Sanford alley’s makeover aims to draw bowlers back
Sanford’s Airport Lanes got a modern face-lift intended to bring the casual sport hangout into the 21st Century.
Owner Aloma Bowling Centers just finished a $300,000 interior renovation to the bowling center, following updates to sister bowling alleys Aloma Bowl and Boardwalk Lanes. Exterior renovations are still in progress.
Regional manager Keith Baldwin said the company replaced aging plastic chairs with couches, tore out carpet in favor of wood flooring and renovated the restaurant and arcade.
“It looked out of date,” said Baldwin, who noted that the company did make some structural improvements such as a new roof in its 2000 purchase. “Sanford has been a challenging market for us, so we wanted to make something that would be a draw for this community.”
The bowling alley at 190 E. Airport Blvd., just off of U.S. 17-92, also updated drink offerings, bringing in craft beer from Sanford Brewing.
“Old bowling alleys are dark and can look dingy,” Baldwin said. “We wanted it to look fresh and bright; something safe and exciting.”
Part of the strategy is also to draw more corporate team-building events to replace the dwindling number of league bowling engagements, he said.
“We still do have our leagues, but the business model is changing,” Baldwin said. “Now we are competing with the movie theaters