OK, here are some thing I think would make your center successful - not in any particular order, but if you get all of them right you've got a winner!
1. Keep the lanes and pinsetters in excellent condition, and use decent oil patterns. Nobody likes bowling in a desert, and nobody likes bowling on a flood. You can vary the shots, just make them reasonable (unless specific leagues WANT a really tough pattern).
2. CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN! Nobody likes being in a pigsty. Clean everything every night after bowling, and keep any tables/counters cleaned throughout the day. DO NOT FORGET THE RESTROOMS!!
3. Make sure there is adequate (and comfortable) seating - not just for your bowlers, but also make room for any spectators (wives, buddies, etc...) Also, if possible, make room for people to have their equipment handy, but out of the way of traffic areas.
4. Do not overlook the power of an excellent snack bar! I'm not talking nachos and hot dogs here either. Serve greasy cheeseburgers, GOOD pizzas, chicken sandwiches, something that will make a meal for those who may go straight to the lanes after work (or those who would like to eat out on league night without making an extra stop). Hint: if you don't particularly car for the food you're serving, odds are good your customers won't want to pay for it. On the subject of paying, do not rip them off - keep everything priced in a fair and affordable manner.
5. Treat your customers like family or close friends. Even the ones who annoy you to no end. If you treat them right and listen to their needs, they will keep coming back!
6. Make sure your heating, air conditioning, and smoke filters are regularly checked and in excellent working order. Clean air that is at a comfortable temp. is a must. Nobody will say anything as long as it works - when it goes out you will hear from everybody. If it keeps happening, they will go elsewhere.
7. A knowledgeable, and accessible Pro Shop is a must. Having the pro shop closed during leagues is a mistake, in my mind. You probably won't drill balls during league, but someone should be there to polish balls before league, and sell tape, resin bags, and any other misc. accessory as needed during.
8. Make the place attractive inside and out. People won't even know you're there if the outside of the building looks like a warehouse. Well lit, easy access parking will make your customers much happier. Don't forget to remove snow and ice in the winter months so nobody falls and ends their bowling season early!
9. Reach out to the youth leagues, and offer them lessons. Also offer lessons to adults, but you need to get the kids in the door - they will be your league bowlers in the future!
That's all I can think of now. I'm sure I've missed something, but someone will surely cover any misses for me. If you're looking to open your own, or just seeking advice for one you already have open, I wish you the best of luck in making it a huge success!
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Why, WHY won't the last one just fall?? It's WIGGLING for cryin' out loud!!
