on an alternative plan. “We’re going to talkto the parks department in the city about maybe buildinga city-owned bowling centre,” he said. The city of Langford,outside of Victoria, did something similar which has been verysuccessful. At this point, however, it is just wishful thinking.

Taking it to the StreetsSupporters of Varsity Ridge try tomake their voices heard regarding thedemolition of their bowling center.

Ebonite International announced that Jim Cormier will jointhe organization as its new Vice President of Global Marketing.

Cormier has 25 years experience in theSporting Goods industry. He will workclosely with Bob Reid, recently named VicePresident of Global Sales.

“I am beyond excited to join the EboniteInternational family,” Cormier shared. “Thebowling community is a tight-knit,passionate group, and I’m honored to jointhe industry leader.”

Ebonite International CEO Randy Schickert believesCormier’s experience in marketing top sporting good brandswill be a plus for the marketing team. “Jim’s experiencedealing with teaching pros and specialty pro shop owners willfit well into bowling,” Schickert explained.

PEOPLE WATCHING

Jim Cormier

BVL ANNOUNCES A SUCCESSFUL2011-2012 SEASON

Led by Peter Pin, protestors march to city hall.Photo credit: Ward Perrin, PNG

Story information: John Mackie & Mike Hager,Vancouver Sun


SHORTS

Pro Bowl West, a 56-lane center in Fort Wayne, Indiana, has been purchased byDavid Small. The seller was Dr. Robert Cornfeld. Small also owns Star Lanes, a24-lane center in Lafayette, Indiana. Sandy Hansell and Associates, Inc. served asthe broker in the transaction.

Pinstripes has submitted plans to create a bowling center and restaurant on thebottom floor of the Georgetown Park Mall in Washington D.C. There would be 12lanes, five bocce courts, banquet rooms and seating for 100 in the restaurant.Pinstripes has other centers in Minnesota and Illinois.

The mall is currently undergoing major changes and the bowling complex wouldreplace the Pinball Museum. The final hurdle will be approval by the DC ZoningCommission. As with change, some reservations have been voiced by residents ofthe condominiums on the top floor of the mall fearing noise and reverberations fromthe bowling.

A new face and name for Ventura Bowling Center in Ventura, California, is in theoffing. The center has been a fixture since the 1940s and as Ventura Bowling Centersince 1957. Discovery will be the new moniker and with it a boutique environmentwith nine bowling lanes, shuffleboard, a lounge area and a restaurant servinglocal beer and food, plus accommodation for 160 people in a banquet space.

The plans were submitted by twins Joshua and Jeremy Pemberton to the city’sDesign Review Committee and approved less live music which would have delayedthe approval.

However, it is not yet a done deal as Katy Higgins who runs Ventura Bowling Centerhas not been notified. Higgins is on a month-to-month lease. So once again, old-style versus new-style is at a crossroads. “My landlord has not given me any notice,”Higgins said. “If it happens, many of the leagues and bowlers from the past 17 yearswill be disappointed. It’s not final yet.” If all goes as the Pembertons hope, earlyNovember will be the start date with completion and a reopening in January 2013.

Century Lanes in Holland, Michigan, has found a new way to use space and buildbusiness. Phil Huffman, executive manager, recently knocked down the pro shopand office space to make a VIP bowling area for hosting parties.

The idea was to help keep the lanes occupied during the slow summer period.Clients can reserve six bowling lanes, socialize, listen to their own music, watchmusic videos, and, for business outings or team-building exercises, conduct aPowerPoint presentation. Orders can be taken for a buffet-type meal from the center’sfull menu. There’s a wall separating the VIP area from the rest of the lanes, but ifneed be, a large section of it can be opened up for league bowling. Four other bowlingcenters in Michigan have created similar VIP areas.

EXPANSIONS, OPENINGS & NEW BEGINNINGS

According to the Montgomery Advertiser, BrunswickBowling & Billiards has purchased Ace Bowling Center inMontgomery, Alabama, closing its 20-year, nearby locationBrunswick Woodmere Lanes.

Brunswick’s Don MacBayne commented that theapproach to bowling has changed a lot and now there’s moreof a focus on family entertainment centers that offer betterfood and a smoke-freeenvironment. Ace, whichwill now be BrunswickZone, has 38 lanes withmajor upgrades to takeplace immediately: newfood and beverageoptions, new automaticscorers, and an increasein its league support andpromotions such asCosmic bowling onSaturdays.

A temporary sign was hung outsideAce Bowing Center to announce itschange to Brunswick Zone.Credit: Brad Harper/Advertiser

ACE IS NOW IN THE ZONE

The California Bowling Writers have again announcedtheir annual Phone Cards for the Troops Drive. The

association has raisednearly $50,000 since 2004.Nothing could be moreheartfelt and appreciatedthan connecting lovedones deployed overseaswith family at home. Forchildren at home, nothingcan top hearing dad’s ormom’s voice.

Phone cards go to allbranches of the service andare sent to arrive forValentine’s Day 2013.

Approximately 2400 125- to 300-minute cards have beensent to the military. For information on how to supportgenerically or for particular service people or in memoryof a loved one, email [email protected].

LOVED ONESPHONE HOME9th Annual Phone Card forthe Troops Drive is on.


SPECIAL INTEREST

t took a winning basketball team to bring amodern bowling center to the Oklahoma oilpatch. The Phillips 66ers, also known as theOilers, were sponsored by the Phillips

Petroleum Company and named for its iconicgasoline brand. The team debuted in 1920 andwas one of the all-time champions of Americanamateur basketball. The 66ers were as famous asany professional team in the country, andcompiled a remarkable 1,543 to 271 win/lossrecord before being disbanded in 1968.

Several 66ers players went on to becomepresidents of Phillips Petroleum. Chief amongthem was Kenneth S. “Boots” Adams, whosucceeded company co-founder Frank Phillipsand served with the company for more than fortyyears. He would become the driving force in thecompany's support for the team.

By 1950 the popular team had outgrown thehigh school facility where it played its homegames. Adams decided to build a new facility inthe showplace corporate headquarters indowntown Bartlesville, Oklahoma. It was to be anelaborate modern facility that included abasketball court, gym, locker rooms, a swimmingpool and… a bowling center.

The bowling center became home to thePhillips 66 bowling team, which competed againstteams from the many other oil companies locatedin Oklahoma at the time. From 1950 until theearly 2000s, the center hosted annual tournamentssponsored by the city of Bartlesville. ConocoPhillipscurrently has no company team, although severalemployees are active in local tournaments.

To serve as a bit of background, ConocoPhillipstraces its beginnings to 1875, when Conocofounder Isaac E. Blake envisioned an idea to make

kerosene available and affordable to townspeople in Ogden, Utah. Thirty yearslater, the foundation for Phillips Petroleum Company began when brothersFrank and L.E. Phillips hit the first of 81 wells without a dry hole. Nearly acentury later, the two companies combined their strengths to form what isnow the third-largest energy company in the United States. The ConocoPhillipsmerger, completed on Aug. 30, 2002, paved the path for the company’s currentand future success.

From the beginning, Phillips made the facility available as a recreationcenter for employees of the company, their families and retirees. It’s one ofthe reasons that Phillips became known as a company that cared, becauseit promoted the well-being and fitness of its employees.

Over time the fitness center has been expanded to 90,000 square feet,including a fitness center, gymnastic building and group exercise rooms. Todayit offers more than 50 land and water exercise classes, as well as league andopen bowling. As in its early days, the center is a popular place for employeesto socialize.

IBy Robert Sax

Dean Piepergerdes is the only full-time employee at the bowling center.


SPECIAL INTEREST

"Having a bowling alley at the corporate officehas really helped to build a fun and friendlyenvironment for employees to develop interpersonalrelationships with their colleagues while promotinghealth and wellness,” says employee Shaler Tate.

When it opened, the bowling center was one of justtwo in Bartlesville, Oklahoma's first oil boomtownand a leading energy center of the twentieth century.The center used pinboys until 1957, when it becameone of the first centers in Oklahoma to use automaticpinsetting equipment. The center used BrunswickModel A machines until 1975, when AMF equipmentwas installed as part of a renovation. The wooden laneswere rebuilt at that time, as they had been refinishedso many times that “they had been sanded down to

the nails,” says bowling lanes manager Dean Piepergerdes.Piepergerdes, 59, is the only full-time employee at the bowling

center and the heart and soul that keeps it running smoothly. Hemanages it with the help of several part-time employees, whom he trains.An experienced mechanic, Piepergerdes maintains all the bowlingequipment and cleans and conditions the lanes. He also sells bowlingequipment and supplies, and fits and drills bowling balls. Piepergerdespromotes and supervises league play and other bowling activities, andis part of the overall team that runs the wellness facility.

As a teen, Piepergerdes worked in an appliance store for localbusinessman Ted Schwermer, who also owned two small bowling alleysin Bartlesville. In 1976 Schwermer decided to close his bowling alleysand build a new, larger center. He planned to switch from Brunswick toAMF equipment and wanted new mechanics. Piepergerdes haddemonstrated good mechanical skills working at the appliance store,so Schwermer sent his own son and Piepergerdes to the AMF schoolin Ohio to train as bowling mechanics.

In 1979 Phillips was looking for a mechanic for its bowling center. Hisfather had worked for Phillips Petroleum for 42 years in Kansas City,Missouri and Bartlesville, so Piepergerdes applied. The company usually

hired from inside, but Piepergerdes was the most experienced mechanicin the area and he got the job.

He didn’t intend to make the job a career, but he liked the place,worked hard, and became the center’s sixth manager in 2002. “I neverthought of working to retirement in a bowling alley,” says Piepergerdes,“but it’s a great job with great benefits. I know everybody, and I reallyenjoy the people and the environment.”

As busy as he is, Piepergerdes still finds time to bowl regularly,playing in two leagues. He has bowled ten 300 games and an all-timehigh series of 843. His current average is around 200.

The bowling center has 12 wood lanes and is located in the basementof the Adams Building. There is no room for expansion, so it does nothave such typical additional features as an arcade, pool table, bar or

The Adams Building, where the bowling lanes are located.

restaurant. It was redecorated in the early 2000s and has a clean, traditional lookthat harkens back to a simpler, quieter time before glow bowling, powerful musicsystems and big screen TVs running live sports.

This center may be “just for bowling,” but that doesn’t keep people away. Infact, after a decline in use in the 1980s and 1990s, bowling is again on the upswingat ConocoPhilips. The company has been hiring many new employees out ofcollege, and they like to bowl on lunch or afternoon breaks, says Piepergerdes.

"Having a bowling alley at work is obviously an uncommon luxury, and onethat affords me the opportunity to bowl during my lunch hour without taking timeaway from my family,” says employee Andy Applebaum. “The cost is a fractionof what other bowling alleys charge and the environment is clean, smoke-freeand very friendly."

Employee Dave Brieback has bowled in center leagues for more than 15 years.“It is so much fun to bowl a noon league or a league right after work. You getto bowl with co-workers, retirees, or other workers in different parts of thecompany. When I meet other people in other companies and we talk about ourrecreation facilities and I mention a bowling alley they all say ‘Wow, you have tobe kidding me. That is so awesome.’"

The center is home to many private and corporate events, and is more popularthan ever for birthdays and other types of parties. It is also used frequently forcompany teambuilding events. ConocoPhilips also holds two big, annual bowling

fundraisers there, one for Big Brothers BigSisters and one for The United Way.

The bowling center provides a fun placefor current and retired employees to meet,with benefits for both. “The evening leaguesallow you to bowl against some seniorbowlers who are willing to share the storiesof years past. Some great and funny storieshave been told,” says ConocoPhilipsemployee Cyndi Hayes.

It’s the stories that may make theConocoPhillips bowling center unique in the

country. On the one hand, it’s a piece ofliving history tied to the company’s earlydays and famous basketball team. Yet it’smore than a museum, because it’s a placewhere past and present employees canbecome friends and share the experienceof working for ConocoPhillips.

Of course it doesn’t hurt that it’s alwaysbeen a fun and easy place to bowl, thanks toa famous basketball team. ❖


SPECIAL INTEREST

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

The lanes as they looked pre-1975.

The lanes from 1975-2000.

How the lanes look today.


CENTER STAGE

Bowling Gets a Tune-Up

At Garage inSeattle, a long-

term renovationhas materialized

into a hip, trendyboutique bowling

experience thatstays true to

its roots.

CENTER STAGE

21IBI December 2012

CENTER STAGE

ulsating in the heart of downtown Seattle's trendiestneighborhood is forty thousand square feet of night lifeknown simply as “Garage.” But this Garage is pumpingwith people not cars. Managing partner Mike Bitondo

laughs at how many times he’s returned calls for reservations andpeople mistake him for their mechanic.

Open seven days a week, Garage is more than a hip venue; theyconsider themselves representative of the best Seattle has to offer.Bitondo is proud that his is a service focused business; and his staffworks hard, are very engaging and provide great service. Hospitalitydrives this place!

Garage is a bar and restaurant. Bitondo emphasized theimportance of people knowing that the business is primarily from thebar, secondarily food and thirdly gaming. When they opened in 1996,they were a bar and restaurant that incorporated billiards. In 2008they completed a 13-year expansion by adding bowling lanes alongwith more bar and cocktail space. In the area of gaming, they offera huge pool hall and 20 lanes of bowling that is split into three

PBy Anna M. Littles

Owner Jill Rosenast with her husband Alex (R) and manager partner Mike Bitondo.


CENTER STAGE

Anna M. Littles, a screenplay and freelance writer and producer originallyfrom the Bronx, New York, now resides in Santa Monica, California. Youcan see her work on YouTube, IMDB, or on her website atwww.alittleLA.com.

different areas on multiple floors. As part of their expansion, they added three privaterooms which enabled them to offer a lot of different spaces of varied sizes to their

clients with the focus of their business on corporate and private events. Themarket has come to demand and expect that level of entertainment.

Garage is perfectly located in a very diverse neighborhood in Seattle’sCapitol Hill. Bitondo describes the demographics as a beautiful mix of a hipand relaxed corporate culture, thanks to Microsoft and Starbucks to namea few. And being sandwiched between two colleges is a plus. Décor,ambience and food make the entertainment experience key. The design isindustrial in style, which is very Seattle. The building is nearly 90 years old,and when they renovated, their whole concept was to stay true to 1950sretro. Garage is designedto be in a different era witha much older feel.

As for food, they havethree menus. The bar

menu is standard pub fair i.e., burgers, fries, etc. The dinner menu is a simpletwist on classic American food such as veggie enchiladas, pork tenderloin andfilet mignon. According to Bitondo, “It’s basically going into a nice restaurantto enjoy a great meal; the only difference is they serve these wonderful mealswith a bottle of wine or a cocktail while you play billiards and bowl.” The thirdmenu is designed for banquets and buffets for groups which can be as large

as 1200 people.Newsflash! If you live

in or visit downtownSeattle, leave your car;let hospitality and greatservice drive you to the place where you are most welcomed - Garage.When you walk through the doors, you immediately feel welcomed andcomfortable. At the end of the day, isn’t that what it’s all about? ❖


COVER STORY

uy Revelle, co-founder of Splitsville, doesn’t rememberwhen, but he thinks talks about putting one of hisbowling centers into Walt Disney World were initiated

on the Disney side.Splitsville’s other co-founder, Mark Gibson, isn’t sure who

approached whom, but as he recalls discussions got serioustoward the end of 2008 and the beginning of ’09.

“I think it was one of these things where somebody said,‘Disney would like to talk to you about working on somethingwith bowling’,” Revelle says.

Disney decided it wanted Splitsville—that much is clear.“At Downtown Disney, we are always looking for exciting

and new experiences for our guests and Splitsville feels like aperfect fit,” remarks Keith Bradford, vice president of

GBy Fred Groh

27IBI December 2012

COVER STORY

the dining/shopping/entertainment promenade in DisneyWorld, Orlando, where Splitsville will soon settle in.

“The initial discussion was pretty generic,” Gibson reports.“They wanted to know why we thought our concept wasdifferentiated, why we thought it could perform well overextended periods of time, how we thought it would beattractive to locals versus tourists, to a family versus an adult.Kind of picked our brain as to why we’re doing what we do,why we think it works, and why we think it could survive thetest of time.”

“The main thing,” adds Revelle, “was taking such aniconic building, a former Virgin record store, and havingto retro fit it. And being in the heart of DowntownDisney, they wanted something really special.

“It was looking at how can we do this on two floorsinstead of one? How many lanes? How can we handlethe number of people who will come through

Downtown Disney so the waits aren’t too terribly long? What type offood? What do we take from the original Splitsville? How do we ramp it up for Disney customers?

We cater to families and kids, and team-building and convention parties, but we also cater to the late-nightand more of the adult business. It was trying to bring that all together.”

Three years and “tons of meetings” later—“we just kept talking and figuring out how we were going toget this thing done,” Revelle says—a spectacular showcase for bowling will open thisDecember at Walt Disney World Resort, arguably the nation’s most spectacular touristdestination.

� � �The newest Splitsville will be about double the size of the original in Tampa and

the other locations in Miami, Dallas and Fredericksburg, VA: 50,000 square feet,including 5,000 square feet on a third level for offices and storage. Both customer levels

will have a kitchen, outdoor seating (for about 50 on the first floor, 100 on the second),and a front-of-house sushi bar.

Decor will be “retro and hip.” Revelle says they’d like to gowith old-time masking. “At Splitsville, we don’t do the bigmasking units like all the big bowling centers and some of theother boutique centers do. We have Gold Crowns in Tampa.We’ve used the old star shields. At Tampa, eight of our laneshave above-ground ball returns. When we opened, we had allthese girls, our servers and bartenders, this young crowd, andthey’re like, ‘That’s the coolest thing yet!’ We’re still trying towork it out at Disney.”

Ordinary bowler seating is replaced at Splitsvilles by whatthe partners call pod seating—basically high-top and mid-topseating similar to banquettes. The concept has changedsomewhat since the first Splitsville in 2003 but it’s still designedto resolve what Gibson and Revelle regard as a problem inbowling: “getting up and down from low chairs. This way,you can slide in and out of a booth,” as Revelle describes it.

“The menu was developed in Tampa, kind of for Florida, soit works,” Gibson reports. Everything except entrees andentree-size salads will be sharable.

The partner/owners of Splitsville are, from left to right,

Dave Lageschulte, Guy Revelle, Ed Droste and Mark Gibson.

At Disney, 30 lanes all told, but not in-line or dividedbetween private suite and public lanes. They’ll be in clustersscattered around the floor. “There’s a bank of four over here,another bank of six, another bank of four over there. You’re notjust lined up with a bunch of other bowlers. You’ve got yourown little area, your world,” Revelle explains. Ten lanes will bedownstairs, 20 upstairs.

But not everybody is bowling. Some are just eating ordrinking or hanging out. Maybe that’s all they want to do. Thosefolks can take a seat at one of the tables between the lanes.Choose mid-lane or near the pindeck.

“Think of bowling,” says Revelle. “You’re always looking atthe backs of heads. You’re not really getting to see peoplebowling. But to be able to be eating and drinking and havingfun halfway down the lane and watching people bowl at you,to see the ball go past and break the pins, to see the bowlers’faces and the high-fives, the cheering, the fun where they’re

looking at you—it makes you feel likeyou’re bowling whether you’re picking upa ball or not. It makes you part of theaction.”

Could this the next big change forbowling?

� � �When we talked with Revelle and

Gibson, the construction crew was busyon the build-out. Demolition had beencompleted and the workers were busy in-filling. Elevators and escalators had beenordered. Final-permit paperwork hadbeen submitted to Disney for approval.

“We’re sitting back right now,”Revelle told us. “We’re comfortable withthe stores we have. They’re doing well.We’re concentrating on Disney becauseit’s such a big deal. We’re always lookingfor great premiere locations, but we’ve


COVER STORY

“The original thought was if people arebowling or waiting to bowl they’re going to bevery active, moving around a lot, socializing. Sowe thought sushi, pizza, appetizers, sliders. But[in case] people want to have it served entree-style, the servers and bartenders will query themat the table. We may trim down a few items soyou’ll have the best of the best, but for themost part the menu won’t stray too far from whatwe’re doing in Tampa.”

Other operational decisions the partners arepondering include time bowling, a change fromother Splitsvilles.

“I think at peak times—most evenings and weekends–it’llhave to be hourly just in order to get the most customersthrough the process and on the lanes as possible,” musesGibson. “During the daytime, we could potentially do per-game.We don’t want to make it too difficult for people to understand[the pricing], so we’re trying to not change the vocabulary toomuch for customers.”

Every Splitsville has a greeter who meets the customer, butdepending on how busy the night is he may be stationed at theWelcome Center, where house policies are explained, reservationsare made and bills are paid. At Disney, a greeter will be at handdaily to supplement a fully staffed Welcome Center.

Staff at Disney will number between 250 and 300, Revelleis guessing.

� � �And then there are the lanes. They are part of a new relationship between the bowler and

the spectator that Revelle and Gibson are creating at Splitsville.

An artist rendering of a bowling area.

Airway LanesWaterford, MI (40 Lanes)

Bowling’s Only Full-Service Brokers,Appraisers & Financial Advisors

28200 Southfield Rd., Southfield, MI 48076

(800) 222 • 9131

We congratulate Jim Selke on hispurchase of this fine center and

thank Sheryle and Gary Benningfor trusting us to handle the sale.We wish Jim, Sheryle and Gary

all the best.


COVER STORY

Fred Groh is a regular contributor to IBI andformer managing editor of the magazine.

got a lot of our company going into the Disney [project].”Besides the four Splitsvilles, the partners have Stumps Supper Club, a lunch

and dinner restaurant featuring Southern cooking, “deep-fried dancing” andlive music; Tinatapas, a small-plate Spanish concept, named for Revelle’s wife,Tina; and Howl at the Moon, a dueling-pianos bar and joint venture withCincinnati entrepreneur Jimmy Bernstein. The three properties are in theChannelside development in Tampa, along with the original Splitsville.

Revelle and Gibson graduated from Wake Forest together in the mid-’80sand immediately plunged into the bar business, Gibson the “brains” andRevelle the “heart,” as Revelle puts it.

“Together we make a human. If we were both like Mark we wouldn’t haveany sales. If we were both like me we wouldn’t have any money in the bank.So we’re really a strong partnership. He handles a lot of the legal stuff, leases.We both deal with operations and real estate. And I’m more theconcept/marketing guy.”

Ask Gibson for his take on the partnership and he will give as good ashe gets. Revelle, he informs us, is “outgoing, big personality, works long hours,never met a person he didn’t like. There [are] the number guys and themarketing guys and the world’s generally divided in two. He’s always out therepromoting, selling, pitching something. He’s head cheerleader.”

Revelle may have the last word when he says, “My joke is that I have noresponsibility here whatsoever. I’m a coach, and I’m going to hook you upwith my right team member that’s going to get you everything you need.”

Their first venture was a daiquiri bar in 1990. It was in Key West and calledFat Tuesday. But the bar had no food menu and “we saw that to havesustaining power in this industry, you have to do food and do it well,”according to Revelle. “That’s when we turned the corner.”

On the other hand, “We’ve always been good with entertainment,whether it’s been DJ music, live bands or bowling. We feel that takes us toa different level, puts us in another category than just restaurateurs.”

Splitsville, bringing together both specialties and adding bowling, startedout on a bar napkin. Revelle knows that’s a cliché about entertainmentbusinesses but in Splitsville’s case, it was true.

“A large space was open in Channelside where we already had twolocations. Somebody had gone out of business. We said, ‘What could wedo with this big space?’ We were with our other two partners, just talking.

Somebody threw out, ‘What about bowling?’ Isaid, ‘Has anybody done bowling where youdidn’t have all the lanes together, where theywent at it from a food and beverage standpoint?’We didn’t have a bowling alley in my hometownin North Carolina so I was not a big bowler.”

They leased the space and turned to the problemof columns standing everywhere. Where could thelanes go? “Our architect was like, ‘You want me todo what?’ ‘Just play around with it. See what youcan get done.’” The clustered-lanes concept wasborn. “We said, ‘What if we put a bar right herebetween the lanes and a dance floor?’ When we firstwent to Brunswick, they thought we were crazy.”

Naturally for a company whose missionstatement for Splitsville is “reinventing bowlingfor America,” Downtown Disney looked to thepartners like a great fit. “In a good way, it’s kindof over the top, which is what you would expectat Disney,” says Revelle.

Mark Gibson adds, “Disney is one of the mostunique places on the planet and [in] a bowling andbroad-based entertainment context, I thinkSplitsville is one of the most unique entertainmentofferings. Disney is all about creating memories andfor a family or a couple visiting Orlando, [Splitsvillewill be] a great way to spend an hour, an hour anda half creating memories and having a great time.”

“When Mark and I started, the goal was tomake sure we laughed every day and buildsomething we could be proud of. One of theslogans we’ve used is, ‘It’s L&D—not life anddeath, but lunch and dinner—so let’s have somefun with it,’” Revelle says.

“I had a friend of mine who told me about thisbook, The Simple Truth by Alex Brennan-Martin.He went to Houston, started Brennan’s ofHouston. It’s a small bar but it made a hugeimpact. When you get ready to come intomanagement at any of our businesses, you haveto read The Simple Truth. Everybody’s got theirmission statement, but what’s your simple truth?Why are you in business? Why are you here?

“Our simple truth is: giving permission tohave fun.” ❖

An artist rendering of the reception area.


FEATURE

he was called many names, from “Superstorm” to “Frankenstorm” butclearly Hurricane Sandy was no lady. Her siege ran from cutting offelectricity for extended periods of time and creating floods and fires, tomoving and trashing entire houses and shoreline amusement parks.

Bowling centers along the Eastern Seaboard were especially impacted. Thenagain, out of adversity came strength and compassion, nothing new to the bowlingindustry and community.

THE GOODFrank Wilkinson, proprietor of Rab’s Country Lanes on Staten Island downplayed

any inconvenience, and in fact, was at the center every day during the six days thatthe power was out. He said, “We are lucky. The center is in a mandatory evacuationZone A, so we closed down the Sunday prior to the storm (October 28th), cancelingleagues until the storm passed. We had no damage, either. There was a tree downin front of the building, so big deal. I can’t complain, compared to others’ [losses].”Right across the street from the center were stores and restaurants that were severelydamaged. The older buildings had 10-15 feet of water.

What started as a simple Facebook page request from Rab’s mushroomedbeyond Wilkinson’s wildest imagination. “Tuesday (October 30th) after the stormwe discussed holding a collection later that week. Then we would take all the itemsand donate them to a local shelter. I came in every day at 9 a.m. We announcedthat on Wednesday we would be taking in items between noon and 4 p.m. By 4o’clock we had about 100 bags of clothing, cleaning supplies, food… well you nameit. The shelter said they couldn’t [physically] handle any more donations. Then one

of our assemblywomen asked if we wouldbe a distribution center.” He laughed, “Iknew how to market, promote andmanage but now I learned distribution,collection and logistics.”

They delivered the 100 bags directlyto a devastated area, where Frank sawfirsthand that others were already there,handing out food and clothing. “Thesewere our customers, family, friendsstepping up and helping out. Then I gota text message from the bowling center,‘Help! Help! Help!’ About 60 volunteershad come to the center with donationsthat took up the settee areas and ourentire concourse. By Friday we movedour ‘operation’ onto the sidewalk. Todate we are still receiving ‘care packages’from Minnesota, Ohio, New Jersey,Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. Cars,vans, and tractor-trailers are still deliveringto us.”

Fank’s prominence in the communitymade him a natural leader after thehurricane. Before the drive started, peopleasked the center where they could sendmoney for the relief effort. Wilkinsonposted information on his Facebook pageindicating a local venue specifically for the“Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund” with thenotation that “All money will stay righthere on Staten Island to directly help thosein need. Contributions can be sent/broughthere to Rab's Country Lanes.” Anothernote on the page indicated that “TheThursday Night Mixed League pledged$1680, a week’s worth of prize money, to

S

By Joan B. Taylor

The prediction was for Hurricane Sandyto be the “Super Storm of the Century.”And super storm she was. While thestorm left a mound of misery in its wake,the bowling industry stepped up andanswered the call for thousands in need.


damaged by the hurricane, has asked if we could lend them our fourmeeting/party rooms in Sea Girt as temporary classrooms. And todayI see flyers in our Linden Lanes operation asking bowlers to donatenon-perishable food and other items for a collection to be sent toNew Jersey in a center victims.”

THE BAD, SOMEWHATPossibly the worst devastation occurred in Manhattan at New

York’s trendy Chelsea Piers Sports and Entertainment Complex,which included a 40- lane bowling center in its lower level. That levelalso included a golf driving range and ballroom, all of which wereruined. Chelsea Piers was built along the Hudson River in 1994 andthe bowling center hosted large corporate parties, a constantstream of celebrities bowling recreationally, and provided a locationfor a music video featuring pop star Justin Bieber.

On October 31st, the water came in, first from three to four inchesand them from three to four feet within 40 minutes. The ChelseaPiers’ Facebook page has announced that the center will rebuildimmediately “and be ready by December 1st.” How this is possibleis unknown, but it clearly shows the strength and determination ofthe organization to get back to normal.

Brunswick Zone Carolier Lanes in North Brunswick, New Jersey,lost power for two weeks and had to basically rewire the entire 82lane center in time for upcoming tournaments as well as its leagues.They were back and running by November 13th.

In Connecticut, Ken West, Executive Director for the ConnecticutBowling Proprietors Association said he did a survey and found thatmost of their centers sustained minor damage, but the biggest issuewas having no power. Nutmeg Bowl in Fairfield lost power for aweek. On the other side of the spectrum, Rip Van Winkle Lanes inNorwalk went only one day without electricity. AMF SaybrookLanes had a tree fall in front of the center’s doorway, missing thebuilding altogether. Norwich Bowling and Entertainment Center lost

FEATURE

Rab’s Hurricane Relief Efforts.” One comment suggested thatall of Rab’s leagues do the same.

“It made me so proud to be a Staten Islander,”Wilkinson said.

Steve Groce, Director of Operations for NationwideBowling Centers, a chain of 11 centers, said that 10 of the11 lost power “at some point.” Their Linden Lanes and afew surrounding businesses “were like an oasis in thedesert. We had power and people came in to get theirelectronic devices charged. On October 31st, there wereno unused outlets left in the building. But I saw somethingmore. Over the 20 hours a day I was on site, people camein, not only for the electricity, warmth and maybe a hotmeal, but also to commiserate with us [our staff] or eachother. We became like [disaster] counselors. The bar wasfilled. Some people even walked to the center. I’ve beenthrough hurricanes in Florida, but this was different becausepeople up here weren’t used to such an experience. Theyhad to deal with the lack of or restricted water and gasolineissues. On my way here I passed three houses, all with treesthat had fallen on them. The destruction was overwhelming.So they needed a place where they could be comfortable,at least for a while.”

Even in living though all of the destruction, Steve feelsgrateful. “In all, though, our centers were fortunate. Someof our signs were gone and latticework around the airconditioners in our Sea Girt center came off. Probably themost significant was Hudson Lanes in Jersey City, whichwas impacted by a tree falling on a transformer. The utilitycompany men working on that were from New Mexico.They apologized for not being able to fix everythingquickly. I thanked them many times over for just beingthere.” The bowling center chain has been called on forcommunity outreach as well, in a non-traditional fashion.“St. Rose’s School in Belmar, a shore community severely

Distributing items to Cedar Grove Beach Residents in need two days after the storm withAssemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis.

The overwhelming response to Frank Wilkinson’s Facebook plea for donations.

35IBI December 2012

power and had “minor water damage.”John LaSpina, head of the Maple

Family Centers, said that there wasinitially "very light" bowling activity at hisRockville Centre Lanes, which is about sixmiles from his hometown of Long Beach."Since Rockville Centre has its ownpower company, we've been invitingpeople to bowl a free game, chargetheir batteries, and get warm."

Woodmere Lanes on Long Island“miraculously” had power and invitedpeople to come in and charge theirdevices “but we do not have Internet.”They also ran a special of $10 per personto bowl for two hours, which includedrental shoes.

Kathleen Leitgeb, Executive Directorfor the New York State BowlingProprietors Association said that theramifications, both good and bad, wentbeyond a center’s damage or lack ofpower. “In the early days after thestorm, when people couldn’t get towork because of closed roads or issueswith their homes, if a bowling centerwas up and running in theirneighborhood, it was a place to get ahot meal, charge their phones, and gobowling. Rockville Centre Lanes in NewYork asked its customers for cannedand household items to gather for thehurricane victims who lost virtuallyeverything. Some centers offeredcoupons and reduced rates. Most keptin touch with the public through theirFacebook pages. “But even whenelectricity returned,” says Kathleen,“there were areas where the employeescouldn’t come in. For example, Frame’sBowling Lounge in Madison SquareGarden only lost power for a shortduration, but its employees come inby subway, and that system wascompletely down because of flooding.In other cases, the bowlers themselvescouldn’t get to the center because ofdowned trees which closed off accessroads, or they had to stay home andcope with their damage, so even witha fully-staffed operational center, the

league attendance was impacted.”

THE UGLYThe expression “aftermath” is

pertinent here, as many centers did themath afterwards and calculated the lostrevenue for a week or two, on theaverage. Craig Born, manager at BoontonLanes, a Nationwide center in Boonton,NJ, said that in addition to his in-centerPizza Hut throwing out about $2,000worth of food and ingredients, hisMonday and Tuesday league scheduleswere thrown off because they are alreadynot bowling over the Christmas and NewYear’s holidays. “They are talking aboutbowling a shorter season because of thesession(s) they lost when our electricitywas out during the hurricane. That willgenerate even more revenue loss for us.”

THE CALM AFTERTHE STORM

It seems that the centers all did whatthey had to in order to cope with outagesand minor damage, provide for theirbowlers and the surrounding community,and collect for victims. While HurricaneSandy did her best to discourage thehuman condition, the bowling industryonce again rose to the occasion withopen arms. Hell and high water came andwent, and the bowling industry was thereto answer the call. Bravo to all of theheros in the hard hit areas who wereable to help ease the suffering of theirneighbors and community. It is trulyheartwarming to see the best shine. ❖

If you would like to donate to theeffort, you can do so by texting the RedCross at 90999. By texting to thisnumber, you will donate $10 to thecause. The charges will appear on yourphone bill.

DECEMBER2–82012 International Senior OpenRed Rock Resort & Casino,Las Vegas, NVJoan Romeo, (310) [email protected]

3–7Brunswick GS PinsetterMaintenance SchoolGS Pinsetter, Muskegon, MI800-937-2695 [email protected]

4-6 TrainerTainment Sales SummitSpeed Zone, Dallas, TXInfo at www.trainertainment.net

6-9Jayhawk Pro Shop TrainingLawrence, KSInfo at www.jayhawkbowling.com800-255-6436

10–14Brunswick Training ClassesVector Scorer, Muskegon, MI800-937-2695 [email protected]

JANUARY 201327–30BPAA 2013 Bowling SummitMid-Winter Conference forProprietors, Managers & IndustryLeaders, Hyatt Regency atRiverwalk, San Antonio, TXwww.bpaa.com/Summit

APRIL21–2371ST Annual BBIA ConventionBeau Rivage Resort & CasinoBiloxi, MSInfo: 800-343-1329

DATEBOOKFEATURE

Joan Taylor is a multi-awardwinning bowling writer based inEast Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.


PHOTO ESSAY

ctober was a busy month on the road for Team IBI. Being a top sponsor for both the East CoastBowling Centers Convention and West Coast Bowling Convention, our crew was living out of theirsuitcases for most of the month. All in all, it was a antastic experience getting to meet with our

readers and learn about exciting new ideas and products that can improve a center’s business. Checkout some of the photos from our travels and be sure make plans to join in on the fun next year!

From East To West,

O

The magnificent RevelHotel in Atlantic City

was the new home forthe East Coast Bowling

Centers Convention.

Norm Duke gets the crowd going with an incredible through-the-legs shot for a strike!

The hot new item of the show was Bowling Buddies which aredesigned to lower your rental shoe cost and increase your bottom line.

Glenn Hartshorn and his son Ken from New Center Consulting showcase theirnew Touch Desk III software.

At your service: Frank DeSocio (L) and John Harbuck (R) of StrikeTen Entertainment and Chad Murphy (C) of the BPAA have many

programs to bring more business to your center.

ECBCCECBCC

37IBI December 2012

PHOTO ESSAY

Sandi Thompson (L) and Hank Malatesta (C) present ScottPoddig (R) with the Ellio “Al” Malatesta Service Award for his

tireless volunteer work on for the WCBC.

Bowling is the Best!WCBC

Willie King (L) and Jim Decker (R) head up the WCBCorganizing committee for a successful show.

Being in Las Vegas for the first time, theWCBC wanted to do it with style and chosethe Red Rock Hotel and Casino as the host.

Miller High Life was on hand to promote their newpartnership as the Official Beer of Bowling.

Dessert Solutions delivered the WOW! Factor withtheir new Bowling Pin dessert holder.

WCBC

Both events held a variety of seminars designed to helpimprove center's operations and bottom line.


SHOWCASE

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AUTOMATED PAYMENTSThe iTeller II is Intercard’s newest auto-mated payment kiosk. The benefit foroperators is that the detailed reportingthe kiosk provides enables them tomonitor the usage and success of each promotion. New thisyear on the iTeller II, an optional 23-inch monitor that canreplace an existing illuminated marquee. The monitor is anoutstanding way to broadcast center activities, advertise-ments for upcoming specials, partnerships with local vendors,and other marketing initiatives. Visit www.intercardinc.comfor more information.

LEAGUE HOTLINE League season is here and QubicaAMF understands your busyschedule and center needs. Inresponse, they have created theLeague Hotline. You can now email questions about settingup leagues in BLS in Conqueror Pro–like how to set–up a 2 x2 league, restart a league from last year or reset leagues–andyou'll get a response within 48 hours. The best part–it's FREE.Simply send an email with your name, center name, contactnumber and question to [email protected].

ENERGY SAVING LIGHTSNew high efficiency retrofit kits-fits mostlights, easy to install! Take advantage ofenergy rebates, incentives and tax creditswhile they are still available. Please callIndustrial Lighting and Sound at (800) 875-9006 or visit www.industriallightingand-sound.com.

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E-COMMERCESOLUTIONIdeal E-Commerce is a cloud-basedonline commerce solution that unlocksonline revenue streams as well as customer service andpromotional opportunities for amusement businesses.Combining Ideal's Online Ticketing, Hosted Reservations andOnline Retail capabilities, Ideal E-Commerce makes it easy forcustomers to make purchases through your website. To learnmore contact 800-96-IDEAL or [email protected].

FUN ATTRACTIONSPrime Play is the world leader in thedesign and manufacturing of active familyattractions, specializing in BallocityTM,Soft Contained Play, Sky Trail® RopesCourses, Cushie Collection, CTS Zip Linesand more. The products are designed toaccommodate high capacities in limited spaces, ensurevaluable retail space remains, encourage extended stays andincrease Food and Beverage, premium birthday party andother event spending. For information, visit www.prime-play.com or call 604.232.4505.

PHONE APP 4 URCENTERBowlingCenterApps.com developscustom mobile apps for bowling centersand companies. Within just 2-3 businessdays, your center can have its very ownapp that works on all smartphones, and includes unlimitedtext message marketing. Provide bowlers instant access toschedules, rates, contact information, GPS directions, andapp-only specials, plus massive exposure on Google PlayMarket. All this for less than a cup of coffee a day! Call 855-994-2777 or visit BowlingCenterApps.com.

39IBI December 2012

CLASSIFIEDS

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NEW & USED Pro Shop Equipment.Jayhawk Bowling Supply. 800-255-6436 or jayhawkbowling.com.


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Danny & Daryl TuckerDanny & Daryl TuckerTucker Bowling Equipment Co. Bowling Parts, Inc.609 N.E. 3rd St. P.O. Box 801Tulia, Texas 79088 Tulia, Texas 79088Call (806) 995-4018 Call (806) 995-3635Fax (806) 995-4767 Email - [email protected]

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41IBI December 2012

CLASSIFIEDS

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on the web: bowlingscorer.com email: [email protected]

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EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

FOR SALE: 11 ea. 28” Fenice monitorboards for Qubica automatic scoring. Inworking order when removed. $250.00 ea.Call Hillcrest Lanes (419) 675-6214.

HARD TO FIND PARTS: AMF AutomaticScoring. (712) 253-8730.

EVERYTHING MUST GO! 16 lanes: 82-30s;Qubica Bowland Scoring; air-poweredaluminum gutters, QBump system; 8 AMFSur-Pic (13) ball returns; 82-8 original AMFRadar Ray foul lines; wood lanes &approaches; spare parts. Everything worksGREAT! Contact Bob (845) 292-6450.

FOR SALE: 20 ea. Wells-Gardner 28”monitor boards for Qubica automatic scoring.$200/ea. – in working order when removed.Call Autumn Lanes (828) 286-9149.

MUST SELL! 10 synthetic lanes/approaches,Qubica scoring, Brunswick A-2 jet backpinsetters, ball returns, Kegel Kustodian, spareparts, house balls, kitchen equipment &MORE! Call Kathy (805) 794-6639.

ARE YOU A FAN OF BOWLING?www.Facebook.com/BowlingFan


CLASSIFIEDS

CENTER FOR SALE

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.

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.

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.

WASHINGTON COAST: 8-lane AMF centerwith automatic scoring & snack bar. Ownercontract to buy business for $150,000 and/orlease to buy. Good league [email protected].

ITEMS WANTED

“WANTED TO BUY” Older BowlingShirts. Paying $5 - $25 for button front shirtswith embroidery or ink lettering on the [email protected] (866) 312-6166.

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, Vadalia: 16-lane center. Lowdown payment; assume a SBA 4.75%interest loan. Will carry 2nd note on half ofdown payment. For additional info faxqualified inquiries to (912) 537-4973 or [email protected].

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.

43IBI December 2012

CLASSIFIEDS

CENTERS FOR SALECENTERS 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.

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.

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].

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.


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]

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

Orange County Security Consultants

•Keys & ComboLocks for allTypes ofLockers.

•One weekturnaroundon mostorders.

•New locks -All types

•Used locks1/2 priceof new

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No keysnecessary.

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CALL TOLL FREE 1-800-700-4KEYINT’L 530-432-1027

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2021 Bridge StreetJessup, PA 18434570-489-8623www.minigolfinc.com

MINIATURE GOLF COURSESIndoor/Outdoor. ImmediateInstallation. $5,900.00 & up.

"Bowling Center Construction Specialists"

�New Center Construction �Family Entertainment Centers�Residential Bowling Lanes�Modernization�Mini Bowling Lanes�Automatic Scoring

Toll Free: (866) 961-7633Office: (734) 469-4293

Email: [email protected]

CONTACT BRIAN ESTES

(818) 789-2695SELL YOUR CENTER

45IBI December 2012

CLASSIFIEDS

SERVICES AVAILABLE

Drill Bit Sharpening and Measuring BallRepair. Jayhawk Bowling Supply. 800-255-6436 or Jayhawkbowling.com.

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$378. Visit mcprs.bmamkt.com or call (888)243-0685.

AccuScore XL & AccuScore BOSScomponent exchange. (712) 253-8730.

AMF 5850 & 6525 CHASSIS. Exchangeyour tired or damaged chassis for anupgraded, rewired, cleaned, painted andready-to-run chassis. Fast turnaround.Lifetime guarantee. References available.CHASSIS DOCTORS (330) 314-8951.

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!

POSITION WANTED

SALES POSITION WANTED: 25 yearsexperience; specializing in openbowling. References available. Maywork on commission. Kevin Malick(863) 602-4850.

Seeking General Manager position—West Coast, Nevada, New Mexicoand/or Southern region. 40 years in theindustry—owner, GM & District Manager.Familiar with F&B, marketing, special eventsand youth programs. Has served on theIndiana BPA Board of Directors for 4 years.Resume and references available. RudyHinojosa (317) 590-5499 or email:[email protected].

ARE YOU A FAN OF BOWLING?www.Facebook.com/BowlingFan

(818) 789-2695

SELL YOUR CENTEROR EQUIPMENT

FAST!

IBI December 2012

REMEMBER WHEN

46

1964-Up used bowlingto illustrate “realaction” in itsSeptember 1964

Life magazine print ad.The World’s Fair in NewYork City would beopening in October and7-Up wanted to inviteattendees to its 7-UpInternational SandwichGardens. Bowling wasat its peak of popularitythe world over sotourists would “get it.”

51 million peopleattended the World’sFair held April–October 1964 andApril– October 1965.The Theme was“Peace throughUnderstanding.”Could we go so faras to suggest“Understandingthrough Bowling”might have alsoworked? ❖

7

Illustrator/artist Bob Peak, 1927-1992, is known as the Father of theModern Hollywood Movie Poster—Camelot and My Fair Lady are two of hismost familiar. His work could be found in Time, TV Guide and Life. Peak’ssense of color, texture, design and style make 7-Up’s Get Real Actionbowling ad a visual experience.

international bowling industry december 2012

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