THE WORLD'S ONLY MAGAZINE DEVOTED EXCLUSIVELY TO THE BUSINESS OF BOWLING
CONTENTS
VOL 26.9
8 SHORTS • Kids Bowl Free links with BVL • Gary Smith joins US Design Lab • Strike + Reel is planned for Dallas • Neil Stremmel joins the Kegel Team • High 5 Lanes is just about ready
26 COVER STORY A Bold Jump into Bowling Michael Browning and Urban Air Adventure Parks continue to grow with 10-pin. By Robert Sax 17
PUBLISHER & EDITOR Scott Frager frager@bowlingindustry.com Skype: scottfrager
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER David Garber garber@bowlingindustry.com
OFFICE MANAGER Patty Heath heath@bowlingindustry.com
CONTRIBUTORS Kay Anderson Patty Heath Ben Jones Evan Henerson Pamela Kleibrink Thompson Mark Miller Robert Sax
By Patty Heath EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Jackie Fisher fisher@bowlingindustry.com
34 OPERATIONS The 4-1-1 On 9-1-1 Cautionary tales about disasters that could strike your center.
16 CONSIDER THIS Always in School
By Pamela Kleibrink Thompson
There is no vacation from learning if we are open to new ideas. By Ben Jones and Kay Anderson
17 FEATURE
38 FEATURE When Bad Things Happen to Good People In post-Katrina NOLA, John Blancher didn’t know if his business would survive, much less thrive. His triumphant story of saving and growing his business.
Let Us Entertain You The hospitality industry discovers bowling. By Evan Henerson
By Mark Miller
48 Classifieds
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www.dzynwrx.com (818) 735-9424
FOUNDER Allen Crown (1933-2002)
P.O. Box 7350 Overland Park, KS 66207 (818) 789-2695(BOWL) Fax (818) 789-2812 info@bowlingindustry.com
www.BowlingIndustry.com
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ART DIRECTION & PRODUCTION Designworks
HOTLINE: 818-789-2695 SUBSCRIPTION RATES: One copy of International Bowling Industry is sent free to every bowling center, independently owned pro shop and collegiate bowling center in the U.S., and every military bowling center and pro shop worldwide. Publisher reserves the right to provide free subscriptions to those individuals who meet publication qualifications. Additional subscriptions may be purchased for delivery in the U.S. for $50 per year. Subscriptions for Canada and Mexico are $65 per year, all other foreign subscriptions are $80 per year. All foreign subscriptions should be paid in U.S. funds using International Money Orders. POSTMASTER: Please send new as well as old address to International Bowling Industry, P.O. Box 7350 Overland Park, KS 66207 USA. If possible, please furnish address mailing label. Printed in U.S.A. Copyright 2018, B2B Media, Inc. No part of this magazine may be reprinted without the publisher’s permission.
MEMBER AND/OR SUPPORTER OF:
SHORTS
EXPANSIONS, OPENINGS & NEW BEGINNINGS
AKRON’S LAZY LANES BOWL & GRILL IS OPEN A dream come true, Rachel Nelson and Don Mullinix have embraced Akron and their newly opened Lazy Lanes Bowl & Grill. However, there is nothing lazy about the ideas they have for refurbishing and creating fun for Akron. A patio dining area and a place to play horseshoes have been added to the mix, along with bands during the summer. The six lanes of bowling are the core, and they look forward to growing the leagues for men, women and children. The soft opening wasn’t very soft. “It was just awesome,” Owners Rachel Nelson and Nelson said. “We are very humbled, very surprised and grateful. It felt like Don Mullinix with three of their five children. we hosted a four-day graduation party. It’s been fantastic.” Photo by Beverly Van Buskirk
HIGH 5 LANES AND GAMES OPENS IN BETTENDORF Here’s another biggee: TBK Bank Sports Complex in Bettenford, LA, is nearing completion. The 76-acre indoor/outdoor sports complex will offer, when finished, baseball fields, indoor soccer fields,
STRIKE + REEL COMING TO DALLAS Strike + Reel, a massive entertainment complex centered around bowling and cinema, will open in north Dallas in 2019. The 90,000-square-foot venue will include luxury, dine-in movie auditoriums, with full bar service, bowling lanes, interactive video games, and a restaurant. According to PaperCitymag.com, Entertainment Properties Group is spearheading this entertainment destination. It also owns Pinstack, which has multiple locations in Texas.
THE ELEANOR DC HAS ARRIVED basketball courts, and sand volleyball, plus the nowopen High 5 Lanes and Games. High 5 includes two floors of bowling, with 16 lanes on each floor. The top floor is a bar, Up Top, which is adults only after 9 p.m. There is also a multi-level laser tag arena, two themed escape game rooms, a restaurant, plus banquet rooms. High 5 also has a location in Austin, with others planned. The final addition will be the 112-room Cambria Hotel Bettenforf.
There is a new neighborhood bar and gaming complex, or, as The Eleanor describes it, a “bowling lounge,” in D.C.’s Brentwood area. Adam Stein, owner, used reclaimed bowling alley wood from Sky Top Lanes, in Connecticut, for his two mini duck pin lanes, using the remainder for a shoulder height drink rail. The name is an homage to famous Eleanors, e.g. former first lady Eleanor Roosevelt and D.C. notable Eleanor Holmes Norton, plus a showcase of sheet music for The Beatles’ “Eleanor Rigby.”
LOVE IS ALL IT TAKES It was love for bowling that brought Tim and Kim Denny together, and it has remained a common denominator in their marriage and now in the ownership of Holiday Lanes in Oklahoma City. It started when they bowled in a youth league. At 19, they went to Vegas, got married and had their reception at a bowling center in Edmond. Today, they look to refurbishing their new, 60-year-old center, relying on their business acumen and love of the game. Their first plan is to replace half the lanes with a synthetic surface; the other half will retain the wood lanes. There are plans to convert the pro shop into a lounge, up-date the menu, bring in new shoes and new bowling balls and keep going from there. “It’s exciting,” Kim shared. “It’s a lot of work right now, but it’s going to pay off. It’s fun.”
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Tim Denny and wife Kim Denny are the new owners of Holiday Lanes.
SHORTS
GIVE BACK 101 Calvin Ridley was drafted this year by the Atlanta Falcons. He wasted no time organizing and participating in his inaugural Bowling For The Boys charity and fundraising event at Bowlero in Davie, FL, with the proceeds going to the TUFF Start program. TUFF Start is a nonprofit organization which seeks to assist local children that are disadvantaged. Ridley told David Furones of the Sun Sentinel, “I just wanted to come out and show my face and give back to where I started. Zack has just been like one of those older brothers in our lives. Very, very helpful. Always worked us out. Always was there for us.” Zack Rehman, a trainer, started the TUFF Start program. He remembers Ridley in 2012 when Rehman was giving out athletic training free to kids who couldn’t afford it. He appreciates how Ridley kept in mind what he told him years ago, “One thing I always instilled Calvin Ridley in him, as a man that’s going places, is you’ve got to give back to the ones that are less fortunate.” Both Rehman and Ridley walk the walk and give back.
AIRPORT LANES IN JACKSON, MI, IS NOW JAX 60. OWNERS MARK AND TAMMY MEYERS (LEFT) SOLD THE CENTER TO DAVID SMALL.
PEOPLEWATCHING There is life after retirement, and Gary Smith has found it with US Design Lab. Smith recently retired from Brunswick after a successful career spanning 27 years. He has now joined with Michele “Mik” Oca, who owned the primary marketing company used by Qubica for over 15 years. US Design Lab specializes in a phased approach helping investors develop new centers and existing proprietors to grow their brands, plus facility planning, renovation, and design, as well as marketing. Gary Smith (L), Mik Oca (R).
Neil Stremmel, who has been involved in all aspects of bowling and the bowling business his whole life, will be joining the Kegel Team as director of KBT and Sport Research. He will work with Dennis Sheirs, VP of chemical product development and support, overseeing bowling technologies, including Kegel’s line of lane conditioners, cleaners, and other chemical products. In addition, Stremmel will focus on a variety of research projects designed to enhance the understanding of the sport and Neil Stremmel influence future products. H. Betti Industries, Betson, has promoted two of its own. Senior VP of operations, Glenn Quaiver, will assume the positon of COO, with responsibility for the operation of all three business divisions—Betson Enterprises, Imperial International, and Betson Imperial Parts. Bill Seibert, VP of operations, will step into the position vacated by Quaiver. Glenn Quaiver Seibert has been with H. Betti for 32 years. “We are excited to have both Glenn and Bill as operational cornerstones as H. Betti Industries continues to execute on our continual growth Bill Seibert strategy,” said Bob Geschine, president.
Alice Mathu
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IAAPA has promoted Alice Mathu to vice president of exhibitions, conferences, and sales. Mathu will oversee sales and operations for IAAPA’s three global expos and other conferences, meetings, and events around the world. She will also lead IAAPA’s global sales team, including exhibit, advertising, and sponsorship sales. Mathu joined the association as an expo and conference coordinator in 2006.
SHORTS
DISASTERS COME IN ALL SHAPES AND SIZES This month’s “Operations” article by Pamela Kleibrink Thompson, “Before Disaster Strikes,” is a heads-up to any company. It is not difficult to find lots of examples of challenges that proprietors face which happen more frequently than one might think. While you cannot always prevent the inevitable, you can prepare for it. Here are just a few incidents that could give you pause. Your center needs a plan. When you think of a disaster, fire looms up immediately. Friendship Bar and Bowl in Friendship, WI, has been a town staple for 29 years. However, July 30 found it leveled to the ground by a fire, possibly started in the kitchen, after hours. Fortunately, no one was hurt, but owner, Edward Golden, and the town have lost a gathering spot. 444 Onet-le-Chateau, Aveyron, France, is a quaint village which is home to Rouergue bowling center. On the same day as Friendship Bowl, this establishment succumbed to fire. Fortunately, it didn’t damage the hotel next door. Bad luck? Well, it must be said that Rouergue has had its share of events: in 2016, the center was machine-gunned; and in June 2018, a homemade bomb was found in the carpark close by. 444 More and more frequently, shootings are common place. Often, they are where people come together. A bowling center with activities, food, and drink is very vulnerable. It is not just the act of shooting but the aftermath that can damage a center. In February 2016, Tri-City Lanes in Easley, NC, was the flash point of a shooting/murder. If that is not enough trauma, the victim’s family has filed a lawsuit against the center, citing that the center locked the door and refused to open it when witnesses tried to get in. 444 Recently, in Moline, IL, QC Family Entertainment had an employee severely injured by a group of rowdy partiers he was trying to calm down. And at Lilburn Bowl, in the Atlanta, GA, area, a shooting took place outside the center. It is not just in someone else’s neighborhood. A plan is needed. One incident and your business is vulnerable. 12
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Kids Bowl Free raises funds for BVL As part of a nationwide program coordinated by the sport of bowling through the Bowlers to Veterans Link (BVL), BBBI/Kids Bowl Free recently raised $6,500 to support the recreational therapy programs and services to help hospitalized military veterans. “We are delighted to have this opportunity to support our veterans,” said Bruce Davis, president. “All of us at BBBI/Kids Bowl Free are proud to be a part of this program to make the days brighter for our American heroes. We will never forget their sacrifice.” The nationally-recognized promotion company sent out an email to Kids Bowl Free families noting that a $1 per Family Pass, sold over the Memorial Day weekend, would be donated to BVL by BBBI/Kids Bowl Free. The $1 came out of the Kids Bowl Free portion of each sale. “BVL dollars pick up where government funding leaves off,” explains John LaSpina, BVL Board Chairman. “Their programs are a vital link in the recuperation process.” Founded in 1942, BVL has been honored by the Department of Veterans Affairs for its long-time commitment to the support of the nation’s veterans. (L to R) John LaSpina (BVL), Bruce Davis (KBF), Mary Harrar (BVL), and Fred Kaplowitz (KBF).
Editor’s Correction In the August issue of IBI, in the profile story “The Lone Star of TexasKaren Miller,” the editor misidentified Karen Miller’s husband, Ron. The editor incorrectly said that the photographs on page 16 were of Karen’s husband Ron. IBI apologizes for the misidentification. The correct photo of Karen and Ron Miller that should have been published is to the right.
CONSIDER THIS
S Y A L O W O L H A C S IN
By Ben Jones and Kay Anderson
W
e continually seek to be awakened by teachers. It is our contention that teachers are most often found outside of a formal classroom, in places we least expect. You don’t always know when one will appear or enter your life, and when they do appear, you may not instantly recognize them. An awakening can occur at any time; late at night, early in the day, and at any place; on a sidewalk, at work, traveling. It may start with a picture, a song verse, or a few simple spoken words. Consider this: On a dimly lit street, a calculated exchange between acquaintances triggers reflective thoughts of a gap in life, stimulating course-changing hope for the future. This is the kind of chain of events that, if we are accepting, awakens us to teaching moments and learning outcomes. Words or actions that trigger reflective thought may lead to an amazing new beginning but may also come with some sadness that portions of your life have been unfulfilled, with the realization that perhaps you have been “closed” to renewal or change. Ultimately what we take away from situations that expose us to teachers and mentors will be those things that you are open to discovering within yourself based upon the expectations you’ve established. Thus the saying, “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” Teachers, mentors, and coaches come in all shapes, sizes, colors, religions and take
OAK LANES WESTLAND, MI (50 LANES)
We congratulate Jason Papa on his purchase of this fine center and thank Rick Capaldi and Al Powell for trusting Sandy Hansell to handle the sale. We wish Jason, Rick and Al all the best.
Bowling’s Only Full-Service Brokers, Appraisers & Financial Advisors
(619) 551- 6005 Check out our listings at www.thehansellgroup.com
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on multiple forms and formats. Life and its ebbs and flows is the ultimate teacher, but only if we are open to outcome, receptive to change, and recognize that there is always more we can learn. After all, have you reached the point where you no longer find it useful or exciting to learn more? Regardless of authority, position, or place, we have the responsibility to show up, approach our daily routines and social interactions with high expectations for ourselves and those we encounter, and we should recognize that at any moment we may be the student. Or we too may be the teacher. We share this with you for what we believe to be the role of great students and teachers: “Great students are receptive to learning outcomes; and a teacher should awaken your own expectations.” ❖
Ben Jones is an industry enthusiast. He shares his perspectives each month through Boomer Blog and invites your feedback. He may be reached at boomerblog2@gmail.com . Kay Anderson has spent much of her career providing financing solutions to small business owners to help convert dreams into reality. She has a keen interest in working with colleagues to develop exceptional communication and people skills.
FEATURE
Pin + Proof, Omni Louisville Hotel.
LET US
ENTERTAIN YOU THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY DISCOVERS BOWLING By Evan Henerson
T
he enticements of a vacation at a luxurious hotel or five star resort are already considerable. The pools, the sand, the bars, the recreation, the nightlife and the dining... sometimes it’s even consolidated all under one roof. Now, in a handful of strategically targeted places around the world, you can add another perk to the list of vacation offerings: on-site bowling. In some respects, the notion of checking into your room and then checking out a lane rental a few floors up is a thematic no-brainer. Hotels routinely operate tennis courts and golf courses on their property. Why not, then, an indoor sport with universal appeal like bowling? Why not, indeed, says John Roush, vice president of North American capital equipment sales for Brunswick Bowling Products, who notes that, “the concept of bowling and hospitality is not new. Hotels and resorts are offering more and more amenities to entertain their guests and encourage them to stay on the property.” Roush continued, “Enter bowling – a revenue-generating, recession-resistant, food-and-beverage driving entertainment offering that everyone loves to play. Bowling is just as much a fun night out for travelers as it is for locals.” Over the past few years, Brunswick has overseen the installation of high-end boutique bowling at properties located around the world. The facilities’ look, clientele, and surrounding environment have varied greatly. “Although each project can present its own unique challenges, it’s nothing we can’t handle,” Roush said. “For our hospitality partnerships, the installation process is relatively straightforward, bearing many similarities to what we experience when installing in a traditional center.” Ah, but these sites are anything but traditional. A pair of lanes located 44 stories above the earth in downtown Dubai may
seem an entirely different species from a speakeasy-themed hangout in Louisville, KY, or from a cozy 4-lane center plus bar at a Caribbean resort. The common denominator is, of course, a fun and memorable experience that is designed to have guests – and hotel visitors, if they’re allowed access – singing the venue’s praises. IBI spoke with operators of three of Brunswick’s recent success story properties in Louisville, Dubai, and Barbados about the challenges and rewards of pairing bowling and hospitality. Their answers - and the accompanying pictures – made us want to book the next flight out of town.
PIN + PROOF, THE OMNI LOUISVILLE HOTEL Shhh… don’t tell a soul… that jazzy Louisville, KY, hotel on 2nd Street has… keep it quiet now… four professional bowling lanes! Actually, it’s okay to go ahead and spread the word. The Pin + Proof at the Omni Louisville Hotel may be modeled after a prohibition era speakeasy, with décor and menu to match, but visitors and hotel guests alike are more than welcome. When they arrive, they’ll be pulled into the area’s local history. “Omni wants to bring the local color into our hotels,” said director of sales and marketing Eamon O’Brien. “During Prohibition, drinking took place illegally in all kinds of places, including hidden bars and bowling alleys. Since we are in Bourbon country, we wanted to incorporate both into a unique and intimate setting. Also, the Louisville Slugger factory used to make bowling pins in the 1890s which was another tie to our history.” A back alley neon sign ushers visitors into a lounge with IBI
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FEATURE assistance from Brunswick. “Omni is not a typical chain hotel,” O’Brien said. “No two hotels are alike, so our next new build hotels will be completely different from Louisville.”
THE 44 SPORTS PUB, DUBAI
Pin + Proof, Omni Louisville Hotel
period specific lighting and décor. The lanes themselves are bisected by a series of arches along with black and white historical prohibition era photos. The facility is open late afternoons until 2 a.m. and has been reaching capacity both on weeknights and weekends. The Pin + Proof uses Brunswick’s Sync scoring and management system, GS-X pinsetter, Frameworkx ball return and Anvilane lanes. O’Brien acknowledges that the mechanical side of the business has presented a bit of a learning curve, but adds that staff members are receiving continuous training and
When they set to work on The 44 Sports Pub on the top level of the Westin Al Habtoor City, Dubai, the operators may not have realized that they were installing the world’s highest bowling facility. That distinction makes The 44, as it’s come to be called, a conversation starter, but it’s by no means what is bringing people in. The pub has two lanes and the sound of pins clattering is pretty much a constant. “It’s a unique selling point,” Shane Rose Fran, administrative coordinator of the facility, said of the on-site bowling and sports bar pairing. “It has been very popular since the opening and we’re looking forward to developing the concept at other properties as well.” The brainchild of director of operations Philippe D’Amat, the facility is operated independently, not by Westin, and is accessible to the general public. To date, the majority of people who use the pair of lanes at The 44 have not been hotel patrons, continued on page 22...
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FEATURE ...continued from page 18
The 44 Sports Pub, Dubai
according to Fran. Bowling centers in Dubai are anything but rare. In fact, a cluster of centers is located along the water in the city’s northern region and also on the coast in Abu Dhabi. Unlike those largely family-themed centers, however, The 44 is a pub, with pool tables, bar games, and alcohol to supplement its games. The terrace - containing a second bar - looks out over expansive views. In its review of the facility shortly after its opening, Time Out remarked on the vibe of The 44 which they considered “East End London chic.” Using words like “edgy,” “refined,” “cool,” and “trendy,” the publication noted that the lanes, the facility, and the sound of pins clattering is pervasive. “There’s also a decent happy hour offering 50 percent off from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. daily,” the review concludes. “And if the fact it’s the world’s highest bowling alley isn’t enough to keep you here, those deals should.”
The slightly deco-styled Lovers Lane is flanked by pictures of bathing beauties of both genders. Above the pins, a grinning Marilyn Monroe bends seductively over a bowling ball. The adjacent craft beer bar includes a wraparound bar with a built-in ice strip to keep the drinks cold. Ryan came up with the idea of adding bowling to the resort, a notion that he said was met with a certain resistance. In a part of the world where sun and fun is the primary draw, resort administrators thought guests might balk at the idea of being confined to a closed space. That didn’t happen. “Guests were in awe of our new addition and the fact that the space came with a bar and lounge area,” said Ryan, who expects Lovers Lane to be especially in demand during the rainy season in the Caribbean. “We thought having such an interesting game to offer during these periods would provide real-time entertainment for our guests without them feeling bored or lost. Having spent some time in
LOVERS LANE, SANDALS ROYAL BARBADOS RESORT There is no shortage of romantic options at the all-inclusive Sandals Royal Barbados resort, from the rooftop pool to the swim-up bars, whirlpools and countless water activities. You can grab a drink at any number of bars, engage in a candlelight dinner on the beach, or enjoy an intimate evening in one of the luxurious suites. A stay at the Royal Barbados also includes access to the nearby Sandals Barbados and all of its facilities making it essentially “two vacations in one.” But when a couple checks out Lovers Lane at the Royal Barbados, they are neither walking nor driving. As the name coyly but correctly suggests, Lovers Lane is a new 4-lane bowling alley, the first of what Sandals officials say could end up being a staple at future Sandals. The facility is free for guests and is targeted as yet another place on site where couples of all ages can enjoy a date. A craft beer bar sits adjacent to Lovers Lane, but the bowling comes with no age limit. “It’s a test model for future growth,” said Joel Ryan, director of groupthemed entertainment and children’s adventures at Sandals Resorts. “We have received rave reviews and have seen the overwhelming success, hence, we will be bringing bowling into our upcoming Beaches Barbados.” 22
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Lovers Lane at the Sandals Royal Barbados Resort
the Midwest, [bowling] was one of my favorite games, and I just wanted to recreate the experience for our valued guests.” At the Beaches resort, the lanes will be increased from four to six to accommodate the expected demand. “It’s sometimes a challenge,” Ryan said, “getting the guests to give others a chance to play when their times are up.” ❖
Evan Henerson is a features and lifestyle journalist who lives in Los Angeles. His work has appeared in TV Guide, American Theatre, Orange Coast and the Los Angeles Daily News where he was a staff writer and critic for nine years.
COVER STORY
Michael Browning, CEO, Urban Air Adventure Parks
A BOLD JUMP
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INTO BOWLING IBI
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COVER STORY
MICHAEL BROWNING AND URBAN AIR ADVENTURE PARKS CONTINUE TO GROW WITH 10-PIN. By Robert Sax
M
arketing software developer Michael Browning wasn’t looking for a new business when he first visited a trampoline park; he was just taking a short break from a trade conference. He was also extremely busy with several software and real estate ventures in the medical industry but rather than move on, the self-described “opportunistic entrepreneur” began working on his own idea of a trampoline park. Seven years and many lessons later, Browning is the CEO of rapidly-growing Urban Air Adventure Parks, a franchised FEC concept with more than 200 locations across the country. That makes Urban Air a major player in a hot attraction category that has grown from just three to well over 1,000 parks since 2009, according to the International Association of Trampoline Parks. Browning opened the first location in 2011 in his hometown of Southlake, TX, with his wife, mother, and father as partners. None of them had any entertainment or attractions experience, and, by Browning’s own admission, the learning curve was “like drinking from a firehose. There were no systems, no infrastructures, no procedures. There was nobody you could call to say, ‘Okay, how do I do this?’ ” But the partners were committed to the venture and worked their way through the original challenges. They were very successful in the first location and went on to open an additional family-owned location in DallasFort Worth. Business really took off when Browning found a mentor in Jay Thomas, whom he met at a neighborhood block party. Thomas was vice president of international park development for Six Flags and had worked in that organization for 34 years. “He just took me under his wing,” says Browning. “I was able to ask him questions. He would teach me about operating these big parks, and how food and beverage is a business, your front ticket sales are a business. Really optimizing inside of these [units] to generate the profitability that we’ve been able to generate.” Browning kept refining his concept. “I always loved Main Event as a kid, Dave & Buster’s, Discovery Zone,” he says. “So I felt like we could bring something to the market that was kind of a mix of those three things,
really geared towards the 14-and-under market. Because I’m a big believer that if you try to be everything to everyone, you really become nothing.” “Our user is 14 and under, [but] we market to Mom,” says Browning. “We design the facilities to be safe, clean, affordable. That it’s of value, that it’s worth her time and worth her money. And our goal is to create experiences and memories for these families.” Pursuing that niche meant offering lots of choices, so Urban Air Trampoline Park began adding attractions like bowling, ropes courses, climbing walls, indoor coasters, skydiving and go-
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COVER STORY
Mixing it Up to Keep it Fresh karting. Along with the diversification came a new name, Urban Air Adventure Park, that stressed the many activities to be enjoyed there. “We started with just trampolines, and now trampolines are only about 20% of our footprint,” says Browning. “We’re really focused on the active entertainment market.” He decided to offer “100% screenless entertainment,” which means any kind of attraction where his customers actually do something, be it climbing, running, throwing, jumping, moving. Everything at Urban Air is a physical activity that children and their parents can enjoy. Although the earliest Urban Air venues had traditional arcades, Browning is removing them and doesn’t plan to have them in any future locations.
The Jump to Franchising Initially Browning had no plans to franchise, but visitors who loved the experience began asking for a franchise if he wasn’t planning to open one in their home town. “So we finally just said, ‘Maybe we should look into this thing,’ and we started franchising and haven’t looked back,” recalls Browning. At that point Browning discovered the added value of the systems and procedures he and his partners had created so they could run more than one location. The manual they wrote became the foundation of the franchise operation. “There’s nothing left for the franchisees to figure out. We’re the experts in this,” says Browning, who keeps a close eye on the business to stay ahead of the game. “I have never missed a grand opening,” he says. “I go to every single one, and I look at how the new tricks and design elements and attractions that we’ve deployed are working. And then we take that back, and we look at it, and we make adjustments each and every time.” 30
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When Urban Air Parks substituted the word “adventure” for “trampoline” in its name, it committed to adjusting its mix of attractions to meet the changing tastes of its customers or to keep it competitive in its market. Bowling is an example; there are currently five locations with bowling, with a few more opening soon. “It’s still something that we’re testing, that we haven’t rolled out to every single one of our stores,” says Browning. “We believe there’s a place for it in the right area. If Main Event’s already there with bowling, I’m not going to put in bowling. I’ll let them have the bowling.” More than anything, Browning promises to keep evolving and innovating, even if it means taking out trampolines. “Someday, we may never have trampolines in our facility,” he says. “We’re going to go where the market goes, always claiming the latest and greatest innovations to the market, within sight of the active entertainment space.” Among the innovations he’s trying is virtual reality, having already tested or rolled out some VR attractions like Hologate that are space-efficient and offer some visual appeal for guests who
COVER STORY openings. “He’s actually been in the back area making pizzas for a grand opening for one of his franchisees,” says Rosendahl.
Bouncing Into The Future
are waiting in line to play. He is also working on a more varied food and beverage menu, taking a cue from the success of Topgolf. He’s so serious about improving the quality of his food and beverage offering that Browning recently hired Ken May, the former CEO of Topgolf, to be his executive chairman. “There’s no better guy than Ken, who disrupted the golf industry,” says Browning. Browning doesn’t overlook the more mundane aspects of running an FEC either. He spent several years looking for innovative and energy-efficient lighting for Urban Air; with 30-foot-high ceilings you need a lot of light. Ultimately, he found what he was looking for at the 2016 IAAPA show when he saw the VersaLamp LED fixture at the Colorsplash booth. “He walked by and kept walking by and looking at [it],” recalls PJ Rosendahl, president of Colorsplash. “Next thing you know he called his AV specialist and said, ‘I think I found exactly what we’ve been looking for.’” That fortuitous meeting turned into an exclusive arrangement under which Rosendahl has installed lighting in more than 40 Urban Air locations, with many more in the pipeline. “Michael’s very loyal to his vendors,” says Rosendahl, “in that if we treat his customers correctly and we do what we say we’re going to do, he doesn’t go anywhere else.” Rosendahl is also impressed by Browning’s hands-on style and dedication to his franchisees, having seen him helping out at store
Browning claims the average cost to open an Urban Air Adventure is $2.1 million and it generates average annual gross revenues of $3.1 million. (That’s a nice cut above the average FEC annual gross revenue of $2.5 million, according to IAAPA’s 2016 FEC Benchmark Report.) With that expected revenue and the benefit of an established brand, it wouldn’t be surprising if Browning meets his projected goal of 70 new franchises per year.
Another strong sign of Urban Air’s potential growth is the all-star board and team that Browning is assembling around him. In addition to Ken May, Browning’s mentor, Jay Thomas, recently signed on as chief commercial officer. Meanwhile, Browning continues to travel the world looking for new ideas and attractions to keep Urban Air Adventure Park fun and exciting. “We always have our eye out for stuff,” says Browning, which may be the best definition of an opportunistic entrepreneur. ❖
Robert Sax is a writer and PR consultant in Los Angeles. He grew up in Toronto, Canada, the home of five-pin bowling.
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OPERATIONS
The 4-1-1 On 9-1-1 cautionary tales about disasters that could strike your center. By Pamela Kleibrink Thompson
B
owling center proprietors must prepare for disasters before they strike, whether they are the whim of Mother Nature such as fires, tornadoes, floods, earthquakes and other catastrophes, or emergencies caused by humans such as active shootings. This is the first of two articles on disaster preparation.
Formulate a Plan Now Scott Snide, a security consultant, private investigator, and a retired forensic detective from the Albany, NY, police department, asks, “Are you prepared for acts of terrorism, violence, active shooters, sex offenders, lost children, bomb threats, fires and more?” Your business is probably not prepared, and just dialing 9-1-1 is not the answer anymore. Businesses need to be proactive in preparing for such events. “The main concern for proprietors is
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“I always tried to turn every disaster into an opportunity.” — John D. Rockefeller
protecting their customers, employees, investment and community from potential harm. I am a big proponent of having a set of policies and procedures that addresses a fire and evacuation plan, lockdown procedures, violence prevention plan, and an active shooter plan,” Snide says. “Once these plans are in place, constant training with staff is the key.”
Active Shooters
The Federal Bureau of Investigation shares how to deal with an active shooter. Knowing what to do can save lives. When an active shooter is in your vicinity, you must be prepared both mentally and physically to deal with the situation.
OPERATIONS The FBI says we have three options: run, hide, or fight. Run: Have an escape route and plan in mind. Leave your belongings behind. Evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow. Help others escape if possible. Do not attempt to move the wounded. Prevent others from entering an area where an active shooter may be. Call 9-1-1 when you are safe.
Hide: Hide in an area out of the shooter’s view. Lock the door or block entry to your hiding place. Silence your cell phone, including the vibrate mode and remain quiet.
fight: Fight as a last resort and only when your life is in imminent danger. Attempt to incapacitate the shooter. Act with as much physical aggression as possible. Improvise weapons or throw items at the active shooter. Commit to your actions–your life depends on it.
The FBI also shared what info to provide to 9-1-1 operators: 4 Location of the active shooter 4 Number of shooters 4 Physical description of shooter(s) 4 Number and type of weapons shooter(s) has 4 Number of potential victims at location When law enforcement arrives, you should: 4 Remain calm and follow instructions 4 Drop items in your hands (e.g. bags, jackets) 4 Raise hands and spread fingers 4 Keep hands visible at all times 4 Avoid quick movements toward officers, such as holding onto them for safety 4 Avoid pointing, screaming, or yelling 4 Do not ask questions when evacuating The first officers to arrive on scene will not stop to help the injured. Expect rescue teams to follow. These rescue teams will treat and remove the injured. Once you have reached a safe location, you will be held in that area by law enforcement until the situation is under control and all witnesses have been identified and questioned. Do not leave the area until law enforcement authorities have instructed you to do so.
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OPERATIONS Active Shooters and Bowling If you think this can’t happen in your center, think again. In the first four months of 2018, shots have been fired at the following locations: February 3: Parkway Bowl in El Cajon, CA February 3: Beech Grove Bowl in Beech Grove, IN February 18: Kings Bowling Alley in Chicago, IL March 22: Bowlero in Lone Tree, CO April 2: Nutmeg Bowl in Fairfield, CT April 28: Classic Bowling Center in Daly City, CA In 2017, shots were fired at centers in Memphis, TN; Daytona Beach, FL; and Cupertino, CA.
Preparing for Medical and Other Emergencies From A Proprietor’s Perspective John LaSpina, president of Maple Family Centers, a chain of bowling centers in New York and Florida, reflects on how he has prepared for medical and other types of emergencies.
a robbery. Our policy is to give the bad guy anything he wants; your life is more important than money. We can always find more money; we can’t find another you. We did ratchet up security in our urban center on weekends after gun shots [were fired] outside our building. Customers are now scanned. The public is used to that kind of thing in NYC.”
Fire Safety
LaSpina is paying more attention to fire protection. “We will conduct meetings with the staff and have a policy and a fire drill just in case of a fire. Having a fire safety plan is important. There will be safe places for the staff and public when there is an emergency happening. We always make sure that all panic bars work and that no door is ever locked with a chain or is blocked in any way. We check our Ansul John LaSpina systems (a fire suppression system) in the kitchens, have the hoods cleaned, and we make sure the Ansul system is tied into our alarm monitoring system. But nothing works better than training.” Training your team to deal with emergencies and being prepared for any situation is your best safety net. ❖
Next month Pamela Kleibrink Thompson covers the insurance end of disaster preparedness.
Disaster training can be low cost and sometimes free. Below is a list of resources:
Heart Attacks and AEDs
One of LaSpina’s decisions made a big difference. “Some years ago, I made a decision to purchase AED devices for all of our centers. There have been a number of medical emergencies through the years. Before our AED device was installed, a few bowlers had heart attacks and CPR was performed by either staff or bowlers, sometimes [with] good results, sometimes not.” During a Wednesday night men’s league at LaSpina’s Farmingdale Bowl in Farmingdale, NY, a bowler had a heart attack right on the lanes. “His three teammates were retired policemen and knew exactly what to do. They performed CPR, the AED was brought over, they used it, and the gent recovered and returned to bowling some time later. It gave me comfort to know that the decision I made had a success story connected to it.”
Robbery
LaSpina also remembers the not-so-great moments at his centers. He reminisces, “Many years ago, we did have
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American Red Cross, www.redcross.org and click on the tab Training & Certification for different programs offered. Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) Training. Sponsored by local police departments for civilians nationwide. CodeAdam.missingkids.org, part of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
Pamela Kleibrink Thompson lives in Idaho. In addition to writing, she is a career coach and scenario role player for peace officer training. Pamela worked as a production manager on the Emmy Award-winning animated series The Simpsons, where she bowled regularly with members of the crew. She speaks on career issues at conferences all over the world. You can reach Pamela at PamRecruit@q.com.
FEATURE
By Mark Miller
W
alk up to the Rock ‘N’ Bowl on the west side of New Orleans, and there’s no doubt what lies inside. One wall is a colorful mural promoting the history of this venue under its previous name, Mid-City Lanes. Near the front door is a sign for the Front Porch Grill. Above the entrance is a gold, blue, and red sign with an arrow pointing down to guide and welcome you to the experience you are about to enjoy. Inside is a stage and dance floor where patrons bide many a night. This place is where bowling meets live music. For nearly a decade in its current location — and 30 years in its previous facility a mile away — Rock ‘N’ Bowl has been a Big Easy icon. Now, its success has helped owner John Blancher and son Johnny open a second location 133 miles to the west in Lafayette. A third location is expected in 2019 as part of the Imperial Market redevelopment project in the former Imperial Sugar factory in Sugarland, TX, outside Houston. To best understand how the new Rock ‘N’ Bowl came to be, it’s important to know more about its heritage. The original Mid-City Lanes was opened by Jimmy Wittenberg in 1941 on the second floor of a building about one mile north of the current location on Carrollton Avenue. The Knights of Columbus bought it from Wittenberg in 1963 and in 1988 it became Blancher’s, even with no bowling background. Armed with a Master’s degree in education from Northwest Louisiana University and a Bachelor’s from Loyola University in New Orleans, he had taught school for several years before discovering the bowling and entertainment business. Blancher eventually bought Mid-City Lanes. “I took over [on] Day One, not knowing it was [to] my advantage [not to have bowling center experience] because I didn’t see the bowling alley through a league bowler’s eyes,” Blancher said. “I’d done some catering; I had done some crawfish boils at other venues. When I saw the bowling alley didn’t have much business, it didn’t intimidate me because what I saw was a catering hall that had a bowling alley, and why couldn’t I do parties?”
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FEATURE
The original Rock ‘N’ Bowl in New Orleans
He also saw it as a performance venue. In 1989, Blancher added live music, booking Johnny J and the Hitmen as the inaugural act. He also immediately had the Rock ‘N’ Bowl name trademarked in Louisiana and picked up a national trademark in the mid-1990s. That’s when he expanded to the ground floor level with another bar and stage for live shows below the lanes. “I saw it as an opportunity,” he said. “When I first had the idea of parties and music and bowling, you’d have thought I had a third eye. I heard from people who said I’m absolutely nuts.” Hurricane Katrina changed everything in 2005, when the lower level was ruined but the bowling lanes and upstairs venue were virtually untouched. After the storm, new people bought the building on Tulane Avenue and were looking to double Blancher’s rent. So, when his lease was close to expiring, he started looking for another place. After a long search, Blancher found his current location which is next to his restaurant which he has owned since 2003. He made the move in 2009 and it has turned out even better than he expected. “It’s been John and Johnny Blancher at the opening of Rock ‘N’ Bowl de Lafayette
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great. To do what I want to do has been profitable,” Blancher said. Every Wednesday through Saturday, and many Sundays, bands playing everything from rhythm and blues, Zydeco, Cajun, rock, blues and jazz bring in crowds. The venue can hold just under 900 people. The 18 lanes are normally filled with party-goers and other recreational bowlers since Rock ‘N’ Bowl only has two standing leagues. During summer, day camps and outof-school students keep the lanes busy, as do people wanting respite from the intense heat and humidity. The success in New Orleans had long ago planted thoughts of the Blanchers someday opening a second location. When Blancher and his family evacuated to Lafayette during Hurricane Katrina, they stayed with his wife Debra’s family. Lafayette became their prime target for their second location. “I felt like I was home,” John said. “I looked at the town and thought this is a town that likes
John Blancher
to party. I just thought it was the most natural place for [Rock ‘N’ Bowl] to go and people would be easily drawn to it. Ever since Katrina, my son and I had been looking for a spot and we were in a position to do it.” The Blanchers purchased a five-story, 56,000-square-foot building in downtown Lafayette in 2016 for $2.5 million. The building was formerly the Whitney Bank. The Blanchers then spent another $2.5 million to transform the first two floors into the deluxe entertainment complex. The old bank’s first floor vault is now a private dining area for up to 14 people. The second floor vault serves as a wine cellar. Throughout the venue is walnut wood décor worth an estimated $1 million. The property now features 16 bowling lanes, with a stage and dance floor placed squarely between them. The restaurant, The Sainte Marie, opened a few weeks after the bowling center. As
FEATURE an ode to the area’s Catholic heritage, The Sainte Marie restaurant includes a kneeling altar inside the main entrance, a Blessed Virgin Mary statue, and church pews serve as seating along the dance floor. The pews came from St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in New Orleans where Blancher was married, his children were baptized, and his parents renewed their vows. A second floor space for wedding receptions and private events is booking up fast. Various commercial tenants rent offices on the third and fourth floors while the fifth floor is vacant. “I think we’ve created the best venue — this [venue] kind of one-ups everything,” said Johnny, who moved to Lafayette to manage the facility. “And I keep hearing people say there’s nothing like this in Lafayette, but I say there’s nothing like this anywhere. It’s a unique venue that has unique features. They’ve been calling it the Rock ‘N’ Bowl Cathedral. [The venue] opened with a mass.” The opening night “mass” in July was organized by area priests, and the first song played at the Rock ‘N’ Bowl de Lafayette was the Latin chant Ave Maria. That was followed by live music performed by Lafayette music icon Roddie Romero & The Hub City AllStars. More than 500 people attended the soft opening, including Lafayette’s mayor, members of the city council, the downtown development authority, and friends from New Orleans.
The opening party at Rock ‘N’ Bowl de Lafayette is a smash
Not only has son Johnny, 42, moved his family to Lafayette to operate the new venue, he also will oversee the Texas operations and possible future offshoots in places like Las Vegas. That’s perfectly fine for Blancher, who, at age 65 and with three decades of success in New Orleans, is content to oversee the flagship operation. It allows more time with his daughter Eve and her husband Jimmy Hankins, who manages the New Orleans restaurant. It also allows Blancher time to spend with his six grandchildren, ages 8 to 15. “So much of this business is being hands on, always being here,” John said. “Prior to my heart surgery (in 2016) I had missed in 28 years only two Thursdays, two Fridays, and five Saturdays. I was always here. I built the business, day by day, into personal relationships, and that’s been a big part of it. While the Rock ‘N’ Bowl 42
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The lanes and dance floor at Rock ‘N’ Bowl de Lafayette
concept could work, I wasn’t sure if I was the person who could bring it to that next level. It took a long time for us to make the decision. Since Johnny wanted to do it, I said let’s do it.” Johnny plans to spend the first year learning the likes and dislikes of the live music crowd in Lafayette especially in the middle of the week. While he’s been happy to hear positive first impressions of the place, he knows it’s a work in progress. “Personally, I feel we have a long way to go,” Johnny said. “There are a lot of things I want to do.” “Certainly there are some things we’ll be able to do that we weren’t able to do before,” Johnny said. “There are cross-overs; we’ve been importing into New Orleans the Arcadian-Lafayette music for the last 30 years. This is kind of an opportunity to flip-flop that and give the Arcadian people music that they’ve been yearning for.” With 38,000 square feet all under one roof, the new Rock ‘N’ Bowl de Lafayette is bigger than the original. With a capacity of about 1,200 people, Lafayette can book bigger acts than its parent. “It allows us to book groups that draw crowd sizes in between the arenas and the small clubs,” Johnny said. “There are a lot of artists who have to find a place to fit.” Whether in New Orleans or Lafayette, Rock ‘N’ Bowl patrons can enjoy a nice Louisiana style meal, listen and dance to some great music, and partake in some bowling. Sounds like two places to truly Let the Good Times Roll! ❖
Mark Miller is a freelance writer, editor, and public relations specialist from Flower Mound, TX. He's the author of Bowling: America's Greatest Indoor Pastime available at Amazon.com or directly from him at markmywordstexas@gmail.com.
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CLASSIFIEDS EQUIPMENT FOR SALE LARGE INVENTORY USED EQUIPMENT: 16 lanes synthetic panels, foulline forward; 60 lanes, pindecks; 40 lanes Steltronic auto scoring, “Focus”; or 24 lanes Steltronic auto scoring, “Wins”; or 60 lanes Qubica auto scoring. Will separate all and/or sell parts. Conversion boards for flat screen conversion, for any brand; 40 lanes Vantage or Brunswick GLO swing seating, very nice; ZOT belt-drive “ball kickers”; 16 or 24-lane pkg, completely modernized & beautiful, will relocate to your location; could include Laser Tag. knotritellc@gmail.com. NEW & USED Pro Shop Equipment. Jayhawk Bowling Supply. (800) 255-6436 or jayhawkbowling.com. REPAIR & EXCHANGE. Call for details (248) 375-2751.
EQUIPMENT WANTED LANE MACHINES WANTED. We will purchase your KEGEL-built machine, any age or condition. Call (608) 764-1464.
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POSITION WANTED Certified Brunswick mechanic versed on all American and Japanese serial machines and ZOT conversions. Seeking part time or full time in the Denver and central Colorado area. Will furnish all tools and equipment. Very experienced; with excellent references. Call (303) 948-8770 or (720) 527-4287.
EDUCATION & TRAINING PRO SHOP TRAINING. Classes always forming. Jayhawk Bowling Supply (800) 255-6436 or jayhawkbowling.com.
SERVICES AVAILABLE ATTENTION: AMF 82-30 owners! Chassis rebuilding & all AMF 82-30 motor rebuilding. One-year guarantee. We deliver. [We reserve the right to decline service.] For information, call (330) 716-5735. Drill Bit Sharpening and Measuring Ball Repair. Jayhawk Bowling Supply. (800) 255-6436 or jayhawkbowling.com. AMF and some BRUNSWICK PC board repair/exchange. 6-month warranty, fast turnaround. Call or write: WB8YJF Service 5586 Babbitt Road, New Albany, Ohio 43054 Toll Free: 888-902-BOWL (2695) Ph./Fax: (614) 855-3022 (Jon) E-mail: wb8yjf@sbcglobal.net Visit us on the WEB! http://home.earthlink.net/~wb8yjf/
CENTERS FOR SALE OHIO: Well-established 42-lane center: Brunswick A-2 jetbacks; AS 90 scoring w/all upgrades; new upper flat screens. Includes restaurant, snack bar, nursery, liquor license. 42,000 s/f bldg. on 5.46 acres in the city. COMPLETE TURNKEY OPERATION. Contact Allan Anderson, (740) 503-0452. CENTRAL IDAHO: Busy, updated, 8-lane (synthetic) center: electronic scorekeeping, league play & 50-seat restaurant with drive thru. Easy highway access. Assumable loan. Call (775) 720-2726 for more details. FLORIDA: Central. Attractive, mid-sized center with revenues trending up. Owner retiring. Call David Driscoll (352) 735-8065.
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CLASSIFIEDS PROPRIETORS WITH AMF 82-70 S.S. & M.P. MACHINES Save $$ on Chassis & P.C. Board Exchange & Repair! A reasonable alternative for Chassis and P.C. Board Exchanges MIKE BARRETT Call for Price List
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Bowling Parts, Inc. P.O. Box 801 Tulia, Texas 79088 Call (806) 995-3635 Email - daryl@tuckerbowling.com
www.tuckerbowling.com
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TECHNICIAN NEEDED QubicaAMF, the world’s largest bowling equipment provider, is seeking a technician wanting to take their skills to the next level by joining our Technical Support team located in Richmond, Virginia. We are seeking a self-motivated professional with excellent communication skills, who pays attention to details, is a great listener and technical troubleshooter. The ideal candidate will have practical knowledge on lanes, ball returns and scoring equipment and working knowledge of pinspotters and/or pinsetters. They will know safety procedures and standards of bowling equipment. Can easily troubleshoot, identify and suggest repairs and/or replacements of malfunctioning bowling equipment. This position will be will be responsible for answering incoming calls for customers, conducting comprehensive assessments of issues, troubleshooting and providing solutions to challenges. We offer a competitive compensation package which includes medical and a 401K plan. If you have the desire to work for the market leader in the industry, please send your resume along with a cover letter detailing your experience to Peggy Martin at pmartin@qubicaamf.us.
MINIATURE GOLF COURSES Indoor/Outdoor. Portable/Pre-Fab. Black Light/Traditional/Pro Putter. 202 Bridge Street Jessup, PA 18434 570-489-8623 www.minigolfinc.com
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