https://www.mlive.com/life/2022/04/small-town-michigan-bowling-alley-frozen-in-1950s-hits-market.html

The bowling alley has been owned by the same family since the 1950s and even most of the equipment is original and in great condition.


Looks like early AMF machines?

With only 6 lanes you'd have to be careful how much money you'd put into it, but if you could find some synthetic lanes, for durability and less upkeep, then leave the rest as is you might make it work.
 
You could host private parties during the holidays and help makeup what you weren't able to having only 6 lanes.  It's definitely nostalgic and cool and there's a segment of America that talks about the "good old days" that you could cater to.  Pay a little more to bowl without all the crowds...  Interesting...

Does a small town in Michigan have the income base to support the pay more for more fun, less crowd idea?

I live about 150 miles from there in northern Indiana. It is an hour drive from Grand Rapids and a little less than that from Lansing. My wife and I are planning a triip to Grand Rapids soon, thinking about driving the extra hour and looking at the bowling alley in person. Just wanted to let people know what big cities are closest to this establishment.

With only 6 lanes you'd have to be careful how much money you'd put into it, but if you could find some synthetic lanes, for durability and less upkeep, then leave the rest as is you might make it work.

If no signs of nail showing in the heads, wood lanes would not bother me. I would epoxy inject them. Lower linage house could hold down resurface costs with possibly with possibly bi-annual season re-coats. A few ifs in there.

Does a small town in Michigan have the income base to support the pay more for more fun, less crowd idea?

Let's say it did. Living in a town this small really need to soul search.2010 census shows 1100 population. Done the 12 lane center thing in population of 1900 and our families center did well but that was mid 60s to mid 2000s and things have changed. Fasten your seat belt because its next level rumor mill and a lifestyle all its own. Centers in this type of setting tend to be more of a community center and can be great, bittersweet.

Photos show no signs of a liquor license, not even soft say beer/wine. That will hurt and could be due to location (church, school) getting one can't happen.

Likely machines are 82-30s which were not great new. Built to last 10 years, my understanding to last the time of leasing. Certified on all, liken that particular machine to a "contraption" and low build quality. That said, used A2s may be found, new ground up builds still install today but not sure of price.

If no signs of nail showing in the heads, wood lanes would not bother me. I would epoxy inject them. Lower linage house could hold down resurface costs with possibly with possibly bi-annual season re-coats. A few ifs in there.