THE WORLD'S ONLY MAGAZINE DEVOTED EXCLUSIVELY TO THE BUSINESS OF BOWLING
CONTENTS
VOL 19.9
6 ISSUE AT HAND
26 CENTER STAGE
Retro vs. Retro
The Spare Room
By Scott Frager
A re-creation of late 19th century opulence set in an old Hollywood hotel By Bree Gutierrez
8 SHORTS Redemption Plus turns 15
30 FEATURE Bowling for Kids’ Sake Why one not-for-profit selects bowling as its flagship fundraiser.
13 BOWL EXPO WRAP-UP
Dust Bowl
46 REMEMBER WHEN 1965 Calling All Girls captures an era
24 INDUSTRY UPDATE New USBC Prez
36 Showcase 38 Datebook
By Mark Miller
39 Classifieds
34
4
IBI
September 2011
keer@bowlingindustry.com
OFFICE MANAGER Patty Heath heath@bowlingindustry.com
SPECIAL PROJECTS Jackie Fisher fisher@bowlingindustry.com
ART DIRECTION & PRODUCTION Designworks www.dzynwrx.com (818) 735-9424
34 MARKETING
By Mark Miller
Jim Sturm brings proprietor and BPAA experience to his new role
EDITORIAL CONSULTANT Gregory Keer
13245 Riverside Dr., Suite 501 Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 (818) 789-2695(BOWL) Fax (818) 789-2812 info@bowlingindustry.com
26
By Bree Gutierrez
holmes@bowlingindustry.com
FOUNDER Allen Crown (1933-2002)
Sowing youth bowling across the U.S.
Revitalized Downtown Tulsa is home to a “new” 1970s center
DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING Chris Holmes
By Robin Breuner
The Johnny Appleseeds of Bowling
18 COVER STORY
frager@bowlingindustry.com Skype: scottfrager
CONTRIBUTORS Robin Bruener Bree Gutierrez Patty Heath Mark Miller
18
QubicaAMF and SEGA partner up Bowling pins inspire wild and crazy art
PUBLISHER & EDITOR Scott Frager
www.BowlingIndustry.com
HOTLINE: 888-424-2695 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, 13245 Riverside Drive, Suite 501, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 USA. If possible, please furnish address mailing label. Printed in U.S.A. Copyright 2010, B2B Media, Inc. No part of this magazine may be reprinted without the publisher’s permission.
MEMBER AND/OR SUPPORTER OF:
THE ISSUE AT HAND
Retro vs. Retro If motor heads have their ‘66 Mustangs, foodies have their gastrodiners and aviators have the classic Boeing 707. . . what do bowlers seeking a real retro bowling experience have to enjoy? For the past 20 years, or so, retro bowling has been the not-so-secret code word for a center whose ownership simply chooses to not keep up with the times and modernize. Some proprietors take cover behind the retro word, hoping to stave off the inevitable and imperative decision to upgrade. Unfortunately, since there’s no way to postpone or stop time, it becomes more and more difficult for proprietors to shield themselves by calling their run down center “retro.” The above strategy typically backfires with the center and the proprietor paying the ultimate price for neglect. Consumers are just way too savvy to be sold on “faux-retro.” But once in a great while, an idea is born that really changes the way we think about things. Case in point: Elliot Nelson’s Dust Bowl in Downtown Tulsa, OK. Nelson took the idea of creating a retro bowling center and pushed it to the extreme--from installing real, refurbished
maple lanes to the installation of authentic, manual scoring tables and the purchase of brand-new plaid carpet. No expense was spared to recreate the true ambience of bowling’s heydays in a top-of-the-line new center. And, therein lies the reason why we chose to feature Dust Bowl as our cover story this month. For the lucky bowlers lining up to patronize Dust Bowl, they will have the opportunity to travel back in time to enjoy and appreciate the sport and game just as their parents and grandparents did. A period in time when in order to play, one needed to know how to actually count pins and keep score. But, we didn’t end our retro tour at the 50s and 60s. In our feature about The Spare Room, a high end bar and nightclub with several lanes of bowling, two young proprietors transport us back to the turn of the century and the gilded age of robber barons and aristocrats. Marc Rose and Med Abrous have literally taken a spare room at a swank Hollywood, CA hotel and transformed the space into what can be described as a 19th century gaming parlor. A place where any Rockefeller, Morgan, Getty or their modern-day counterparts (Pitt, Kutcher, Kardashian) would feel right at home. Today is an exciting time to be in the business of bowling. We are traditional centers, boutiques, family entertainment centers and more. We are free-standing buildings, anchors in malls, and located inside skyscrapers and hotels. IBI is proud to celebrate such diversity.. – SCOTT FRAGER, PUBLISHER AND EDITOR frager@bowlingindustry.com
THIS MONTH AT www.BowlingIndustry.com The first week in August was National Bowling Week. Where better to spend a hot August morning, afternoon or evening than in a “cool” bowling center! All over the country centers promoted bowling to attempt a new, national record of games bowled on a single day, August 6. IBI wanted to get into the spirit–introducing Team IBI left to right: Chris ”The Hook” Holmes; Patty “Bumper Girl” Heath; Scott “Striker” Frager; and Jackie “Splitz” Fisher. The photo took place at Pinz in Studio City. Scores, of course, will be kept secret! But, needless to say, we will not be bowling the pro circuit any time soon. Photo credit: Ellie Frager
6
IBI
September 2011
SHORTS
CHARITY ON THE LANES
BOWLING FOR...
8
IBI
Just when you thought we had covered all the possible topics for which people turn to bowling, along come some more. These are just a few of the efforts put forth in August. American Dream: Harbor Lanes in Eureka, CA held a fundraiser, “Bowling for the American Dream” sponsored by the Humboldt Association of Realtors. The tournament goal was to raise funds to benefit housing affordability and support programs which help workforce families attain homeownership. Wildlife: Heaven’s Corner is an education zoo and exotic animal rescue and sanctuary located in West Alexandria, IL. The zoo is home to many species of rescued animals, including tigers, bears, snakes and more. A fundraiser to help maintain this project which is funded by admissions and donations only was held at Timber Lanes in Clayton, IL Boobs: Pardon the slang but breast cancer still remains the third leading cause of death in the country according to the World Health Organization. The third annual Bowling for Boobs was held at Riverside Lanes in Colusa, CA to help Colusa County Breast Cancer Foundation raise money to support patients and educate the public about prevention and early detection. The proceeds will be used entirely in Colusa County for victim support including transportation and utility bills while patients go through treatment. Jobs: Goodwill Industries’ fourth annual “Bowling for Jobs” BowlA-Thon was held at Ace Bowling Center in Montgomery, AL. Teams comprised of workers from Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, Maxwell Air Force Base and the local CBS and ABC television stations participated. The money raised goes toward Goodwill’s Workforce Development Department, which provides training to those with disabilities. Kristen Sherer, public relations director for Goodwill Industries said that past events had raised about $5,000 from a silent auction, entry fees and sponsorships. Hunger: In a weak economy, even the most fundamental of necessities needs help. The 2nd Annual Bowl for Hunger was held at Woodbridge Bowling Center in Woodbridge, NJ. It was organized by “We Feed,” a group devoted to stocking the township’s foodbanks and serving over 500 families a month. Kids: Bowl-a-thons, tournaments, and fundraisers abound helping children. Town & Country Lanes in Keizer, OR stepped up for 7-year-old Justine Sanchez who has Ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T), a terminal, genetic disorder. Brunswick Bowling Center in Columbia, GA raised money for pediatric CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome). Cal Oaks Brunswick Bowl in Murrieta, CA hosted a “Bowlathon” for local disabled and children’s groups. Bowling is always a good way to bring people together to do something for the greater good. Kudos to all the centers that make fundraising part of their activities. We would love to hear what your center has done. Email us at info@bowlingindustry.com.
September 2011
QUBICAAMF AND SEGA AMUSEMENTS TO JOINTLY SERVICE THE LEISURE INDUSTRY QubicaAMF Worldwide, a leader in bowling products and services, and SEGA Amusements Europe Ltd., a major company in the coin-op amusement arena, have announced as of July 6 the formation of a strategic alliance which has, as stated, “one common purpose, to make investors successful …by providing local distribution coverage in Europe and Russia and will allow both companies to offer expanded product lines.” “The Strategic Alliance that we have formed with QubicaAMF is another example of us working with the best global brand names in the amusement and entertainment sector,” stated Paul Williams, COO of SEGA Amusement Europe. “Between us both we have extensive coverage across our sales territory and the ability to offer a complete turnkey solution of amusement and bowling.” Ron Wood, Senior Vice President of QubicaAMF International Sales & Service said, “This alliance is a perfect example of how both SEGA and QubciaAMF are constantly looking for ways to strengthen our sales and distribution network in the European and Russian markets.” QubicaAMF with over 50 years of experience and an install base of more than 10,000 centers has offices in 15 countries. SEGA Amusements Europe Ltd. develops and distributes coin operated amusement games, novelty games, kids’ products, simulators and attractions for Europe, Russia and the Middle East.
SHORTS
QUATRO INVESTMENTS ACQUIRES ROWLETT BOWL-A-RAMA Chuck Lande, owner/operator of Rowlett Bowl-a-Rama, announced the acquisition of his center in Rowlette, TX by Quatro Investments of Wichita Falls, TX. Quatro is a diverse investment group whose holdings include bowling centers, vacation properties and other investments in the southwest section of the United States. Stephen Causey, Operations Manager of Quatro said, “We have been looking to acquire another bowling center for quite a while. … Bowl-aRama intrigues us because it was a total turn-key opportunity.”
A NEW CAT ON THE SCENE The Lucky Strike chain of high-end, boutique bowling centers has teamed up with PUMA to create an exclusive bowling shoe. The launch event was held at NYC’s Lucky Strike Lanes on July 28th. The new, hip PUMA will be found only at the following Lucky Strike locations: Lucky Strike LA Live, Hollywood, Boston, Manhattan, Houston and Miami.
Lande added, “We have turned down many offers to sell Bowl-a-Rama in the past, because we didn’t feel the offers were in the best interests of our loyal customers or dedicated staff. However, we are extremely confident that this acquisition is in the best interests of everyone involved.” The center is an award winning, neighborhood family entertainment center featuring 26 lanes of bowling, tournament quality billiard tables, video arcade, prize redemption center, full service sports grill and bar, and private party rooms.
25 Years of Hot August Nights Remember when times were simpler? No cell phones? Celebrations became events? Well, Reno does. Hot August Nights has been “happening” for 25 years. Organizers looked back on the inaugural event when the bandstand started to tilt and needed a forklift to right it; beer was poured without ever turning off the tap for four or five hours at a stretch; 50s cars lined the streets; and Edd “Kookie” Byrnes from the “77 Sunset Strip” TV show and Wolfman Jack, the iconic radio DJ, chatted with the folk. This year a new twist has been added but keeping with the tone of that bygone time. Bowling! The Strike, Rattle and Bowl tournament at the National Bowling Stadium will benefit the Sniff Out Peanuts charity and be followed by a dance. Nothing could go better with the 50s and 60s than bowling. Dolly Belzman, one of the original volunteers, remembers growing up in Reno. “We either went roller skating or bowling,” she said.
The first Hot August Nights in 1986 had a Marilyn Monroe look-alike contest 10
IBI
September 2011
SHORTS
FROM PINS TO ART
Colorado artists find inspiration in bowling pins Artists Assembled is an artist networking group that allows Northern Colorado artists to interact with each other. It hosted its second Bowl-ARama exhibit at the Art Lab in Fort Collins. Utilitarian bowling pins whose sole purpose is to be knocked down stood tall as artists found creative outlets for the distinctive shape. Amelia Caruso, a member of the group stated, “These pins make them [the artists] think outside the box, using materials and subject that are not in their comfort zone.” Although the show is not annual, it “has become a favorite of everyone, the artists Angel pin by Kelly Jones Steampunk by Wendy and the town.” Van Fleet
Cannonball by Liesbeth Schoolwerth Gren
Photos courtesy of Liesbeth Schoolwerth Gren
Celebrates 15 Years Happy Birthday! Redemption Plus of Lenexa, KS, a direct wholesale importer with four distinct brands, in addition to an extensive line of redemption merchandise, celebrates 15 years and going strong. Besides merchandise, Redemption Plus offers management consulting to help Family Entertainment Centers develop and deliver a well-rounded entertainment program. “When I founded this company, I had a vision to bring technology to the industry to make our customers’ lives easier. I’m lucky to have found such a fantastic team that can bring that vision to life,” says Ron Hill, President and CEO. “We don’t plan on stopping here. We’ll continue innovating to help make our customers more successful.”
IBI
September 2011
11
SHORTS
LOOKING AHEAD Groundbreakings, openings and new beginnings at a glance
Big Al’s is looking to expand according to Daniel Kirkwood of Kirkwood & Kirkwood, a family-owned real estate development company based in Vancouver since 2006. Presently Big Al’s has sites in Beaverton, OR and Vancouver, WA. The new facility will be located in Meridian, ID boasting a 66,000 square-foot center with 42 state-of-the-art bowling lanes, a sports bar and grill and a 7,000 square-foot arcade with a $14 million price tag. The architect is Scott Edwards Architecture of Portland, OR and the opening is scheduled for August 2012. ❋❋❋
After 46 years and a one-year vacancy, Sunrise Bowl of Zanesville, OH plans a reopening. The property was purchased at a sheriff’s sale by Tom Ickes and Robert Levy. The idea is to renovate with new lanes and monitors, add a bar and upgrade the pizza kitchen. September has been set for the resumption of business. ❋❋❋
Downtown Disney in Lake Buena Vista, FL is getting a bowling center as part of the shopping and entertainment district’s makeover. Splitsville, a 50,000 square-foot center will include bowling, billiards, dining, music and nightlife. Construction is to begin in the fall.
Artist’s rendering of Splitsville in Downtown Disney, Florida.
A $7 million, 33,000 square-foot family entertainment center is planned for Bluffton, South Carolina. Station 300 in Buckwalter Place will offer 24 bowling lanes, a sports lounge, dining and a gaming center. The groundbreaking was in June A rendering of Station 300 which will be part with an opening set for of Buckwalter Place in Bluffton, South Carolina. January 2012. ❋❋❋
Edwardsville, IL can look forward to a trendy, 12-lane, boutique bowling and entertainment center planned for the end of the year. Groundbreaking took place in July. The business will also include laser tag, an arcade, food, a bar and lounge, and a yogurt bar. Partners Matt McSparin and Terry Rujawitz plan to call it Edison’s a la the tag “What a Bright Idea.” ❋❋❋
After being dark for one year, Park Lanes, a 50-lane center in Mansfield, OH, was purchased by Ron Speck, a local builder. Plans are to make extensive renovations and reopen by the end of September. Sandy Hansell and Associates, Inc. brokered the transaction. IBI
September 2011
Intercard Inc., established in 1979 and headquartered in St. Louis, MO with sales territories around the world, has hired Jason Mitchell, a sales representative with over 25 years of experience in the family amusement center industry, to be its new Domestic Sales Representative. Intercard Inc. is a leading provider of cashless systems Jason Mitchell including the company’s three debit card readers: the i-nano, an affordable wireless wifi reader; the i-Reader with interactive graphics; and the newest product, the i-Eclipse featuring flashing, color changing lights. According to Scott Sherrod, President, “We are excited to have a sales representative of Jason’s caliber on board. His extensive experience, customer relationships and management background in the amusement and related industries will be an asset to us and to our customers.”
Media
❋❋❋
12
PEOPLEWATCHING
WATCH
GAGA FOR BOWLING Stefani Germanotta, aka Lady Gaga, chatting on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live,’ said that it wouldn’t cost men a lot to take her out because her ideal night would be to go tenpin bowling and have a few beers. Taking a more discriminating look at the photo, one would wonder HOW she could bowl due to those exotic nails. Hmmm, it does challenge the imagination!!
CHRIS BARNES GUESTS ON THE TODAY SHOW PBA star Chris Barnes made an appearance on NBC’s The Today Show, Friday, August 19. Barnes joined hosts Kathi Lee Gifford, Hoda Kotb and their moms to offer bowling tips and do a few special moves. Three local youth bowlers rounded out the group. The segment was taped at Bowlmore Lanes (Manhattan).
BOWL EXPO WRAP UP
BOWL EXPO WRAP UP
IBI
September 2011
13
BOWL EXPO WRAP UP
14
IBI
September 2011
BOWL EXPO WRAP UP
16
IBI
September 2011
COVER STORY
18
IBI
September 2011
COVER STORY By Bree Gutierrez
T
he Dust Bowl Lanes and Lounge, although brand new, is not your typical modernized bowling center. With a super retro design and feel, this center takes you back to the days of dark wood paneling, green couches and plaid carpets. “To me the feel I wanted out of the bowling center was really comfortable,” owner Elliot Nelson said. “Bowling is more about pitchers of beer and Middle America than maybe black lights and martinis…People feel comfortable kicking back and having a cold beer.” Nelson said he wanted his bowling center to have the look and feel of a 1970s bowling alley. “To me, that kind of look and motif goes back to when bowling was the main sport of America and there were bowling centers all over the place,” he said. “It’s about capturing a time and a feel of when bowling was something different.” Dust Bowl is the sixth project in a revitalization of Downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma by Nelson’s company, McNellie’s Group. “Downtown Tulsa has been a depressed area for a long time,” Nelson explained. “For me, I just tried to figure out how we could keep building a neighborhood and adding different things to it without cannibalizing the stuff we’ve already done.” After completing several restaurants and bars already, building a bowling center was an important strategic move for Nelson. “The bowling alley was important to me because it was an entertainment venue that wasn’t solely focused on just eating and drinking,” he said. “It was an activity. That’s something we were lacking down here. We just had bars and restaurants and, at best, live music is your entertainment option so that’s why a bowling alley made
Photos courtesy of McNellie’s group
IBI
September 2011
19
COVER STORY
sense.” And the best part? Bowling has such a wide appeal, it’s something that really anyone can do. Nelson is also bucking the trend of the glitzy, new bowling center by passing up automatic scoring and having patrons tally their scores by hand. “Manual scoring was real important to us,” says Nelson. “Just to add another layer of casualness to it where you don’t feel rushed, you don’t have a screen blinking at you all the time.” Nelson explained manual scoring helps create the relaxed atmosphere he feels a bowling alley should embrace. If a patron needs a break for a drink or a rest, skipping a turn and catching up requires no labor or frustration around a computer. “It’s about embracing that kind of image of what bowling used to be before it got put in all these high 20
IBI
September 2011
rent entertainment districts,” Nelson said. He wanted the atmosphere to dictate how his center functioned and how people experience the fun and casual environment. “I think that manual scoring really sets the tone for the whole place and that’s just as much as the décor,” Nelson said. “If anything, I think that’s the most important feature of the whole place.” As for his retro look? “My vision was plaid carpet and paper thin wood paneling that everyone had in their house in the 70s,” Nelson said. “I had a lot of different plaid carpet swatches and so really the color palette was dictated by the plaid carpet we liked best…We tried to make sure everything fit together.” Nelson kept the Dust Bowl true to his retro look by using almost entirely refurbished equipment. The lanes, the scoring tables, even the pinsetters and pins are all refurbished. “Everybody is doing artificial laminate lanes now. I wanted the real wood lanes because I think they sound better,” Nelson said. “When we bought the lanes, we bought eight extra lengths of lane and used that old bowling lane to build the bar top.” Nelson and his affiliates were able to find 1950s era Brunswick scoring tables and ball returns and 1960s era AMF pinsetters. Nelson did not encounter any trouble finding pinsetters for his manual scoring concept. “According to our guy, the technology in those hasn’t changed much,” he explained. “The electronic scoring is just something you add on to it, but it’s the same general mechanism.” Nelson explained part of the appeal in buying old buildings for new businesses is getting a great look without much effort. “The exterior walls (in Dust Bowl) we left original; we didn’t touch them,” Nelson said. “It was an early 1930s warehouse with some weird plaster still on the walls in places. Part of the reason I keep doing these old buildings is you get a great look out of them without really doing anything. It’s cool to begin with.” Nelson paid close attention to the fine details of his retro
COVER STORY
center, including the menu. “We do a bunch of tater tots,” he said. “The tater tot menu is just something we did for fun.” Nelson also features onion burgers on his menu, inspired by the little town of El Reno in Western Oklahoma. “El Reno has this kind of hamburger called Onion Burgers that they popularized back in the Depression,” Nelson explained. “Instead of putting a bunch of beef in the burger, they put a bunch of string onions in it. They mashed the meat and the onions together to save money.” Nelson said the menu also includes hand dipped corn dogs and the Ziggy Piggy dessert inspired by the movie “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure.” He even paid tribute to “The Big Lebowski” by offering an all cream-based cocktail menu. “We tried to keep it pretty basic,” Nelson said. “Going back to our mission in the neighborhood, part of this was to provide an entertainment venue… we didn’t want to make the menu too excessive because we still hope that this is part of an overall experience of people coming down for the night.” Nelson explained it’s the finer details of his overall design that keeps his retro center true to form. “Our pricing is up on one of those blackboards with the little clip in letters and numbers,” he said. “We actually have one 22
IBI
September 2011
of those back lit concession stand boards that looks the same way, and we put our beer menu up on that. It’s little stuff like that to me that I don’t think people really notice but for me kind of makes every detail kind of right. We got these really bad brown plastic cafeteria looking bowls that we put the tater tots in,” Nelson said. He thinks some customers may think Dust Bowl skimped on the selection of plate and silverware settings, but it’s all part of the retro theme. Nelson feels all of these little details add to the authenticity of the venue. Even the old bowling shoes Nelson tracked down had to match his color palette. “You have to make sure that stuff is just right,” he said. “It’s all very important. Normally people only think you pay this much attention to detail when you’re building something really nice, but sometimes you do when you’re making something look intentionally 70s.” The restaurant group has built 12 restaurants and bars in the last seven years. “When we finished this one, we felt wow, we really nailed it,” he said. “There’s only a couple [of McNellie’s establishments] we can go in and feel, ‘Yes! We absolutely nailed this, it’s perfect!’ and this is one of them.” ❖
Bree Gutierrez, holding a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism, is a freelance writer and preschool teacher residing in Southern California with her husband and son.
INDUSTRY UPDATE
RIGHTING THE SHIP? In his first interview as the new USBC president, Jim Sturm shares his vision. By Mark Miller
P
eople like Jim Sturm admit they find it hard to sit back and watch things develop and not be able to directly help. Anyone like the South Charleston, WV, bowling proprietor always wants to be at the forefront of whatever they do. So it shouldn’t be a surprise that the Dunbar Bowling Center owner decided to run for United States Bowling Congress president in July. What may have caught some off-guard was that he won. Sturm isn’t one of them. “I spent five or six years sitting on the board watching and observing,” Sturm said. “I’ve served on a tremendous amount of committees back to the ABC (the American Bowling Congress) due to my years of involvement with the bowling proprietor side of things. With my contacts and experience I thought I could help USBC. About March or April people were calling me with questions that frankly I wasn’t in a position to answer. So to be able to do it, this was my chance. The timing was great because I have a great staff at my center. I had the opportunity to do this so I called (USBC Executive Director) Stu (Upson) and told him my intention.” Just like fellow proprietor and ex-Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America President Jeff Bojé serving as USBC president from 2007-10, Sturm’s election is creating mixed feelings in the industry. Traditionalists like longtime USBC association officials claim it’s more evidence the Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America is taking over their organization. They probably would have liked Darlene Baker to have served beyond the one
year between Bojé and Sturm. Others are definitely happy Sturm was elected. They like his business background and what he accomplished leading BPAA. Sturm has been on the USBC Board of Directors since 2007 when he was BPAA president, part of 30 years serving the sport at the local, state and national levels. He was one of the people responsible for the creation of the International Bowling Campus in Arlington, Texas. “Bringing the International Bowling Campus together, I became engrossed in what’s going on. I became involved in issues like membership,” Sturm said. “One of the most significant things I can bring is my experience working in the bowling business
INDUSTRY UPDATE since I was 13 years old, 38 years ago. It’s the only thing I’ve done. Because I’ve seen the good and the bad; because of my relationships in our local association, I can do and say what’s right to help the sport and help the game.” There are those who resent Sturm, Bojé, past BPAA president Joe Schumacher, former USBC president Mike Carroll and former BPAA Executive Director John Berglund for helping prompt USBC’s move to Texas, a move that USBC has admitted led to losing more than $6.2 million in 2008-09 and 2009-10. Others commend all involved for doing what they believed was best for bowling in the long run. “One thing that has to happen is a tremendous amount of communications with the board and the associations,” Sturm said. “We have to give them the right communications and the tasks to do what they do best. It will be a re-education. One of my goals is to get our national board more engaged in the business side. We are a business, a business that depends on the 24 people on the board. I’m pretty good at building consensus, make a decision and move forward. I’ve done this in business and my personal life and with BPAA. I do whatever it takes to move forward. It’s about rolling up your sleeves and getting the work done.” Sturm brings a unique perspective to his new position. In addition to his many years of leadership, he’s a competitive bowler with numerous 300 games. He’s also a graduate of the Vincennes University Bowling Lanes Management program and has a degree in business administration and marketing from West Virginia State University. That background has helped Sturm understand past and current bowling customers. But it has also helped him understand what needs to be done to recruit future bowlers. Sturm and USBC have learned the old adage that companies and organizations can’t be everything to everybody. “There’s been an evolution,” he said. “Generation 2, better known as the Baby Boomers, is getting up in age. Generation 3 has a completely different thought process. What are the programs they want? What are their desires? We have to understand not only our customer but today’s customer.”
As an example, Sturm noted that Baby Boomers went from communicating primarily with regular mail to paper faxes and the start of e-mail. Younger generations talk to each other by text and through their hand-held devices. They can take or leave e-mail and to them landline telephones and snail mail don’t exist. Each group has a way of communicating with each other,” Sturm said. “We’re doing a lot of testing. We’ve got a lot of data information. Some has been good, some not so good. It’s best to bring out quality products with quality data and quality information, not what one person believes the data tells us. It’s what the consumer tells us.” One thing the data is telling Sturm and other leaders is that younger people are not so driven by traditional bowling prize funds. “People are telling us they are looking for F-UN, not F-U-N-D,” Sturm said. “It’s not about the prize money. They want reward points and discounts on bowling balls, food and beverages.” Another thing Sturm wants to change is the perception the USBC Board of Directors is being too secretive, a charge that began in the Bojé regime. “I learned a long time ago you better have transparency,” he said. “You have to communicate the right way. One way to correct that is to communicate with all your constituencies, the one-time-a-year bowler, league bowlers, associations and proprietors at the local, state and national levels.” In the end, Sturm believes USBC must get back to basics to grow its membership. “After 31 years of decline, to fix any organization you have to operate first as a business,” Sturm said. “You have to be efficient, have the right people in the right places and have products that the consumer wants.” ❖
Mark Miller is a freelance writer from Flower Mound, Texas. He is the national and Dallas-Fort Worth bowling writer for Examiner.com and a columnist for the Bowling News Network.
CENTER STAGE
26
IBI
September 2011
CENTER STAGE By Bree Gutierrez
I
n an old 3,000 square foot storage room in the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood, CA, co-owners and creators Marc Rose and Med Abrous built what can only be described as an early 19th century gaming parlor and cocktail bar called The Spare Room. “It came from really what my partner and I felt was a void in the marketplace,” Rose said. “We thought there was something missing between the nightclub and the restaurant and we wanted to open a bar (where) you could come with a group of friends and have cocktails and enjoy yourself and be in a party like atmosphere, but also have conversation.” Rose and Abrous both observed people hosting “game nights” in their homes and found that people really wanted to be able to go somewhere to have this same type of entertainment. “There weren’t enough places in the landscape of Los Angeles that you could really enjoy social interaction that was a little more exciting than a restaurant and not as loud or obnoxious as a nightclub,” Abrous said. “That’s where the entire gaming concept came from,” Rose said. “We thought it would be really interesting to have a bar, not a bowling alley per say, but a bar and rather than a pool table, you’d have bowling lanes.” Inspired by the early 1900s, The Spare Room takes heed from families like the Vanderbilts and the Rockefellers who would host parties in their homes in rooms they would call parlors,
Marc Rose and Med Abrous, creators/owners of The Spare Room
Photo by Justin Coit IBI
September 2011
27
CENTER STAGE which usually had bowling lanes. “In our research we were definitely inspired by a different time in the late 19th century, aristocratic American families that have gaming parlors in their homes and would host really chic game nights and bowling was part of that,” Abrous said. “So, (we took) keys from that and translated it into a more accessible space for the public where it’s not in somebody’s home but still has a residential feel. It was very important for us.” They wanted to highlight the elegance, charm and beauty of bowling. They wanted to give people the opportunity to see something different and see it in a different way. The Spare Room boasts manual scoring to keep people engaged in the sport. “We encourage people to learn how to score on their own,” Rose said. “I think it engages the player that much more in the actual sport of bowling rather than throwing the ball down and having something do it for you.” But patrons are never left to fend for themselves. “We’re big on service here, so when you rent a lane at The Spare Room, you also have access to your own personal bowling attendant,” Rose said. An attendant gets the shoes, takes care of any problems during the game, gives tips on playing, and teaches clients how to score. The Spare Room offers more than bowling; it’s about the camaraderie of gaming. “You really get to know someone when you’re competing against them, there’s no hiding it. (In) the rest of The Spare Room, we have all these other games: chess, backgammon, dominos, Monopoly, Jenga, however all the games are handcrafted,” relays Rose. All the
28
IBI
September 2011
CENTER STAGE
Monopoly games are made with suede and leather while the dominos are made from ivory. The attention to detail in their entire business is what makes their vision real. “It was important for us to build something that was authentic,” Abrous said. “It’s not retro. We used materials that are permanent. We wanted to create something that will be around for 50 years and in doing that I think we took notes from the building we are in, the structural magnificence as it was, and we just tried to play off of that.” They took note from the history of the Roosevelt Hotel. With the handcrafted-feel of the hotel, the pair wanted everything in The Spare Room to feel like an artisan had labored over it. “And it’s not about being old; it’s about paying attention to tradition and being authentic, having a sense of permanence. That’s one thing we really wanted to pay attention to. We didn’t want it to feel like a movie set,” said Rose. And, although bowling is a huge part of what The Spare Room is all about, it is first and foremost a cocktail bar. The biggest draw to the Spare Room is the beautifully handcrafted cocktails. Rose and Abrous want their clients to experience the elegance of drinking a fine cocktail. The sophistication of The Spare Room can be found in the details. The bowling lanes are real maple and pine. The pair spent a lot of time and money on the lanes and on the custom masking unit which was designed like an old department store window. They also created a custom, above ground, single lane ball return made out of brass and oak to showcase the custom AMF plain black bowling balls. The bowling shoes are hand made by fashion designer George Esquivel. Rose and Abrous felt The Spare Room was a great concept for
hotels in general. “That’s sort of the plan with The Spare Room, to hopefully build more of these in more hotels because we see it’s such a great amenity for a guest,” Rose said. But they still want to hold true to the genuine feel of the gaming parlor. “That’s what I meant about being authentic. If we’re going to build more of these in more hotels, I don’t expect every single one to look like this because if I went into a very modern hotel in Chicago and tried to put this in there, it wouldn’t look right. That’s when it would feel like a (movie) set.” Even though there are only two bowling lanes, Rose and Abrous think that people are excited by that. “We think no one has really shown the elegance of bowling…I think we found it and I think we’ll continue to find it,” Rose said. They created The Spare Room with a passion for engaging people. “How can we have fun, inject our passion in there and always be creative? I think if you can hit those three things, then you can build a place,” Rose said. “And if we want to be there every night, hopefully other people will feel the same way.” ❖ Photos courtesy of Sunshine Sachs
Bree Gutierrez, holding a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism, is a freelance writer and preschool teacher residing in Southern California with her husband and son.
IBI
September 2011
29
FEATURE
By Robin Breuner
P
eople who give up their precious free time to help others just because it feels like the right thing to do or simply ‘just because’ are heroes in the true sense of the word. While our culture so often rewards bad behavior in lowbrow celebrities, these everyday heroes silently and anonymously change lives one day and one person at a time. That’s the essence of Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Bowl for Kids’ Sake is their piece de resistance. Bowl for Kids’ Sake is Big Brothers Big Sisters largest fundraiser. In fact, it is the largest fundraiser of its kind that supports children, according to Jennifer Ashbaugh, National Development Manager for Big Brothers Big Sisters. She oversees Bowl for Kids’ Sake nationwide. “It doesn’t really compete with the American Heart Association’s Start Walk or other disease related events. In terms of being a fundraiser for ‘at risk’ children, this is our nation’s largest.” There are over 300 agencies that participate in Bowl for Kids’ Sake. In some markets, one agency can cover a variety of geographic areas. One agency in Kansas has as many as 30 different bowling events within its market. The media exposure for this event reaches 400 markets in 4,000 cities across the country. For more than 30 years, Bowl for Kids’ Sake has
30
IBI
September 2011
been expanding from agency to agency and has grown to over a half million participants nationally with approximately 125,000 bowlers and another 375,000 donors. That averages a whopping 1,000 people per local agency. In 2010, the event netted $21 million. “The average Bowl for Kids’ Sake is about $70,000. The largest raises over $1 million,” said Ashbaugh. “This is our largest source of individual donations across the network. It costs about $1,000-$1,200 to match and support a relationship for a year.” The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-toone relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. The money raised from an event like this is used to match kids with caring adults. It takes two professionals to support a match as it runs its course. It also takes background checks and careful screening and matching of children and volunteers along with ongoing support to make sure that the relationships are healthy and have a high impact on the child. According to Ashbaugh, what differentiates BBBS from other “mentoring organizations” is that they hold themselves accountable for specific outcomes for the kids in their program, and they’re able to measure them. Those specific outcomes are educational achievements, avoidance of repeat behaviors such as juvenile delinquency, higher self esteem, confidence, and an ability to relate to others including family and friends. The Kansas City Bowl for Kids’ Sake is one of the strongest in the country, and Michael Lawrence, CEO of the Kansas City agency, is at the heart of the event.
FEATURE
“Our Bowl for Kids’ Sake here in Kansas City just continues to grow. It’s a 26-year old event, and each year the quality of fundraising gets stronger. On average, we get about 2,000 people participating with the average team raising $1,200,“ said Lawrence. “Our goal this year is $360,000. To date, we have raised over $5 million.” There are 1,200 Big Brothers and Big Sisters in the Kansas City Metro area, which makes it the fastest growing BBBS agency in the country. How have they managed to achieve such success? For the first 15 years, the event was mainly promoted through league bowling. Slowly they began to add non-league bowlers and made it more of a community bowl. For the last 10 years, it has been all community bowlers. A lot of leagues still participate but the event is no longer built around them. They also turned it into a huge party. “The reason that we chose Bowl for Kids’ Sake years ago was that bowling is something that everyone enjoys and can do without a lot of training. We say that there are so many great events throughout the city and country, but many of those you have to train for, like a bike ride or a 5K run,” Lawrence said. “For us, anytime you’re actually eating pizza or drinking a beer, you’re actually training for Bowl for Kids’ Sake!” He said that they want to make sure that people enjoy the experience so much that they want to come back year after year and increase their fundraising. “We call it ‘the biggest feel good party of the summer’,” he said. The event starts with a kick-off party to encourage people to come out six weeks before the event to pick up their information, schedule their team and just have a good time. They set incentives for the team to get them to communicate with and challenge each other. Each team needs to consist of six people with a minimum goal of $900 per team. “We tell them, ‘If you double the goal, we’ll double the party,’ “ said Lawrence. Teams that raise $1,800 or more get to come to a special celebration party at the end of the event. They are also eligible for a drawing to win a trip to Las Vegas for their team. “That’s been a great incentive,” he said. “A majority of teams coming into our event have their sights set on raising $1,800 and forming a 6-person team knowing that they’re going to have a really good time together this summer as they’re doing some significant
fundraising. The party itself is all centered around just having a great time at the bowling center and celebrating their fundraising success.” Another incentive is the VIP session called ‘Bowl Like a Rock Star’ held at Lucky Strike in the new Power and Light District in downtown Kansas City. In order to schedule a session, a team has to guarantee that they will raise a minimum of $2,500, and those sessions always sell out first. “It is the highest bar, the highest target, but a lot of people are competitive and they want to be seen as a VIP, so they schedule and set the target high and make it happen,” he said. “When you think about a 26-year old event that brings over 2,000 people into the bowling center, we’ve reached a lot of people. So many of our Bowl for Kids’ Sake captains end up becoming big brothers and big sisters,” he said. “Sometimes they start as fundraisers and become mentors, and many times they start as mentors and become fundraisers.” One of those bowlers turned fundraiser and beyond is Kevin Kalish. Kalish has been participating in Kansas City’s Bowl for Kids’ Sake for 12 years. With just one team of six bowlers, he has set an annual goal of $10,000. Last year his team raised almost $15,000. Kevin’s personal share was $7,500. With one team, he has raised over $100,000 in his 12 years. He was even recognized and honored at the Royals’ game last summer for his contributions. Now he sits on the local board of BBBS. He started this journey by filling in for a bowler who could not attend the event. “There are a lot of people who plan to give x number of dollars over the course of the year for charity. They just want to have a reason to give to a select charity,” said Kalish. “One of my friends says, ‘If you’re going to embarrass yourself bowling every year, I’ll give
IBI
September 2011
31
FEATURE
A Big Brother Big Sister Bowling team in Kansas City, MO.
money every year.’” Bowl for Kids’ Sake can be a real win-win for the bowling centers and for Big Brothers Big Sisters. In one example in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, during an event, thousands of people come through the bowling center on a Sunday afternoon, which is not a peak time for this center, and they all stay and drink beer and eat and spend money in their other sections. Lawrence said that his Kansas City agency, along with others throughout the country, work hard to keep the event fresh and creative in order to motivate teams to come back year after year. “When people hear that it’s a $360,000 event, they know that it’s a big deal. They know that it has a reputation of being very well organized, and they want to be a part of something big and successful,” he said. “It’s not too hard to find people who want to make a difference in the lives of children and who want to have a good time while they’re doing it.” ❖ Photos courtesy of BBBS
Robin Breuner is a freelance writer and a frequent contributor to IBI. She lives in Marin County, California.
Kansas City’s fundraiser Kevin Kalish (in the large hat) with his BBBS teammates.
32
IBI
September 2011
MARKETING
By Mark Miller
O
ne is a small-town Wisconsin native who grew up in bowling centers where his ability to promote helped him form a marketing company. The other was born in a mid-sized city in upstate New York, bowled only casually and turned a business degree into his own e-commerce venture. After meeting through acquaintances within the bowling industry, Darin Spindler and Andy O’Mara became involved in the Kids Bowl Free program created several years ago to help spread the gospel of bowling to youth nationwide. Liking the basic premise, they wanted to use their combined expertise to find ways to give new twists to the program. “The program wasn’t getting much media attention so we wanted to do something without spending a gazillion dollars,” Spindler, the Roseville, Wis., native who now lives in Green Bay said from his 34
IBI
September 2011
International Bowl Expo suite at the Gaylord Resort and Conference Center in Grapevine, Texas. So the 30somethings did what they do best, brainstormed. One cool idea they came across last fall was a bus tour to promote Zappos.com Chief Executive Officer Tony Hsieh’s new book “Delivering Happiness” to children’s hospitals. “We said, ‘ what about a bus tour?’” Spindler said. “But we had no earthly idea how to pay for it.” Not only was there a cost to lease the bus, have it painted and hire drivers, but someone needed to go on the tour itself. Whirlwind planning from October to January found a company to take care of the bus and drivers and a public relations person to promote the tour. The only missing logistic was someone to do the tour. “We were the only option,” Spindler said. “We’d sacrifice 40 days of our lives if it would accomplish our goals.” With all the details set by the start of 2011, the time had
MARKETING come to decide whether to go or not. “We still had no idea how to pay for it,” Spindler said. “There was no big pot of money to pay for it. But we decided it was the right thing to do and we’d figure out the money later.” Eventually tapping into the majority of the program’s marketing budget, Spindler and O’Mara set out April 10. By the time they finished May 16, the Kids Bowl Free tour traveled more than 15,000 miles in 36 days, stopping in 50 cities in 35 states and 101 Kids Bowl Free-affiliated centers. Not only did they touch the lives of countless youth bowlers, they also took part in 28 television interviews, 31 radio broadcasts and were featured in at least 40 major newspapers. Several national magazines planned pieces after the tour. Nine mayors even issued “Kids Bowl Free” proclamations when the bus visited their cities. The tour also provided a lifetime of memories for Spindler and O’Mara. Some, like sustaining themselves on peanut-and-butter sandwiches and bananas, they’d rather forget. “We had a rock star bus minus most of the rock star life,” Spindler said. But most other memories, like the many amazing people they met and places they visited, always will be with them. “Some centers we visited for 10 minutes, others for three or four hours,” said O’Mara, the Rochester, NY, native who now lives in Silver Spring, Md. “It was good to see a variety of bowling centers from small, 50s style like The Alley in Raleigh, NC, to places like Shenaniganz here in Rowlett, TX, which is a beautiful center.” Another unique place was Pinz in Studio City, CA. We saw (actor) Erik Estrada and (singer) Gwen Steffani’s kids with their nanny. They even have (retired basketball star) Shaquille O’Neal’s shoes.” One visit that proved most memorable for both was in Columbus, OH. “We met a kid there who was the essence of the tour,” Spindler said. “He was a high school kid maybe 16 or 17 years old. He was bowling with no arms, no legs, no ramp and no wheelchair. “His name was Josh and he picked the ball up with his arm stubs. He told us he averaged in the high 130s. It was the most unbelievable thing I’ve ever seen. A TV station came out and did a quick story. That was pretty cool. That’s what bowling can be. Anyone, even without arms, can enjoy it.” O’Mara recalled a later event at a 12-lane center in Filer, Idaho. “They hosted a fundraiser while we were there,” he said. “They had TV and radio there and invited local police, teachers
and firefighters. One of the TV stations came out and did a live piece. That was small-town America. They called it the Wounded Warrior project. They were bowling for the family of a police officer who was shot in the eye in a chase and military personnel back from war and injured.” During the tour’s visit to Chicago, former Mayor Richard Daley issued a proclamation recognizing Kids Bowl Free. WGN-TV aired a story about the visit and Spindler and O’Mara stopped at a local school where they bowled with some students on a carpet lane. While in Chicago, the tour also visited a conference where more than 1,200 of the nation’s best marketers learned about bowling. Some of the attendees’ children, part of a group called the Young Entrepreneurs, toured the bus. O’Mara said he was particularly touched by a woman they met in Indianapolis. “She adopted 17 special needs kids, some of whom were terminal,” he said. “They are living on $23,000 a year. Because of our program, she was able to take the kids bowling every day.” Due to the tour’s hectic schedule like arising at 4:30 a.m. to head to a new city, there wasn’t much time for sightseeing. There was an impromptu 6 a.m. rolling of a ball in New York’s Times Square which occurred during a taping of Law and Order. There also was the calamari tour where they’d go to restaurants seeking calamari. If a place served it, they asked if it was the best in the country. “Lots of places had it,” Spindler said. “Most was horrendous.” The success of the Kids Bowl Free tour could be determined by sheer numbers. More than two million youth signed up this year alone, more than all previous years combined. “Overall the thing we noticed was the kids who came in loved it but they had a lack of coaching,” Spindler said. “Introducing kids and families to bowling for the first time is important but then they need coaching. We didn’t see a lot of coaching. We got to see a lot of opportunities that have not been uncovered yet. There are challenges to be addressed.” To change that, Spindler worked with renowned coach Bob Rea to tape two series of tips, one for bumper bowlers, and the other for more advanced youth. “There was a little girl in Kansas who my girlfriend said, ‘we have to help her’,” Spindler said. “We discovered a number of our centers now invite kids with lessons.” They also learned the pros and cons of doing a similar tour in the future. “I’m not sure how we’d one-up it,” O’Mara said. “It was very positive.” “We learned how to take naps,” Spindler said. “I hadn’t taken naps in a long time.” ❖ Photos courtesy of Darin Spindler
Mark Miller is a freelance writer from Flower Mound, Texas. He is the national and Dallas-Fort Worth bowling writer for Examiner.com and a columnist for the Bowling News Network.
IBI
September 2011
35
SHOWCASE REPLACEMENT CHAIRS
EVENT MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE
GLOW PARTIES
VIDEO SYSTEM
DISPOSABLE SHOE PADS
NEW WEBSITE
LANE CONSISTENCY
PINSPOTTER SAFETY
Replace your existing chairs; keep your existing bases. Venue Industries can help you update the look of your center for a surprisingly low price. Let them design a package for you. They have a complete line of high quality bowling furniture. Download the full catalog at: www.BowlingFurniture.com or contact us at 855-55VENUE or VenueFurniture@gmail.com.
Virginia Toy & Novelty introduces a new way to increase birthday party revenue. Glowing forks and spoons are perfect when offering a glow party at your center. They also specialize in glow and light up novelties for redemption and re-sale. Use promo code BOWLMAG to receive 100 free glow bracelets ($100 retail value) with any order over $50. Fun, Festive, and Profitable. Ask for a Glow Party Consultants to learn more. Visit www.VirginiaToy.com or call 866-708-8697.
Proprietors now have an option for their casual bowling customers who dislike rental shoes. The BowlSole is the world's only disposable bowling shoe pad designed to be worn on your own shoes. Your customer simply applies the BowlSole and bowls, it's that simple. The BowlSoles leave no sticky residue and are designed to fit everyone. Suggested retail is $1 more than the standard rental shoe price. Please visit www.bowlsole.com or contact your bowling distributor.
Kegel’s Sanction Technology lane machines made it possible to condition bowling lanes the same time after time, but that did not guarantee all lanes would play the same. Kegel Lane Precision will provide you with a clear picture of ball reaction in your center and a way to achieve the ultimate consistency you’ve been searching for. Call to schedule your LaneMapping Service today! 800-280-2695. 36
IBI September 2011
Brunswick Event Host Manager is the first special event software designed specifically for the bowling industry to include more features and automatic integration with your reservation and management systems. It will increase customer satisfaction and center profitability. For more information, go to www.brunswickbowling.com/products or contact your Brunswick Representative, call 800-YES-BOWL or 231-725-4966.
QubicaAMF introduces a NEW version of its Multi Media System (MMS). Powered by HD technology, the new system offers exceptional visual quality, automatic content switching, video advertising with sound, picture in picture and scrolling price menus. The system is fully upgradable and available for BES and Bowland Scoring Systems and Conqueror Universal installations. For more information on all the new and improved features of MMS contact your local QubicaAMF Sales representative today or visit www.qubicaamf.com.
Check out the latest and greatest from Ace Mitchell Bowlers Mart online! Ace Mitchell has recently completed an extensive overhaul of its site. The user-friendly site is much easier for bowling centers and pro shops to get the most out of their purchasing dollars. All manufacturer specials are conveniently located in one simple, easy to find and order location. Go to www.AceMitchell.com to log in and start saving.
ZOT introduces the UltraPro Chassis and Control-All Controller Chassis for AMF 82-70 Pinspotters: a product where all of the controls have been removed from the chassis and housed in a Control-All unit that mounts on the Back-End Box. ZOT’s safety product line also includes steel steps for AMF Pinspotters and Steps and Catwalk Handles and handrails for Brunswick Pinsetters. For more information please contact ZOT at 800-525-8116, or sales@zotpinsetter.com.
DATEBOOK
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
16-18 Wyoming Bowling Council Jamboree Hilton Garden Inn, Laramie WY Charlene Abbott kcabbott@bresnan.net
2–4 West Coast Bowling Centers Convention Silver Legacy Hotel, Reno, NV Sandi Thompson, 925-485-1855 Sandi@norcalbowling.com IBI
25-26 Southwest Bowling Proprietors Idea Share Sam’s Town, Shreveport, LA Karen Miller k.miller@texasbowlingcenter.org 26 Bowling Centers of Southern CA Annual Meeting and Partner Fair Cal State Fullerton, Fullerton CA Scott Frager, 818-789-0900 ScottF@SoCalBowling.com IBI
19-21 NAIR 40th Anniversary Fall Meeting Lincolnshire Resort, IL Nairbowling@aol.com
4-5 Kansas State BPA Annual Meeting Pittsburg, KS Mary Thurber 913-638-1817
20 WA BPA – Kick-Off Meeting Tukwila, WA Greg Olsen greg@wsbpa.org
IBI 10-12 East Coast Bowling Centers Convention Trump Taj Mahal, Atlantic City, NJ Lee Ann Norton, 800-343-1329 Leeann@bpaa.com
22 BCA of Ohio Executive Board Meeting Embassy Suites, Columbus, OH Pat Marazzi, 937-433-8363
10-14 GS Series Pinsetter Training Brunswick Training Center Muskegon, MI Email: schools@brunbowl.com 800-937-2695 16-18 Mid-South Proprietor Trade Show Gold Strike Hotel, Tunica MS Dwayne Hippensteel 501-860-6376 17-21 Vector Scorer Maintenance Training Brunswick Training Center Muskegon, MI Email: chools@ brunbowl.com 800-937-2695
NOVEMBER 9-10 BCA of Ohio Seminars & Meeting Embassy Suites, Columbus, OH Pat Marazzi, 937-433-8363 6-11 Bowling University School For Bowling Center Management International Bowling Campus Arlington TX Email: education@bpaa.com; 800-343-1329 www.BowlingUniversity.net 14-15 Illinois State BPA Fall Annual Meeting Hotel Arista-Citygate Centre Naperville, IL Bill Duff billduff@bowlillinois.com 30-12/7 QubicaAMF Bowling World Cup Northcliff Bowling Centre Anne-Marie Board amboard@qubicaamf.com www.qubicaamf.com
IBI
38
IBI
September 2011
Official magazine of the convention
CLASSIFIEDS EQUIPMENT FOR SALE USED BRUNSWICK PARTS, A2 parts and assemblies. Large Inventory. www.usedpinsetterparts.com. NEW & USED Pro Shop Equipment. Jayhawk Bowling Supply. 800-2556436 or jayhawkbowling.com.
EQUIPMENT WANTED LANE MACHINES WANTED. We will purchase your KEGEL-built machine, any age or condition. Phone (608) 764-1464.
CENTERS FOR SALE
Pinsetter Parts New from ALL major manufacturers. HUGE IN STOCK inventory. USED Brunswick Scoring parts, AS90 cameras, processors, lane cables, monitors, and PC boards. Order online @ 888SBIBOWL.com or (888) 724-2695. The Mechanics Choice!
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE For Sale: used pin decks. Buy one, get one FREE. 27” monitors for AccuScore Plus & XL Scoring. Also XL Scoring package. (641) 414-1542. REPAIR & EXCHANGE. Call for details (248) 375-2751. Bowling center equipment—specializing in small center needs. (712) 253-8730
FOR SALE: General Electric & National front end motors with gear boxes for AMF 82-70 pinsetters–$275 ea. Excellent condition! Call Brian (716) 715-3930 or Kevin (716) 807-2194. Automatic Scoring: AMF XL & AMF BOSS with XL Desk & LCD monitors. (712) 253-8730 FRAMEWORX SCORING: Sold by the lane or spare parts. 68 lanes Complete system including 4 registers & back office. Contact Bill Rossman @ Parkway Bowl (619) 4484111 or bill-r@nd-inc.com.
UPSTATE NEW YORK: 8-lane center/ commercial building built in 1992. Synthetic lanes, new automatic scoring, kitchen and room to expand! Reduced to sell @ $375,000. Call (315) 376-3611.
WWW.FACEBOOKBOWLING.COM
IBI
September 2011
39
CLASSIFIEDS
CENTERS FOR SALE 16-lane center in Southern Colorado mountains. Great condition. 18,000 s/f building w/ restaurant & lounge. Paved parking 100 + vehicles. Established leagues & tournaments. $950,000 or make offer. Kipp (719) 852-0155. CENTRAL WISCONSIN: 12 lanes, auto scoring, Anvilane synthetics, 82-70s. Great food sales. Yearly tournament. Attached, large 3 bedroom apartment w/ fireplace. $550K. (715) 223-8230. NW KANSAS: 12-lane center, AS-80s, Lane Shield, snack bar, pro shop, game & pool rooms. See pics and info @ www.visitcolby.com or contact Charles (785) 443-3477. SOUTHWEST KANSAS: well-maintained 8-lane center, A-2s, full-service restaurant. Includes business and real estate. Nice, smaller community. Owner retiring. $212,000. Leave message (620) 397-5828. NORTHERN WISCONSIN: 12-lane Brunswick A-2s, Vector Plus FrameworX scoring, kitchen, & pro shop. PRICED TO SELL. Call Bruce (715) 614-7779.
40
IBI
September 2011
CENTERS FOR SALE SOUTHERN INDIANA (close to Indianapolis): 18-lane Brunswick center with lounge, liquor license & movie theater on 4+ acres. Turnkey business. Owner retiring. Great investment! (765) 349-1312. NEW YORK STATE: Thousand Island region. 8-lane Brunswick center w/ cosmic bowling, auto scoring. Established leagues + many improvements. $309,000. Call Jill @ Lori Gervera Real Estate (315) 771-9302. GEORGIA: busy 32-lane center, real estate included. Great location in one of fastest growing counties in metro Atlanta. 5 years new with all the amenities. Excellent numbers. Call (770) 356-8751. WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA: One of the top five places to move! Remodeled 32-lane center. Good numbers. $3.1m gets it all. Fax qualified inquiries to (828) 253-0362. CENTRAL IDAHO: 8-lane center and restaurant in central Idaho mountains. Small town. Only center within 60-mile radius. Brunswick A-2 machines; Anvilane lane beds; automatic scoring. (208) 879-4448.
CLASSIFIEDS MINIATURE GOLF COURSES Indoor/Outdoor. Immediate Installation. $5,900.00 & up. 2021 Bridge Street Jessup, PA 18434 570-489-8623 www.minigolfinc.com
"Bowling Center Construction Specialists" New Center Construction Family Entertainment Centers Residential Bowling Lanes Modernization Mini Bowling Lanes Automatic Scoring CONTACT
BRIAN ESTES
(866) 961-7633 Office: (734) 469-4293
Toll Free:
Email: build@capitalbowlingservice.com
www.CapitalBowlingService.com
SERVICE CALLS WORLDWIDE • PRE-SHIPS • WE SELL
AS80/90 • BOARD REPAIR • Frameworx NEW KEYPADS • FRONT DESK LCD MONITORS
Michael P. Davies (321) 254-7849
291 Sandy Run, Melbourne, FL 32940 on the web: bowlingscorer.com email: mike@bowlingscorer.com
IBI
September 2011
41
CLASSIFIEDS CENTERS FOR SALE
For FLORIDA CENTERS Call DAVID DRISCOLL & ASSOCIATES 1-800-444-BOWL P.O. Box 189 Howey-in-the-Hills, FL 34737 AN AFFILIATE OF SANDY HANSELL & ASSOCIATES
MARSHALL ELECTRONICS • Foul Units • Electronic Scoring Repair • Chassis Boards • AMF Accuscore Plus • Curtain Wall Chassis - $285 • Brunswick Scoring We repair all types of monitor boards. Call for a complete price list. 593 Loxley Drive, Toms River, NJ 08753
732-240-6554 • 800-782-9494
www.merepair.webs.com
42
IBI
September 2011
CENTERS FOR SALE
SOUTHWESTERN WYOMING: 12 lanes + café & lounge, 2 acres w/ 5 bedroom home. Full liquor & fireworks licenses. Outside Salt Lake City area. Dennis @ Uinta Realty, Inc. (888) 804-4805 or uintarlt@allwest.net. NORTHWEST LOUISIANA: 12-LANE Brunswick center. REDUCED TO SELL NOW! Includes auto scoring, glow bowling, pizza, large dining area & video poker. Good income. Long Lease. Great opportunity. Call Mike (318) 578-0772. SOUTHERN NEVADA: Excellent opportunity for qualified person! 8-lane center with AMF 82-70s, Twelve Strike scoring. $60,000 for business and equipment only. Long term lease available. Building being remodeled. Call Steve (702) 293-6072; cell (702) 414-5321; email: ljjaa1414@yahoo.com. NW INDIANA (Lake Michigan/National Lake Shore area): DRASTICALLY REDUCED— PRICED TO SELL! 32-lane center, family owned & operated since 1997 on 6.6 acres. Also billiards, arcade, pro shop, full-service restaurant, established leagues & MORE! $2,300,000. (219) 921-4999.
NE NEVADA: New 2001. 16 lanes, 19,200 square feet, 1.68 acres paved, sound & lighting, lounge w/ gaming, arcade, full service snack bar & pro shop. Call (775) 934-1539. SOUTHERN ILLINOIS: 16-lane center— Brunswick A-2s & JetBacks, snack bar, pro shop & lounge with 1,400 s/f apartment above. On 2.84 acres. Includes business & real estate. Good location! (618) 488-7858 or (618) 606-5053.
WWW.FACEBOOKBOWLING.COM
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
Tel: (714) 871-7843 • Fax: (714) 522-0576 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@earthlink.net Visit us on the WEB! http://home.earthlink.net/~wb8yjf/
WWW.FACEBOOKBOWLING.COM
WWW.FACEBOOKBOWLING.COM
LOCKER KEYS FAST! •Keys & Combo Locks for all Types of Lockers. •One week turnaround on most orders. •New locks All types •Used locks 1/2 price of new
All keys done by code #. No keys necessary.
E-mail: huff@inreach.com FAX YOUR ORDER TO US AT:
530-432-2933
CALL TOLL FREE 1-800-700-4KEY INT’L 530-432-1027 Orange County Security Consultants
IBI
September 2011
43
CLASSIFIEDS CENTERS FOR SALE CENTRAL ALABAMA: Recently remodeled, split house w/24 synthetic lanes (16 & 8) in 28,000 s/f building in shopping center; Brunswick A2s & 2000 seating; AccuScore Plus; VIA returns & storage tables; systems for Cosmic; established leagues; snack bar, pro shop & game/pool table area. Nearest competition 28 miles w/ colleges & Honda factory within minutes. Need to sell due to health. Reasonably priced. (435) 705-0420. NE MINNESOTA: Food, Liquor & Bowling. Established 8 lanes between Mpls & Duluth w/ large bar, dining room, banquet area. Two large State employment facilities nearby. High six figure gross. Call Bryan (218) 380-8089. www.majesticpine.com.
EASTERN NORTH DAKOTA: 6-lane Brunswick center, bar & grill, drive-thru liquor store in small college town. Also, 3 apartment buildings with 40 units, good rental history. Call (701) 330-7757 or (701) 430-1490. CENTRAL ILLINOIS: PRICED TO SELL!! 8-lane center with AMF 82-70s, full service restaurant, pro shop. Plus pool tables, karaoke machine & DJ system. Asking $125,000.00 with RE. (217) 351-5152 or toms-uvl@sbcglobal.net. IDAHO, Rigby: 8-lane center with Brunswick A-2 machines; refinished wooden lanes; $85,000 for all assets; seller lease back property. (208) 535-9905. www.arthurberry.com.
44
IBI
September 2011
WWW.FACEBOOKBOWLING.COM
CLASSIFIEDS FOR LEASE PRO SHOP: National Lake Shore area of NW Indiana. Call (219) 921-4999.
SERVICES AVAILABLE Drill Bit Sharpening and Measuring Ball Repair. Jayhawk Bowling Supply. 800255-6436 or Jayhawkbowling.com. See a list that will help centers fill lanes w/ 1200+ New Bowlers, Birthday Parties & Corporate Outings that generate $15,800 – a 600% ROI from 4 payments starting at $278. Visit mcprs.bmamkt.com or call (888) 243-0685.
MANAGER WANTED Don't miss your chance to grow with an Industry Leader! Looking for Experienced, Service-Oriented General Managers for our U.S. bowling retail center locations. Please check us out at www.brunswickcareers.apply2jobs.com for more details on our current openings. Act Now! Apply Today!
BUY
AMF • BRUNSWICK EQUIPMENT COMPLETE PACKAGES WORLDʼS LARGEST NEW – USED SPARE PARTS INVENTORY
SEL L
Danny & Daryl Tucker Tucker Bowling Equipment Co. 609 N.E. 3rd St. Tulia, Texas 79088 Call (806) 995-4018 Fax (806) 995-4767
Bowling Parts, Inc. P.O. Box 801 Tulia, Texas 79088 Call (806) 995-3635 Email - bpitx@texasonline.net
www.bowlingpartsandequipment.com
POSITION WANTED Small Brunswick bowling center to manage with option to buy. Good credentials and lots of experience running centers including new league formation and outside sales promotion. Increase the bottom line! Call Dan now. (319) 327-1916 or (515) 771-7606.
We could not have gotten our loan without him. Reggie and Nancy Frederick Billy and Allison Frederick Chalet Bowl, Tacoma, WA The leading source for real estate loans with low down payments
Ken Paton (503) 645-5630 www.kenpaton.com kpaton@kenpaton.com IBI
September 2011
45
REMEMBER WHEN
1965 B
“
oys have all the fun!” complained Sherry to her friend, Joan. “All my brothers are active in sports— Little League baseball, football, track. What can I do?” “Learn to bowl!” suggested Joan. It’s hard to imagine this 1965 dilemma today as girls no longer have such boundaries. The segment titled “Bowling for Beginners” in Calling all Girls, a 10-issue yearly publication for young girls makes evident that even with the everexpanding world of Rock and Roll in the 60s, wardrobe was locked. First of all select the right clothes before you go bowling. Wear something comfortable and loose enough for action and freedom of movement—a short-sleeved blouse and slacks or culottes are best. Leave your beads and bracelets at home… Well, we’ve come a long way ladies! Bowling in pajamas is no more shocking than bowling in shorts. When this article was published, the WIBC boasted 2,821,747 members and YABA listed 349,388. While other sports have been a challenge to genderintegrate, bowling is an open sport. If you can lift the ball and roll it, you can play. Bowling is a multi-generational sport that has continually evolved but always maintains the one constant—FUN. ❖
46
IBI
September 2011