Lucky Strike Lanes reinvents the bowling experience

Lucky Strike Lanes reinvents the bowling experience

Since its first location opened in 2003, Lucky Strike Lanes has been changing the way people view bowling alleys.

Part of a national franchise that now has two centers in the metro area, Lucky Strike is part gaming area, part lounge and part art exhibit. It’s all combined in a trendy, upscale atmosphere that counters the image of a “bowling alley” as a smoke-filled room with cheap carpeting, plastic seats, bad lighting and outdated décor.

The first true bowling lounge of its kind, Lucky Strike Lanes has been open for one year in Lombard’s Yorktown Center and its entertainment value has been far-reaching.

“It’s really rare to have mingling, fun, food and beverage all together, so it’s a pretty good equation,” said Steven Glass, general manager of the Lombard location.

The original Lucky Strike was opened in Hollywood five years ago by owners Steven and Gillian Foster. There are currently 16 locations across the country, with numerous sites in the planning stages.

“In this business, you’re commonly looking at 30 sites that are possible,” Glass said. “They are looking across the country and beyond.”

Each site is designed by Steven Foster, who personally visits each location upon its completion.

“As he does each one, he adds new improvements,” said Glass. “After it gets built, he sits down with his executive committee and talks about the 10 things that could be better for the next one.”

The Lombard location boasts 18 state-of-the-art lanes, three billiard tables and two full-service bars.

The lanes are awash in blue lighting and feature leather couches and lounge seating. On the far wall of each lane is a projection screen that displays artwork by various artists across the world.

“Across the lanes we’re always projecting our own proprietary art,” said Glass. “It’s a neat feast for the eyes, a change from the sporting world.”

Work by as many as 100 artists representing a broad range of media, including photography, illustrations, paintings, film and video, rotates across the screens.

During the daytime hours, families and business people alike may enjoy Lucky Strike’s casual atmosphere. But at night, only those of legal drinking age may enter and all must conform to the strict dress code, which prohibits such clothing as cutoff t-shirts, sport jerseys and construction boots.

Patrons enjoy full food and beverage service from anywhere in the building. They can enjoy a drink from the myriad choices behind the 63-foot bar or enjoy a meal from the award-winning menu, created by Bill Starbuck, who has catered the Grammys, the Emmys and numerous celebrity weddings.

“The food end is taken very seriously,” said Glass.

Most menu items—which include skewers, salads, sandwiches, gourmet pizza and burgers—are prepared in finger-sized portions, making it easy for patrons to bowl and eat at the same time.

Behind the bar, and throughout the lounge, customers can enjoy one of 24 plasma screen televisions, displaying a wide range of sporting events.

“We have multiple sports going on, so you won’t miss any games,” said Glass. “We pay a lot of fees to make sure we get all the big games.”

The atmosphere is also conducive for the corporate market. The venue can be rented out for up to 600 people, making it a great place for business-related events of all kinds.

“We do a ton of corporate business,” Glass said. “(Business people) want to entertain, whether it’s their own employees or their clients.

“Food and beverage is usually a starting point and then you add entertainment. It’s hard to get something where you can have all of those things for starters and then you add being in a mingling environment, where you’re not necessarily seated next to one person.”

Future Lucky Strikes are slated to include four-lane bowling lounges designed for private occasions, offering even more seclusion for corporate events.

As the appeal of the conventional bowling alley continues to wane, Lucky Strike’s innovative, upscale approach to the traditional bowling experience is sure to continue in popularity, its owners believe.

The venue is open every weekday until 11:30 p.m., and until 2 a.m. on the weekends. For those looking to experience Lucky Strike, reserving a lane beforehand is always a good choice, as it tends to fill up quickly in the evening hours.

“We’re very passionate about what we call creating joyful energy,” said Glass. “We certainly don’t discourage the serious bowler, but this isn’t about serious bowling. It’s just about fun bowling.”

Jeremy Stoltz, Staff Writer

Posted on Wednesday, August 06, 2008 (Archive on Wednesday, August 13, 2008)
Posted by jstoltz Contributed by jstoltz

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