ALLEN PARK, Mich. (WXYZ) — Thunderbowl Lanes, the popular bowling alley in Allen Park that has hosted some of the biggest tournaments in the country, is being sold.
In a post on Facebook on Thursday, the Strobl Family, which owns the bowling alley, said it is being sold to Bowlero.
Bowlero Corp. is the largest owner and operator of bowling alleys in the world and also owns the Professional Bowlers Association.
“All businesses change and need to progress and that will happen here as well, but I don’t think any major changes for the customers that feel like they come here because they know us," said Vicki Ingham, general manager at Thunderbowl Lanes. "I think that’s still going to feel that way."
Ingham has worked for the Strobl family for 27 years.
She will continue working at the bowling alley after it is sold.
‘I’m going to miss the family aspect of it, I’ve always worked for just one family so that will be a little different for me personally," said Ingham.
According to the Strobl family, the transaction is expected to close in June 2024.
Thunderbowl was the largest privately-held bowling center in the U.S.
"For over the past 80 years , the Strobl family has been involved in all aspects of the bowling world and became the majority owners of Thunderbowl Lanes in 1997. The family would like to thank the bowling community , the City of Allen Park, the staff and the management of Thunderbowl lanes for all wonderful memories and we wish for many more to come with Bowlero," the post said on Facebook.
7 News Detroit reporter Tiarra Braddock spoke to customers who have coming to Thunderbowl Lanes for years.
They shared their thoughts on the sale.
“The changes they’re going to make, that’s the most important thing the changes," said Charles Graddick, avid bowler.
“I’ve bowled at a few Bowleros and there’s some that I really like and then there’s some I saw a lot of opportunity with it," said John Talon, avid bowler.
