Saturday, July 25, 2009

We need forty hours in every day!

Years (a year for Greg) of stripping down other bowling centers, and installing lanes and electronic scoring equipment, are starting to pay off.

It’s an advantage to have that experience when doing the work at our own facility! We actually know what we are doing! This week, we continued to install the foundation for the lanes.

The electricians and plumbers have been busy inspecting, installing, and upgrading wiring and plumbing. The restrooms are getting a complete facelift, starting this coming week. When running a facility with lots of traffic, there is nothing more important than working lights and electricity, and flushing toilets!

Meanwhile, the outdated carpeted walls have been covered with drywall. Part of those walls will be covered with a bowling mural.

The original bar was enclosed, cut off from the rest of the bowling center. To achieve our planned open design concept , we have removed the offending walls, so the bar is now out in the open. That will provide easier access for customers, and greater visibility for managers and employees. We’ll be better able to spot customers in need, whether on the lanes or throughout the facility.

Our full service bar will house stools at the rail, and tables and stools in the surrounding area. It will be a great spot to enjoy a drink, a sandwich, or a pizza--before or after bowling, or while simply seeking a respite from your busy day.

As we race toward our Labor Day opening, we are still in the process of designing our kitchen and planning menus. Our priority is getting the lanes up and running for our fall leagues. That means the kitchen may not open until sometime after Labor Day.

Unfortunately, we need 40 hours in every day! There is still so much to be done. But we are working extremely hard and are confident we will meet our deadline. The excitement of our impending opening drives us. We can’t wait to throw that first ball!




Sunday, July 19, 2009

Good-bye purple!

The purple walls are gone! Last week, they were primed and painted a soft white. That provides us with some good options for future redecorating. On one wall, for example, we plan to have a bowling mural painted. The white wall will provide a great canvas.

Last week, the phones were installed. We are now operating with the phone number 262.255.BOWL. We have a fax machine installed, and are waiting for a number to be assigned.

We are currently studying our site options. For example, we are considering building a stage that can be set up over several of the lanes, and used for live entertainment. Of course, the lineup will include our rocking teenage sons, Justin and J.J.

We will be installing accordion doors, allowing us to close off space for parties. The problem is the noise from the lanes. We have to find doors with soundproofing capabilities.

Meanwhile, menu planning is underway. We are looking at a pizza and simple sandwich menu. That way, we can produce good food, even if the cook doesn’t show up. (Don’t worry, we will have someone on call.) We are also developing packages for birthday parties, and special events. All of these will be posted on this blog when finalized. We are now taking reservations for events. Our calendar is filling up fast!

Our league sign up is coming along extremely well. If you are interested in a league at our bowling center, contact our manager Scott soon.

Scott and some of his colleagues will be at Falls Fest next weekend, distributing cards for a free game of bowling when the center opens. They’ll be dressed in brightly colored tie-died shirts. Look for them!

If you have any questions about our reconstruction, or operations, please post them in the comments section of the blog. We will respond in our next post.

Yes, we still have a lot of work to do, but much has already been accomplished. Remember: Bowlers rule!

Photos of our progress appear below.




Tuesday, July 14, 2009

The journey begins

We have a lot of work to do in the next few months.

Formally AMF Lanes, the facility we purchased has been totally stripped, and we must now reinstall all lanes and equipment. We are literally starting from ground zero.

While construction is underway, we must also get busy promoting Classic Lanes-Menomonee Falls--signing up post-opening bowling leagues, and scheduling special events. The task is daunting, but we are up to it!

We are very excited by this new opportunity, and are more than ready to dig in!

Some photos of what we're dealing with appear below. Stay tuned!