bowling business plan

Bowling Alley Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Bowling Alley Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your Bowling Alley business plan.

We have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their Bowling Alley businesses.

Below is a template to help you create each section of your Bowling Alley business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

The Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone is a startup bowling business located in Las Vegas, Nevada. The company is founded by Jack Sessions, a former pro bowling athlete and holder of multiple national bowling championship trophies. During his history as a professional bowler, Jack impressed several of his sponsoring companies with his leadership abilities and his business acumen, which has encouraged the same sponsors to help him secure the financing and create this startup company in the bowling industry.

Product Offering

The following are the services that the Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone will provide:

• 20 bowling lanes for league and leisure play
• Beautiful lounge area overseeing the alleys
• Full-service restaurant
• Gold Trophy Bar
• Video arcade and interactive play area
• Childcare services
• Senior league play
• Couples league play

Customer Focus

The Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone will target the residents and families of Las Vegas, Nevada. They will also target visitors to the greater Las Vegas region. They will target companies and other groups who will put teams into league play. They will target seniors and they will target couples who want casual, enjoyable regular bowling practices and league play. They will target party planners and event coordinators.

Management Team

The Winning Strikes & Game Zone will be owned and operated by Jack Sessions, a former pro bowling athlete and holder of multiple national bowling championship trophies. Jack will take on the role of President of the company. During his history as a professional bowler, Jack impressed several of his sponsoring companies with his leadership abilities and his business acumen, which has encouraged the same sponsors to help him secure the financing and create this startup company in the bowling industry. Two former pro bowlers and other associates have agreed to join Jack in this startup venture: Jim Macone will take on the role of Operations Director, and Tiny Demas will join as the Restaurant and Bar Manager. Tracy Anderson will become the Administrative Manager and Len Woodward will be the Maintenance Supervisor. Jim Macone holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Nevada and has worked in that role for over fifteen years in a local business. He will hold the title of Operations Director for the alleys, rental areas, and arcade and gaming areas of the business.

Tiny Demas, formerly a champion in league play with the Desert Diamondbacks Club, has been a restauranteur for ten years and has been recruited to take on the role of Restaurant and Bar Manager for the startup.

Tracy Anderson, a former associate with ten years of office management experience, will be the Administrative Manager, overseeing the accounts, payroll, transactions and other tasks.

Len Woodward will be the Maintenance Supervisor, caring for the buildings, interiors and grounds of the property. His background includes maintenance supervision for a large shopping complex near the Las Vegas Strip.

Success Factors

Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

• Friendly, knowledgeable, and highly-qualified team of the Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone
• Comprehensive array of exciting bowling games, video games and arcade-style games.
• Safe and comfortable family setting ensures a positive experience for everyone.
• Free childcare for infants and toddlers up to age 3.
• Colorful decor throughout the entire complex.
• Multiple menu choices in the restaurant and “Lucky Strike” bar area.
• Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone offers the best pricing in town. Their pricing structure encourages family play and discounts are often provided throughout the seasons.

Financial Highlights

Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone is seeking $200,000 in debt financing to launch its Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone. The funding will be dedicated toward securing the office space and purchasing office equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated toward three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff, rent, and marketing costs for the print ads and marketing costs. The breakout of the funding is below:

• Office space build-out: $20,000
• Office equipment, supplies, and materials: $10,000
• Three months of overhead expenses (payroll, rent, utilities): $150,000
• Marketing costs: $10,000
• Working capital: $10,000

The following graph outlines the financial projections for Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone.

Company Overview

Who is winning strikes bowling & game zone.

Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone is a newly established, full-service 20-lane bowling alley and family arcade complex in Las Vegas, Nevada. Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone will be the most attractive, fun and cost-effective choice for everyone in Las Vegas and the surrounding communities. Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone will provide a comprehensive menu of fun activities, including bowling in league play and outstanding video arcade games for any individual to enjoy. Their full-service approach includes a full service restaurant and the Lucky Strikes bar.

  Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone will be able to serve individuals, groups, and families of all sizes. The team of professionals are highly qualified and experienced in every aspect of bowling, as well as overseeing and maintaining video arcade and interactive play. Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone removes all the headaches and issues of trying to find a place the entire family enjoys and ensures all issues are taken care of expeditiously while delivering the best customer service.

Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone is owned and operated by Jack Sessions, a former pro bowling athlete and holder of multiple national bowling championship trophies. During his history as a professional bowler, Jack impressed several of his sponsoring companies with his leadership abilities and his business acumen, which has encouraged the same sponsors to help him secure the financing and create this startup company in the bowling industry. Jack has earned the trust and commitment of several pro bowlers who frequent Las Vegas to refer the new startup to friends and family members, as well as play and help promote the newest major attraction in the Las Vegas area.

Since incorporation, Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone has achieved the following milestones:

• Registered Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone, LLC to transact business in the state of Nevada.
• Has a contract in place for a 10,000 square foot office in a building adjacent to the bowling alley complex.
• Reached out to numerous former associates and contacts to recommend Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone to their associates.
• Began recruiting bowling alley, video arcade, restaurant, and office staff to work at Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone.

Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone Services

The following will be the services Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone will provide:

Industry Analysis

The bowling alley/video game arcade industry is expected to grow over the next five years to over $167,600 billion. The growth will be driven by increasing league participation rates. The growth will also be driven by families looking for a “full service experience” with something for the entire family to enjoy. The growth will also be driven by interactive games, such as laser tag and indoor sports. Costs will likely be reduced as the increase in family play and enjoyable eateries brings more revenue to the game centers, lowering the cost of goods with order quantity increases.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market, customer segmentation.

Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone will primarily target the following customer profiles:

• Residents and families within the Las Vegas region
• Visitors to the Las Vegas region
• Companies or groups who arrange league play
• Seniors and couples who want league play
• Party planners and event coordinators

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone will face competition from other companies with similar business profiles. A description of each competitor company is below.

Strikes & Spares Bowling Alley

The Strikes & Spares Bowling Alley provides 10 bowling alleys for league and casual play. In addition, there is a snack bar and “Strike it Rich” Bar in the bowling alley complex. The leagues that play include a truck driver’s club and a neighborhood bowling club that includes gambling on the results of each week’s play. There is no childcare provided for families, but there are arcade machines in a side room of the bowling alley for children ages 8-16 to play.

Strikes & Spares Bowling Alley is owned by John and Tinker Daly, who purchased the business in 1993 from the original owner of the business. During the past several years, business has declined for key reasons: the neighborhood of the bowling alley has changed from family-dominated to a more fluid rental neighborhood. In addition, the bowling alley, snack bar and bar need a decor refresh and updating throughout, as the original decor is dated. The amenities, such as the video game machines, are also dated and need to be exchanged for newer games and better models.

Retro Bowling Alley

Retro Bowling Alley is an inviting venue that brings together the nostalgic charm of classic bowling with the excitement of a video arcade. With 10 well-maintained bowling lanes and a dedicated arcade area, Retro Bowling Alley provides an engaging experience for individuals, families, and groups of friends. The bowling alley contains vintage-inspired artwork, neon signs, and retro memorabilia, creating a fun atmosphere. Comfortable seating areas allow guests to relax, socialize, and cheer on their friends while enjoying the lively energy of the bowling alley and arcade. The owner is Gary Reagan, an owner of several local Las Vegas businesses, who invests in entertainment venues and facilities that attract families as a whole. The business was started in 2012 and became profitable in 2014. It continues to grow due to the increased use of the bowling alley, the comfortable surroundings and the friendly employees who assist with everything willingly.

Vegas Family Pins

Vegas Family Pins provides a small-town atmosphere in the middle of Las Vegas, with 10 bowling lanes and an accompanying lounge for players and viewers to cheer each other on to victory. The bowling alley has a charming and fun-filled series of alleys that can be reconfigured so young children can play each Saturday morning. Designed to offer an oasis in the middle of the fast-paced Las Vegas world, the bowling alley is a family favorite, even though it does not boast a video arcade or other amenities. Vegas Family Pins is owned and operated by Arnold Guthy, an area businessman who was a former league bowler when his family was young. He purchased the business in 1989 and has refurbished it twice since that time; however, he did so in keeping with the cozy atmosphere of “family” bowling. Neighborhood families like to connect and watch their children play, while enjoying a snack from a nearby bank of food vending machines. With a limited number of lanes, the bowling alley provides a cozy environment when uncrowded, but can convey a crowded atmosphere when all ten bowling lanes are in use.

Competitive Advantage

Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone will be able to offer the following advantages over their competition:

• Wide range of menu items in the restaurant and “Lucky Strike” bar area.
• Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone offers the best pricing in town. Their pricing structure encourages family play, and discounts are often provided throughout the seasons.

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone will offer the unique value proposition to its clientele:

• Highly-qualified team of skilled employees who are able to provide a comprehensive array of services and assistance for individuals and families.
• Free childcare for infants and toddlers up to age 3
• Unbeatable pricing to its customers; discount packages are offered seasonally.

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone is as follows:

Word of Mouth/Referrals

Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone has built up an extensive list of contacts over the years by the exceptional service and expertise provided by Jack Sessions to his clients. Former clients and fellow bowlers have already agreed to follow him to his new company and help spread the word of Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone.

Professional Associations and Networking

Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone will actively network among community groups and citywide associations to get their name recognized as an exciting and vibrant new event venue for a wide variety of events. As such, regional trade shows and community gatherings will be attended and the word spread about the launch of the new company.

Print Advertising

All residents will receive a direct mail piece two weeks prior to the launch of Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone. The invitation will offer a discount on bowling during the first month of business and selected discounts on merchandise, food, and bowling shoe rentals.

Website/SEO Marketing

Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone will fully utilize their website. The website will be well organized, informative, and list all the services that Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone provides. The website will also list their contact information and list their available alley for reservations that can be made online. The website presence will engage SEO marketing tactics so that anytime someone types in the Google or Bing search engine “bowling alley” or “family fun center near me”, Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone will be listed at the top of the search results.

The pricing of Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone will be moderate and on par with competitors so customers feel they receive excellent value when purchasing their services.

Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone. Operation Functions:

• Jack Sessions will be the Owner and President of the company. He will oversee all staff and manage client relations. Jack has spent the past year recruiting the following staff:
• JIm Macone will be the Operations Director for the alleys, rental areas, and arcade and gaming areas of the business.
• Tiny Demas will be the Restaurant and Bar Manager for the startup company.
• Tracy Anderson will be the Administrative Manager, overseeing the accounts, payroll, transactions and other tasks.
• Len Woodward will be the Maintenance Supervisor, caring for the buildings, interiors and grounds of the property.

Milestones:

Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone will have the following milestones completed in the next six months.

• 5/1/202X – Finalize contract to lease office space
• 5/15/202X – Finalize personnel contracts for the Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone
• 6/1/202X – Finalize contracts for Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone clients
• 6/15/202X – Begin networking at industry events
• 6/22/202X – Begin moving into Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone office
• 7/1/202X – Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone opens its office for business

The Winning Strikes & Game Zone will be owned and operated by Jack Sessions, a former pro bowling athlete and holder of multiple national bowling championship trophies. Jack will take on the role of President of the company. During his history as a professional bowler, Jack impressed several of his sponsoring companies with his leadership abilities and his business acumen, which has encouraged the same sponsors to help him secure the financing and create this startup company in the bowling industry. Two former pro bowlers have agreed to join Jack in this startup venture: Jim Macone, who will take on the role of Operations Director, and Tiny Demas, who will join as the Restaurant and Bar Manager. Jim Macone holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Nevada and has worked in that role for over fifteen years in a local business. He will hold the title of Operations Director for the alleys, rental areas, and arcade and gaming areas of the business.

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

The revenue drivers for Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone are the fees they will charge to customers for their services and merchandise.

The cost drivers will be the overhead costs required in order to staff Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone. The expenses will be the payroll cost, rent, utilities, office supplies, and marketing materials.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone is seeking $200,000 in debt financing to launch its bowling alley. The funding will be dedicated toward securing the office space and purchasing office equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated toward three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff, rent, and marketing costs for the print ads and association memberships. The breakout of the funding is below:

Key Assumptions

The following outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and in order to pay off the startup business loan.

• Number of Customers Per Month: 2,000
• Average Revenue per Month: $400,000
• Office Lease per Year: $100,000

Financial Projections

Income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, bowling alley business plan faqs, what is a bowling alley business plan.

A bowling alley business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your bowling alley business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can easily complete your Bowling Alley business plan using our Bowling Alley Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of Bowling Alley Businesses? 

There are a number of different kinds of bowling alley businesses , some examples include: Kid-Friendly Bowling Alley, Nightlife-Oriented Bowling Alley, and Sports-Complex Bowling Alley.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Bowling Alley Business Plan?

Bowling Alley businesses are often funded through small business loans. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are also popular forms of funding.

What are the Steps To Start a Bowling Alley Business?

Starting a bowling alley business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Develop A Bowling Alley Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed bowling alley business plan that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include potential market size and target customers, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast. 

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your bowling alley business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your bowling alley business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Bowling Alley Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your bowling alley business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws.

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your bowling alley business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms.

5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations.

6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events.

7. Acquire Necessary Bowling Alley Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your bowling alley business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation.

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your bowling alley business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising. 

Learn more about how to start a successful bowling alley business:

• How to Open a Bowling Alley

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Bowling Alley

Back to All Business Ideas

How to Start a Bowling Alley

Written by: Natalie Fell

Natalie is a business writer with experience in operations, HR, and training & development within the software, healthcare, and financial services sectors.

Edited by: David Lepeska

David has been writing and learning about business, finance and globalization for a quarter-century, starting with a small New York consulting firm in the 1990s.

Published on May 28, 2022 Updated on May 7, 2024

Investment range

$29,400 - $74,300

Revenue potential

$274,000 - $526,000 p.a.

Time to build

Profit potential

$96,000 - $184,000 p.a.

Industry trend

Did you know the US bowling center industry is worth $3.9 billion as of 2023? This eye-opening statistic reflects the untapped potential of starting a bowling alley, a venture that blends fun with financial promise.

In this article, we delve into the crucial steps for establishing a profitable bowling alley. From analyzing industry trends to mapping out a detailed business plan, we offer valuable insights and practical advice for entrepreneurs eager to roll into this exciting and lucrative industry.

Get ready to discover how you can transform your business dream into a striking success!

If you don’t feel like reading a whole article, here are five key pieces of advice for anyone who wants to open a bowling alley:

• Market research — Know your local demand and target audience.
• Diverse entertainment — Offer more than just bowling, like games and dining.
• Quality equipment — Invest in good lanes and maintain them well.
• Strategic marketing — Use digital and traditional methods, plus promotions.
• Customer service — Prioritize friendly and efficient service for repeat business.

Looking to register your business? A limited liability company (LLC) is the best legal structure for new businesses because it is fast and simple.

Form your business immediately using ZenBusiness LLC formation service or hire one of the Best LLC Services .

Step 1: Decide if the Business Is Right for You

Pros and cons.

Before starting a bowling alley, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons. 

• Fun environment — Have a blast making customers happy!
• Room for expansion — Add a game center or restaurant
• Gathering place — Become the go-to spot for good times
• Expensive startup — Facility and equipment will require investment
• Costly maintenance — Bowling alleys need a lot of upkeep

Bowling Alley Industry Trends

Industry size and growth.

• Industry size and past growth — The US bowling center industry was worth $3.9 billion in 2023. The recent pandemic caused the industry to decline slightly, but it is back on the rise. (( https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/market-size/bowling-centers-united-states/ ))
• Growth forecast — The global bowling market is expected to grow 4.5% annually through 2028. (( https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/product/bowling-market/ ))
• Number of businesses — There are 2,646 bowling centers operating in the United States and they employ 47,168 people.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/bowling-centers-industry/ ))

Trends and Challenges

• Vacant big-box stores are becoming a popular place for new bowling alleys. They’re often located in convenient areas for customers with plenty of parking, which is a major plus.
• Cosmic bowling, with colored lights, music, and glow-in-the-dark bowling balls, is becoming more popular.
• Rather than traditional bowling alleys, Gen Z and millennials are more inclined to bowl at entertainment complexes with restaurants, driving ranges, and arcade games.
• Bowling leagues have lost popularity. Leagues used to provide steady, predictable revenue, but today’s bowling alleys rely more on recreational bowlers. 

What Kind of People Work in Bowling Alleys?

• Gender — 43% of bowling alley attendants are women and 57% are men.
• Average level of education — The average bowling alley attendant is high school educated.
• Average age — The average bowling alley attendant is 34.2 years old.(( https://www.zippia.com/bowling-alley-attendant-jobs/demographics/ ))

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Bowling Alley?

Startup costs for a bowling alley range from $30,000 to $75,000. The average cost is around $47,000. The cost to start your business will greatly depend on the type of facility you lease as well as how much you spend on equipment and accessories. To keep costs down, consider leasing an existing bowling alley. 

You’ll need a handful of items to successfully launch your bowling alley, including: 

• Bowling facility
• Bowling accessories, including balls and shoes
• Concessions
• Maintenance tools

How Much Can You Earn From a Bowling Alley?

The average cost of bowling is $25 per lane, per hour. After facility leasing costs, equipment, employee wages, and maintenance, your profit margin should be around 35%. 

In your first year or two, if you have six lanes you could rent out each one for five hours a day at $25 an hour. This would translate into annual revenue of $274,000. Assuming that 35% margin, you would make a profit of $96,000. As your bowling alley builds a reputation, you could rent each of your lanes for eight hours per day and increase your hourly rate to $30. With annual revenue of $526,000, you’d make a tidy profit of $184,000. 

What Barriers to Entry Are There?

There are a few barriers to entry when it comes to starting a bowling alley. Your biggest challenges will be:

• Finding a suitable facility in a good location
• Startup costs of facility preparation, equipment, and accessories

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Step 2: hone your idea.

Now that you know what’s involved in starting a bowling alley, it’s a good idea to hone your concept in preparation to enter a competitive market. 

Market research will give you the upper hand, even if you’re already positive that you have a perfect product or service. Conducting market research is important, because it can help you understand your customers better, who your competitors are, and your business landscape.

Why? Identify an Opportunity

Research bowling alleys in your area to examine their services, price points, and customer reviews. You’re looking for a market gap to fill. For instance, maybe the local market is missing a bowling alley with an arcade, additional games, or a full-service restaurant . 

You might consider targeting a niche market by specializing in a certain aspect of your industry, such as children’s birthday parties or corporate events.

This could jumpstart your word-of-mouth marketing and attract clients right away. 

What? Determine Your Offerings and Add-on Services (Food, Beverages)

You’ll be providing lanes, balls, and shoe rentals to customers to enjoy a game of bowling with family and friends. You might also offer food and snacks or alcoholic beverages. Many bowling alleys also have arcade games on site.

How Much Should You Charge for Bowling?

The average cost for a game of bowling is $25 per lane. If you offer concessions, you can charge between $5 and $15 per item. If your bowling alley has a full bar, you could charge $10 to $20 per alcoholic beverage. After factoring in the cost of labor and overhead, expect a profit margin of around 35%. 

Once you know your costs, you can use our profit margin calculator to determine your markup and final price points. Remember, the prices you use at launch should be subject to change if warranted by the market.

Who? Identify Your Target Market

Your target market will be people of all ages looking to bowl with friends, family, or colleagues. Focus your marketing efforts on social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.

Where? Choose Your Bowling Alley Location

Choosing the right location for your bowling alley is crucial for attracting customers and ensuring its success. Look for an area with high foot traffic and a strong entertainment culture, such as a popular shopping district or a bustling downtown area.

Consider accessibility and convenience, ensuring that the location has ample parking and is easily reachable by public transportation. By strategically choosing the right location, you can establish a profitable and popular bowling alley that caters to a wide range of customers and stands out in the competitive entertainment industry.

You’ll need to purchase or lease a facility for your bowling alley. You can find commercial space to rent in your area on sites such as Craigslist , Crexi , and Instant Offices .

Step 3: Brainstorm a Bowling Alley Name

Here are some ideas for brainstorming your business name:

• Short, unique, and catchy names tend to stand out
• Names that are easy to say and spell tend to do better 
• Name should be relevant to your product or service offerings
• Ask around — family, friends, colleagues, social media — for suggestions
• Including keywords, such as “bowling alley” or “lanes,” boosts SEO
• Name should allow for expansion, for example, “Roll It Out Bowling Club” over “Senior Bowling Club”
• A location-based name can help establish a strong connection with your local community and help with the SEO but might hinder future expansion

Discover over 290 unique bowling alley name ideas here . If you want your business name to include specific keywords, you can also use our bowling alley name generator. Just type in a few keywords, hit Generate, and you’ll have dozens of suggestions at your fingertips.

Once you’ve got a list of potential names, visit the website of the US Patent and Trademark Office to make sure they are available for registration and check the availability of related domain names using our Domain Name Search tool. Using “.com” or “.org” sharply increases credibility, so it’s best to focus on these. 

Find a Domain

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Finally, make your choice among the names that pass this screening and go ahead with domain registration and social media account creation. Your business name is one of the key differentiators that sets your business apart. However, once you pick your company name and start with the branding, it is hard to change the business name. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider your choice before you start a business entity.

Step 4: Create a Bowling Alley Business Plan

Here are the key components of a business plan:

• Executive summary — A brief overview of the bowling alley business plan, highlighting its key objectives, strategies, and financial projections
• Business overview — Detailed information about the bowling alley business, including its mission, vision, location, and legal structure
• Product and services — Description of the bowling services offered, including types of lanes, rental equipment, leagues, and any additional amenities such as food and beverages
• Market analysis — Examination of the target market, including demographics, psychographics, and trends influencing the demand for bowling entertainment
• Competitive analysis — Evaluation of other bowling alleys in the area, assessing their strengths and weaknesses, and identifying opportunities for differentiation
• Sales and marketing — Strategies for promoting the bowling alley, attracting customers, and retaining them through advertising, promotions, and customer engagement initiatives
• Management team — Introduction of key individuals responsible for the bowling alley’s success, including their roles, qualifications, and relevant experience
• Operations plan — Details on day-to-day operations, such as hours of operation, staff requirements, maintenance schedules, and any technology or software used to streamline processes
• Financial plan — Projections for the financial performance of the bowling alley, including startup costs, revenue forecasts, and break-even analysis
• Appendix — Supplementary materials, such as additional financial data, market research findings, and any supporting documents referenced in the business plan

If you’ve never created a business plan, it can be an intimidating task. You might consider hiring a business plan specialist to create a top-notch business plan for you.

Step 5: Register Your Business

Registering your business is an absolutely crucial step — it’s the prerequisite to paying taxes, raising capital, opening a bank account, and other guideposts on the road to getting a business up and running.

Plus, registration is exciting because it makes the entire process official. Once it’s complete, you’ll have your own business! 

Choose Where to Register Your Company

Your business location is important because it can affect taxes, legal requirements, and revenue. Most people will register their business in the state where they live, but if you are planning to expand, you might consider looking elsewhere, as some states could offer real advantages when it comes to bowling alleys. 

If you’re willing to move, you could really maximize your business! Keep in mind that it’s relatively easy to transfer your business to another state. 

Choose Your Business Structure

Business entities come in several varieties, each with its pros and cons. The legal structure you choose for your bowling alley will shape your taxes, personal liability, and business registration requirements, so choose wisely. 

Here are the main options:

• Sole proprietorship — The most common structure for small businesses makes no legal distinction between company and owner. All income goes to the owner, who’s also liable for any debts, losses, or liabilities incurred by the business. The owner pays taxes on business income on his or her personal tax return.
• General partnership — Similar to a sole proprietorship, but for two or more people. Again, owners keep the profits and are liable for losses. The partners pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC) — Combines the characteristics of corporations with those of sole proprietorships or partnerships. Again, the owners are not personally liable for debts.
• C Corporation — Under this structure, the business is a distinct legal entity and the owner or owners are not personally liable for its debts. Owners take profits through shareholder dividends, rather than directly. The corporation pays taxes, and owners pay taxes on their dividends, which is sometimes referred to as double taxation.
• S Corporation — This refers to the tax classification of the business but is not a business entity. Either a corporation or an LLC can elect to be an S Corp for tax status. In an S Corp, income is passed through directly to shareholders, who pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.

We recommend that new business owners choose LLC as it offers liability protection and pass-through taxation while being simpler to form than a corporation. You can form an LLC in as little as five minutes using an online LLC formation service. They will check that your business name is available before filing, submit your articles of organization , and answer any questions you might have.

Form Your LLC

Choose Your State

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Step 6: Register for Taxes

The final step before you’re able to pay taxes is getting an Employer Identification Number or EIN. You can file for your EIN online, or by mail/fax. Visit the IRS website to learn more. Keep in mind, if you’ve chosen to be a sole proprietorship you can simply use your social security number as your EIN. 

Once you have your EIN, you’ll need to choose your tax year. Financially speaking, your business will operate in a calendar year (January–December) or a fiscal year, a 12-month period that can start in any month. This will determine your tax cycle, while your business structure will determine which taxes you’ll pay.

The IRS website also offers a tax-payers checklist , and taxes can be filed online.

It is important to consult an accountant or other professional to help you with your taxes to ensure you are completing them correctly.

Step 7: Fund Your Business

Securing financing is your next step and there are plenty of ways to raise capital:

• Bank loans — This is the most common method but getting approved requires a rock-solid business plan and a strong credit history.
• SBA-guaranteed loans — The Small Business Administration can act as a guarantor, helping gain that elusive bank approval via an SBA-guaranteed loan .
• Government grants — A handful of financial assistance programs help fund entrepreneurs. Visit Grants.gov to learn which might work for you.
• Friends and family — Reach out to friends and family to provide a business loan or investment in your concept. It’s a good idea to have legal advice when doing so because SEC regulations apply.
• Crowdfunding — Websites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo offer an increasingly popular low-risk option, in which donors fund your vision. Entrepreneurial crowdfunding sites like Fundable and WeFunder enable multiple investors to fund your business.
• Personal — Self-fund your business via your savings or the sale of property or other assets.

Bank and SBA loans are probably the best options, other than friends and family, for funding a bowling alley. You might also try crowdfunding if you have an innovative concept.

Step 8: Apply for Bowling Alley Business Licenses and Permits

Starting a bowling alley requires obtaining a number of licenses and permits from local, state, and federal governments.

Federal regulations, licenses, and permits associated with starting your business include doing business as (DBA), health licenses and permits from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( OSHA ), trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other intellectual properties, as well as industry-specific licenses and permits. 

You may also need state-level and local county or city-based licenses and permits. The license requirements and how to obtain them vary, so check the websites of your state, city, and county governments or contact the appropriate person to learn more. 

You could also check this SBA guide for your state’s requirements, but we recommend using MyCorporation’s Business License Compliance Package . They will research the exact forms you need for your business and state and provide them to ensure you’re fully compliant.

This is not a step to be taken lightly, as failing to comply with legal requirements can result in hefty penalties.

If you feel overwhelmed by this step or don’t know how to begin, it might be a good idea to hire a professional to help you check all the legal boxes.

Step 9: Open a Business Bank Account

Before you start making money, you’ll need a place to keep it, and that requires opening a bank account .

Keeping your business finances separate from your personal account makes it easy to file taxes and track your company’s income, so it’s worth doing even if you’re running your bowling alley as a sole proprietorship. Opening a business bank account is quite simple, and similar to opening a personal one. Most major banks offer accounts tailored for businesses — just inquire at your preferred bank to learn about their rates and features.

Banks vary in terms of offerings, so it’s a good idea to examine your options and select the best plan for you. Once you choose your bank, bring in your EIN (or Social Security Number if you decide on a sole proprietorship), articles of incorporation, and other legal documents and open your new account. 

Step 10: Get Business Insurance

Business insurance is an area that often gets overlooked yet it can be vital to your success as an entrepreneur. Insurance protects you from unexpected events that can have a devastating impact on your business.

Here are some types of insurance to consider:

• General liability — The most comprehensive type of insurance, acting as a catch-all for many business elements that require coverage. If you get just one kind of insurance, this is it. It even protects against bodily injury and property damage.
• Business property — Provides coverage for your equipment and supplies.
• Equipment breakdown insurance — Covers the cost of replacing or repairing equipment that has broken due to mechanical issues.
• Worker’s compensation — Provides compensation to employees injured on the job.
• Property — Covers your physical space, whether it is a cart, storefront, or office.
• Commercial auto — Protection for your company-owned vehicle.
• Professional liability — Protects against claims from a client who says they suffered a loss due to an error or omission in your work.
• Business owner’s policy (BOP) — This is an insurance plan that acts as an all-in-one insurance policy, a combination of the above insurance types.

Step 11: Prepare to Launch

As opening day nears, prepare for launch by reviewing and improving some key elements of your business. 

Essential Software and Tools

Being an entrepreneur often means wearing many hats, from marketing to sales to accounting, which can be overwhelming. Fortunately, many websites and digital tools are available to help simplify many business tasks.  

You may want to use industry-specific software, such as  AlleyTrak , Embed , or Clubspeed , to manage reservations, collect payments, and display scoring information. 

• Popular web-based accounting programs for smaller businesses include Quickbooks , FreshBooks , and Xero . 
• If you’re unfamiliar with basic accounting, you may want to hire a professional, especially as you begin. The consequences of filing incorrect tax documents can be harsh, so accuracy is crucial.

Develop Your Website

Website development is crucial because your site is your online presence and needs to convince prospective clients of your expertise and professionalism.

You can create your own website using website builders . This route is very affordable, but figuring out how to build a website can be time-consuming. If you lack tech savvy, you can hire a web designer or developer to create a custom website for your business.

However, people are unlikely to find your website unless you follow Search Engine Optimization ( SEO ) practices. These are steps that help pages rank higher in the results of top search engines like Google. 

Here are some powerful marketing strategies for your future business:

• Local SEO — Optimize your website for local search terms to ensure your bowling alley appears when people are looking for fun activities nearby. Regularly update your Google My Business and Yelp profiles to strengthen your local search presence.
• Social media tournaments — Showcase league tournaments, theme nights, and special events on platforms like Facebook and Instagram to engage with a local audience.
• Online booking system — Implement an easy-to-use system for booking lanes and parties to enhance customer convenience.
• Eye-catching exterior signage — Use vibrant signage to make your bowling alley visible and inviting from a distance.
• Bowling passes and discounts — Offer special rates during off-peak hours and discounts for multiple games to encourage longer visits and repeat customers.
• Email newsletters — Send regular updates about upcoming events, league information, and special promotions to keep your customers engaged.
• Bowling tips and tricks blog — Share helpful content for both beginners and experienced players to improve their skills and connect with the sport.
• Themed bowling nights — Host events like Retro Bowl or Cosmic Bowling to attract diverse demographics and refresh the bowling experience.
• Community leagues and tournaments — Promote and organize local bowling leagues and tournaments to foster regular attendance and spirited competition.
• Partnerships with schools and clubs — Collaborate with educational and community groups to host events and offer special rates, encouraging group outings.
• Frequent bowler rewards — Develop a loyalty program that offers perks like discounts or free games for regular patrons.
• Influencer nights — Engage local influencers for special bowling nights, leveraging their reach to attract new customers and enhance visibility.

Focus on USPs

Unique selling propositions, or USPs, are the characteristics of a product or service that set it apart from the competition. Today, customers are inundated with buying options, so you’ll have a real advantage if they can quickly grasp how your bowling alley meets their needs or wishes. It’s wise to do all you can to ensure your USPs stand out on your website and in your marketing and promotional materials, stimulating buyer desire. 

Global pizza chain Domino’s is renowned for its USP: “Hot pizza in 30 minutes or less, guaranteed.” Signature USPs for your bowling alley could be:

• Cosmic bowling — fun for the whole family! 
• Throw strikes and share beers with your besties
• Our brand-new lanes are right up your alley

You may not like to network or use personal connections for business gain but your personal and professional networks likely offer considerable untapped business potential. Maybe that Facebook friend you met in college is now running a bowling alley, or a LinkedIn contact of yours is connected to dozens of potential clients. Maybe your cousin or neighbor has been working in bowling for years and can offer invaluable insight and industry connections. 

The possibilities are endless, so it’s a good idea to review your personal and professional networks and reach out to those with possible links to or interest in bowling alleys. You’ll probably generate new customers or find companies with which you could establish a partnership. 

Step 12: Build Your Team

As your business grows, you will likely need workers to fill various roles. Potential positions for a bowling alley include:

• Bowling attendants — Set up lanes, sell concessions, rent shoes
• Maintenance workers — Repair equipment, keep facilities clean
• Office manager — Bookkeeping, manage inventory
• Marketing lead — Manage social media sites, generate new business

At some point, you may need to hire all of these positions or simply a few, depending on the size and needs of your business. You might also hire multiple workers for a single role or a single worker for multiple roles, again depending on need. 

Free-of-charge methods to recruit employees include posting ads on popular platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or Jobs.com. You might also consider a premium recruitment option, such as advertising on Indeed , Glassdoor , or ZipRecruiter . Further, if you have the resources, you could consider hiring a recruitment agency to help you find talent. 

Step 13: Run a Bowling Alley — Start Making Money!

Running a bowling alley takes a lot of hard work, but there’s nothing better than providing a night of fun for people in your local community. As a bowling alley owner, you’ll make lasting relationships with customers and become the go-to spot for parties and events!

Now that you’re familiar with all the business basics, it’s time for you to take the leap and get started. You’re one step closer to starting the next best bowling alley. 

• Bowling Alley FAQs

You may be required to obtain specific licenses and permits to run your bowling alley. Check with your state and local government and visit MyCorporation’s Business License Compliance page.

You can enhance your bowling alley by offering additional services such as a snack bar or restaurant, an arcade or game area, party or event hosting, a pro shop, and special promotions and themed nights.

The largest bowling alley in the United States is the National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nevada. It is known for its 78-lane facility and has hosted various prestigious bowling tournaments.

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• Decide if the Business Is Right for You
• Hone Your Idea
• Brainstorm a Bowling Alley Name
• Create a Bowling Alley Business Plan
• Register Your Business
• Register for Taxes
• Fund Your Business
• Apply for Bowling Alley Business Licenses and Permits
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get Business Insurance
• Prepare to Launch
• Build Your Team
• Run a Bowling Alley — Start Making Money!

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Bowling Alley Business Plan

Everyone enjoys bowling, which is why it has been around forever. Bowlers are returning to the lanes, and the industry anticipates rapid growth over the next five years.

But it’s crucial to understand how to plan before starting or expanding your bowling alley business.

Need help writing a business plan for your bowling alley business? You’re at the right place. Our bowling alley business plan template will help you get started.

Free Business Plan Template

Download our free business plan template now and pave the way to success. Let’s turn your vision into an actionable strategy!

• Fill in the blanks – Outline
• Financial Tables

How to Write a Bowling Alley Business Plan?

Writing a bowling alley business plan is a crucial step toward the success of your business. Here are the key steps to consider when writing a business plan:

1. Executive Summary

An executive summary is the first section planned to offer an overview of the entire business plan. However, it is written after the entire business plan is ready and summarizes each section of your plan.

Here are a few key components to include in your executive summary:

Introduce your business:

• This section may include the name of your bowling alley business, its location, when it was founded, etc.

Market opportunity:

Facilities:.

• For instance, your facilities may include shoe rentals, the number of bowling alleys, etc.

Marketing & sales strategies:

Financial highlights:, call to action:.

Ensure your executive summary is clear, concise, easy to understand, and jargon-free.

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2. Business Overview

The business overview section of your business plan offers detailed information about your company. The details you add will depend on how important they are to your business. Yet, business name, location, business history, and future goals are some of the foundational elements you must consider adding to this section:

Business description:

Describe your business in this section by providing all the basic information:

• Traditional alleys: It generally has 16-24 lanes
• Boutique bowling alleys: It has fewer lanes and provides a quality experience
• Family entertainment store: It has multiple other attractions like mini golf, laser tag, arcade games, etc.
• Describe the legal structure of your bowling alley business, whether it is a sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership, or others.
• Explain where your business is located and why you selected the place.

Mission statement:

Business history:.

• Additionally, If you have received any awards or recognition for excellent work, describe them.

Future goal:

This section should provide a thorough understanding of your business, its history, and its future plans. Keep this section engaging, precise, and to the point.

3. Market Analysis

The market analysis section of your business plan should offer a thorough understanding of the industry with the target market, competitors, and growth opportunities. You should include the following components in this section.

Target market:

• For instance, the target market for bowling alleys can be university students, families with kids, etc.

Market size and growth potential:

Competitive analysis:, market trends:.

• For instance, remote monitoring systems are in trend nowadays.

Regulatory environment:

Here are a few tips for writing the market analysis section of your bowling alley business plan:

• Conduct market research, industry reports, and surveys to gather data.
• Provide specific and detailed information whenever possible.
• Illustrate your points with charts and graphs.
• Write your business plan keeping your target audience in mind.

4. Products And Services

The product and services section should describe the specific services and products that will be offered to customers. To write this section should include the following:

Bowling service:

Additional services:.

In short, this section of your bowling alley center business plan must be informative, precise, and client-focused. By providing a clear and compelling description of your offerings, you can help potential investors and readers understand the value of your business.

5. Sales And Marketing Strategies

Writing the sales and marketing strategies section means a list of strategies you will use to attract and retain your clients. Here are some key elements to include in your sales & marketing plan:

Unique selling proposition (USP):

• For instance, event hosting with a capacity of 200-300 people might be your USP.

Pricing strategy:

Marketing strategies:, sales strategies:, customer retention:.

Overall, this section of your bowling alley business plan should focus on customer acquisition and retention.

Have a specific, realistic, and data-driven approach while planning sales and marketing strategies for your bowling alley business, and be prepared to adapt or make strategic changes in your strategies based on feedback and results.

6. Operations Plan

The operations plan section of your business plan should outline the processes and procedures involved in your business operations, such as staffing requirements and operational processes. Here are a few components to add to your operations plan:

Staffing & training:

Operational process:, equipment & supplies:.

Adding these components to your operations plan will help you lay out your business operations, which will eventually help you manage your business effectively.

7. Management Team

The management team section provides an overview of your bowling alley business’s management team. This section should provide a detailed description of each manager’s experience and qualifications, as well as their responsibilities and roles.

Founder/CEO:

Key managers:.

• It should include, key executives, senior management, and other department managers including their education, professional background, and any relevant experience in the industry.

Organizational structure:

Compensation plan:, advisors/consultants:.

• So, if you have any advisors or consultants, include them with their names and brief information consisting of roles and years of experience.

This section should describe the key personnel for your bowling alley business, highlighting how you have the perfect team to succeed.

8. Financial Plan

Your financial plan section should provide a summary of your business’s financial projections for the first few years. Here are some key elements to include in your financial plan:

Profit & loss statement:

Cash flow statement:, balance sheet:, break-even point:.

• This exercise will help you understand how much revenue you need to generate to sustain or be profitable.

Financing needs:

Be realistic with your financial projections, and make sure you offer relevant information and evidence to support your estimates.

9. Appendix

The appendix section of your plan should include any additional information supporting your business plan’s main content, such as market research, legal documentation, financial statements, and other relevant information.

• Add a table of contents for the appendix section to help readers easily find specific information or sections.
• In addition to your financial statements, provide additional financial documents like tax returns, a list of assets within the business, credit history, and more. These statements must be the latest and offer financial projections for at least the first three or five years of business operations.
• Provide data derived from market research, including stats about the industry, user demographics, and industry trends.
• Include any legal documents such as permits, licenses, and contracts.
• Include any additional documentation related to your business plan, such as product brochures, marketing materials, operational procedures, etc.

Use clear headings and labels for each section of the appendix so that readers can easily find the necessary information.

Remember, the appendix section of your bowling alley business plan should only include relevant and important information supporting your plan’s main content.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

This sample bowling alley business plan will provide an idea for writing a successful bowling alley plan, including all the essential components of your business.

After this, if you still need clarification about writing an investment-ready business plan to impress your audience, download our bowling alley business plan pdf .

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Frequently asked questions, why do you need a bowling alley business plan.

A business plan is an essential tool for anyone looking to start or run a successful bowling alley business. It helps to get clarity in your business, secures funding, and identifies potential challenges while starting and growing your business.

Overall, a well-written plan can help you make informed decisions, which can contribute to the long-term success of your bowling alley business.

How to get funding for your bowling alley business?

There are several ways to get funding for your bowling alley business, but self-funding is one of the most efficient and speedy funding options. Other options for funding are:

Small Business Administration (SBA) loan

Crowdfunding, angel investors.

Apart from all these options, there are small business grants available, check for the same in your location and you can apply for it.

Where to find business plan writers for your bowling alley business?

There are many business plan writers available, but no one knows your business and ideas better than you, so we recommend you write your bowling center business plan and outline your vision as you have in your mind.

What is the easiest way to write your bowling alley business plan?

A lot of research is necessary for writing a business plan, but you can write your plan most efficiently with the help of any bowling alley business plan example and edit it as per your need. You can also quickly finish your plan in just a few hours or less with the help of our business plan software.

About the Author

Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

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Home » Sample Business Plans » Sports

A Sample Bowling Alley Business Plan Template

Are you about starting a bowling alley business? If YES, here’s a complete sample bowling alley business plan template & feasibility report you can use for FREE to raise money . If you are looking for a business to establish as a sport and entertainment enthusiast, you should think towards opening a bowling center.

Starting a bowling alley in an area that has loads of bowling lovers and socialites but fewer bowling alleys can be very lucrative. Bowling is a global sport and people who love the game will always look for ways to play the game much more than watching people play it.

The real deal in starting a sport facility business such as bowling center is securing a big facility that is large enough to contain a full sized bowling alley including spectator’s stand, changing room, and enough parking space. Also in a location that may attract the kind of clients that would pay to make use of your bowling center.

What It Takes to Open a Bowling Alley?

Starting your own private bowling center is not an easy task to accomplish. It requires a complete project team and solid capital base to be able to achieve your dream of opening your own private bowling center. But if you don’t have enough time to spend, you can as well source for bowling centers that are put – up for sale. One of the draw backs of buying over a bowling center is that you can’t change the location.

Opening a bowling center is not an easy task, but nevertheless, you still need to be creative if you intend making money from your bowling center. One of the ways you can make money from your bowling center is to organize standard bowling tournaments in your bowling center.

The truth is that if you have big corporations to sponsor your bowling center, you will sure attract some of the finest bowling players within your country and even outside your country.

1. Industry Overview

Bowling basically refers to a series of sports or leisure activities in which a player rolls or throws a bowling ball towards a target. It is one of the major forms of throwing sports and it is under the bowling centers industry. Establishments in this industry predominantly operate bowling centers and it is common to find bowling centers selling food and beverages et al.

If you are a close watcher of the bowling industry, you will agree that the industry is in the process of switching lanes amid a period of long-term decline in patronage. Decline disposable incomes during the recession further strangled bowling center operators and led many clients to cut down spending on location-based entertainment like bowling out of their budgets.

The revenue generated in the industry will only slightly grow during the next five years as more operators diversify and bring in a wider range of customers. The truth is that, bowling centers that emphasize the social aspects of taking a trip to bowling centers with friends and family will have the most success contending the draw of digital and in-home entertainment.

It is important to point out that the market share concentration within the Bowling Centers industry is low, with the top two establishments in the industry accounting for an estimated 19.0 percent of total industry revenue in 2016.

However, the level of concentration within the industry has increased in recent years. The merger between AMF Bowling Worldwide and Strike Holdings LLC, and subsequent acquisition of Brunswick’s bowling centers, has served to boost the industry’s market share concentration over the period.

So also, the industry is moving toward larger bowling centers that offer a wider range of services and activities for casual bowlers. Thus, the creation of these loftier spaces serves to increase industry market share concentration as well.

The Bowling Centers Industry is indeed a very large industry and pretty much thriving in all parts of the world especially in developed countries such as United States of America, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, Australia and Italy et al.

Statistics has it that in the United States of America alone, there are about 3,267 licensed and registered bowling centers responsible for employing about 66,988 employees and the industry rakes in a whooping sum of $4 – 10billion annually with an annual growth rate projected at 0.6 percent. It is important to state that the establishment with a lion share of the available market in this industry is Bowlmor AMF.

General statistics for the industry shows that, the average cost to build a bowling center per lane is $100,000, A comfortable demographic of investing within an area is one person in 4,000 people. There are more than 5,000 tenpin bowling centers spread throughout the United States of America. There are about 3,400 bowling centers who are members of Bowling Proprietors Association of America.

There are 3,250 pro shops in America. The Bowling Industry is a $10 billion industry. There are 67 million people who bowl at least once a year and there are more than 2 million people who belong to the United States Bowling Congress. The average person spends 2.5 hours when visiting a bowling center and average HH Income is $71,200.

Over and above, starting a bowling alley business in the United States of America can be some worth stressful, it requires enough cash to acquire a standard facility in a centralize area large enough to accommodate a standard bowling center and also cash required to equip the facility to meet the standard expected by potential users / members of bowling alleys.

2. Executive Summary

Trump & Tina™ Bowling Alley is a standard and well equipped bowling center that will be located in Las Vegas – Nevada. Our basic aim of setting up the business is to contribute our quota in ensuring that people who live in Las Vegas have a facility for bowling, stay fit by exercising regularly, maintain healthy lifestyle and socialize with other socialites.

We have been able to secure a standard facility in a central and easy to locate location in Las Vegas.  We are well equipped to services the whole of the community as well as visitors and tourists.

Trump & Tina™ Bowling Alley is going to become the number one family – focused and community based bowling center in the whole of Las Vegas – Nevada and we will work hard to build our facility to match the needs of the average family and socialite in the community. Our bowling center has enough parking space to accommodate the number of people we will accommodate per time.

We conducted a thorough research and feasibility studies and we were able to come to the conclusion that Las Vegas community is the right place to build our bowling alley. As a matter of fact, our major aim of starting Trump & Tina™ Bowling Alley is to encourage people to play bowling and also to socialize.

Our bowling center is specifically designed and built to take care of standard bowling tournaments and individual or group of bowling players, we have active childcare services for toddlers and we have membership packages that are highly discounted for families that enrolled with us or groups who would want to make use of our bowling center.

Trump & Tina™ Bowling Alley will be open 24 hours in a day during weekends (Fridays to Sundays) and from 6:00 am to 12 midnight from Mondays to Thursdays in order for us to be able to accommodate people with different time preference. Which is why we have made provisions effective floodlight system and also to recruit enough staff and to run shift amongst our workforce.

Trump & Tina™ Bowling Alley is a family owned business; owned by George Trump and family. The business will be managed by George Trump and his wife Tina Trump. George Trump has well over 15 years of experience as a leading community bowling coach in the United States of America working with top bowling players who have gone ahead to win laurels in bowling tourneys both nationally and internationally.

3. Our Products and Services

Trump & Tina™ Bowling Alley is in the bowling centers industry to provide standard bowling and recreation facility for residence of Las Vegas – Nevada which is why we have been able to put up a facility that can help us achieve the goal. We are optimistic that everyone who makes use of our facility will definitely derive huge value for their money.

These are the services and amenities that will be made available to our clients;

• Providing open play bowling
• Providing league play bowling
• Renting bowling shoes
• Selling food, alcoholic beverages and nonalcoholic beverages
• Providing laser tag, miniature golf and other games
• Selling bowling supplies in pro shops

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• Our Vision of starting Trump & Tina™ Bowling Alley is to build a world – class bowling and recreations facility and also to contribute our quota in encourage families and residence in Las Vegas to actively engage in sporting and social activities and also to stay healthy and fit by engaging in regularly exercising of their body.
• Our mission for establishing Trump & Tina™ Bowling Alley is to create a movement in the community that supports total engagement in sporting activities such as bowling, health and fitness and to socialize.
• We want to contribute our quota towards ensuring that Las Vegas community produce professional bowling players that can go ahead to represent United States in the bowling tournaments all over the world.

Our Business Structure

Trump & Tina™ Bowling Alley is in business to become the leading private bowling centers in the whole of Las Vegas – Nevada and we are fully aware that it will take the right facility, management and organization – structure to achieve our goal. We will ensure that we recruit only the best hands that can help us achieve all that we are set to achieve.

Our business will not be built only for the purpose of giving our members / customers value for their money, but also we will ensure that we make our work environment highly conducive for all our employees. We will provide them with facilities that will help them stay motivated and deliver on their various tasks and goals et al.

In view of that, we have made provisions for the following positions to be occupied by highly qualified and experienced staff;

• Chief Executive Office – CEO
• Bowling Center Manager
• Accountant / Cashier
• Marketing and Sales Officer
• Bowling Instructor / Assistant (5)
• Customer Care Executive / Front Desk Officer

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Chief Executive Officer – CEO:

• Increases management’s effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining managers; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results; developing incentives; developing a climate for offering information and opinions; providing educational opportunities.
• Creating, communicating, and implementing the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
• Responsible for fixing prices and signing business deals
• Responsible for providing direction for the business
• Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
• Evaluates the success of the organization
• Carrying out staff induction for new team members

Golf Course and Country Club Manager

• Responsible for operating and managing the bowling center
• Ensures that the bowling alley is in tip top position at all times
• Responsible for managing food and beverage services
• Handle golf equipment rental services
• Manage membership and registration
• Handle food and beverages
• Handle equipment rentals and sales
• Handle other relevant facility operation

Bowling Instructors / Assistant (5)

• Create training rosters for members
• Responsible for providing bowling instruction services
• Assist members during bowling playing and exercise session
• Responsible for teach newbies how to play bowling
• Responsible for renting bowling shoes
• Responsible for selling food, alcoholic beverages and nonalcoholic beverages
• Responsible for providing laser tag, miniature golf and other games
• Responsible for selling bowling supplies in pro shops
• Ensures that the bowling alley is well arranged for another playing session after every session
• Responsible for recommending the replacement of worn out or damaged bowling wares.

Marketing and Sales Officer (2)

• Identify, prioritize, and reach out to new clients, and business opportunities et al
• Identifies development opportunities; follows up on development leads and contacts; participates in the structuring and financing of projects; assures the completion of projects.
• Writing winning proposal documents, negotiate fees and rates in line with organizations’ policy
• Responsible for handling business research, market surveys and feasibility studies for clients
• Responsible for supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s needs, and communicate with clients
• Develop, execute and evaluate new plans for expanding increase sales
• Document all customer contact and information
• Represent Trump & Tina™ Bowling Alley in strategic meetings
• Help increase sales and growth for Trump & Tina™ Bowling Alley.

Accountant / Cashier:

• Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
• Provides managements with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports; analyzes financial feasibility for the most complex proposed projects; conducts market research to forecast trends and business conditions.
• Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis.
• Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting for the organization
• Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
• Responsible for administering payrolls
• Ensuring compliance with taxation legislation
• Handles all financial transactions for Trump & Tina™ Bowling Alley
• Serves as internal auditor for Trump & Tina™ Bowling Alley.

Client Service Executive

• Welcomes members and potential members / clients by greeting them in person or on the telephone; answering or directing inquiries.
• Ensures that all contacts with clients (e-mail, walk-In center, SMS or phone) provides the client with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level
• Through interaction with clients on the phone, uses every opportunity to build client’s interest in the organization’s products and services
• Manages administrative duties assigned by the management in an effective and timely manner
• Consistently stays abreast of any new information on the organizations’ products, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to clients when they make enquiries

Cleaners (3):

• Responsible for cleaning in and around the bowling center
• Clean up after customers and clean work area.
• Clear ashtrays as and when required.
• Wash glassware and utensils after each use.
• Maintain a clean working area by sweeping, vacuuming, dusting, cleaning of glass doors and windows, etc. if required.
• Ensure that toiletries and supplies don’t run out of stock
• Handle any other duty as assigned by the bowling center manager.

6. SWOT Analysis

Trump & Tina™ Bowling Alley is in business to provide bowling and recreation facility for bowling lovers in Las Vegas – Nevada and also help its clients achieve their health and fitness goals and at the same time to make profits. We are aware that there is competition in the bowling centers industry which is why we took out time to conduct an effective SWOT Analysis before investing our hard earned money into the business.

We know that if we get things right before starting our bowling alley, we will not have to struggle before attract loyal clients and building our membership base to a level where we can easily breakeven in record time. We hired the services of Dr. Tony Angelo, an HR and Business consultant with bias in business structuring to help us conduct SWOT analysis for our organization and he did a pretty good job for us.

Here is a of the result we got from the SWOT analysis that was conducted on behalf of Trump & Tina™ Bowling Alley, Las Vega – Nevada;

One of the obvious strength that will definitely stand as a plus for Trump & Tina™ Bowling Alley is the fact that our facility is centrally located in a densely populated – residential area in Las Vegas; our location is in fact one of our major strength couple with the support from stake holders in the industry.

We equally have a team of highly qualified professionals who will work with all our members / clients to achieve their aims or enrolling in our bowling alley and lastly our membership package is one of the best that anybody living in Las Vega – Nevada can get; it is cheap and affordable.

We critically looked into our Business model and we were able to identify two major weakness. One is the fact that we are a new business and the second is the fact that we may not have the financial resources required to match up with existing bowling centers and even government own sports and recreation facilities in Nevada when it comes to acquiring latest bowling equipment and generating the needed hypes that can drive traffic towards our facility.

• Opportunities:

We are centrally located in one of the busiest area and densely populated area in Las Vega – Nevada and we are open to all the available opportunities that the city has to offer. We will be open 24 hours in a day during weekends (Fridays to Sundays) and from 6:00 am to 12 midnight from Mondays to Thursdays giving us the advantage to leverage on any available opportunity.

Some of the threats that are likely going to confront Trump & Tina™ Bowling Alley are unfavorable government policies, demographic / social factors, downturn in the economy which is likely going to affect consumers spending and lastly, the emergence of new competitors within the same location where our bowling center is located.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trends

Both The Bowling Centers industry and The Sports and Recreation Facility industry has indeed benefited from recent marketing campaigns which is targeted towards encourage people to participate in sports and also to fighting obesity which is becoming rampant, as well as consumer trends toward healthy living.

Going forward, many people who are part of the baby boomers generation are expected to sign up for bowling centers, health and fitness club memberships or make use of bowling alleys or sports and recreation facilities in their communities, as they become more health- conscious as they grow older. However, patrons of bowling alleys are anticipated to increasingly pick up membership from less expensive centers as against expensive all-inclusive clubs.

The trend in the bowling centers industry is such that if a bowling center is well positioned in a residential area or a place where people can easily access without much stress, there is the likelihood that such bowling center will enjoy high patronage.

Just like in other business ventures, the owner of bowling centers are always looking for ways to increase their market share; they go as far as signing deals with social clubs and also corporate organizations et al to make use of their facility. Some even go as far as organizing bowling tourneys on a regular basis.

It is a common trend that as bowling centers grow, it becomes necessary for them to develop new service offerings or install new facilities that will help them attract more people.

Little wonder some bowling centers now have fresh juice and smoothie bar, retail food, alcoholic and non – alcoholic drinks et al within their facility to encourage people to relax and socialize. In order words, it is very important for bowling centers to continue to improvise if they want to grow their business and generate their target revenues.

8. Our Target Market

The target market for bowling centers cuts across people of different walks of life. The fact that people register in bowling centers for various reasons makes marketing the business interesting. Trump & Tina™ Bowling Alley will work towards providing services, facilities and environment that will help us reach out to our target market. These are the category of people that we intend marketing our bowling center to;

• Working Class Adults / Corporate Executives
• Sport Clubs and Golf lovers
• Community an Cooperate organization
• Business People / Entrepreneurs
• Government Officials
• Celebrities
• Religious centers
• Applicants / School Leavers
• Sports Men and Women
• College Students

Our Competitive Advantage

No doubt, the bowling centers industry is indeed a prolific and highly competitive industry. Clients / potential members will only enroll in your bowling center if they know that you can successfully help them learn how to play bowling, achieve their health and fitness goals or provide the enabling environment and facility for them to socialize.

Trump & Tina™ Bowling Alley is centrally located in a densely populated – residential area in Las Vegas – Nevada; this is obviously going to give us an edge amongst our competitive. We equally have a team of highly qualified professionals who will work with all our clients to achieve their aims or enrolling in our bowling center. So also, our membership package is one of the best that anybody living in Las Vegas – Nevada can get; it is cheap and affordable.

Lastly, our employees will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the best within our category (startups bowling centers or even sports and recreation facility businesses in the United States) in the industry. It will enable them to be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and achieve all our business aims and objectives.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

• Sources of Income

Trump & Tina™ Bowling Alley is established with the aim of maximizing profits in the Bowling Centers industry and we are going to go all the way to ensure that we do all it takes to attract both individual clients, groups and corporate clients on a regular basis. Trump & Tina™ Bowling Alley will generate income by offering the following services;

10. Sales Forecast

It is important to state that our sales forecast is based on the data gathered during our feasibility studies and also some of the assumptions readily available on the field. It would be hard to create a sales forecast with a newly opened business like a bowling center. This is simply because the statistics that will be provided will be on a short term basis.

Experts said that usually a business should be in operation for at least one year before they can generate the statistics that will be need to help in accurate forecasting; statistics should be at least one year old in order to show the trends and pattern in consumer spending.

We expect to register a minimum of 500 active members within our first year of operations and then in subsequent year we will grow our membership. Below are the sales projection for Trump & Tina™ Bowling Alley, it is based on the location of our bowling center and the services and products that we will be offering to our clients (members);

• First Fiscal Year-: $200,000
• Second Fiscal Year-: $450,000
• Third Fiscal Year-: $750,000

N.B: This projection is done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major competitor offering same additional services as we do within 4.5 miles radius from our bowling alley.

• Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

Our marketing strategies will be directed towards achieving specific objectives that support the strategic goals of the organization. The truth is that all that we do will be geared towards creating new market channels, increasing sales and increase our market share. We will leverage on improving on our services and facility to ensure that we win new clients and retain old members.

At Trump & Tina™ Bowling Alley, our marketing strategies will be consistent throughout the marketing mix and we will take into consideration product improvement, promotion, and price. As part of our sales and marketing strategies, we will pay attention to the promotion of our bowling center so as to attract people to enroll and become members of our bowling center.

Our unique selling proposition is that we are well positioned and people can easily access our facility, our prices are affordable and we have a complete package for families, schools and sport clubs. Part of the marketing and sales strategies that we will adopt are;

• Open our bowling center with a big party in the n.
• Advertise our bowling center on national dailies, local TV stations and local radio station
• Promote our bowling center online via our official website and all available social media platforms
• Introduce our bowling center by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to sports clubs, schools, corporate organizations, households and key stake holders in Asheville – North Carolina
• Print out fliers and business cards and strategically drop them in offices, libraries, public facilities and train stations et al.
• Delivering consistent customer experiences to all our members; making our first impression count positively to those making use of our bowling center for the first time
• Make use of attractive hand bills to create awareness and also to give direction to our bowling center
• Adopt direct mailing coupon marketing approach
• Position our signage / flexi banners at strategic places in and around Las Vegas – Nevada
• Create a loyalty plan that will enable us reward our consistent members especially those that registered as a family or as a group
• Engage on road shows within our neighborhood to create awareness for our bowling center.

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

We have been able to work with our branding and publicity consultants to help us map out publicity and advertising strategies that will help us walk our way into the heart of our target market. We are set to become the number one choice for both corporate clients and individual clients in the whole of Las Vegas – Nevada which is why we have made provisions for effective publicity and advertisement of our bowling center.

Below are the platforms we intend to leverage on to promote and advertise Trump & Tina™ Bowling Alley;

• Place adverts on both print (community based newspapers and magazines) and electronic media platforms
• Sponsor relevant community based bowling tourneys or sport events and competitions
• Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook , twitter, YouTube, Google + et al to promote our brand
• Install our Bill Boards on strategic locations all around Las Vegas – Nevada
• Engage in road show from time to time in targeted neighborhoods all around Las Vegas
• Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas all around Las Vegas
• Contact corporate organizations, social club and schools by calling them up and informing them of Trump & Tina™ Bowling Alley and the services we offer
• List Trump & Tina™ Bowling Alley on local directories / yellow pages
• Advertise our bowling alley in our official website and employ strategies that will help us pull traffic to the site.
• Ensure that all our staff members wear our branded shirts and all our vehicles are well branded with our corporate logo et al.

12. Our Pricing Strategy

Our pricing system is going to be based on what is obtainable in the industry, we don’t intend to charge more (except for premium and customized services) and we don’t intend to charge less than what our competitors are charging their members in Las Vegas – Nevada.

Be that as it may, we have put plans in place to offer discount services once in a while and also to reward our loyal customers especially when they refer clients to us or when they register as a family or a sports club and schools. The prices of our services will be same as what is obtainable in the United States’ open market.

• Payment Options

At Trump & Tina™ Bowling Alley, our payment policy will be all inclusive because we are quite aware that different clients would prefer different payment options as it suits them. Here are the payment options that we will make available to our clients;

• Payment by via bank transfer
• Payment via online bank transfer
• Payment via check
• Payment via bank draft
• Payment via mobile money
• Payment with cash

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will help us achieve our plans with little or no itches.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

In setting up any business, the amount or cost will depend on the approach and scale you want to undertake. If you intend to go big by renting a place, then you would need a good amount of capital as you would need to ensure that your employees are well taken care of, and that your facility is conducive enough for workers to be creative and productive.

This means that the start-up can either be low or high depending on your goals, vision and aspirations for your business. The tools and equipment that will be used are nearly the same cost everywhere, and any difference in prices would be minimal and can be overlooked.

As for the detailed cost analysis for starting a bowling alley business; it might differ in other countries due to the value of their money. However, this is what it would cost us to set up Trump & Tina™ Bowling Alley in the United of America; This is the key areas where we will spend our start – up capital on;

• The Total Fee for Registering the Business in the United States of America – $750.
• Legal expenses for obtaining licenses and permits – $1,500.
• Marketing promotion expenses (8,000 flyers at $0.04 per copy) for the total amount of $10,000.
• Cost for hiring Business Consultant – $5,000.
• Insurance (general liability, workers’ compensation and property casualty) coverage at a total premium – $30,800.
• Cost of accounting software, CRM software and Payroll Software – $3,000
• Cost for leasing facility for the bowling alley – $500,000.
• Cost for facility remodeling – $250,000.
• Other start-up expenses including stationery – $1000
• Phone and utility deposits – $3,500
• Operational cost for the first 3 months (salaries of employees, payments of bills et al) – $40,000
• The cost for Start-up inventory – $15,000
• Cost for acquiring bowling wares and other related sports wares – $100,000
• The cost for the purchase of furniture and gadgets (Computers, Printers, Telephone, TVs, Sound System, snooker board, tables and chairs et al) – $4,000.
• The cost of Launching a Website – $600
• The cost for our grand opening party – $15,000
• Miscellaneous – $5,000

We would need an estimate of $1.5 million to successfully launch a standard and well – equipped bowling alley in Las Vegas – Nevada.

It is important to state that the testing and evaluating expenses would be high because of the large amount of equipment needed to start up a sports and recreations facility and also the sophistication of the technology used in bowling alleys.

Generating Funding / Startup Capital for Trump & Tina™ Bowling Alley

Trump & Tina™ Bowling Alley is a business that will be owned and managed by Mr. George Trump and his family. They are the sole financial of the business which is why they decided to restrict the sourcing of the start – up capital for the business to just three major sources.

These are the areas we intend generating our start – up capital;

• Generate part of the start – up capital from personal savings and sale of his stocks
• Generate part of the start – up capital from friends and other extended family members
• Generate a larger chunk of the startup capital from the bank (loan facility).

N.B: We have been able to generate about $500,000 (Personal savings $350,000 and soft loan from family members $150,000) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $1 M from our bank. All the papers and document has been duly signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

The future of a business lies in the numbers of loyal customers that they have the capacity and competence of the employees, their investment strategy and the business structure. If all of these factors are missing from a business (company), then it won’t be too long before the business close shop.

One of our major goals of starting Trump & Tina™ Bowling Alley is to build a business that will survive off its own cash flow without the need for injecting finance from external sources once the business is officially running. We know that one of the ways of gaining approval and winning customers over is to pick up membership in our bowling center is to equip our facility with state of the art bowling facilities et al.

Trump & Tina™ Bowling Alley will make sure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff welfare are well taken of. Our company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and re – training of our workforce is at the top burner.

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of ten years or more. We know that if that is put in place, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we can get in the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our dreams.

Check List / Milestone

• Business Name Availability Check:>Completed
• Business Registration: Completed
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts: Completed
• Securing Point of Sales (POS) Machines: Completed
• Opening Mobile Money Accounts: Completed
• Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
• Application for business license and permit: Completed
• Purchase of Insurance for the Business: Completed
• Acquiring facility and remodeling the facility to fit into a standard bowling alley: In Progress
• Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
• Generating capital from family members: Completed
• Applications for Loan from the bank: In Progress
• Writing of Business Plan: Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Drafting of Contract Documents and other relevant Legal Documents: In Progress
• Design of The Company’s Logo: Completed
• Graphic Designs and Printing of Packaging Marketing / Promotional Materials: In Progress
• Recruitment of employees: In Progress
• Purchase of the Needed bowling wares, gym and fitness equipment, electronic appliances, office appliances and suppliers: In Progress
• Creating Official Website for the Company: Completed
• Creating Awareness for the business both online and in the neighborhood: In Progress
• Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement (License): Secured
• Opening party / launching party planning: In Progress

More on Sports

Bowling Alley Business Plan Template & Guidebook

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• How to Start a Profitable Bowling Alley Business [11 Steps]
• List of the Best Marketing Ideas For Your Bowling Alley Service:

How to Write a Bowling Alley Business Plan in 7 Steps:

1. describe the purpose of your bowling alley business..

The first step to writing your business plan is to describe the purpose of your bowling alley business. This includes describing why you are starting this type of business, and what problems it will solve for customers. This is a quick way to get your mind thinking about the customers’ problems. It also helps you identify what makes your business different from others in its industry.

It also helps to include a vision statement so that readers can understand what type of company you want to build.

Here is an example of a purpose mission statement for a bowling alley business:

Our mission at [Business Name] Bowling Alley is to provide a safe and welcoming environment that fosters a fun and memorable experience for all customers. We are dedicated to providing quality service, exceptional food, and exciting entertainment through our commitment to excellent customer service, innovation, and technology. We strive to be a leader in the bowling industry by creating an atmosphere that encourages competition, cooperation, and collaboration among our customers.

2. Products & Services Offered by Your Bowling Alley Business.

The next step is to outline your products and services for your bowling alley business. 

When you think about the products and services that you offer, it's helpful to ask yourself the following questions:

• What is my business?
• What are the products and/or services that I offer?
• Why am I offering these particular products and/or services?
• How do I differentiate myself from competitors with similar offerings?
• How will I market my products and services?

You may want to do a comparison of your business plan against those of other competitors in the area, or even with online reviews. This way, you can find out what people like about them and what they don’t like, so that you can either improve upon their offerings or avoid doing so altogether.

3. Build a Creative Marketing Stratgey.

If you don't have a marketing plan for your bowling alley business, it's time to write one. Your marketing plan should be part of your business plan and be a roadmap to your goals. 

A good marketing plan for your bowling alley business includes the following elements:

Target market

• Who is your target market?
• What do these customers have in common?
• How many of them are there?
• How can you best reach them with your message or product?

Customer base 

• Who are your current customers? 
• Where did they come from (i.e., referrals)?
• How can their experience with your bowling alley business help make them repeat customers, consumers, visitors, subscribers, or advocates for other people in their network or industry who might also benefit from using this service, product, or brand?

Product or service description

• How does it work, what features does it have, and what are its benefits?
• Can anyone use this product or service regardless of age or gender?
• Can anyone visually see themselves using this product or service?
• How will they feel when they do so? If so, how long will the feeling last after purchasing (or trying) the product/service for the first time?

Competitive analysis

• Which companies are competing with yours today (and why)? 
• Which ones may enter into competition with yours tomorrow if they find out about it now through word-of-mouth advertising; social media networks; friends' recommendations; etc.)
• What specific advantages does each competitor offer over yours currently?

Marketing channels

• Which marketing channel do you intend to leverage to attract new customers?
• What is your estimated marketing budget needed?
• What is the projected cost to acquire a new customer?
• How many of your customers do you instead will return?

Form an LLC in your state!

4. Write Your Operational Plan.

Next, you'll need to build your operational plan. This section describes the type of business you'll be running, and includes the steps involved in your operations. 

In it, you should list:

• The equipment and facilities needed
• Who will be involved in the business (employees, contractors)
• Financial requirements for each step
• Milestones & KPIs
• Location of your business
• Zoning & permits required for the business

What equipment, supplies, or permits are needed to run a bowling alley business?

• Bowling lanes
• Bowling pins
• Ball return systems
• Scorekeeping systems
• Pinspotting machines
• Shoes and other bowling accessories
• Lane cleaner solutions
• Lane oil and other lane maintenance products
• Cleaning rags and towels
• Business license (may vary by state and locality)

5. Management & Organization of Your Bowling Alley Business.

The second part of your bowling alley business plan is to develop a management and organization section.

This section will cover all of the following:

• How many employees you need in order to run your bowling alley business. This should include the roles they will play (for example, one person may be responsible for managing administrative duties while another might be in charge of customer service).
• The structure of your management team. The higher-ups like yourself should be able to delegate tasks through lower-level managers who are directly responsible for their given department (inventory and sales, etc.).
• How you’re going to make sure that everyone on board is doing their job well. You’ll want check-ins with employees regularly so they have time to ask questions or voice concerns if needed; this also gives you time to offer support where necessary while staying informed on how things are going within individual departments too!

6. Bowling Alley Business Startup Expenses & Captial Needed.

This section should be broken down by month and year. If you are still in the planning stage of your business, it may be helpful to estimate how much money will be needed each month until you reach profitability.

Typically, expenses for your business can be broken into a few basic categories:

Startup Costs

Startup costs are typically the first expenses you will incur when beginning an enterprise. These include legal fees, accounting expenses, and other costs associated with getting your business off the ground. The amount of money needed to start a bowling alley business varies based on many different variables, but below are a few different types of startup costs for a bowling alley business.

Running & Operating Costs

Running costs refer to ongoing expenses related directly with operating your business over time like electricity bills or salaries paid out each month. These types of expenses will vary greatly depending on multiple variables such as location, team size, utility costs, etc.

Marketing & Sales Expenses

You should include any costs associated with marketing and sales, such as advertising and promotions, website design or maintenance. Also, consider any additional expenses that may be incurred if you decide to launch a new product or service line. For example, if your bowling alley business has an existing website that needs an upgrade in order to sell more products or services, then this should be listed here.

7. Financial Plan & Projections

A financial plan is an important part of any business plan, as it outlines how the business will generate revenue and profit, and how it will use that profit to grow and sustain itself. To devise a financial plan for your bowling alley business, you will need to consider a number of factors, including your start-up costs, operating costs, projected revenue, and expenses. 

Here are some steps you can follow to devise a financial plan for your bowling alley business plan:

• Determine your start-up costs: This will include the cost of purchasing or leasing the space where you will operate your business, as well as the cost of buying or leasing any equipment or supplies that you need to start the business.
• Estimate your operating costs: Operating costs will include utilities, such as electricity, gas, and water, as well as labor costs for employees, if any, and the cost of purchasing any materials or supplies that you will need to run your business.
• Project your revenue: To project your revenue, you will need to consider the number of customers you expect to have and the average amount they will spend on each visit. You can use this information to estimate how much money you will make from selling your products or services.
• Estimate your expenses: In addition to your operating costs, you will need to consider other expenses, such as insurance, marketing, and maintenance. You will also need to set aside money for taxes and other fees.
• Create a budget: Once you have estimated your start-up costs, operating costs, revenue, and expenses, you can use this information to create a budget for your business. This will help you to see how much money you will need to start the business, and how much profit you can expect to make.
• Develop a plan for using your profit: Finally, you will need to decide how you will use your profit to grow and sustain your business. This might include investing in new equipment, expanding the business, or saving for a rainy day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bowling Alley Business Plans:

Why do you need a business plan for a bowling alley business.

A business plan for a bowling alley business is necessary to help plan and organize the different aspects of the venture, such as determining the potential customer base, analyzing the competition, developing a pricing strategy, and estimating costs, profits, and cash flow. A well-developed business plan can also be used to attract investors and secure financing.

Who should you ask for help with your bowling alley business plan?

You should speak to a professional business consultant or a lawyer who specializes in small business. They can help you develop a comprehensive business plan and ensure that you are meeting all legal requirements needed to start the business. Additionally, you may need to speak with local zoning experts, financial advisors, and lenders to ensure your plan will be successful.

Can you write a bowling alley business plan yourself?

Yes, it is possible to write your own bowling alley business plan. However, it is highly advised that you seek the assistance of a professional consultant who has experience in this area, as they can provide invaluable advice and resources that will help make the business planning process easier and more effective. Additionally, they can also provide guidance on marketing strategies, financial forecasting, operational efficiency and much more.

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I'm Nick, co-founder of newfoundr.com, dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. As a small business owner with over five years of experience, I have garnered valuable knowledge and insights across a diverse range of industries. My passion for entrepreneurship drives me to share my expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs, empowering them to turn their business dreams into reality.

Through meticulous research and firsthand experience, I uncover the essential steps, software, tools, and costs associated with launching and maintaining a successful business. By demystifying the complexities of entrepreneurship, I provide the guidance and support needed for others to embark on their journey with confidence.

From assessing market viability and formulating business plans to selecting the right technology and navigating the financial landscape, I am dedicated to helping fellow entrepreneurs overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. As a steadfast advocate for small business success, my mission is to pave the way for a new generation of innovative and driven entrepreneurs who are ready to make their mark on the world.

Complete Guide: How to Start a Bowling Alley Business

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How to start bowling alley business and be successful

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Step confidently into the Bowling market

Bowling is a solid and immensely lucrative investment opportunity. Picture yourself immersed in a sector that annually generates over US$11 billion worldwide, boasting approximately 15,000 active Bowling centers. This venture not only retains its value over time but also yields above-average financial returns compared to other investments.

Ideal for entrepreneurs seeking swift returns, Bowling seamlessly merges the joy of entertainment with substantial profits. Typically, an Imply® Bowling Alley’s return on investment ranges between $100 K and $400 K per year, depending upon factors like location, advertising efforts, marketing strategies, and the offer of complementary attractions.

Moreover, the key for success lies in selecting the right equipment. Imply® Bowling Equipment shines through, offering cutting-edge technology for unforgettable experiences while consuming minimal electricity and incurring significantly lower operational and maintenance costs compared to other brands.

What’s even better? With a range of credit lines available and expert guidance from Imply®, you can unlock the full potential of this market and optimize your returns. We’re here to bolster you through every phase of your venture.

So, waste no more time! Reach out to us today to delve into business models, explore available credit lines, and essential tips for triumph in the exciting world of Bowling!

Explore the main advantages of Bowling

Bowling transcends boundaries, emerging as a globally acclaimed attraction. As one of the most beloved and commercially successful entertainment forms, it captivates diverse demographics and age groups. With its undeniable popularity, your Bowling center will be a guaranteed attraction.

Discover some of the many benefits of playing Bowling: ✔ Provides unforgettable moments with colleagues, friends, and family. ✔ Amplifies fun, enjoyment, well-being, joy and relaxation. ✔ Reduces stress. ✔ Fosters focus, concentration and self-confidence. ✔ Nurtures friendship and team spirit. ✔ Serves as a social nexus for all generations: from youngsters to seniors, everyone relishes in Bowling fun, ✔ Easy to learn and accessible to people of all physical capabilities and skill levels. ✔ Perfect for year-round amusement: Bowling delights enthusiasts 365 days a year, come rain or shine, cold or heat, ensuring consistent cash flow throughout the year. ✔ Bowling combines fun and physical exercise: It stands as a healthy activity that enhances motor coordination and confers health benefits through coordinated leg and arm movements. ✔ Tones various muscle groups, tendons, joints, and ligaments. ✔ Playing Bowling burns 200 to 500 calories per hour.

Investing in a Bowling center transcends business endeavors, it also provides moments of fun, wellness and social integration for the community.

Create a Business Plan to boost your success

For a successful trajectory of your Bowling enterprise, crafting a comprehensive business plan stands as an imperative step. This strategic blueprint not only steers your actions but also illuminates the optimal strategies, empowering you to enter the market with unwavering confidence. We advocate structuring the plan around three fundamental pillars:

Financial Plan: This is the foundation of your venture. Here, meticulous examination of initial costs, working capital, expenses, and revenue estimates takes place. Additionally, it encompasses detailed cash flow and profit projections. A robust financial plan is paramount, ensuring the economic vitality of your Bowling business, minimizing wastage, and fostering precise alignment between forecasts and realized outcomes.

Marketing Plan: Here, you will delve into the world of your future customers. Analyze customer profiles, define the attractions, products and services to be offered, establish competitive prices, highlight your establishment’s differences and study the competition. It is essential to develop effective advertising strategies to attract, captivate and retain the public from the pre-opening phase towards.

Operational Plan: This is the plan that turns vision into reality. Here, you will detail all activities required to open the Bowling alley, from the physical structure to legal registrations, acquisition of equipment, service capacity, team planning and training. This details hold significance in ensuring the seamless and effective functioning of your enterprise.

Don’t underestimate the power of a well-crafted business plan. It will not only guide your initial steps, but will also be a valuable tool as your business grows. So, don’t wait any longer. Start charting your path to success today with a solid and strategic business plan.

Offer an irresistible infrastructure

We understand that infrastructure serves as the cornerstone of your entertainment venture’s triumph. That’s why at Imply® we not only offer the best equipment, but also provide expert advice to help you build the perfect ambiance to captivate and enchant your clientele. Here are some essential tips that are part of our personalized consultancy: ✔ Strategic Location: The commercial location is the key to success, responsible for up to 70% of your business’s success. With the guidance of our experts, you will select a strategic site, with high foot traffic of potential customers and great visibility. It is important to take into account the area’s demographic profile, level of entertainment demand and avoid proximity of direct competitors. Additionally, it is important to ensure compliance with local regulations, including zoning laws outlined in the city’s Master Plan. ✔ Optimal Space Allocation: We recommend a built area of 70 to 100 m² per Bowling alley, encompassing the Bowling lanes, bar, kitchen, restrooms, and other amenities. We can tailor the lane size to your available space and help optimize your space for the best customer experience. ✔ Cost: It’s crucial to check whether the property’s value aligns with your investment capacity and business’s financial projections. For leases, it is important to meticulously analyze contracts, payment terms, and lease duration. ✔ Parking: We advise on approximately 5 parking spaces per Bowling alley to ensure customer convenience and accessibility. ✔ Immersive Atmosphere: Size the space to foster social interaction, eliminating underutilized areas and excessive congestion. An emerging trend includes VIP sections with reserved Bowling lanes for group events and private celebrations. ✔ Lighting: Pay special attention to lane area lighting, utilizing black lights, dynamic colored lights, smoke effects, lasers, and music to orchestrate a captivating “Bright Bowling” spectacle. Explore our revolutionary Interactive Bowling Platform: Evolution Bowling Show, to elevate the experience, drawing focus to the Bowling Alleys and extending customer engagement. ✔ Aesthetic Décor: Invest in both internal and external décor to fashion inviting spaces that promise memorable and shareable experiences for your customers. Optionally, opt for themed decorations to heighten enjoyment and forge lasting memories. ✔ Impressive Facade: Use external lighting and Imply® LED Panels to ensure your brand stands out, captivating passersby and igniting interest in your establishment.

With Imply®, you will have an experienced team dedicated to manifesting your vision into reality. Leave nothing to chance. Build the ideal environment for your entertainment enterprise’s success with our expert assistance.

Expand the possibilities for fun in Your Bowling!

Family Entertainment Centers (FECs) are fun hubs for the whole family, bringing together a variety of activities for all age groups. And at the heart of it all is Bowling, the star attraction, attracting crowds and fostering customer loyalty.

But why stop there when you can take your offerings to an even higher level? Complementing Bowling with other attractions is the key to boosting your revenue and offering an even more complete and engaging experiences for your customers.

Just imagine: in addition to Bowling, your customers can enjoy a delicious bar and restaurant, attend live shows and events, enjoy exclusive VIP areas and celebrate memorable parties in specially designed spaces.

Here are some additional activities to consider: ✔ Bar and Restaurant: Offer your customers a complete gastronomic experience, with an array of food and beverage options. ✔ Shows and Events: Curate special occasions like themed nights, live performances, or competitions to draw diverse audiences. ✔ VIP Area: Enhance the experience with exclusive VIP zones offering special services and privacy. ✔ Event spaces: Provide versatile spaces for birthday parties, corporate gatherings and special celebrations.

This combination of fun goes beyond simply increasing your revenue. It makes your business more attractive, expands your customer base, extends visitor stays, stimulates consumption and maximizes financial results. By adding other attractions to your Bowling, you can double your revenue and create unforgettable experiences for every patron.

Anyone who has had the pleasure to experience such a venue understand the magic of Bowling in a cutting-edge setting, complemented by exquisite cuisine, vibrant music, and convivial conversations in a cozy atmosphere.

Don’t let this opportunity slip away. Elevate your Bowling experience to new heights of fun and profitability by integrating additional exciting activities. Your patrons will be thrilled, and your business results will soar. Count on us to transform this vision into reality.

Embark on your Bowling venture with Imply®: A comprehensive timeline

Benefit from our extensive global expertise as we guide you through the process of launching your Bowling business with confidence. Below, discover the suggested steps to transform your vision into reality:

✔ 12 months before opening: Conduct thorough market research and craft your business plan. Define required investments and financial projections. Determine the number of Bowling lanes and desired mix of attractions. ✔ 11 months before opening: Select the perfect location and outline the internal and external design of your establishment. Initiate legal proceedings with an accounting firm to establish your company. ✔ 10 months before opening: Start internal and external construction work. Place order for Imply® Bowling Alleys, Furniture, and LED Panels, and secure suppliers for other equipment. ✔ 9 months before opening: Detail the financial, marketing and operational plan . Define the bar/restaurant menu. ✔ 6 months before opening: Hire an advertising agency to create your brand identity, website, and social media. ✔ 3 months before opening: Schedule the opening date and plan the opening event. Prepare publicity campaigns. Ensure compliance with legal requirements, obtaining necessary licenses and certifications. ✔ 2 months before opening: Finalize interior finishes and décor. Address any remaining requirements regarding installation of Imply® Bowling Alleys. Initiate recruitment process for essential team members. ✔ 1 month before opening: Recruit and train your team to deliver exceptional experiences. Launch marketing campaigns. Installation of Imply® Bowling Alleys. ✔ 2 weeks before opening: Conduct a closed pilot event to test operational readiness. ✔ 1 week before opening: Assess pilot event feedback and fine-tune operations to ensure impeccable service delivery.

With our comprehensive roadmap, you’ll be equipped to inaugurate your Bowling with confidence and success. Count on us every stage of the journey to transform your dream into a thriving reality!

Why choose Imply® to set up your Bowling?

✔ Tailored Solutions: At Imply®, we do not believe in generic solutions. Our Bowling Alleys are meticulously crafted to fit seamlessly into your space, whether you opt for official or customized dimensions. Our consultants collaborate with your site plan, devising an exclusive project tailored to your needs, including optimal Bowling alley layouts and invaluable architectural insights. Our pledge is to ensure both you and your customers have a wonderful experience.

✔ Comprehensive Guidance: From selecting the perfect location to crafting effective marketing strategies, Imply® provides unwavering support throughout every phase of your venture. Our experts stand ready to address all your requirements, delivering precise and personalized counsel to safeguard the triumph of your endeavor.

✔ Continuous Innovation: With Imply®, you gain access to cutting-edge technological advancements. We’re perpetually pioneering new technologies and envisioning the future of your business to ensure you maintain a competitive edge.

✔ Premium Equipment: Our Imply® Equipment is renowned for its superior quality, boasting certifications as USBC, CE and UL. Delivering unmatched performance, minimal maintenance requirements, and the industry’s lowest operating costs, our equipment sets the standard for excellence.

✔ International Experience: As one of the leading Bowling manufacturers worldwide, Imply® has global recognition and an extensive international network of distributors. Opting for Imply® for your Bowling venture means leveraging our vast global experience to secure substantial returns on investment and transform your enterprise into a lasting success. We stand by your side, maximizing your outcomes by recommending proven, effective strategies to promote your business.

Make the right choice. Choose Imply® and embark on the journey towards the success of your Bowling. Contact us now to learn more.

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Bowling Alley Business Plan Template & Example [Updated 2024]

Bowling Alley Business Plan

If you want to start a bowling alley or expand your current bowling alley, you need a business plan.

You can download our business plan template (including a full, customizable financial model) to your computer here.

The following bowling alley business plan template gives you the key elements to include in a winning plan for your own bowling alley business. In addition to this template, conducting market research on your local customer base will help you identify potential market trends and customer segments to better understand the viability of your bowling business.

Sample Business Plan For a Bowling Alley Company

Below are links to each of the key sections of a successful bowling alley business plan:

• Executive Summary
• Company Overview
• Industry Analysis
• Customer Analysis
• Competitive Analysis
• Marketing Plan
• Operations Plan
• Management Team
• Financial Plan

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Bowling Alley Business Plan Home I. Executive Summary II. Company Overview III. Industry Analysis IV. Customer Analysis V. Competitive Analysis VI. Marketing Plan VII. Operations Plan VIII. Management Team IX. Financial Plan

How to Open a Bowling Alley

Opening a bowling alley can be very profitable. With proper planning, execution and hard work, you can enjoy great success. Below you will learn the keys to launching a successful bowling alley.

Importantly, a critical step in starting a bowling alley is to complete your business plan. To help you out, you should download Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template here .

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here

15 Steps To Open a Bowling Alley :

• Choose the Name for Your Bowling Alley
• Determine the Type of Bowling Alley You Will Launch
• Develop Your Bowling Alley Business Plan
• Choose the Legal Structure for Your Bowling Alley
• Secure Startup Funding for Your Bowling Alley (If Needed)
• Secure a Location for Your Business
• Register Your Bowling Alley with the IRS
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get a Business Credit Card
• Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits
• Get Business Insurance for Your Bowling Alley
• Buy or Lease the Right Bowling Alley Equipment
• Develop Your Bowling Alley Marketing Materials
• Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your Bowling Alley
• Open for Business

1. Choose the Name for Your Bowling Alley

The first step to opening a bowling alley is to choose your name.  

This is a very important choice since your company name is your brand and will last for the lifetime of your business. Ideally you choose a name that is meaningful and memorable. Here are some tips for choosing a name for your bowling alley:

• Make sure the name is available . Check your desired name against trademark databases and your state’s list of registered business names to see if it’s available. Also check to see if a suitable domain name is available.
• Keep it simple . The best names are usually ones that are easy to remember, pronounce and spell.
• Think about marketing . Come up with a name that reflects the desired brand and/or focus of your bowling alley.

2. Determine the Type of Bowling Alley You Will Launch

The next step is to determine the type of bowling alley you will launch. The four main types of bowling alleys are:

• Traditional bowling alleys .  These are the most common type and feature 10 lanes for bowling, electronic scoring systems, food service, and pro shops that sell bowling supplies.
• Bar/lounge bowling establishments . These typically have fewer lanes than traditional alleys but also feature a bar or lounge area where patrons can enjoy drinks and snacks while bowling.
• Family/youth bowling centers . These establishments typically have 10-20 lanes, an arcade area and other activities like laser tag or mini golf.  They are designed to appeal to families and children of all ages.
• Luxury bowling alleys . These boutique establishments offer a high-end experience with luxury amenities like plush seating.

3. Develop Your Bowling Alley Business Plan

One of the most important steps in opening a bowling alley is to develop your bowling alley business plan . The process of creating your plan ensures that you fully understand your market and your business strategy. The plan also provides you with a roadmap to follow and if needed, to present to funding sources to raise capital for your business.

Your business plan should include the following sections:

• Executive Summary – this section should summarize your entire business plan so readers can quickly understand the key details of your bowling alley.
• Company Overview – this section tells the reader about the history of your bowling alley and what type of bowling alley you operate. For example, are you a traditional bowling alley or family/youth bowling center?
• Industry Analysis – here you will document key information about the bowling alley industry. Conduct market research and document how big the industry is and what trends are affecting it.
• Customer Analysis – in this section, you will document who your ideal or target customers are and their demographics. For example, how old are they? Where do they live? What do they find important when purchasing services like the ones you will offer?
• Competitive Analysis – here you will document the key direct and indirect competitors you will face and how you will build competitive advantage.
• Marketing Plan – your marketing plan should address the 4Ps: Product, Price, Promotions and Place.
• Product : Determine and document what products/services you will offer 
• Prices : Document the prices of your products/services
• Place : Where will your business be located and how will that location help you increase sales?
• Promotions : What promotional methods will you use to attract customers to your bowling alley? For example, you might decide to use pay-per-click advertising, public relations, search engine optimization and/or social media marketing.
• Operations Plan – here you will determine the key processes you will need to run your day-to-day operations. You will also determine your staffing needs. Finally, in this section of your plan, you will create a projected growth timeline showing the milestones you hope to achieve in the coming years.
• Management Team – this section details the background of your company’s management team.
• Financial Plan – finally, the financial plan answers questions including the following:
• What startup costs will you incur?
• How will your bowling alley make money?
• What are your projected sales and expenses for the next five years?
• Do you need to raise funding to launch your business?

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

4. choose the legal structure for your bowling alley.

Next you need to choose a legal structure for your bowling alley and register it and your business name with the Secretary of State in each state where you operate your business.

Below are the five most common legal structures:

1) Sole proprietorship

A sole proprietorship is a business entity in which the owner of the bowling alley and the business are the same legal person. The owner of a sole proprietorship is responsible for all debts and obligations of the business. There are no formalities required to establish a sole proprietorship, and it is easy to set up and operate. The main advantage of a sole proprietorship is that it is simple and inexpensive to establish. The main disadvantage is that the owner is liable for all debts and obligations of the business.

2) Partnerships

A partnership is a legal structure that is popular among small businesses. It is an agreement between two or more people who want to open a bowling alley together. The partners share in the profits and losses of the business. 

The advantages of a partnership are that it is easy to set up, and the partners share in the profits and losses of the business. The disadvantages of a partnership are that the partners are jointly liable for the debts of the business, and disagreements between partners can be difficult to resolve.

3) Limited Liability Company (LLC)

A limited liability company, or LLC, is a type of business entity that provides limited liability to its owners. This means that the owners of an LLC are not personally responsible for the debts and liabilities of the business. The advantages of an LLC for a bowling alley include flexibility in management, pass-through taxation (avoids double taxation as explained below), and limited personal liability. The disadvantages of an LLC include lack of availability in some states and self-employment taxes.

4) C Corporation

A C Corporation is a business entity that is separate from its owners. It has its own tax ID and can have shareholders. The main advantage of a C Corporation for a bowling alley is that it offers limited liability to its owners. This means that the owners are not personally responsible for the debts and liabilities of the business. The disadvantage is that C Corporations are subject to double taxation. This means that the corporation pays taxes on its profits, and the shareholders also pay taxes on their dividends.

5) S Corporation

An S Corporation is a type of corporation that provides its owners with limited liability protection and allows them to pass their business income through to their personal income tax returns, thus avoiding double taxation. There are several limitations on S Corporations including the number of shareholders they can have among others.

Once you register your bowling alley, your state will send you your official “Articles of Incorporation.” You will need this among other documentation when establishing your banking account (see below). We recommend that you consult an attorney in determining which legal structure is best suited for your company.

5. Secure Startup Funding for Your Bowling Alley (If Needed)

In developing your bowling alley business plan , you might have determined that you need to raise funding to launch your business. 

If so, the main sources of funding for a bowling alley to consider are personal savings, family and friends, credit card financing, bank loans, crowdfunding and angel investors. Angel investors are individuals who provide capital to early-stage businesses. Angel investors typically will invest in a bowling alley that they believe has high potential for growth.

6. Secure a Location for Your Business

Having the right space can be important for your bowling alley. The ideal space should have enough room for the bowling lanes, a coffee shop/restaurant, and enough room to accommodate your guests. It is important to consider how much traffic the area gets and how accessible it is to your potential customers.

To find the right space, consider:

• Driving around to find the right areas while looking for “for lease” signs
• Contacting a commercial real estate agent
• Doing commercial real estate searches online
• Telling others about your needs and seeing if someone in your network has a connection that can help you find the right space

7. Register Your Bowling Alley with the IRS

Next, you need to register your business with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) which will result in the IRS issuing you an Employer Identification Number (EIN).

Most banks will require you to have an EIN in order to open up an account. In addition, in order to hire employees, you will need an EIN since that is how the IRS tracks your payroll tax payments.

Note that if you are a sole proprietor without employees, you generally do not need to get an EIN. Rather, you would use your social security number (instead of your EIN) as your taxpayer identification number.

8. Open a Business Bank Account

It is important to establish a bank account in your bowling alley’s name. This process is fairly simple and involves the following steps:

• Identify and contact the bank you want to use
• Gather and present the required documents (generally include your company’s Articles of Incorporation, driver’s license or passport, and proof of address)
• Complete the bank’s application form and provide all relevant information
• Meet with a banker to discuss your business needs and establish a relationship with them

9. Get a Business Credit Card

You should get a business credit card for your bowling alley to help you separate personal and business expenses.

You can either apply for a business credit card through your bank or apply for one through a credit card company.

When you’re applying for a business credit card, you’ll need to provide some information about your business. This includes the name of your business, the address of your business, and the type of business you’re running. You’ll also need to provide some information about yourself, including your name, Social Security number, and date of birth.

Once you’ve been approved for a business credit card, you’ll be able to use it to make purchases for your business. You can also use it to build your credit history which could be very important in securing loans and getting credit lines for your business in the future.

10. Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits

In order to operate a bowling alley, there are various licenses and permits you will need to obtain.

The most common licenses and permits you will need are:

Business license – This license is required in most states and allows you to conduct business in the state

Health department permit – This permit is required by most states and allows you to sell food and beverages

Fire department permit – This permit is usually required by states that have fire codes and is necessary for any business that uses cooking appliances or has an open flame

Building permit – This permit is necessary if you are making any modifications to the building where your bowling alley is located

Nearly all states, counties and/or cities also require:

• Sales Tax License or Seller’s Permit : for selling products
• Zoning Approval : typically at the city or county level, this provides authorization for construction or use of a building or land for a particular purpose
• Food Service, Processing and/or Warehouse Licensing : to ensure safe food preparation

Depending on the type of bowling alley you launch, you will have to obtain the necessary state, county and/or city licenses.

11. Get Business Insurance for Your Bowling Alley

When you’re running a business, there are always risks that need to be considered. That’s why it’s important to have business insurance to protect your bowling alley from any potential losses.

There are a variety of different types of business insurance that you may want to consider, including:

Property insurance – This insurance protects your bowling alley from damage or loss due to fire, theft, or other covered perils

Liability insurance – This insurance protects you from lawsuits that may arise from injuries or accidents that occur at your bowling alley

Business interruption insurance – This insurance helps cover the costs of lost income and expenses if your bowling alley is closed due to a covered event

Workers’ compensation insurance : If you have employees, this type of policy works with your general liability policy to protect against workplace injuries and accidents. It also covers medical expenses and lost wages.

Find an insurance agent, tell them about your business and its needs, and they will recommend policies that fit those needs. 

12. Buy or Lease the Right Bowling Alley Equipment

If you’re starting a new bowling alley, you’ll likely need to purchase all of this equipment. However, if you’re looking to upgrade an existing bowling alley, you may be able to lease or rent some of the necessary equipment.

When purchasing or leasing bowling alley equipment, be sure to get the right sizes and types for your business. For example, if you’re only going to be offering ten-pin bowling, make sure your lanes and pinsetting equipment are set up for that type of game.

13. Develop Your Bowling Alley Marketing Materials

Marketing materials will be required to attract and retain customers to your bowling alley.

The key marketing materials you will need are as follows:

• Logo : Spend some time developing a good logo for your bowling alley. Your logo will be printed on company stationery, business cards, marketing materials and so forth. The right logo can increase customer trust and awareness of your brand.
• Website : Likewise, a professional bowling alley website provides potential customers with information about the services you offer, your company’s history, and contact information. Importantly, remember that the look and feel of your website will affect how customers perceive you.
• Social Media Accounts : establish social media accounts in your company’s name. Accounts on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and/or other social media networks will help customers and others find and interact with your bowling alley.

14. Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your Bowling Alley

There are a few software programs you’ll need to operate your bowling alley. The most important is a good POS (point-of-sale) system, which will handle all of your transactions. In addition, you’ll need accounting software to manage your finances, and marketing software to help you plan and track your marketing campaigns.

Fortunately, many of these programs are available as cloud-based applications, which means you can access them from any internet-connected device. This flexibility allows you to run your business from anywhere.

When selecting software for your bowling alley, be sure to get programs that are specifically designed for the industry. For example, if you’re only going to offer ten-pin bowling, make sure your POS and accounting software are set up for that type of game.

Research the software that best suits your needs, purchase it, and set it up.

15. Open for Business

You are now ready to open your bowling alley. If you followed the steps above, you should be in a great position to build a successful business. Below are answers to frequently asked questions that might further help you.

How to Finish Your Bowling Alley Business Plan in 1 Day!

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your Bowling Alley business plan?

With Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!

How to Open a Bowling Alley FAQs

Is it hard to open a bowling alley.

No, it's not hard to open a bowling alley.  

If you follow the steps above, you should be able to open your bowling alley without too much difficulty.

How can I open a bowling alley with no experience?

If you're looking to open a bowling alley but don't have any experience, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of success. First, do your research and make sure you understand the industry. Next, find a partner who has experience in the bowling alley business. Alternatively, there are many resources available online and in print that can help guide you through the process. Finally, be prepared to put in the time and effort necessary to make your bowling alley a success.

What type of bowling alley is most profitable?

In general, smaller bowling alleys (between 10 and 25 lanes) are more profitable than larger ones. Additionally, traditional bowling alleys (with wood lanes and manual scoring) are more profitable than modern alleys (with synthetic lanes and automated scoring).

So, if you're looking to open a bowling alley, it's important to do your research and choose a type and size that will be most profitable in your area.

How much does it cost to open a bowling alley?

The cost of opening a bowling alley will vary depending on your location and the type of alley you choose to open. However, in general, the cost of opening a bowling alley ranges from $50,000 to $150,000. This includes the cost of purchasing or leasing a property, installing the necessary equipment, and hiring staff.

So, if you're looking to open a bowling alley, be prepared to invest some money up front. However, with careful planning and execution, your investment can be well worth it in the long run.

What are the ongoing expenses for a bowling alley?

The ongoing expenses for a bowling alley can vary, but typically include things like rent or mortgage payments, utilities, insurance, repairs and maintenance, and staff salaries. The ongoing expenses for a bowling alley range between 10-20% of the total budget. Additionally, you'll need to factor in the costs of advertising and marketing your bowling alley, as well as any other costs associated with running a business.

How does a bowling alley make money?

Bowling alleys make money by charging customers to use their lanes. They typically charge by the hour, and prices vary depending on the time of day and day of the week. In addition to lane rental fees, bowling alleys also typically sell snacks and drinks, as well as offer party packages for special events. Many bowling alleys also offer league play, which can be a profitable source of income.

Is owning a bowling alley profitable?

Yes, owning a bowling alley can be very profitable. 

Yes, owning a bowling alley can be very profitable. Bowling alley owners can earn between 40-60% of their total revenue. Additionally, bowling alleys benefit from the trend of retro entertainment and nostalgia, making them popular destinations for people looking for a unique experience. Owners can also increase profits by offering special events and discounts to attract more customers.

Some of the key things you can do to make your bowling alley more profitable include:

• Offering discounts and specials
• Investing in new equipment
• Offering league play
• Advertising and marketing your bowling alley
• Optimizing your website for SEO to increase online visibility
• Creating a unique selling proposition
• Providing outstanding client service

Why do bowling alleys fail?

Bowling alleys fail for several reasons such as not generating enough income to cover their costs. Other reasons can include competition from other businesses in the area, the cost of repairs and maintenance on the bowling alley equipment, and staff turnover.

One of the main reasons that bowling alleys fail is a lack of planning. This can include not having a detailed business plan, not doing research on the industry, and not targeting the right customers.

Another reason is a lack of marketing and sales skills. This can include not creating a sales process and not have a clear and strong value proposition.

The last main reason is a lack of financial management skills. This can include not having a realistic budget, not tracking expenses, and not investing in the business.

Who are key players in the bowling alley market?

The bowling alley market is made up of a variety of different players, including small businesses, large enterprises, and even individuals.

Some of the key players in the market include:

• Thunderbowl
• AMF Bowling:
• Poncho's Bowl-A-Rama
• Brunswick Bowling

However, there are many other players in your specific target market, and it is important to research the market to identify the key players that may have the most direct influence on the success of your business.

How much should I charge for my bowling alley services?

Bowling Alley fees can vary depending on the type of bowling alley services being offered.

However, some common bowling alley fees include:

• Hourly rates for bowling lane rental - $25 - $50 per hour
• Hourly rates for bowling equipment rental - $10-25 per hour 
• Hourly rates for professional bowling league services - $60-$100 per hour 
• Private party packages, which can include bowling lane rental and catering services - $300-$500

The best way to determine the right fee for your bowling alley services is to research the rates of similar businesses in your industry, and to also consider the value that you will be providing to the client.

Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

How to Start a Bowling Alley

A bowling alley business offers customers the equipment and facility to go bowling.  Bowling alleys are great sources of entertainment for all age groups. Customers can bowl for fun or in competition through league play. The indoor locations offer activities during inclement weather, for work socials, or birthday parties.

Learn how to start your own Bowling Alley and whether it is the right fit for you.

Ready to form your LLC? Check out the Top LLC Formation Services .

Start a bowling alley by following these 10 steps:

• Plan your Bowling Alley
• Form your Bowling Alley into a Legal Entity
• Register your Bowling Alley for Taxes
• Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
• Set up Accounting for your Bowling Alley
• Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Bowling Alley
• Get Bowling Alley Insurance
• Define your Bowling Alley Brand
• Create your Bowling Alley Website
• Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your bowling alley. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas .

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

What will you name your business?

• What are the startup and ongoing costs?
• Who is your target market?

How much can you charge customers?

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Bowling Alley Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship , you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name , we recommend researching your business name by checking:

• Your state's business records
• Federal and state trademark records
• Social media platforms
• Web domain availability .

It's very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

Want some help naming your bowling alley?

Business name generator, what are the costs involved in opening a bowling alley.

As is the case with most businesses, location is key to success. For a bowling alley, a large amount of space is needed, just for the lanes and bowling equipment alone. Adding additional services and features will take careful planning and facility management. Building from the ground up will add to overall costs considerably. Finding an existing alley or structure to renovate will save some. Franchising is also a great option, as the planning and building will be a process between you and an experienced team.

Rental on an appropriate space can range from $4,000 to $10,000, depending on the number of lanes and other entertainment options. It’s advised that you consider the population density of your area to determine the number of lanes needed. For example, a population of 10,000 in a five mile radius would need approximately 5 lanes.

Once you have secured a location, the additional costs for equipment can range between $18,000 to $45,000. Some cost variation will occur, depending on if the equipment is used or new. Additional costs may include:

• Re-designing the space, if it was not a bowling alley previously. Much of the space will be taken up by the lanes and equipment. Additional space should be planned for other activities and expansions or remodels, in the future.
• A commercial kitchen and bar set-up, if offering these services. Newer bowling alleys are offering high-end food and drinks, in an attempt to raise the status of the traditional bowling experience.
• Arcade and pinball games, ping pong tables, pool tables, dart boards, or any other additional entertainment. Some newer alleys are even offering batting cages or putt golf, as an all-inclusive entertainment design.
• Rental shoes, balls, lockers, and bowling accessories.
• Music and intercom systems, lighting, and seating
• Marketing plans
• Website or social media presence

What are the ongoing expenses for a bowling alley?

Regular maintenance of the alleys, balls, shoes, and machinery, as well as any other entertainment systems on site, will be your primary expense. Factor in food and beverage costs, if that is part of your operation. These costs will fluctuate, depending on the business size and scope, but $3,500 to $5,000 is a fair estimate for monthly expenses. Payroll costs vary, depending upon the area and how many employees you have on staff.

Who is the target market?

Customers will range in age and experience level. Many will simply want to bowl, whereas some will take advantage of the various other attractions. Currently, bowling alleys are seeing a resurgence in popularity from a white-collar crowd, who want a wide range of amenities made available, including food, drinks, other arcade-style games, and even karaoke.

How does a bowling alley make money?

A bowling alley makes its money from the hourly rental fees on shoes, balls, and lanes. There can also be revenue generated from the use of other entertainment and food services. This will vary, depending on what your alley provides. Many bowling alleys also offer deals for parties or special events. Depending on the scope of your food and beverage department, this area may also generate a sizable amount of revenue.

The average cost per game in the U.S. is approximately $2.00. Factor in shoe rental and some food or drink sales, and a customer could spend anywhere between $15 and $50 per visit. Including other entertainment options will only increase your earning potential.

How much profit can a bowling alley make?

The profitability of a bowling alley will depend on your demographics and additional services you offer. Once you have covered your start-up expenses, much of the money will be spent on preventative maintenance, supplies, and payroll. Non-league revenue has been on the rise more recently amongst national bowling alleys, with almost one-third of the money coming from non-bowling activities. Annually, a successful bowling alley/entertainment complex can generate upwards of $300,000.

How can you make your business more profitable?

As we have mentioned above, a successful bowling alley business will be wise to offer multiple options for entertainment, other than just bowling.

• Food and drinks can constitute a good percentage of your revenue. Give options which appeal to all ages and tastes.
• Create an environment which attracts more than just bowlers. Many modern bowling alleys are multifaceted in their approach to entertainment, which keeps customers coming back.
• Karaoke nights may be great marketing tools for the other-than-bowling crowd.
• Have special theme nights and offer price specials for the less busy hours of operation. Midnight bowl specials on weekends, for example, have proven very successful.
• Advertise for birthday parties and social or business gatherings.
• Sell balls, shoes, and bags, and offer embroidery services for league shirts and bags. Capture the extra revenue while the customer is at your establishment.
• Offering instructional classes in bowling can also be a great way to grow a business, as well as offering league play nights. This kind of regular crowd will help attract other customers.
• Rent out nights for other than bowling events, if you have the space in your building.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC's free Small Business Startup Guide - a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

The most common business structure types are the sole proprietorship , partnership , limited liability company (LLC) , and corporation .

Establishing a legal business entity such as an LLC or corporation protects you from being held personally liable if your bowling alley is sued.

Form Your LLC

Read our Guide to Form Your Own LLC

Have a Professional Service Form your LLC for You

Two such reliable services:

You can form an LLC yourself and pay only the minimal state LLC costs or hire one of the Best LLC Services for a small, additional fee.

Recommended: You will need to elect a registered agent for your LLC. LLC formation packages usually include a free year of registered agent services . You can choose to hire a registered agent or act as your own.

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It's really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website . If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil .

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

• Separates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
• Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

• Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business' expenses all in one place.
• Build your company's credit history , which can be useful to raise money later on.

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a Bowling Alley business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits .

In addition, certain local licensing or regulatory requirements may apply. For more information about local licenses and permits:

• Check with your town, city or county clerk’s office.

Get assistance from one of the local associations listed in US Small Business Associations directory of local business resources .

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses .

Certificate of Occupancy

A bowling business is generally run out of a large building. Businesses operating out of a physical location typically require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO).  A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.

If you plan to lease a location :

• It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO.
• Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to a bowling alley business.
• After a major renovation, a new CO often needs to be issued. If your place of business will be renovated before opening, it is recommended to include language in your lease agreement stating that lease payments will not commence until a valid CO is issued.
• If you plan to purchase or build a location :
• You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
• Review all building codes and zoning requirements for your business’ location to ensure your bowling alley business will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.

Music Licensing

In order to play music in a business setting, permission must be acquired from the composer or license holder. Typically, it is possible to obtain a “blanket” license allowing a businesses to play music owned by a large catalog of artists and recording studios. Such licenses can be obtained from Performance Rights Organizations, such as ASCAP or BMI.  Learn more about music licensing requirements .

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance . This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance . If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers' Compensation Coverage.

FInd out what types of insurance your Bowling Alley needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Bowling Alley.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you aren't feeling confident about designing your small business logo, then check out our Design Guides for Beginners , we'll give you helpful tips and advice for creating the best unique logo for your business.

Recommended : Get a logo using Truic's free logo Generator no email or sign up required, or use a Premium Logo Maker .

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator . Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a bowling alley

Initially, you will want to focus on families and individuals who are looking for multiple entertainment options, with bowling being the main draw. You will be wise to contact any bowling leagues in the area to advertise your business as a new and modern option. Some league teams will be pleased to have other options in the area, as some like to claim local lanes as their “home turf” in matches with other league teams.

As your business’ reputation grows, market to anyone interested in wholesome, family fun. Many league bowlers are now bringing their families to the lanes, as other entertainment options become more readily available. The families will, in turn, start frequenting your establishment for all of your offered amenities. This is also the time to reach out to social, school, or church groups, who are looking for exciting meet up locations. Offer your group specials and become a destination for all kinds of parties and events.

A new and emerging group of casual bowlers is also on the rise. These 30-somethings are looking for food, drinks, and entertainment in a setting which is clean and modern, yet not too upscale to feel uncomfortable or stuffy. These entertainment and efficiency enthusiasts see the bowling alley complex as a way to get all of their evening fun in one tidy package under a single roof.

Finally, network with other alley owners across the country and world. Find out what’s working and what needs adjustments through other entrepreneurs. Visit The National Bowling Association or The Bowling Proprietor’s Association of America for more information about these industry organizations.

How to keep customers coming back

Since bowling is a well-known and popular sport, much of your marketing and retention efforts will be directed towards creating an enjoyable experience for more than just bowling fans. Offer specials for bowlers and a variety of other entertainment for the more casual bowling crowd. If you’re offering food, consider what regional eats are most popular. Finally, make sure the customer knows you care. Ask your customers what they like or would like to see change. Involving the customer is a great way for the public to become invested in their pastimes and your business.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business .

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

• All legitimate businesses have websites - full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
• Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
• Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended : Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders .

Other popular website builders are: WordPress , WIX , Weebly , Squarespace , and Shopify .

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2023 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it's fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

If you enjoy bowling, interacting with customers, and are well-versed in the business of entertainment, a bowling alley can be a great opportunity. Customers are looking for a clean, family-friendly environment, where they can find lots of entertainment options. This is just what a bowling alley can provide. Your professionalism, attention to detail, and positive personality will be a driving force in the success of the business.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at a bowling alley?

Bowling alleys are not just for bowling anymore. Most successful lanes offer expanding varieties of entertainment and food services. Therefore, day-to-day activities can include a number of tasks not entirely related to the sport of bowling, depending on the specifics of the location.

Tasks or duties can include, but are not limited to:

• Answering and returning calls for lane rentals and party space rentals.
• Cleaning and maintenance of rental shoes, balls, and lanes.
• Maintaining pinsetter systems and ball return tracks.
• Regularly contacting equipment vendors for both bowling and any other entertainment equipment, such as arcade games, pinball machines, food service, pool tables, or karaoke machines.
• Meeting and building relations with bowling league organizers.
• Marketing for the business and planning promotions or related business strategies
• Organizing and inventorying bar and food supplies
• Hiring, training, and communicating with employees to ensure great customer service and experience.

Administrative or management duties, such as paying bills, performing safety checks, ordering supplies, and calling in maintenance will also fill your days. It is advisable, once the business is up and running successfully, to hire a person specifically for managing these aspects of the business.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful bowling alley?

In today’s competitive entertainment market, you will be wise to offer a niche service that is missing for your particular area. The bowling alley business is different than it has been in the past, yet is still highly profitable. Get to know your potential clientele and what they are looking for in family and personal entertainment. For your dedicated bowlers, you will want to offer services, such as shoe repair, custom ball orders, and bowling related equipment. Make sure your bowling customers know they are top priority. Then, offer other services which draw crossover customers. These customers may come for bowling initially, but return for other attractions. Conduct research to see what other entertainment and services will draw additional customers

What is the growth potential for a bowling alley?

Bowling alleys have held their popularity for decades and are still regular destinations for fun seekers. Although league bowling is not as popular as it once was, many working professionals are choosing to frequent alleys, which have numerous options for entertainment. If your alley can provide options for food and drinks as well, you will find a greater market share passing through your doors. There are also numerous franchising opportunities for bowling alley/indoor entertainment multiplexes. When a customer feels they have an all in one package for their entertainment, they will often return and pass the good word amongst their friends and colleagues. Make sure you research the levels of competition currently in play in your area.

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Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor.

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a bowling alley?

Here are some tips from successful bowling alley entrepreneurs:

• Strive to keep your establishment clean and welcoming. You’re looking to attract all types of customers and appearance goes a long way.
• A well-lit parking lot and strictly enforced rules are also important.
• Make your inside environment family-friendly. The music should be appropriate and patrons should be given helpful customer service at all times.
• Preventative maintenance is critical to make sure your alley is up and running smoothly. You will save money this way in the long run.
• Keep aware of industry trends and changes in the needs and wants of your customers. Small, affordable changes, which represent current societal trends can make a big difference in the public perception of your business.
• Make the rules of your establishment clear and easy to follow. Enforce the rules and you’ll maintain the reputation of your establishment

How and when to build a team

You will need an initial start-up team for the business to get going. Consider hiring those who have customer service experience and are mechanically capable, as they may be called on to do minor repairs or maintenance, in addition to talking to the public. If you are buying into a franchise, there may be a team in place to help with the setup and opening. If you are starting independently, choose employees who demonstrate the ability to manage and work with others. Your team won’t be very large to begin with, so hiring competent and responsible employees is critical.

Useful Links

Industry opportunities.

• The National Bowling Association
• The Bowling Proprietor’s Association of America
• Learn about more Family Fun Business Ideas!

Real World Examples

• Belmark Lanes
• Lucky Strike

Further Reading

• How to start a Bowling Alley
• You should open a Bowling Alley

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Bowling Alley Business Plans

Published Oct.14, 2013

Updated Apr.19, 2024

By: Jakub Babkins

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Table of Content

Do you want to start Bowling Alley business plan?

Do you want to know how to start a bowling business? If you’re thinking about starting a bowling alley business, it’s a great idea. You can start a bowling company without needing any certification or particular knowledge. You don’t even need a big team for it. What you do need, however, is a good business plan for bowling alley.

A business plan will help you understand the correct sequence of steps for starting a business and making it successful. You can also take help from business strategy services. But business plans are freely and easily available. So you can have a basic idea of all the requirements for starting a business. Here, we have detailed out a plan for Charlie’s Bowling Alley business. So, you can use it for guidance as well.

Executive Summary

2.1 the business.

Charlie’s Bowling Alley will be a bowling center owned by Charles Brown. The main target of the business will be to provide bowling alley services to people in and around Portland. It will be providing a wide variety of services from simple bowling areas to league management etc.

2.2 Management of Bowling Alley Company

To open a bowling alley, you need to make sure that you can manage all the aspects of running this type of business. You can start by going through a bowling alley business plan sample. This will serve as a good guide for you to write your own business plan for a bowling center.

A good business plan will also help you in the management of your business and can inform you how to open a bowling alley so that it is successful. In this business plan, we are detailing all the aspects of Charlie’s Bowling Alley.

2.3 Customers of Bowling Alley Company

Just like a restaurant business plan marks out the potential customers of a restaurant or a media production business plan filters out its beneficial customers, a bowling alley business plan should do the same.

The customers of Charlie’s Bowling Alley will belong to all economic classes and social backgrounds. The focus customer groups of our business will be:

• Young Adults
• Business Employees

2.4 Business Target

Our aim as a business is to provide reliable recreational bowling services to our customer base in a friendly manner.

The financial targets we want to meet in the 3-year duration after our start are shown below:

Company Summary

3.1 company owner.

The owner of Charlie’s Bowling Alley will be Charles Brown. Charles completed his MBA two years back and worked for a consulting company for 9 months before leaving to work on his lifelong dream of starting a Bowling Alley business.

3.2 Why the Bowling Alley company is being started

Charles noticed that recreation places around him were providing expensive, very limited services. He realized that he could provide a family-first approach to a bowling alley business model. He also wanted to offer affordable services. So, he decided to start his venture to implement his ideas.

3.3 How the Bowling Alley company will be started

Step1: Plan Everything

To learn how to set up a bowling alley, you need guidance about proper procedure. You can get this help from a bowling alley business template. It will help you get an idea about opening a bowling alley costs. Since Charles decided to offer a variety of services so if you want to start a franchise bowling alley, you can take help from this business plan. You can also take help from a karaoke bar business plan or a movie theater business plan for general guidance.

Step2: Define the Brand

A bowling alley business is a people-first business which means it is essential to attract people to your business. For this, you need to develop your image and brand. It should revolve around your policies and firm business beliefs so that your customers can relate to your business.

Step3: Establish Your Corporate Office

Charles decided to start his business by renting out a shop space in a commercial market. He will now plan the recruitment of necessary employees and inventory to start up his bowling alley.

Step4: Establish a Web Presence

A business needs to establish an online presence to gain attention. For this purpose, Charles decided to establish social media presence for his bowling alley. He also decided that he will get a website made where people can make reservations and get the required information.

Step5: Promote and Market

The last step is to promote your business by following a proper marketing plan.

Before starting a bowling alley business plan, you need to decide on the services that you will provide to your customers. For reference, you can take a look at a sample business plan for bowling alley.

A bowling alley business plan will tell you what type of business is a bowling alley and it will also help you determine how to run a bowling alley. When you decide the services that you want to offer your customers, you will also be able to figure out starting a bowling alley cost.

The services that Charles decided to offer in his Bowling Alley company have been mentioned below.

• General Bowling

We will offer basic bowling services to people of all age groups. For this purpose, we will keep a stock of shoes and bowling balls of different experience levels.

• Bowling Leagues

In addition to general bowling services, Charlie’s Bowling Alley will also organize events for different local bowling leagues. We will manage all the competitions in different leagues.

• Food Services

Charlie’s Bowling Alley will offer a wide variety of food like hamburgers, fries, shakes, and salads as a part of its indoor diner.

• Parties and Events

Our final service to our customers will be the availability of the venue for different events such as birthday parties. At these events, we will responsible for providing decorations, music, and setting up themes.

Marketing Analysis of Bowling Alley Company

For starting a bowling center, you need a bowling alley business plan pdf. A very important part of this plan is bowling alley marketing plan. This plan provides an in-depth knowledge of your customer base and competitors.

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When planning how to build bowling alley, you need to do marketing analysis and make a marketing plan to satisfy your bowling center investors. This should include an in-depth analysis of your present, past, and future market trends.

If you don’t know how to go about conducting a marketing analysis, you can take assistance from this business plan here. In this document, we have described the market trends and customer segments of Charlie’s Bowling Alley.

5.1 Market Trends

According to BowlersJournal, bowling centers hold a market share of $10 billion and about 67 million people bowl at least once a year. According to IBISWorld, there are more than 3000 centers that have services related to bowling. In general, there is a high demand for bowling alley companies and people want more affordable services that they can enjoy more frequently.

5.2 Marketing Segmentation

The customer base of Charlie’s Bowling Alley is divided into the following groups:

Business plan for investors

5.2.1 children.

Our primary customers will be children who can come to our bowling alley as an after-school activity or for having fun with their friends. They are expected to avail out general bowling services as well as booking for events such as birthday parties. With these expected services, they will be our main customers.

5.2.2 Young Adults

Our second biggest target customer group will of young adults who can come to hang out at our bowling alley with their friends. They are also expected to partake in competitions and use our food court services.

5.2.3 Families

Another major target audience for our bowling alley will be families that are expected to come over weekends or evenings to enjoy our general bowling services along with the food court.

5.2.4 Business Employees

Lastly, we also expect regular interaction with the businesses in the surrounding region. Due to the frank and open interaction businesses in the Portland area, these offices are expected to engage in our bowling leagues, general bowling, and food services every so often.

5.3 Business Target

• To become the best recreation center in Portland
• To expand our range of services to include games other than bowling
• To earn a net profit of $25k/month by the end of our third year of operation
• To satisfy our customers and maintain a CSAT score above 90%

5.4 Product Pricing

Provided that the main aim of the business is to provide affordable recreation to our customers, Charlie’s Bowling Alley will offer wallet-friendly services as well coupons and discounts regularly.

Marketing Strategy

To start a bowling alley and make it successful, you need to recognize several competitive advantages over your competitors. You also need a business plan bowling alley to guide you in this recognition.

If you want to know how to make your own bowling alley, you can take help from this business plan. You can also use it for help in making a marketing plan that will make you stand out amongst your competitors.

6.1 Competitive Analysis

• We have excellent customer support services available to cater to our customer’s needs at all times.
• We will continue to improve our services by taking feedback from customers and ensuring that any and every problem is handled as soon as possible.
• Our workforce will maintain friendly behavior at all times to make sure our customers are satisfied.
• Our customers can interact with us through our website and social media so that they don’t have to go through the trouble of physically visiting our alley for booking or queries and wasting their time.

6.2 Sales Strategy

• We will promote our services through social media, posters, and word of mouth.
• We will provide discounts for kids as well as when our customers book for leagues.
• We will regularly offer discounts and promotions to our customers

6.3 Sales Monthly

6.4 sales yearly, 6.5 sales forecast, personnel plan.

The workforce of a business has a lot of impact on its success. Whether you read a free bowling alley business plan or a music venue business plan , you will recognize the importance of employee interaction with customers. Due to this reason, Charles decided to implement strict criteria for the hiring of employees for Charlie’s Bowling Alley. So if you want to know how to start a bowling alley, read ahead.

7.1 Company Staff

• 3 Bowling Staff
• 2 General Cleaners
• 1 Technician to upkeep the bowling alleys
• 1 Social Media Executive
• 1 Sales Executives to organize and promote sales
• 2 Receptionists

7.2 Average Salary of Employees

Financial plan.

In the initial phases of starting a business, you need to cater to the startup costs. Therefore, when you start a Bowling Alley, you need to consider bowling alley start up costs. You can gain some idea of probable bowling alley start up cost by going through a bowling center business plan.

You can also gain insight from business plans of other companies like a golf course business plan or a hookah lounge business plan for developing a financial plan. This will guide you through efficient management of your business so that you can manage your resources and don’t go into a loss.

Below, we have provided a detailed analysis and financial plan for Charlie’s Bowling Alley that you can refer to for a better understanding.

8.1 Important Assumptions

8.2 break-even analysis, 8.3 projected profit and loss, 8.3.1 profit monthly, 8.3.2 profit yearly, 8.3.3 gross margin monthly, 8.3.4 gross margin yearly, 8.4 projected cash flow, 8.5 projected balance sheet, 8.6 business ratios.

• How profitable is a bowling alley?

The success of a bowling alley depends on a lot of things such as bowling game set cost, its marketing and financial plans and workforce, etc. You can gain insight into these factors by reading the business plan detailed above.

• How much does it cost for a bowling alley?

starting a bowling alley business cost depends on many factors such as the location, competition, and management competency.

• How much space do you need for a bowling alley?

If you want to know how to open up a bowling alley business, you don’t need to worry about space because you don’t need a lot of it to set up some bowling lanes.

• How do you run a successful bowling alley?

You can run a successful bowling alley by thoroughly going through business plan bowling alley like the one above.

Download Bowling Alley Business Plan Sample in pdf

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Karaoke Bar - Bowling Alley Business Plan

Start your own karaoke bar - bowling alley business plan

Rockin Roll

Executive summary executive summary is a brief introduction to your business plan. it describes your business, the problem that it solves, your target market, and financial highlights.">.

Rockin’ Roll is a classic bowling alley, karaoke lounge, gaming parlor and restaurant owned by the king of Rockin’ Roll, Pelvis Restley. Rockin’ Roll specializes in legendary bowling and rocking harder than the rest, as well as quality food and extensive collection of video games.

Bowling is an entertainment industry in Seattle with a customer base that has diminished over the past few decades. Today’s senior citizen’s were once yesterday’s avid bowlers. As the Baby-Boomers questioned the actions of their elders, they also turned away from bowling. Eventually, without innovation, bowling lost popularity as America’s favorite athletic event.

As competition increased amongst bowling alleys for a dwindling customer base, Seattle lost bowling alleys. Fewer bowling alleys further diminished the number of future bowlers. The loss of bowling alleys has meant the loss of community centers and athletic events.

Seattle needs no replacement for the athletic and social event bowling once offered, it simply needs innovation and reminder of the forgotten culture of bowling. Pelvis Restley understands the trend of revitalization in the bowling culture from his youthful participation in bowling and through his work in the Professional Bowling Association.

These clients are on limited income and will come to Rockin’ Roll for the prices. Senior discounts will play a large role in the food and drink menu preparation. Once the seniors are in the door they will be reminded of their childhood by the bowling alley’s plastic molded seats and the King’s music.

Seniors will also be stimulated by the youths in the game room and the adults competing to be champions of the bowling leagues. The comfort and excitement will continue to draw these customers back in. Rockin’ Roll will acknowledge their value and leadership potential by asking seniors to participate in organizing the adult and teenage bowling leagues.

Customers in the entertainment industry flock to the most comfortable and affordable place they know. Rockin’ Roll offers the comfort of separate Rockin’ Roll environments for seniors, youths, and bowling leaguers, in the visible, but not audible rooms of the restaurant and lounge, the gaming room and the bowling alley.

Rockin’ Roll also offers affordable prices to seniors through senior citizen discounts, to youths through low-cost foods and video games, and to bowling leaguers by offering tournament rates for nine games at a time.

• Pelvis has experience as a bowler in the local community and as a marketing and business analyst for the Professional Bowling Association. Pelvis’ experience will give him the ability to contact local and national bowlers for recruiting leaguers.

New customers are likely to be introduced to Rockin’ Roll bowling by friends. The reason for this is that most people only go out to their regular hang-outs, to places they feel comfortable, or to places where they will find their friends. Bowling leaguers will find the Rockin’ Roll bowling alley when their friends ask them to meet for a Rockin’ Roll nine game bowling league.

Once in the door, these customers will be greeted by Pelvis Restley and will be treated like kings and queens in the bowling alley, restaurant and lounge. Then, they will come back to meet their friends or to find their comfort zone in the Rockin’ Roll bowling alley.

Pelvis will also be able to access his contacts within the Professional Bowling Association to stimulate televised touring tournaments. By year two, bowling leaguers will introduce their friends to Rockin’ Roll. During year two, Rockin’ Roll will thank its regular bowling leaguers by offering them fame and fortune in the Bowling for Dollars televised tournament.

Youths will be interested in finding a fun place where they can spend time outside of the house with people their age. The attraction for teenagers of similar age groups will be two-fold. First, Saturday mornings, Rockin’ Roll will host a teenagers bowling league. Second, Rockin’ Roll will have all the latest video games the youths love in a sound-proofed fishbowl room where they can play their favorite tunes on the jukebox and their parents can see them from the bowling lanes.

The youths will be encouraged by their parents to frequent Rockin’ Roll because the parents can come listen to their Rockin’ Roll and bowl while feeling the security of knowing their children are safely near by. The restaurant will also cater to the youthful palate, offering the breadth of fryer food and low-fat fruit and veggie snacks.

After three years of sales Rockin’ Roll Bowling Lanes will generate approximately $718,000 in total sales. As Rockin’ Roll rises up the charts as the most popular entertainment spot in Fremont, the business will become more efficient, making more money per dollar spent. The progression of profit margin will steadily increase. Rockin’ Roll Bowling Lanes is an exciting opportunity to bring athleticism and entertainment together in one community center and to put bowling back on the map.

1.1 Mission

The mission of Rockin’ Roll is to provide the highest forms of entertainment and quality dining to the Seattle community. We offer the best bowling, gambling, gaming, drinking, and singing around.

1.2 Objectives

• Net income more than 10% of sales by the third year.

1.3 Keys to Success

• Leveraging from a single league of bowlers into a city of bowling lovers.

Company Summary company overview ) is an overview of the most important points about your company—your history, management team, location, mission statement and legal structure.">

2.1 company ownership.

Rockin’ Roll is a closely held corporation-owned, incorporated in the state of Washington and operating in King County, whose principal shareholder is Pelvis Restley.

2.2 Start-up Summary

Rockin’ Roll’s start-up costs will include all equipment needed for the bowling alley, the restaurant, inventory and daily bank to cover the total winnings of all pull-tabs.

The bowling alley lanes and restaurant equipment will be the largest chunk of the start-up expenses. These long-term assets include 16 hardwood bowling lanes, 180 pins, 8 electronic scoring terminals, a commercial range and oven, a walk-in refrigerator, video games, pull tab equipment, a sink and dishwasher.

Start-up expenses will also include advertising. The two methods will include television ads and advertisement in the Yellow Pages.

Rockin’ Roll will provide services to three different groups of customers.

• Youths. Rockin’ Roll will also introduce the bowling league experience to youths through its Saturday morning teen leagues. Rockin’ Roll bowling will attract youths under the age of 21 on evenings or weekends to roll on the lanes, snack on their favorite foods, or to play video games.
• Elders. Our community leaders, fathers and mothers, grandfathers and grandmothers will all be welcomed with senior discounts on food, drink and lane prices. Once seniors experience the comfortable seating and the mixed age crowd while listening to the King sing songs of their youth, they will make themselves at home in the alley, become regulars at the restaurant and may volunteer at league events.

Market Analysis Summary how to do a market analysis for your business plan.">

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This type of customer will find the Rockin’ Roll bowling alley when their friends ask them to meet for a Rockin’ Roll nine game bowling league. Once in the door, these customers will be greeted by Pelvis Restley and will be treated like kings and queens in the bowling alley, restaurant and lounge.

First, Saturday mornings, Rockin’ Roll will host a teenagers bowling league. Second, Rockin’ Roll will have all the latest video games the youths love in a sound-proofed fishbowl room where they can play their favorite tunes on the jukebox and their parents can see them from the bowling lanes.

Once the seniors are in the door they will be reminded of their childhood by the bowling alley’s plastic molded seats and the King’s music.

4.1 Market Segmentation

Bowling Leaguers will be of varying age ranges and will be identified through workplaces, social events, and clubs. A core league of bowlers will be recruited from Pelvis’ local and Professional Bowling Association contacts for the first nine game bowling league tournament. After the first tournament the core league of bowlers will be cultivated for future participants and league organizers.

Youths will be under twenty-one years of age. They will provide a consistent customer base during non-league hours.

Seniors citizens will be over sixty-two years old and will contribute a consistent customer base to the restaurant and lounge and a source of low-cost organizers for the bowling league.

4.2 Target Market Segment Strategy

Rockin’ Roll Bowling Lanes will be targeting bowling leaguers for two reasons.

• Bowling leagues develop a core group of customers. These customers will begin to identify their social and athletic events with Rockin’ Roll bowling. Once one group of friends begins congregating together at Rockin’ Roll Bowling Lanes for league events, they will bring other friends to join them for other occasions.
• Bowling packaged with Rockin’ Roll flavor is Pelvis’ area of expertise. Rockin’ Roll bowling will cater to everyone’s desire for fame, fitness and fortune. Beginning with a nine game bowling league tournament will give participants the flavor of athletic competition and will give the winners a little extra spending cash and fame. Those feelings will stimulate more interest, and more interest will support more tournaments, which will in turn stimulate more reward. The tournaments will culminate in a Bowling for Dollars televised tournament by the end of year two.

Rockin’ Roll will focus on youths for two reasons.

• Bowling alleys are one of few places that under age customers can go to congregate and find entertainment.
• Catering to youths and teaching them to bowl now will develop a future customer base for years to come.

Rockin’ Roll will cater to senior citizens because they are consistent customers. Once they find an affordable, comfortable place, seniors will come back for more.  Seniors also tend to congregate together. Therefore, accommodating a small core group will lead to potentially exponential growth as the Baby-Boomers become a majority of the population and they introduce each other to Rockin’ Roll’s senior citizen discounts. An added value is that senior citizens, shown the importance of their time, may be encouraged to contribute low-cost labor as volunteers for youth and adult bowling league events.

4.3 Service Business Analysis

Bowling is an entertainment industry in Seattle with a customer base that has diminished over the past few decades. Today’s senior citizen’s were once yesterday’s avid bowlers. As the Baby-Boomers questioned the actions of their elders, they also turned away from bowling. Eventually, without innovation, bowling lost popularity as America’s favorite athletic event. As competition increased amongst bowling alleys for a dwindling customer base, Seattle lost bowling alleys. Fewer bowling alleys further diminished the number of future bowlers. The loss of bowling alleys has meant the loss of community centers and athletic events. Seattle needs no replacement for the athletic and social event bowling once offered, it simply needs innovation and reminder of the forgotten culture of bowling. Pelvis Restley understands the trend of revitalization in the bowling culture from his youthful participation in bowling and through his work in the Professional Bowling Association.

Customers in the entertainment industry flock to the most comfortable and affordable place they know. Rockin’ Roll offers the comfort of separate Rockin’ Roll environments for seniors, youths, and bowlers, in the visible, but not audible rooms of the restaurant and lounge, the gaming room and the bowling alley. Rockin’ Roll also offers affordable prices to seniors through senior citizen discounts, to youths through low-cost foods and video games, and to bowling leaguers by offering tournament rates for nine games at a time.

Pelvis also has the advantage of bringing contacts in the local bowling community and the Professional Bowling Association.

4.3.1 Competition and Buying Patterns

The competition for local customers amongst bowling alleys is localized, meaning each urban district can support its own bowling alley. Customers will choose the provider they think offers the most comfortable, affordable and convenient location. Due to the decline in the number of bowling alleys, many districts are without bowling facilities. Fremont currently does not have a bowling alley. Being located in Fremont, Rockin’ Roll will enjoy the advantage of having no local competition in a densely populated, mixed-age area with good public transportation making it conveniently accessible for locals.

Seniors will provide a consistent customer base as they purchase discounted food and drink and gamble.

Youths will come for the video games and the Saturday morning teenager bowling leagues and they will bring their parents with them.

The competition for tournaments city-wide and nationally depends on the bowling alley’s reputation and the reputation of the bowlers. Pelvis has the advantage of working in the Professional Bowling Association and playing in local bowling championship tournaments for many years. This advantage may lead to televised bowling tournaments, which will in turn contribute to Rockin’ Roll’s reputation.

Strategy and Implementation Summary

The target customers are bowling leaguers, senior citizens, and youths.

5.1 Competitive Edge

Rockin’ Roll’s competitive edge will be based on two factors, experience and reputation:

• Rockin’ Roll will have the reputation of being the most affordable, comfortable and convenient place of entertainment in town.

5.2 Marketing Strategy

Marketing in a bowling business depends on reputation for quality bowling facilities and entertainment. It starts with Pelvis’ known contacts in the bowling industry, and continues with long-term efforts to develop reputation in local communities.

Rockin’ Roll will develop and maintain a database of people in the bowling leagues. The database starts with the contacts we bring in with our first nine game bowling league tournament. From there we add inquiries and participants, and bowling league newsletters. Rockin’ Roll will use the database to make regular contact with mailings for additional bowling league tournaments, possibly group studies and market research reports.

5.3 Sales Strategy

Organizing the nine game league tournaments will form the cornerstone of Rockin’ Roll’s sales strategy, advertising the senior citizen discounts and the games will broaden the market to customers outside traditional bowling market. The bowling league organizer will be paid part-time to contact local workplaces, clubs, and bowlers to participate in the nine game league tournament. Participants in the tournament will be rewarded with trophies for the first three teams and the champion will receive a cash prize equal to half of all the entry fees. The bowling league organizer will maintain a database of contact information and sales data about regular bowling leaguers to optimize services to our target customers during league hours. Reduced prices will be offered to senior citizens on a daily basis between certain low-volume hours and on certain food and drink items all day long. Advertisements to teenagers will be placed in local college and weekly papers, highlighting their favorite video games, their favorite tunes on the jukebox, and the Saturday morning teenager tournaments.

5.3.1 Sales Forecast

The first month will be spent setting up the bowling alley, the gaming room, the restaurant and lounge. This will include building the bowling lanes setting up the pins and connecting the scoring terminals. During the first four months Pelvis will recruit bowling leaguers for his first nine game bowling league tournament and begin advertising in local papers for the opening and senior discounts.

By month four, Rockin’ Roll Bowling Lanes will be servicing actual customers and hosting bowling leagues.

5.4 Milestones

The accompanying table lists important program milestones, with dates and managers in charge, and budgets for each. The milestone schedule indicates our emphasis on planning for implementation.

What the table doesn’t show is the commitment behind it. Our business plan includes complete provisions for plan-vs.-actual analysis, and we will hold monthly follow-up meetings to discuss the variance and course corrections.

Management Summary management summary will include information about who's on your team and why they're the right people for the job, as well as your future hiring plans.">

Rockin’ Roll Bowling Lanes is a Washington Corporation founded and run by Pelvis Restley. Pelvis Restley graduated from the University of Washington with degrees in both Business and Communications. While at the University of Washington, Pelvis was president of both the bowling club and his fraternity, Delta Tau Delta. Through the University of Washington bowling club Pelvis gained local notoriety as a champion bowler. Since graduation, Pelvis joined the Professional Bowler’s Association and worked as its treasurer for three years. While working for the Professional Bowler’s Association, Pelvis developed budgets and marketing campaigns with a number of television networks and well-known bowling leagues.

One of Pelvis Restley’s strengths was his ability to draw crowds. Another strength was Pelvis’s talent for increasing local league membership. Pelvis spent a fair amount of time with bowling leagues nationwide. After three years however, Pelvis was feeling spread too thin and wanted to center himself in one sweet spot. Pelvis decided to retire from the Professional Bowling Association and start his own bowling alley. Pelvis was able to bring a number of fellow leaguers over to his alley, helping Rockin’ Roll Bowling Lanes start from the beginning.

6.1 Personnel Plan

Initially, the staff will consist of Pelvis working full-time. In addition to Pelvis, a full-time bartender, a full-time kitchen manager, a full-time cashier, a part-time lane maintenance specialist, and a part-time league manager will join Pelvis for the opening of the bowling alley, restaurant and lounge.

Financial Plan investor-ready personnel plan .">

• We are also assuming start-up capital of $200,000.

7.1 Important Assumptions

The financial plan depends on important assumptions, most of which are shown in the following table as annual assumptions. The monthly assumptions are included in the appendix. From the beginning, we recognize that youths and seniors are critical, but not a factor we can influence easily. At least we are planning on advertising to seniors and youths and dealing with it. Bowling league participation rates are based on conservative assumptions.

Two of the more important underlying assumptions are:

• We assume that there are no unforeseen changes in the local bowling community to increase competition in Fremont.

7.2 Break-even Analysis

The following chart and table summarize our break-even analysis. With fixed costs of $16,000 per month at the outset (a bare minimum), we need to generate approximately $21,600 to break even, but don’t really expect to reach break-even until a few months into the business operation.

The break-even assumes variable costs of 25 percent of revenue.

7.3 Projected Balance Sheet

The balance sheet in the following table shows managed but sufficient growth of net worth, and a sufficiently healthy financial position. The monthly estimates are included in the appendix.

7.4 Projected Profit and Loss

The following table indicates the projected profit and loss.

7.5 Projected Cash Flow

The following cash flow projections show the initial investment ($200,000).

Cash flow projections are critical to Rockin’ Roll’s success. The monthly cash flow is shown in the illustration, with one bar representing the cash flow per month, and the other the monthly cash balance. The annual cash flow figures are included here and the more important detailed monthly numbers are included in the appendix.

7.6 Business Ratios

The following table shows the projected businesses ratios. We expect to maintain healthy ratios for profitability, risk, and return.

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