Buying a bowling business what to look for

[mario777]

Hi!

A little about me before I begin. I've been a successful entrepreneur for the past 10 years with a web development business I started from ground up, I come from a car mechanic background. For the past 4 years I've been intensively working on opening a brewery in my town, after looking and looking for a building I settled for a 1700 sq ft at the back our local bowling alley. The tenant said he was going to be there temporarily but at then decided to stay so this sets us back big time from opening our little brewery. The good thing there is no tenant agreement.

So, the owner of the alley offered me to buy the building and the bowling business. I have to admit although I like bowling, I'm no pro but always enjoyed the game and the atmosphere.

The alley needs a good a makeover such as paint and decor but the alley has been kept top notch since the beginning since the owner is very passionate. There 6 lanes and electronic scoring has been added recently.

The owner also hardly do a Rock N'Bowl night so the business has been somewhat stagnant. I have many ideas to bring the business up.

The building is 6000+ sq ft and strategically located downtown in a small town of about 5000 in population and off to a main highway.

There is some regular leagues as well.

The owner is looking for 550K for the building and business. Building is in top condition as well.

I will be looking at the numbers next monday which will tell me all I need to know.

Is there anything I need to specifically look for when it comes to a bowling business?

What types of numbers I should steer away?

I plan on adding my brewery where we planned and make it a mix of Bowling and Brew Pub serving our craft beer.

Thanks for all your help, suggestions and advice!

Cheers

[Cistoran]

Try not to change the general rules, staff or atmosphere to much or you will lose a lot of your regulars. Keep the leagues running that brings in a lot of business. Adding a snack bar or grill for food service can be a huge money maker, it is for us. I don't know what alochol regulations are like in your state but serving pitchers of beer on the lanes is a huge thing here, and a huge pain in the *** so be ready for that. Otherwise there isn't that much to it. Good luck!

[The Mayor]

That's very good advise Cistoran. Where is the bowling alley located Mario?

[PSBA10]

You need to also find out what equipment the center has, its age, and if the lanes are wood or synthetic. If wood you will need to determine how much life is left. ( When wood lanes wear, they are sanded down and recoated. Each time obviously reduces the effective life of the lane.) Synthetics also have a finite life span. If the center needs a "makeover" as you say, you need to know just how extensive the makeover needs to be. 550K may be a steal, but then it may cost you twice that.

[mario777]

Thanks Cistoran!

[mario777]

Casselman ON

That's very good advise Cistoran. Where is the bowling alley located Mario?

[mario777]

Qubica electronic scoring was installed brand new 8 years ago. Lanes have been completely redone, synthetic lanes and wood "runners" (not sure of the real term) which are maintained each year, sanded and recoated. In terms of makeover, paint alone will make a huge difference. the center is maintained top shape.

You need to also find out what equipment the center has, its age, and if the lanes are wood or synthetic. If wood you will need to determine how much life is left. ( When wood lanes wear, they are sanded down and recoated. Each time obviously reduces the effective life of the lane.) Synthetics also have a finite life span. If the center needs a "makeover" as you say, you need to know just how extensive the makeover needs to be. 550K may be a steal, but then it may cost you twice that.