Plan your Bowling Center
Choose your Business Model
Bowling has always had a worldwide following, but it’s now growing as both a standalone entertainment option and as a central feature in larger entertainment complexes. To explore the opportunities within the bowling industry, four main business models have been identified: Boutique Bowling, Family Entertainment Centers (FEC), Hybrid Bowling Centers, and Traditional bowling Centers. These models categorize the industry trends, each offering a unique perspective and typical venue characteristics.
Trendy, upscale, franchise-ready Boutique bowling lounges offer a sleek and sophisticated environment which can serve as a perfect complement to a swanky bar, a classy restaurant or a night club venue. These upscale boutique bowling lounges are furnished with stylish, custom furniture and offer a fresh, fun, sophisticated night out for singles and couples.
We specializes in the creation of hybrid bowling centers, which feature a unique blend of family entertainment center with boutique bowling center features. Hybrid bowling centers are an extremely popular alternative to boutique bowling centers and family entertainment centers, as it enables you to appeal to a much broader audience. And a broader audience base means more business!
Traditional Bowling Centers are primarily dedicated to bowling but also offer a handful of other entertainment options like a game room, billiards, a pro shop, and a bar. Drinks are a major focus, and food choices are generally limited to snack bar items.
Family entertainment centers (or FEC’s) are designed to cater to multiple needs. While bowling is still the main attraction, other activities such as laser tag, arcade games and dine-in facilities (i.e. pizza, sandwiches, etc) help it become a one-stop destination.
The Industry Innovator in New Bowling Alley Construction
US Bowling has been instrumental in developing two of the industry’s most successful concepts. As we saw Bowling change over the years, we began to realize the potential first of the family entertainment center with bowling as the primary revenue generator. By using creative, family-oriented strategies, US Bowling began to place multiple revenue generators in new facilities, giving their customers dynamic entertainment solutions rather than run-down bowling alleys that had become the standard.
Leagues were not excluded, but they weren’t prioritized to the detriment of the open bowler—what we saw as the most profitable demographic. We developed centers that catered to the whole family looking for an experience—not just a few games of bowling. Families did not want to tolerate the smoke, the old shoes, the run down lanes and equipment, the traditional seating layout and muted colors. They wanted excitement, themes, entertainment. Soon after, we looked to find a solution for our customers in metropolitan areas.
What emerged was the development of the bowling lounge. We worked toward an upscale environment for the adult looking for an alternative to the same old bars and clubs; the customers willing to pay a premium for an upscale restaurant and a swanky bar paired with the game of bowling. This meant a totally different environment than the ones found in traditional centers. It was a lucrative solution to avoid in the upscale nightlife industry and one that we continue to perfect today. In both cases, Thinking outside of the box is the name of the game.
Bowling Centers can be built in:
- Commercial & Retail Establishments
- Educational Facilities
- Fitness Facilities
- Handicap Accessibility Alterations
- Healthcare Centers & Laboratories
- Hotels and Conference Facilities
- Institutional Facilities
- Office & Lobby Interiors
- Parking Garages
- Residential – Multi-story apartments, Single family
- Warehousing & Industrial Buildings
Bowling in Non-Traditional Venues
Adding a Bowling Amenity to your facility sets you apart and offers your clients an exciting activity, while increasing your profits and the appeal of your facility. As mini bowling and duckpin bowling become more popular, businesses not typically associated with bowling are starting to bring bowling into their businesses. These different variations of the game require less space both in width and length, making them very attractive for non-traditional bowling venues such as breweries, hotels, bars, restaurants, corporate offices, event halls and more. Bowling in these types of venues is an additional source of profits, but not the primary source of revenue.
Click to View or Download Brochure
US Bowling offers more than Commercial Bowling Center Construction…
Custom Home Bowling Installations
Transform your basement into an entertainment haven by installing your very own, state-of-the-art lane. A Home Bowling Alley is the ULTIMATE addition to any household, start planning yours today!Lane Width Requirements
Wondering how many bowling alleys will fit in your space? Check out the bowling lane width chart below.
Lane Width Requirements
| Number of Lanes | Width Required |
|---|---|
| 2 | 11'6" |
| 4 | 22'7¼" |
| 6 | 33'8½" |
| 8 | 44'9¾" |
| 10 | 55'11" |
| 12 | 67'¼" |
| 14 | 78'1½" |
| 16 | 89'2¾" |
| 18 | 100'4" |
| 20 | 111'5¼" |