League of Their Own

Article & Photos by Mallory Leonard

John Munson

Owned and operated by the Munson family since 1966, North Bowl Lanes in Plattsburgh has established itself as a mainstay in the North Country. Over the span of nearly 60 years, three generations have built and maintained the sense of camaraderie and connection through recreation and fun that the bowling center offers to the community it serves.

When I joined John Munson for a chat at the bowling center, I was thrilled to learn of the exciting things happening inside. Unassuming in its outward appearance, North Bowl Lanes does not come across as boastful, but there is plenty to brag about beyond the front doors.

Earlier this year the Munson’s family was looking to sell the business. After years of hard work, the four siblings wanted to step back. “Everything was lined up, and my brother Bobby and I were going to stay in for a very small ownership,” Munson said. “We were going to be the managing partner with our newly formed corporation, consulting and managing the business. The buyers were going to own everything.”

Very close to closing the deal, Munson received a call from the out-of-town buyers telling him their financing had fallen through. The Munson family had already invested money in the removal of the oil tank and other items to get the business ready for the change of hands, so they decided to remain as owners and operators rather than look for another buyer.

“We moved on,” Munson recalled. “So, we poured a million dollars into the place and redid it all.” When they met with their leagues to tell them what the plan was instead of selling, they were celebrated for it. “They were all choked up when they learned what we were going to do. They didn’t want it to be sold to someone else. They just kept thanking us.”

The changes to the bowling center are much more than a facelift. One of the biggest upgrades was the Edge String system from QubicaAMF, touted as the official string machine of the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA). In this system, bowling pins are attached to strings, allowing the system to set pins consistently on spot. The technology allows for different modes of play and, during practice, bowlers can set up specific pin configurations with just a click of a button.

Complete with LED lighting effects and a sharp, flawless view of the pins for bowlers, the Edge String system also provides energy savings and efficiency, running for three hours on the same amount of energy used to brew a pot of coffee. Low-maintenance and easy to use, labor costs at North Bowl Lanes have been reduced due to the efficiency of the system and the decrease in delays due to lane issues. “Staff have more time to focus on the patrons. “Hi Mare,” Munson paused to greet a staff member as she walked in for the start of her day, smiling as she walked by. “We take the time to enhance their experience while visiting the bowling center,” he said, finishing his thought. It was clear this was not just about the patrons, but also extended to the staff as well.

Also improving manpower hours and efficiency, an EZ Touch Lane Machine gently whirred in the background during our conversation. Functioning like a bowling Roomba, the robotic lane care machine operates independently, moving from lane to lane with no intervention from staff. It oils and protects the lane surface, leaving the lanes with a mirror-like shine. “In the past we’d need someone to go over, press a button, pick it up, change lanes and set it up to go down the next lane, and hold the cord as it went down and back,” Munson said. This machine is cordless, self-navigating and impressive. Yet another investment resulting in savings for the business.

Integrated into the computer system, bumpers are new and improved, saving time and delays. Bumper use can be assigned to a player, and each time it’s their turn the bumpers will come up from the sides and lower when they are done their turn for the next bumper-less bowler. Families especially like this feature, saving time when bowling with their children. The ball return system is quieter and runs only when needed, saving energy and preventing delays as well.

The technology upgrades made this year also include new displays, new touch- screen bowler consoles at the lanes complete with LED lighting effects, and a massive library of new interactive games to engage folks as they bowl. “The kids who visit love the games,” Munson said with a smile. “Birthday parties, family outings — they all love the games. The adults love them, too!” The games have themes, including “Build a Monster” where bowlers play to create a unique monster in the game, and at the end of the game they can go to the front counter and have their monster printed out for them. Lanes can compete against each other to destroy a castle (a huge hit at birthday parties), and there are holiday themed games as well. Players can also take their picture to indicate their turn, rather than putting in a name or initials. Their faces also become integrated into the animations after their turn. “It’s interactive and folks love it.”

Aiming to be a family fun destination, Munson wants North Bowl Lanes to be a one-stop-shop for folks looking for an affordable night out. With a beautifully revamped kitchen and new manager, Eli Ryan, North Bowl now features an updated menu with plans to expand food offerings. Group gatherings, birthday parties, and corporate events have a special catering menu to select from. Future plans include more catering offerings as Ryan develops the menu and dining operations. Future updates that will work with the technology system already in place will allow patrons to scan a code on their table to get a notification when their food is ready, allowing bowlers to “concentrate on the fun without worrying about when the food is done,” Munson added. “It’s all very exciting.”

While North Bowl Lanes has its main Facebook page with over 6,300 followers, a now separate Facebook page has been created for the restaurant, where specials are posted throughout the week. On the horizon is a new website with all sorts of capabilities. Patrons will be able to view schedules, reserve lanes, book parties, pay online, see league, tournament, and bowl-a-thon details, as well as a plethora of other information. The website is being created through the Bowling Proprietors Association of America (BPAA), of which North Bowl Lanes is a proud member.

With all of the updates and forward momentum as they head into their busy season, Munson’s outlook remains positive. “Our community has a home here. It’s a family.” He’s thrilled with the reception the changes have received so far, and he cannot wait to see it in full swing during the colder months when normal operations are at their peak.

What does the future hold for the Munson family? “For now, we’re here.” John stated. In the future they may revisit selling the business, but they will have a clear goal in mind if they do sell. “We’d love a local person to buy it instead,” Munson said. “That’s what it should be, and that’s what the community wants.” The Munson family has put so much of its history and heart into North Bowl Lanes, and you can feel that the moment you walk in the doors. Spare a moment, roll on down to the lanes and strike up a game. Munson said of the new and improved North Bowl Lanes, “You’re going to love it!”

North Bowl Lanes

28 N Bowl Lane

Plattsburgh, NY 12901

(518) 561-1690