Natalie
Stephanie
Stephanie Davis
Mike Fernandez
Lee Friedman
Rob Geiger
Patty Heath
Jose Segarra
Mike
Darin Spindler
Randell
Brandon
Natalie
Stephanie
Stephanie Davis
Mike Fernandez
Lee Friedman
Rob Geiger
Patty Heath
Jose Segarra
Mike
Darin Spindler
Randell
Brandon
Welcome to IBI's March issue - your go-to inspiration for all things delicious and delightful in the world of booze and bites. As seasons change, so do our cravings, and this month's issue is dedicated to satisfying every palate with various ideas on culinary delights and beverage wonders.
Food and beverage have become a substantial part of many centers' revenue mix, and readers have asked for more information on this part of the business. Our cover story features the Gable family from Rollhouse Entertainment and their creative commitment to offering over-the-top food and beverages for their guests. Catering is a central focus for the Rollhouse brand, along with impressive bar themes that keep guests coming in again and again. This month, IBI's popular "Booze and Bites" column highlights international cuisine and consumers' willingness to open their wallets for adventurous flavors.
Writer Mike Fernandez dives into the world of concessions with an in-depth piece featuring valuable information from our friends at Gold Medal Products Co. When it comes to guests craving a quick bite, few forces wield as much influence as sweet and savory concessions, a perfect combo for hungry customers.
Another good read features a tasty and profitable food item that never goes out of style: you guessed it, pizza! Pizza has reigned supreme on bowling menus for decades, but it's too easy to slip behind on the latest flavor trends. Check out this quick read highlighting the latest flavors and trends topping the pizza charts in 2024.
Is your website working as hard and smart as it could be? Often, the answer is a resounding NO! March begins a three-part series from Darin Spindler of Bowling Marketing
Solutions on how to get big bucks from your website. Darin boldly explains the biggest website mistakes that may cost you dollars instead of bringing them in.
This month marks IBI's first Amusement Alley section of the year with a focus on maximizing your arcade’s potential. Tapping into the expertise of professionals can alleviate headaches and provide a clear direction on this important area of your center. If you’re looking to up the game in your center, be sure to read this worthwhile story featuring the professionals at AVS Companies. Another not-to-miss feature in this section comes from Brandon Willey, who helps us understand the latest innovations and trends in the arcade to meet and exceed customer expectations. Brandon clarifies the various types of VR, popular small footprint attractions, bigger attractions, which ones offer the best throughput, and a whole lot more. Thanks for the education, Brandon!
As the IBI team compiled this month's issue, we were reminded that food and beverages are not just sustenance for guests; they are expressions of culture, creativity, and happy memories spent with friends and family. We hope this issue inspires you to explore, savor, and share the joy of good booze and bites with your guests.•
– Stephanie Davis, Publisher & Editor stephanie@bowlingindustry.comPS: Don’t forget to sign up for the $30,000 giveaway. Register each month for your chance to win at www.bowlingindustry.com
Number of years in the bowling industry: 6
Favorite part of being in the industry: Every day is unpredictable, so getting bored or feeling complacent with your day-to-day workload is impossible. So many facets of our business are constantly changing, making life more exciting. I have met many great people through different industry organizations.
A Bowling Industry Leader embraces continual personal and business growth, prioritizes the latest industry knowledge, and has a forward-thinking vision. They're proactive in making informed decisions and seek new ways to improve their business. Resultsdriven and resourceful, Bowling Industry Leaders utilize available resources to stay updated, improve operations, and drive profitability in today's fluctuating business environment.
This month we feature Chelsea Ducat from Incredibowl Entertainment.
A challenging part of operating your business: I'll preface this by saying that we have some great employees, and I know we can't open our doors without them. The challenge is constantly keeping them motivated to do their job instead of being distracted by texting, standing around, or talking with other employees. Finding the balance between being a fun place to work and a place of work can be tricky.
One tip you would give less experienced operators: You'll give yourself a stroke trying to please everyone. There are so many avenues that people can express their opinions about your business now, so it can sometimes feel overwhelming. I have gotten slightly better at compartmentalizing it, but it still affects me. My father, Michael, takes it all in stride, so that's helped me handle it better. I'll give you another tip straight from him: "If at least 10% of your customers aren't complaining about your prices, then you're too cheap."
The next big trend in the bowling business is: I think more people will continue transitioning to a bowling-centric family entertainment venue. Keep bowling at the forefront of your business and add larger arcades and other attractions for
variety. These additions enhance your business and take it to the next level in revenue by expanding your customer base.
Opinion on the future of league and tournament play: Our center has strong senior, adult, and youth leagues, and we are actually up from prior years, so I have higher hopes for the future of league and tournament play than others who are seeing a decline. It will depend on the younger generations and whether they continue in leagues as they age. There's a possibility that they will gravitate toward fun leagues as opposed to ultra-competitive ones.
Special events unique to your center: We host our local Rotary Club for its annual Rotary Bowl and the Humane Society Bowl-A-Rama yearly. Both are fundraisers for the organizations and give us great exposure because they bring in many local business community members.
Hot tip on maintenance or security: We have a sheriff every weekend, giving our staff and guests peace of mind. The expense is worth it. It's not fail-safe, but it's better than nothing.
INTRODUCING SYNC SERVICE KIOSK.
The Sync Service Kiosk was designed to alleviate your labor concerns while enhancing the guest experience. The fully integrated, automated technology reduces wait times, streamlines ordering, improves accuracy, and upsells on every transaction, all while offering the instant gratification your guests seek. Get guests to the fun faster with Sync Service Kiosk, brunswickbowling.com/servicekiosk.
BWhich pizza toppings are topping the charts in 2024?
owling lanes bring millions of players new reasons to celebrate each year, and it’s time to bring that same excitement to your food operations! Pizza has reigned supreme on bowling menus for decades, but it’s too easy to slip behind on the latest flavor trends. Thankfully, industry leaders like Schwan’s Food Service can help centers maximize each new slice with options like partially topped, customizable VILLA PRIMA® SCRATCH READY® Pizzas.
Making confident menu decisions requires proper research, so we’re here to showcase which pizza flavors are topping the charts in 2024.
The Margherita pizza simply refuses to go out of style, leading the charts in popularity for most of recent history. A thin, crispy crust topped with vibrant red tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves, it’s easy to see why this glorious pie continues to captivate guests. The fact that it takes minimal ingredients and preparation contributes to making it a favorite among business owners as well!
Color me green and call me pickled because nobody could have predicted the latest trend of pickle pizza! Pickle pizza rises as a competitor to pineapple pizza, sparking fiery debate among pizza enthusiasts on social media. Dill pickle slices' acidic, salty, and sour taste adds a colorful contrast to the earthy dough and mozzarella flavors. The key to peak pickle flavoring is good brine, so you’ll want to ensure your pickles are well-sourced. Fire up your ovens; this one’s a big dill.
From craft cocktails to cayenne-covered pastries, increased heat profile has been trending among all facets of the food industry. Guests crave the fiery kick found in ingredients and foods like spicy sopressata, sweet hot honey, and tender buffalo chicken pizzas. Many adventurist foodies are willing to bite off more than they can chew, so if you’re feeling generous, adding some ranch or blue cheese on the side will help guests cool off between bites.
Keeping your menu at the forefront of food trends is a surefire way to increase guest satisfaction and repeat traffic. However, labor and time are shorter than ever, and diverse toppings aren’t always at hand. If your kitchen struggles with the capacity for increased traffic, Schwan’s Food Service also offers pizzeria quality fully topped, VILLA PRIMA® Oven Ready Pizzas with classic, crowd-pleasing flavors like cheese and pepperoni. •
Start with fully topped VILLA PRIMA ® Oven Ready Pizza:
Websites have now been a crucial part of any business marketing plan for more than 20 years, yet the majority of bowling center websites that my team and I are asked to review are failing in three key areas that are costing them BIG bucks.
This article addresses the first step to dramatically improve how your website traffic turns into actual paying customers. Steps Two and Three will be covered in a future IBI article.
Most websites that my team and I review fail to provide a clear call to action, with an offer of value that visitors will want in exchange for their email address, phone number, and more.
Some of you say, 'Customers are on my website already, so why do I need to give them something of value in exchange for their contact information?'
Twenty years ago, you could put a "Sign-up for my newsletter" button on your site; that was enough; today, it's not! If you visit any successful e-commerce website, you'll begin to see a pattern. Before you buy anything, they
Part One of a three-part series
By Darin Spindleraggressively try to get you to opt in for a coupon on your first purchase, add you to their text messaging list, etc. Why? Because they know it's unlikely that you'll buy on the first visit, and they want to communicate with you and remind you about their company and what they offer.
If you'd like to generate revenue on demand in the future, the bigger you can grow your database and email list, the easier that becomes. It also makes your business far more valuable when selling your selling.
Imagine looking at two bowling centers to purchase in the same town: one has never built a list of its customers; the other has tens of thousands of contact records and email addresses. Which one becomes more appealing, with all other factors being equal?
The most winning offer has been a $10-off-$20 open play certificate. We've tested offers with more significant and less value, and this one always wins across hundreds of clients with small and large centers, rural and city. It seems that the consumer believes this is an easy-to-understand offer and provides enough value that they are willing to exchange their data for it.
A customer shouldn't have to scroll to find an offer. It's crucial that the offer be visible on the first page of your website.
Websites have to be "mobile responsive," meaning that they're smart enough to know how to reconfigure themselves when accessed on a mobile device. 85% of the traffic to your site is now coming from a mobile device - either a phone or a tablet - which means that you want to make sure your website is built with a mobile-first design.
It's common to see centers getting information from about 3% of their website visitors. Comparatively, the right strategies can often grow this to over 20% of visitors sharing their information with the center. If you get 1,000 visitors to your website each month and convert 3% to your database, you'll have 30 new contacts at the end of the month. When you convert 20%, you add 200 or more to your monthly database!
Add this up, month after month, year after year, and the difference is massive. Centers doing this have more than 50,000 people in their database and can send an email any time they wish to grow their business.
At the recent bowling Summit in New Orleans, LA, Linus Hartings, from Pla-Mor Lanes in Coldwater, OH, pulled me aside on the first night with an enormous smile from ear to ear. Linus shared how using the data we've helped them build over several years helped them sell over $100,000 worth of gift cards between Black Friday and Christmas in 2023 in a town with a population of 4,721! Incredible! And yes, it is possible to do and repeat!
Don't wait another day to get a great offer on your website, and give your visitors clear instructions on claiming the offer. You, too, can be ringing the cash register!
Next month, I'll share Key Mistake #2: Failing To Automate Delivery Of Your FREE Gift Offers.
If you'd like to learn more about Bowling Marketing Solutions by Darin Spindler and how to transform your bowling center marketing, please visit www.BowlingMarketingSolutions.com.•
Darin has been in the bowling business his entire life. He grew up in a small town of about 300 people where his parents built an 8-lane bowling alley in 1977. After moving to Green Bay, WI, he became a partner in a 60 lane and 36 lane center using his marketing skills to grow the business with fun promotions and new league formats. Darin is the founder of Bowling Marketing Solutions and has helped introduce more than 40 million children and families to bowling through his involvement with the Kids Bowl Free program.
When it comes to guests craving a quick bite, few forces wield as much influence as sweet and savory concessions. We consulted the concession experts at Gold Medal Products Co. for a deep dive into how operators can make the most out of the concession craze.
Once our readers told us they could use more direction in the food and beverage department, we scoured the industry for the most reputable names that could provide more valuable insight.
Gold Medal Products Co. was founded by David C. Evans back in 1931 during the Great Depression. The company has established itself as a leader in concession food equipment and supplies, including popcorn, cotton candy, Sno-Kones®, nachos, and more, for nearly a century.
Through the thick and thin of our entertainment industry's rich history, Gold Medal Products Co. has remained a family-run company, with the third and fourth generations of the Evans family currently leading Gold Medal's legacy.
In a recent "Booze and Bites" column, we discussed consumer trends for nostalgic foods. "There is nostalgia and meaning behind concessions; it fosters joy that translates to brand loyalty and higher customer satisfaction," Adam Browning, Gold Medal's president, tells us.
Studies have shown that the senses of smell and taste are the most powerful for transporting us through those rose-colored memories.
Guests can reminisce walking through the county fair with a red and white bag of buttery popcorn or holding bright blue cotton candy up to the towering Ferris Wheel — now that's a walk down memory lane!
"Increased patron enjoyment and engagement are key," Browning explains. "This keeps guests at venues longer and, in theory, spending more. Since concession foods are affordable and low in labor, they provide a low-risk revenue stream that reaps profound rewards."
It takes a particular type of company to persevere through 93 years of transformation that our nation and industry have seen. We asked Browning how the Evans family has shown such successful endurance.
"It takes meticulous care every step of the way. Genuine craftsmanship goes into each machine, making it safe, user-friendly, reliable, and strong in performance. But we go beyond the product and form relationships built on personalized attention to our customers," Browning says. "Hands-on demos are strongly encouraged before each purchase," he adds.
These demonstrations of quality and service are the foundation on which Gold Medal's esteemed reputation has been built, and they make it possible for operators to deliver those same merits to customers.
Gold Medal serves a wide range of businesses, and their experience has shown which products work well in bowling centers and FECs: popcorn, cotton candy, nachos, hot dogs, pizza, and pretzel cabinets were the top contenders in family entertainment concessions.
• Popcorn flavors include caramel corn, cheese corn, caramel and cheese mix, movie theater butter, and kettle corn.
• Prepackaged cotton candy options are a super sweet hit.
• Portion Pak nacho cheese and chips make adding nachos to the menu easier than ever.
• Simple and tasty Meister Bake® Pretzels are shelfstable and can be warmed and delivered with toppings like cheese and mustard or served right from the package.
The Ready Series can be found at grocery stores, airports, stadiums, college campuses, casinos, and anywhere else guests crave a quick bite. The ReadyPop® is the flagship model, reducing reliance on staff and giving customers greater convenience. Additionally, their custom graphics packages invite the opportunity for a fully immersive brand experience.
Gold Medal offers unparalleled levels of support by providing the full range of supplies operators need to run a concession operation. From popcorn kits to Flossugar to their iconic popcorn bags, they've shown that they'll go the extra mile in guiding operators to success.
When investigating options to increase the revenue of your food operations and promote repeat guest visits, you can be confident working with leaders who have become so seriously synonymous with concession. With a wide range of quality products requiring minimum manpower, unrivaled training resources, and unwavering support, the Evans family runs a timeless business model that encourages growth for small businesses nationwide.
Browning said that Gold Medal also has a solution for staffing issues. "For those with staffing concerns, we recommend Gold Medal's new line of popcorn vending machines, the Ready Series. This series allows customers to serve themselves with the push of a button. Cashless payment systems are also optional, providing a complete turnkey solution. These unique machines streamline operations while bringing a more hygienic alternative to a post-pandemic business model."
The proof is in the popcorn - there's no better partner to have by your side than the family behind Gold Medal Products Co. For more information: https://www.gmpopcorn.com/ promotions/popcorn-vending-machines•
Mike Fernandez is a freelance contributor on all things regarding food, booze, and fun. Growing up in his family’s restaurant business fueled his passion for good eats and tasty treats. By day Mike works in business development for IBI, by night he scours south Florida for the latest trends in food, drinks, and recreation.
How can you exceed expectations when next in line for the family business?
At last year's Amusement 360 education event, attendees were treated to a presentation by Scott Logan on what it takes to be the next-generation bowling operator in your family.
While playing a few rounds at golf-concept Back 9, Scott shared how he and his bowling center have grown into a bustling entertainment experience.
"I'm a fourth-generation bowling operator," Scott explains, "my great-grandfather owned a center in California. My great-uncle opened an alley in Huntsville, TX, that my father took over. Then, my dad bought Grand Station from the previous owners. Now I've taken the reigns, and I don't think anyone could have expected what it's evolved into today!"
Scott tells us how much his dad has helped with his personal growth. "When I was 10, he would make me greet strangers at Walmart - look them in the eye and ask them how they were doing. It's an important step to connecting with guests and staff," he says, "I was maybe 12 when I started cleaning the parking lots! I could get away with much more as a kid at a simpler center. Once we grew our facilities, I had to practice more professionalism."
"You want to be seen as someone who's earned respect in the business rather than just 'the owner's son.' It can put a chip on your shoulder if people don't understand why you're in this role, so it felt like I was constantly trying to prove myself. I've even been passed up for a promotion! In hindsight, I realized I had more growing to do. The best action I've taken is hiring management I trust to help me make the most informed decisions."
The name 'Grand Station' suits the center well. It boasts 40 lanes with cosmic bowling and LED installations, with projectors each displaying media over eight lanes simultaneously. "We have about 70 games in the arcade, mini-golf, laser tag, two bars, and a food court," Scott says, "Even though we keep our 40 lanes pretty busy, arcade and food operations can make up to 50% of our revenue. Those key segments are invaluable to our guest's experience."
"When the business grows quickly, you've got to grow quickly, too!"
- Scott Logan
Scott mentions one thing we've heard recounted in nearly all our next-generation bowling conversations: they're not done growing.•
The dishes of regions and cultures worldwide serve as cultural ambassadors that carry the identity and heritage of entire societies. Sharing these flavors strengthens our connection with others all around the world. The trend of exploring these global flavors is growing rapidly as consumers use foreign dishes to scratch their traveler's itch.
This exciting trend of consumers exploring and embracing global flavors has rapidly gained momentum. Social media creates incredible platforms for users to showcase unique dishes from around the planet, fueling the fire on already record-breaking international travel trends. The Global Food Flavors Market is currently valued at about $15 billion and is expected to reach $29 billion in the next ten years.
Dishes and recipes serve as the vibrant tapestry of a culture, weaving together flavors, traditions, and communal experiences that nourish both the
body and the soul. They shape cultural identity as small, delicious monuments representing the relationship between physical regions and cultural values.
Experiencing global flavors holds a profound significance for consumers by fostering an understanding and appreciation for the diverse histories and lifestyles baked into each dish. Guests use this foreign food exploration to remember previous adventures and add a taste of cultural exchange to satisfy them until that next trip gets booked.
Flavors from all over the world—particularly Europe, South America, Asia, North America, and Africa—are hot. So hot that they’re finding their way into formulations of new snack and frozen food options, as well as nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages.
Italian flavors lead the way, with 84% of consumers interested in exploring foods from the country’s southern region. Much of this popularity stems from the attractiveness of Tuscan foods: simple, inexpensive meals that are easy to make in large amounts. This comes as little surprise considering America’s love of pizza, pasta, calzones, and gelato. The most popular seasonings include basil, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, and oregano.
70% of consumers enjoy dabbling in Caribbean cuisine as well, which checks out since I love jerk chicken-wings and Bahamian conch fritters. Caribbean dishes typically include rice or corn, robust vegetables like onions and peppers, bursts of citrus, and a lingering spice to the protein.
Chinese and Mexican food have long established themselves as staples in domestic offerings, but
Booze and BitesSouth Korea is emerging as one of the hottest international cuisines. Reports noted that the most popular global flavors include sesame seed (77%), ginger (68%), jerk seasoning (60%), spicy honey (60%), miso (55%) and tahini (51%).
Indian and African foods join in on the rise. Consumers are seeking chicken tandoori, lamb tikka masala, and extra naan bread to go with their curry in bigger waves than ever before. Moroccan dishes invite a complex flavor profile that’s sweet and spicy while also bright and earthy. For African foods, you’ll want extra garlic, cumin, harissa, turmeric, and ginger in that seasoning cabinet.
The flavors of Spain didn’t specifically make this list, but you’d be wrong to discount the growing enamor of tapas-style meals.
JAPANESE SAKE:
The first written mention of Sake dates way back, all the way to the 3rd century. In its basic form, the drink is made by brewing yeast, koji mold, water, and polished rice.
INDIAN MASALA CHAI:
Meaning spiced tea, is the most popular drink in India. Made by brewing black tea with Indian spices like cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and ginger.
BAVARIAN BEER:
This region has had beer production for centuries. The 1516 Bavarian Purity Law means their beer is made with high-quality ingredients, locally sourced, and is consistently checked by scientific institutes to ensure that each pour is up to standard. The constant beer battle between Bavaria, Germany, Belgium, and the Czech Republic creates a rewardingly competitive market!
AMERICAN ORANGE JUICE:
Believe it or not, the most popular drink in the United States is orange juice! If you’re looking for an alcoholic beverage that does a better job of screaming American culture, check out Kurvball’s BBQ-flavored whiskey!
Mike Fernandez is a freelance contributor on all things regarding food, booze, and fun. Growing up in his family’s restaurant business fueled his passion for good eats and tasty treats. By day Mike works in business development for IBI, by night he scours south Florida for the latest trends in food, drinks, and recreation.
LUCKY STRIKE originally introduced its boutique concept for bowling in Hollywood. The success sent the brand across the U.S., and then Lucky Strike Entertainment LLC was purchased by Bowlero Corp in 2023. Now there are, under Bowlero, 14 Lucky Strike centers across 36 states. In December, Lucky Strike came back to California by opening a 40-lane center, much larger than the original boutique idea, in Moorpark. Beyond bowling fun, the new location features an arcade decked out with interactive video games, a sports bar, and a full-service restaurant.
Cedar Rapids, IA, now has a three-floor “palace” of fun. The foundation is indoor pickleball courts. The second floor offers six duckpin bowling lanes, a full-service bar, and restaurant. The third floor is specifically designed for large gatherings and topped off with a rooftop pub offering a cityscape view. This is definitely a paradise of fun.
Family Entertainment Centers (FECs) have undergone a culinary revolution, with current food trends reflecting a fusion of innovation, quality, and diversity. Let's explore the evolving food landscape in FECs, focusing on what's trending, the best offerings on bowling lanes, and how these centers are elevating their food game.
FECs have traditionally been synonymous with fun and games, offering activities like bowling, arcade games, and laser tag. However, the shift towards enhancing the overall customer experience has spurred a transformation in the food offerings within these entertainment hubs.
One of the prominent trends in FECs is the diversification of food options. The goal is to cater to a diverse audience with varying tastes and preferences. There are many more low-cost options that people can enjoy while they are bowling. The key to food at the lanes is that the food has to be good and arrive quickly.
Bowling lanes are no longer just about knocking down pins; they are becoming culinary hotspots. Gourmet snacks have taken center stage, offering patrons a delightful experience while they play. From loaded nachos with exotic toppings to mini sliders with unique flavor combinations, these snacks elevate the bowling experience from casual to gourmet.
Pairing with the upscale snacks, FECs are embracing the craft beverage movement. Specialized cocktails, mocktails, and craft beers are on the menu, enhancing the overall dining experience. Mixologists are shaking things up, creating signature drinks that complement the diverse food offerings and cater to a more sophisticated palate.
To streamline the dining process, FECs are integrating technology into their services. Patrons can now order food directly from their bowling lanes or gaming stations, eliminating the need to wait in line. This tech-infused approach enhances efficiency and adds a modern touch to the FEC dining experience. Although technology is terrific for labor savings, having servers attend your lanes at peak periods will help increase food and beverage sales.
FECs are no longer just entertainment venues; they are evolving into full-fledged restaurants. The dining spaces within these centers are designed to create a welcoming ambiance, encouraging patrons to linger and enjoy the food beyond the gaming activities. Comfortable seating, aesthetically pleasing decor, and attentive service create a restaurant-like atmosphere. By creating new experiences, a play-with-your-food concept
By Lee Friedmancould be made. You can add a game card purchase to your meal at a discounted rate. This will increase top-line sales and give the guests a whole night of eating and playing together.
Many centers are exploring fusion cuisine and unique offerings to stand out in the competitive FEC landscape. Whether blending different cultural flavors or twisting classic dishes, FECs embrace culinary creativity. This approach caters to a diverse audience and keeps patrons intrigued and coming back for more.
Recognizing the growing demand for healthier dining choices, FECs incorporate health-conscious options into their menus. From salads with inventive toppings to protein-packed bowls, these alternatives provide a balance for patrons seeking nutritious options while enjoying the entertainment facilities.
Some FECs are engaging with their local communities through food-centric initiatives. These centers aim to create a sense of community around food by hosting food festivals, collaborating with local food vendors, or participating in community events. This strengthens ties with the local neighborhood and adds a dynamic element to the FEC experience.
The current food trends reflect a dynamic shift towards diversity, quality, and innovation. From gourmet snacks on the bowling lanes to collaborations with culinary talent, FECs are redefining the dining experience within entertainment settings. This evolution caters to a broader audience and positions FECs as destinations where patrons can indulge in an authentic restaurant experience while enjoying various entertainment options. The future of food in FECs seems poised for continued creativity and culinary excellence.•
Lee Friedman is managing partner at Turfway Entertainment.
RollHouse Entertainment reveals the strategies behind their thriving food and beverage operations
Rollhouse Entertainment, a family-owned bowling entertainment chain spanning three generations, has shown what it takes to create a successful food and beverage operation. Sue Gable, co-owner, shares her insights into the evolution of Rollhouse from a distribution company to a flourishing chain of bowling entertainment centers.
The Rollhouse journey began when Sue's father-in-law, Bob Gable, launched his distribution company ‘Done-Rite Pins and Capital,’ coating pins in polyurethane for centers nationwide from 1994 to 2004.
In 1992, the Gable family made a pivotal move and acquired their first center, Solon Lanes, now Rollhouse Solon. Five years later, they made their next big decision by transforming their center. Focused on catering to larger parties, Gable installed an 8-lane private suite to accommodate bigger parties and events. Fast forward to today, where they are the proud and busy owners of seven centers featuring private suites, arcades, laser tag, and escape rooms.
In 2005, Sue brought a renewed focus on group events with corporate parties, rehearsal dinners, and networking events. This decision laid the foundation for building the catering business.
"My husband Glenn has always been a foodie, so we had some experience in the food industry. The first thing we did was change the menu," Sue tells us. "The biggest challenge was creating a universal menu for different events, from Sweet 16 celebrations to corporate parties."
Where to start? Sue remembers, "We began developing packages that made it easy for everyone to enjoy. Many simple catering packages we started with years ago are still our most
popular today. My advice is to give different ideas a try; they might stick around for a long time."
It takes an incredible amount of first-hand experience to operate a thriving business that sets itself apart also requires hard work and creativity. Rollhouse does this with unique and dynamic
get feedback on what's working best. Each menu has to appeal to the taste of that unique market; each kitchen has to be set up a little differently. The catering packages we've created are extremely popular. We make adjustments and try different combinations. It's a bit of a dance to run each center."
Steve Overholt, giving more insight into menu design, shared, "We had to look at the entire process, from the stove to the lanes. We ended up with a really clean menu layout. Guests are often looking for clear, brief bullet points. The layout allows each menu item to stand out independently, rather than letting the eyes get mixed up in long menu descriptions. [This is especially] true for catering services where there can be a lot to choose from." Overholt continues, "We've had incredible success with our signature cocktails and promotional drinks. Beer buckets have always been a hit. Guests enjoy the handmade craft cocktails, and they pay a premium for a higher-quality drink, so it's a win-win!"
One strategy the Gable's tested brought huge returns: decorating each center's bar into a colossal Christmas-themed watering hole. Rollhouse bars are glamorously decorated yearly in the holiday spirit and offer festive-themed libations to thirsty customers. The over-the-top décor goes beyond hanging a few string lights and candy canes. "Our Christmas bars have gained tremendous momentum every holiday season," Sue explains. Due to each bar's unique feel, they have different names, like The Christmas Explosion Bar and The Tinful Tavern. "The themed bars have probably tripled our weekend bar revenues. You've got to do it right, though; put on your bargain hunting pants and set the stage!"
From building menus and streamlining operations to successfully executing each event, Sue and Glenn say they couldn't have done this all themselves. They brought in Dave Romano as the food and beverage director and Steve Overholt to consult for this culinary expansion.
"It's not a cookie-cutter business by any means," Romano tells us. "We're lucky to have very skilled kitchen managers involved in the day-to-day kitchen operations at each location, so we
Collaboration between team members and knowledgeable outside sources was instrumental in creating a menu that draws in guests. And when you increase demand with incredible offerings, you need the kitchen design and staff power to back it up.
It's hard to slow down when you've gained so much momentum. The Gable family and their powerhouse team didn't get this far by settling. On the journey toward perfecting their food catering services, they constantly revisit and rework their food operations to maximize every step of the process. When they've got a vision, they maintain a fresh outlook on how to make it happen.
Sue and Glenn's eldest son, Eddie, is the COO and runs the seven Rollhouse centers. Warren, their middle son, leads bar management, introducing new craft cocktails and high-end bourbon menus.
"A wish of ours is to do a ground-up build one day," Sue says. "It can be perfect right from the start."
It's exciting to wonder what Rollhouse has in store for us next!•
"Total cost of ownership" is a fancy-sounding business metric, but anyone who has bought a car understands the basic concept. Savvy buyers know there is much more to choosing a car than the purchase price. You also must consider future costs, from gas and tires to insurance to maintenance and repairs. Quality and reliability are essential, as is the warranty; a bargainpriced car won't be a good bargain if your costs are too high.
It's the same situation when investing in cashless technology for your center's arcade. We live in an increasingly cashless society, and as more consumers move to contactless transactions, even diehard users of coins and tokens are considering the switch to cashless. A cashless system has other huge benefits, like reduced game maintenance, lower labor costs, increased gameplay, and the ability to drive return business with e-commerce sales and customer incentives.
If you are shopping for a cashless system, here are some standard costs of ownership that you should carefully consider when kicking the tires.
• Does the vendor offer on-site installation (and customization if needed)?
• Will the system integrate with your POS platform if you want to take your entire center cashless?
• Cards or data codes: the critical expendable for a cashless system
• Technical support and training fees
• Hosting fees if your data is not hosted on-site
• Fees for hardware and software updates
• Protection against obsolescence. Will the vendor support their hardware and software long term, or will you incur costs to upgrade if they discontinue your system?
• Repair costs for readers, servers, kiosks, and other components
• Freight, delivery time, and costs, especially if the hardware is made outside the U.S.A.
• Does the vendor offer knowledgeable, live tech support 24/7/365?
New evolving systems should be carefully considered. Your business needs to go with the flow and always be accessible to what is new. "Cost of ownership" isn't viewed negatively; it is the key to finding the newest and the best that will keep your business thriving.
Rob Geiger is the North American sales manager for Intercard. You can reach him at rgeiger@intercardinc.com.•
PINSTRIPES GOES PUBLIC: Pinstripes, Inc., a dining and entertainment brand combining bistro, bowling, bocce, and private event space, and Banyan Acquisition Corporation have announced that they have a business merger and Pinstripes has become a wholly owned subsidiary of Banyan. Pinstripes, a Class A common stock, will begin trading on the NYSE on January 2, 2024. Dale Schwartz, founder and CEO, and the rest of the current management team of Pinstripes will continue their management roles.
PBA RENEWS PARTNERSHIP WITH LEAGUE PALS: The PBA’s League Bowler Certification program (PBA LBC) launched in 2022 with over 200,000 league bowlers with bowlers in Bowlero Corp.-owned centers automatically enrolled. The league bowlers received a host of benefits, including valuable statistics. It is returning for its second iteration, the PBA LBC National Championships, hosting over 1,000 bowlers of all skill levels competing for prizes worth over $340,000. “This partnership between the PBA and League Pals has been a resounding success thus far,” said Lev Ekster, chief strategy officer of Bowlero Corp. and PBA. “We look forward to seeing this partnership continue to grow and evolve.”
IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND: As of January 1, 2024, South Pacific Bowling has been named the exclusive Aftermarket Distributor and Center Modernization partner for Brunswick products in Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands. The new collaboration aims to leverage the combined expertise of both entities to augment the bowling experience in these markets.
As more operators reinvest in their facilities to meet guest expectations, we look to flooring and what to consider when updating your center. This month, we focus on functionality
By definition, a floor is the lower surface of a room on which one walks; it is the foundation upon which everything else is built. The truth is, there is much more than walking happening on your floors that should be paramount when selecting floor-covering surfaces. Special consideration must be given to the relationship between a floor's functionality and the purpose for which the space was created.
To be functional, flooring surfaces must endure wear and tear while being easy to clean. The return on investment in flooring materials is directly related to the ability of the floor to withstand the environment in which it is being utilized. Heavy traffic areas can benefit from resilient surfaces, while lounge areas can do well with softer materials that provide comfort underfoot, and so forth. A wide range of materials in the market offer choices that can be carefully crafted into the best solutions for your environment. Here are some considerations:
Carpet is an excellent choice for environments where noise mitigation is necessary—lounge areas, arcade rooms, restaurants, offices, party rooms, and more. Carpets come in a wide selection of styles and colors that can aesthetically complement the space. Still, the soft surface requires extra attention to be given to the cleanability of the materials. While technological advances in yarn production, as well as the construction of the backing and the manufacturing of the overall products themselves, have labeled many products as high-performance, some products in this category might be exponentially better suited to withstand the traffic and spills of food and beverage than others.
Flocked products are one of the best choices as they combine the softest carpets with the resiliency of vinyl. Flocked products, as they are called, because of the application of tiny fibers called flock onto a base material such as vinyl. The flock is electrostatically charged and adhered to the base material, creating a dense and luxurious texture that will withstand the test of time and high usage. Food spills,
including coffee, wine, soda, and most condiments used commercially, are cleaned off the surface without chemicals or strenuous processes. Flocked products are printed in highdefinition printers, offering virtually unlimited design options.
Resilient Floors are firm, but they bounce back. They are polymerbased materials that are flexible, comfortable, and durable, making them a favorite in bowling centers or family entertainment center environments. There is a wide range of resilient floors, the most prominent being linoleum, the most durable and environmentally friendly option. Most linoleums don't require the addition of floor finishes and can be easily maintained, providing the industry's lowest ownership cost. A far cry from your grandmother's kitchen linoleum, the true linoleum of today has a designer's appeal that will enhance the environments in which it's installed with products that resemble stone, concrete, and others.
Other widely used resilient products are LVT and sheet vinyl, printed materials that resemble wood, concrete, stone, and other hard surface materials. LVTs and sheet vinyl have gained widespread appeal because of their aesthetics and price compared to the hard surface they try to represent. VCT, cork, and rubber are resilient options that are not as popular today.
Resilient floors are excellent for open areas, seating areas, restaurants, food counters, offices, etc.
Hard Surfaces are firm and rigid. They are used almost uniquely in bathrooms, kitchens, and food service areas. Some of the most popular are terrazzo, concrete, marble, ceramic, porcelain, stone, and wood. All these are priced above the options previously described.
The functionality of a product depends on its nature; how it functions within your space is a decision that needs to be carefully considered so that your new floors provide you with the return on investment that you expect and then some.•
Jose A. Segarra and Randell Thrasher are National Segment Leaders at Forbo Flooring Systems.
Boost ST is in a class by itself. As the industry’s proven USBC-certified dual purpose string pinsetter, Boost accommodates both the demands of league and tournament play and the high-volume activity of open play. Advanced sport technologies including the 360 Controller elevate performance, safety, operational efficiency, and the bowler experience. Boost is the world’s only cloud-enabled string pinsetter, ready to evolve with your business well into the future. Compatible with any major scoring system, and even better with Sync.
· brunswickbowling.com/boost-st-string-pinsetter ·
EXPERT HOSIERY
Customer Service
919.799.7707
www.funtimefootwear.com
support@experthosiery.com
Expert Hosiery is a premiere supplier of high-quality socks to bowling centers and FECs. We pride ourselves in lifetime relationships. Socks variety includes white bowling socks, glow socks, theme socks, and custom logo socks. Our customers are our best testimonials! For orders, call, email or order online 24/7.
LAYMON HUGHES HOSIERY
Sharon Hughes
256.845.1034
www.laymonhugheshosiery.com
laymonhughes@bellsouth.net
We supply socks to all types of family entertainment centers. Custom logos are available, and there is no minimum required.
AVS COMPANIES
Sales Department
847.439.9400
www.avscompanies.com
sales@avscompanies.com
Providing best-in-class arcade and vending equipment with decades of unparalleled service. AVS Companies is the trusted choice for world-class amusement solutions.
BETSON ENTERPRISES
Sales Department
800.524.2343
Betson offers a full assortment of arcade and vending equipment and has the largest inventory selection of new & used games and parts.
Sales Department
416.251.2122
www.betson.com/bowling
Sales@betson.com
www.winwithp1ag.com
GetAnswers@WinWithP1AG.com
At Player One Amusement Group, we specialize in the sourcing and distribution of quality amusement and vending equipment for both commercial and retail customers. We provide end-to-end Total Solutions, from the design and planning of the space, to equipment selection, to best practices for merchandise and redemption counters. Each business is unique so P1AG customizes the appropriate services to meet your business needs.
DYNAMIC DESIGNS
Howard Ellman
248.644.7275
Interior & Exterior Design – New Concept Development – Planning & Consulting –Architecture – Theme Design – Re-imagining of Existing Facilities
US DESIGN LAB
Gary Smith
231.343.5317
www.dynamicdesignsinc.net
Info@dynamicdesignsinc.net
www.usdesignlab.com
gary@usdesignlab.com
US Design Lab is an award-winning consulting, design, and marketing firm specializing in bowling and family entertainment centers. The company works with new investors and existing proprietors like you to bring your dreams to reality. With over 40 years of industry experience and successful projects of all sizes, US Design Lab has helped design, develop, and provide branding and marketing material for dozens of businesses in the U.S. and internationally.
CREATIVE WORKS
Russ Van Natta
317.834.4770
www.thewoweffect.com
sales@thewoweffect.com
We create powerful emotions through immersive attractions like laser tag, mini golf, escape rooms, VR, and more. We help you get customers off the couch and into your venue with experiences they can’t get anywhere else.
NEW CENTER CONSULTING
Glenn Hartshorn
www.newcenterconsulting.com
248.375.2751 ghartsho@yahoo.com
Touch Score – A truly revolutionary scoring upgrade for legacy systems.
STELTRONIC SCORING
Sales Department
800.942.5939
The world’s leading independent automatic scoring manufacturer since 1980.
BRUNSWICK BOWLING PRODUCTS
Michael Postema
231.343.2043
The leader in the bowling industry for over 130 years, Brunswick Bowling provides products, services, and industry expertise for new and existing bowling centers.
www.steltronicscoring.com
Info@steltronicscoring.com
www.brunswickbowling.com
Info@brunswickbowling.com
QUBICAAMF www.qubicaamf.com
Sales Department
804.569.1000 info@qubicaamf.com
QubicaAMF is the world’s largest manufacturer of bowling and mini bowling products. With our innovative products, we will help our customers fully unleash that potential to extend the bowling population, to reach the younger generations, to increase their spending, frequency of visits—and your revenue.
INTERCARD
Sales Department
800.732.3770
www.intercardinc.com
Sales@intercardinc.com
Intercard introduced cashless technology to the amusement industry and has been leading the way for 30+ years. Cashless systems from Intercard increase customer spending and satisfaction and boost revenues by up to 30% at entertainment centers worldwide.
FIRST FRAME BOWLING
Mike Monroe
844.923.2695
www.firstframebowling.com
mikebowl44@gmail.com
First Frame Bowling was born out of a need for banks looking for someone to manage centers that they were forced to take over but has evolved over time to be the full-service consulting firm that it is today.
TRIFECTA MANAGEMENT GROUP
Bruce Nussbaum 818.879.7100
www.trifecta-mg.com
Inquiries@trifecta-mg.com
TMG helps operators and new business entrepreneurs bring their business to the next level. We have best-in-class professionals in operations, team development, sales and marketing, culinary, and technical, with expertise sharpened in our own operations. So, whatever your opportunity or challenge, we can help.
TURFWAY ENTERTAINMENT MANAGEMENT
David Wallace
859.285.7111
www.turfwayentertainment.com
dwallace@turfwayentertainment.com
Full service consulting company within the family entertainment industry focusing on business new starts, expansions, modernizations, and health checkups of existing centers. A dedicated team of professional experts in operations, marketing, branding, culinary, and bar services allow a seamless approach for your needs.
Customer Service
www.schwansfoodservice.com
888.554.7421
As an industry leader in pizza and Asian-style foods, Schwan’s Food Service has been proud to offer the premium prepared foods and foodservice expertise you need to succeed.
www.slrrrp.com
Trent Killian
877.988.8673 ext. 5
tkillian@slrrrp.com
The world’s most award-winning gelatin shots. SLRRRP’s pre-made gelatin shots are made with premium alcohol and plant based ingredients. With a variety of exceptional flavors and colors, there’s no better way for guests to celebrate at your center!
855.558.3683 sales@venueindustries.com
Venue Industries is a commercial furniture manufacturer in Tampa, FL. Specializing in custom furniture design, Venue Industries can provide furniture for your entire facility. From bowling sofas, to restaurant seating, Venue Industries can provide anything you need for your bowling center or family entertainment center.
Bob Langley
Helping You Is What We Do Best!
864.527.1145
www.bowlingcenterinsurance.com
robert.langley@bbrown.com
30 years’ experience working with over 300 centers across the country. Amusement and entertainment centers of all sizes, bowling centers, movie theaters, roller skating, axe throwing, go karts, mini golf and more! Property, general liability, liquor liability, wind/hail, and Workers Compensation. Our parent company is the sixth largest broker in the U.S., which affords us many diversified markets for insurance quotes. Call or email us today to get started!
W. Tyler Compton
866.233.0266
www.ttminsurance.com
tcompton@ttminsurance.com
Tilton, Thomas & Morgan Insurance Professionals has been insuring bowling and family entertainment centers for over 40 years. We support state and national organizations, including many state bowling associations and the BPAA. Through our years of experience and working with hundreds of proprietors across the country, we have developed a specialized program to ensure our clients have the correct coverages at a competitive price. We love insuring FUN, so call us today to see how we can help you!
Cameron Linder
800.200.9998
www.wbpiprogram.com
contact@wbpiprogram.com
WBPI is the largest bowling center insurance program in the nation with more than 35 years of experience and 400 insured centers. Exclusively endorsed by eight state bowling proprietors associations, our staff of insurance partners and professional bowlers provide staff training, insurance education, advocacy, and business advice. No one fights harder for you! Contact us today for a competitive insurance quote!
Guy O’Hazza
310.693.5165
www.decibel-studios.com
guy@decibel-studios.com
Decibel Studios is an innovative global technology solutions company that designs, engineer, installs, and maintains custom controlled audio, video, lighting, show control and special effects systems, including augmented and virtual reality, 3D and 4D interactive theaters, for various entertainment, corporate, hospitality, retail and institutional groups.
DFX SOUND VISION
Mike Bovino
800.555.5280
www.dfxsoundvision.com
info@dfxsoundvision.com
Your FEC specialists creating extraordinary experiences by providing dynamic audio, video, lighting and automation services, and integration that elevate communication and give your entertainment center that WOW factor.
Andy Vasko
877.841.4590
www.kidsbowlfree.com
Andy.Vasko@kidsbowlfree.com
At BBBI our goal is to create new customers and profits for bowling centers through our time tested Kids Bowl Free Summer Bowing Program and our new League Development System featuring Fun Bowling Leagues for all ages.
Zach Boulanger
844.468.4144
www.bowlingleads.com
Zach@bowlingleads.com
We help bowling centers find new leads and turn them into raving repeat customers with our automated marketing system.
Carey Tosello
541.549.0999
Digital marketing for bowling: BowlRx websites, Facebook for bowling, and more.
THE KAPLOE GROUP
Fred Kaplowitz
516.359.4874
www.eBowl.biz
Carey@eBowl.biz
www.kaploegroup.com
fredkaplowitz@gmail.com
The ultimate marketing and management company for your leisure, entertainment, or recreation business. Professional consulting and coaching available.
Chris Behling
815.519.9843
www.alleytrak.com
Chris@alleytrak.com
AlleyTrak is the complete lane reservation and management system designed specifically for bowling alleys. Manage your recurring events, leagues, parties, packages, along with many other features AlleyTrak has to offer. Save time by allowing guests to make reservations online 24/7.
PARTYWIRKS
Sales Department
877.345.4012
www.partywirks.com
sales@partywirks.com
Partywirks is more than an online booking software company for parties, events, lane reservations and leagues for your bowling entertainment center. Our easy-to-use, easy-to-manage multi-function system encourages upselling, helps generate future interest, and also allows your visitors to inquire, invite, share, learn, sign waivers, and shop online.
SIERRA PRODUCTS
Shelly Berry
800.900.7695
www.noveltybowlingstuff.com
sales@noveltybowlingstuff.com
Sierra Products is your exclusive source for bowling parties, including party favors, supplies and novelties. Bowling birthday party supplies include bowling pin sipper bottles, mini bowling pin candy containers, bowling coin banks, bowling party cups, napkins, novelty souvenir cups and much more. Most of our items can be personalized with your company’s logo, phone, website, etc.
FEC PROMO TOOLS
Sales Department
239.389.9583
www.fecpromotools.com
FECpromotools@gmail.com
Bringing marketing and guest experience tools to life! Choose from our selection of predesigned products or work with our team to customize a product line for your business.
A&A
Sales Department
Training
Virtual Reality
www.aaglobal.com
A&A Global is the premier distributor of novelty toys, candy, plush, and merchandiser kits for the bulk vending and amusement industries. We take pride in producing fabulous products that keep our customers – and their customers – coming back. With hundreds of new items added to our inventory every week, we have something for everyone.
BMI MERCHANDISE
Sales Department
800.272.6375
www.bmimerchandise.com
Sales@bmimerchandise.com
BMI’s extensive product line features the trending themes, licenses and brands driving amusement play. We bring our customers a constantly changing mix of the finest electronics, novelties and toys – priced right.
FUN EXPRESS
Sales Department
800.228.8884
www.funexpress.com
Orders@funexpress.com
Fun Express is a leading B2B supplier of toys, novelties, giftware and premiums. We feature more than 40,000 items in our product line that range from traditional favorites to the trendy picks of today. We are pleased to offer the best value and product variety in the industry.
Corporate Sales
888.887.8738
www.sureshot-redemption.com
Sales@sureshot-redemption.com
REDEMPTION PLUS
Mike Tipton
888.564.7587
Products that perform. Services that simplify.
www.redemptionplus.com
Smile@redemptionplus.com
TRAINERTAINMENT www.Trainertainment.net
817.886.4840 Beth@trainertainment.net
Alex Rossol
www.vrcave.ca/ibi
780.577.9655 sales@vrcave.ca
215 N. Harris St, Tulia, Tx 79088
Call (806) 995-4018
Fax (806) 425-3771
AMF and some BRUNSWICK PC board repair/exchange. 6 month warranty, fast turnaround. 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: wb8yjf@sbcglobal.net
32,000 foot 32 lane center located in the heart of beautiful Western North Carolina, the land of 4 seasons. Asking $2.6 million. Price negotiable. For info call 828-692-5039. My hours are Monday and Friday 3-10pm, Tuesday 10am - 6pm, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday 12pm - 10pm and Saturday 12pm - 11pm
You can call during these hours. 828-692-5039
PRO SHOP TRAINING. Classes always forming. Jayhawk Bowling Supply (800)255-6436 or jayhawkbowling.com.
NEW & USED Pro Shop Equipment. Jayhawk Bowling Supply. (800)255-6436 or jayhawkbowling.com.
To owners of AMF 82-30 machines with 6525 or 5850 chassis: exchange your defective chassis for a reworked one that comes with a one-year guarantee. The price ranges from $330 to $400, depending on the core you return. Call us if you have any questions 330-718-4622
Great opportunity in the Tampa Bay area 8270 AMF Pinsetters Salary and benefits determined by experience. E-Mail resume to manager@oakfieldlanes.com or Call Tammy Jacobs @ (813) 681-4783
Experienced Bowling mechanic wanted. Bowling center in northwest NJ offering Highly Competitive pay & benefits. Run your own shop. Replacing Retiring mechanic, willing to make smooth transition for our 26 lane center & full service restaurant. Only 3rd mechanic since 1959 for our very stable, family business. Email resume to rob.plenge@comcast.net or Call Rob 908-763-1192
Drill Bit Sharpening and Measure Ball Repair. Jayhawk Bowling Supply. (800)255-6436 or jayhawkbowling.com
Say hello to a new era of bowling - one where pinspotters don’t break down and lanes stay open. An era where your alley generates thousands of dollars more per lane every year, and you sleep well at night knowing the good times will keep on rolling. Say hello to EDGE String. The game changer that doesn’t change the game.
AMAZING EXPERIENCE
SIMPLE OPERATION
EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE