Bowling Alley For Sale : A Great Business Guide
The bowling alley business has been a staple of American entertainment. Modern bowling centers have evolved into full fledged entertainment venues. You can combine bowling with arcades, restaurants, bars and event hosting to get people more interested.
Bowling alleys generate their revenue through lane rentals, food, beverage sales, group events and league participation.
So if you want to operate a bowling alley it will require a blend of hospitality management, facility upkeep and customer service.
This business can be highly rewarding with modern trends that attract families and young adults.
Market Size & Growth
The global bowling centers market was valued between $6–10 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow in 2025 and later at a 4–5% CAGR in the end of the decade. You can also package bowling with darts, mini‑golf and laser tag to boost revenues.
3 Types of Bowling Alleys
Traditional Bowling Alleys
Traditional bowling alleys are focused on league bowlers and casual players with limited features. They heavily rely on core bowling revenue.
Upscale Centers
They want to give premium experiences such as glow lanes, plasma screens, lounge seating, craft food & drink. Bowlmor brand has combined bowling with bars and events.
Family Entertainment Centers
They combine bowling with arcades, laser tag, VR, birthday & corporate event packages. Multi-attraction centers appeal to broad demographics and can generate higher per-guest spending.
Factors To Consider Before Buying
1. Location
The success of a bowling alley is heavily tied to its location. Keep in mind to choose high traffic areas near schools and malls to attract more casual bowlers.
2. Size
Choose the number of lanes according to the expected customer volume. Also consider space for parking availability and additional features like arcades, food courts, event rooms, tournaments or bars.
3. Condition Of Equipment
The condition of equipment is important to check because poorly maintained equipment can turn into a major expense. Such as lanes, pinsetters, scoring systems, ball returns and lighting.
4. Licensing
Confirm that your business has all necessary licenses (food service, alcohol, business, health and safety) and they are transferable. And the building is zoned appropriately for commercial entertainment use.
Tip: Interview staff and customers (if possible) to get insights on customer satisfaction and grow accordingly.
Case Study
There is also a case study of a person from Ohio. He purchased a bowling alley with outdated equipment. Then he transformed it with the latest equipment, extra space, social media presence and trained staff. He got full return on investment after 3yrs.
How Much Does A Bowling Alley Cost To Start Up?
Starting a bowling alley is a major investment. You can start a bowling alley business with $500,000 from 8 to 12 lanes. But if you want a bowling alley with 20+ lanes with high end features, food area, licensing etc. You can keep in mind a budget of $6 million+ for that.
How To Get Funding To Open A Bowling Alley?
To get funding to open a bowling alley, you can try for SBA Loans. SBA 7(a) and SBA 504 loans are famous options. Or can take help from investors and partners by telling them your proper business plan. Can also go with franchise options of large bowling chains.
