Bowlers could take lanes by end of January

Picketers from a local carpenter's union continue to demonstrate outside the Strikes bowling lounge, slated to open in the coming weeks.

The union wanted to build the bowling lanes, according to Strikes General Manager Mike Ellis. But the warranty for the lanes -- purchased from AMF Bowling Worldwide, Inc. -- mandated that installation be completed by a professional lane installation company.

Still, the sounds of tumbling bowling pins and cheers are expected to soon echo in the 14,000-square-foot facility, which is now scheduled to open Jan. 31 near 41st and Irving streets.

Ellis, who was which precise carpenters unions picketing, said that he didn't expect much trouble from the unions.

"I don't want to knock the unions," he said, noting that his father-in-law is also a union member. "But send someone to school in Richmond [to obtain certification that would satisfy AMF warranty stipulations] and maybe they could build the next set of lanes in Philly."

"We're just a small bowling lane and that's why they're not bothering us much," Ellis added, saying that the facility -- with its 12 adult lanes and four kids lanes -- was sufficient for University City.

But bowling is not the sole purpose of Strikes.

"We're actually a nightclub with bowling, with a restaurant in it," Ellis said during a tour of the unfinished facility. A fog machine sits ready over the lanes among laser lights, black lights, and glow-in-the-dark icons.

Strikes, which is in the final stages of construction, also features multiple pool tables and couches. Its roughly sixty employees, including chefs, bartenders, servers, bouncers, and maintenance people are ready for what they hope will be throngs of Penn students.

The bar is prepared to offer 36 different shots and over 38 different types of draft and bottled beer, not to mention over 100 various mixed drinks.

"They are serving alcohol? Of course they will succeed," College senior Bradley Breuer said. "My sense is that the bowling alley will be very popular among students, and West Philadelphia residents, too."

Students aren't the only ones excited about the new bowling lounge. Bucks County Coffee, which maintains a cafe just half a block from Strikes, is anticipating a boost in business as a result of the new night spot.

"We're pretty excited about it. I think it will bring in a lot of business," Bucks County Store Manager Aimee Podoroff said. "It's a great development for the 40th Street block. I think it's going to be very positive."

The alley will provide students with an alternative nightlife option for less than the cost of a movie ticket. After the grand opening, the price to bowl will be anywhere from $3.00 to $7.00 depending on the day and time. Students will receive a one-dollar discount with proper identification.

The opening of Strikes is the next move by entrepreneurs to expand and energize the 40th Street area, which has seen booming commercial success over the past few years.

"First we got [the Bridge theater], now we have bowling -- it will be great," Breuer said.

Strikes is planning to donate its lanes to Big Brothers Big Sisters from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Ellis said that Strikes will pay for the bowling and shoe rental for the volunteers who teach the kids to bowl during those hours.

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