Bowling Alley Business Overview
A bowling center provides customers with bowling lanes, equipment rentals, and related entertainment services. These businesses serve multiple customer segments, from casual players to competitive league bowlers. Modern bowling centers have adapted to changing consumer preferences by adding diverse entertainment options and upgraded amenities. Most facilities feature automatic scoring systems, computerized lane management, and specialized lighting for different bowling experiences.
The bowling industry has developed two distinct ways to operate:
- Traditional Bowling Center: A facility focused on organized leagues and tournaments. These centers maintain professional-quality lanes and equipment. They schedule regular league nights and host competitive events. Revenue comes mainly from league fees, hourly lane rentals, and food sales.
- Family Entertainment Center with Bowling: A multi-purpose facility with bowling lanes alongside other activities like arcade games, laser tag, or mini-golf. These locations attract casual bowlers and families looking for entertainment options. They earn money through hourly bowling rates, arcade games, food and beverages, and party packages.
Many bowling centers blend these two formats, offering league play during weekday evenings while catering to families and casual bowlers on weekends. They often adjust their lighting, music, and atmosphere throughout the day to match different customer preferences.
How Do Bowling Centers Make Money?
Bowling centers generate revenue through multiple streams that work together to create a profitable business. Lane rentals form the foundation of their income, with pricing typically structured by the hour or by the game. League play brings in steady revenue through scheduled weekly sessions and tournament fees.
Equipment rental adds another income source, as most casual bowlers need to rent shoes and balls. Food and beverage sales contribute significantly to profits, with many centers operating full-service restaurants or snack bars. Some locations have expanded their menus beyond traditional bowling alley fare to include premium food options and alcoholic beverages.
Additional entertainment features provide substantial supplementary income. Arcade games, pool tables, and other activities help increase customer spending and extend visit duration. Many centers also host special events like birthday parties, corporate gatherings, and school outings, often including package deals combining bowling, food, and other amenities.
Pro shop operations within bowling centers offer another revenue opportunity. These shops sell bowling balls, bags, shoes, and accessories, catering to both casual and serious bowlers. Some pro shops also provide services like ball drilling and equipment maintenance.
Successful bowling centers often implement membership programs or loyalty rewards to encourage repeat visits and increase customer spending. They might offer benefits like discounted rates, priority lane access, or food and beverage credits.
Industry Statistics
The bowling center industry includes establishments that operate bowling lanes with automatic pinsetters. These facilities may also provide food service, equipment rental, and additional entertainment activities. The industry operates under NAICS code 71395, Bowling Centers.
The following statistics present information about bowling centers across the nation.
Industry Size & Growth: The bowling center industry generates $3.8 billion in annual revenue. Over the past five years, the industry experienced a 5.2% annual decline. Looking ahead, the industry faces a continued downward trend, influenced by changing entertainment preferences and leisure spending patterns. However, bowling centers that modernize their facilities and expand their offerings show better growth potential. (IBISWorld)
Industry Trends: Modern bowling centers are evolving to meet changing consumer preferences through several notable developments:
- Premium food and beverage programs now include craft beers and artisan cocktails, moving beyond traditional snack bar offerings
- Family entertainment centers combine bowling with multiple activities to create comprehensive entertainment destinations
- Casual league bowling continues to grow, particularly in youth leagues
- Technology upgrades like touch screens, online booking systems, and virtual reality enhance the bowling experience
Number of Bowling Centers: There are 2,646 bowling centers operating nationwide. The largest operator, Bowlero Corporation, manages multiple locations and holds significant market influence with $1.2 billion in revenue. This indicates a concentrated market where larger companies have advantages in purchasing power and operational efficiency. (IBISWorld)
Bowling Center Average Profit Margin: The bowling center industry maintains a profit margin of 10%, and will vary based on location, business model, and additional revenue streams like food service and arcade games. (IRS)
States with Most Bowling Centers: The Great Lakes region leads in bowling center concentration, with four of the top five locations for bowling establishments. This regional strength reflects both historical presence and continued consumer demand for bowling entertainment. (U.S. Census Bureau)
Startup Stories
Also See: Ideas for Naming a Bowling Alley
Costs To Start a Bowling Center
Starting a bowling center typically requires an investment between $2 million and $5 million. This range accounts for different facility sizes, equipment quality, and location costs.
The financial requirements of opening a bowling center reflect substantial investments in equipment, facilities, and setup.
Bowling Equipment: Bowling lanes, pins, and ball return systems make up a large portion of the startup investment. A set of lanes with automatic pinsetters and scoring systems ranges from $45,000 to $70,000 per lane. Most bowling centers start with at least 12 lanes, making this one of the largest expenses.
Building and Renovations: Whether purchasing or leasing a space, preparing it for bowling operations requires extensive modifications. The building needs reinforced flooring to support lanes, proper electrical systems, and specific lighting installations. Renovation costs typically range from $500,000 to $1.2 million, depending on the building’s condition and size.
Food Service Setup: Most bowling centers include a kitchen and bar area. Setting up a commercial kitchen with proper ventilation, cooking equipment, and food storage systems ranges from $75,000 to $150,000. This includes costs for refrigeration, cooking equipment, and food prep areas.
Entertainment Systems: Modern bowling centers need comprehensive entertainment systems. These include scoring computers, management software, sound systems, and specialty lighting. For a medium-sized facility, these technology systems typically cost between $80,000 and $150,000.
These estimates represent general ranges; actual costs will differ based on specific circumstances and location.
Resources:
American Wheelchair Bowling Association
Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America
International Candlepin Bowling Association
National Bowling Association
Professional Bowlers Association
Professional Women’s Bowling Association
United States Bowling Congress