How to Start a Bowling Alley

Bowling is a pasttime that appeals to a wide variety of ages. It is one of the few games that a family can enjoy together. Bowling alleys today are usually smoke-free and have family friendly environments that can be profitable year-round.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Write a business plan. This can take time and work to do, but it will give you an overview of the things that must happen in order for your business to be successful. Be sure to include what events you will hold, such as extreme bowling, league bowling or glow-in-the-dark bowling. A plan helps you get financing, determines your budget and allows you to analyze your break-even point. Include how often you will have to perform maintenance on the wood floor and the mechanisms that return the balls and pins.
2. Get financing. You may have the money stashed away ready to invest in this venture, or you might need to approach a bank or investor. Use your experience in the industry to help you get the financing that you need. A private lender who enjoys bowling is a good place to go for financing--especially if you can get a better interest rate in exchange for the lender getting free bowling.
3. Find the right location. Location can make or break a business. You may need to hire a company to analyze your area and determine the best location for you. You want to consider variables such as the median income, the traffic volume and the price of renting or buying the facility. You need to balance the cost of the space with how much revenue you will bring in based on how many lanes you want to be able to operate, how much extra space you want for a game area and what room you need for a snack bar or kitchen.
4. Hire a contractor. You need to hire someone who has built a bowling facility prior to yours. Their expertise in the industry saves you time and money and they may be able to offer suggestions on your placement. Some companies will provide a turnkey operation complete with your furniture, fixtures and equipment. Remember to include work for the bench areas by the lanes, tables, the front desk and the racks that will hold the balls.
5. Train your staff. Having a well-trained staff can make your business grow. You need employees who can work the food areas, watch the game areas and work the front counter. Your staff needs to be knowledgeable about bowling and provide good customer service.
6. Celebrate a grand opening. You need to have a grand opening after you have been open for a few months. Use this opportunity to gain as much free publicity as possible. If you satisfy your clients at the grand opening, they will be more likely to return the next time they are ready to bowl.

Tips & Warnings

• You must have signed written agreements with any person or business that performs work for you.
• You must ensure that you have all permits and licenses to own and operate a business.