While the pools close and school resumes, the folks in Glens Falls will return to their favorite indoor activities, like bowling, as the colder seasons approach. With a revamped center and new owners, Kingpin’s Alley Family Fun Center is quickly becoming the place to be. Owners Doug and Alison Bohannon are bringing a personal touch to the center. Here’s just a sample of what they offer:
- Plenty of space for leagues
- Galactic Bowling
- Kids’ parties and bumpers
- Snack-Bar
- Pro-Shop
- Sports Bar
- Games
- Fundraisers, and more!
Born and raised in Glens Falls, Doug Bohannon lives in Queensbury with his wife and co-owner Alison and their four children, DJ, Ben, Gaby, and Calla Mae. Doug began bowling 25 years ago and has become kingpin of his own
to the community.
Though he is busy preparing for the two day Grand Opening at Kingpin’s Alley, Doug took time out of his day to chat with me about the new business. Doug answered our ten questions on bowling, Kingpin’s Alley, and even gave a small confession in the bonus question!
1. How did you come to love bowling?
Doug: I began bowling around 1988. I had played baseball all throughout high school and after graduation and the end of baseball I looked for a new sport. Bowling offered what I liked, a challenge, the opportunity to improve, and to be part of a team.
2. How do you aspire to bring that same love for bowling to others?
Doug: I like to teach the game. It is so much more than just throwing a ball down a lane. It brings me great pleasure to see a person work on the game and improve.
3. Kingpin’s Alley only recently re-opened under your ownership. What are you doing differently?
Doug: My wife and I want to bring a personal touch back to this center. It was corporately owned for 30 years and bowlers had a negative impression of that. We want all of our customers to feel like they are part of our family.
4. What kinds of services and deals does Kingpin’s Alley offer?
Doug: We are a full service bowling center. In addition to bowling we have a snack bar with a menu full of choices to suit all needs. We have renamed our recently remodeled lounge. Donny Pine’s Bar offers our customers a nice place for a drink not to mention the HD televisions with all of the best sports on. Our pro-shop is fully stocked with balls, bags and shoes. We also have open bowling specials throughout the week.
5. Will kids enjoy Kingpin’s Alley as much as adults? Why?
Doug: Kids will love it here. All of lanes have bumpers so kids don’t get gutter balls. We have some great music playing that’s geared specifically for the kids. Our birthday parties also offer the kids a lot of fun.
6. What was the most exciting part of opening Kingpin’s Alley?
Doug: I’d have to say the support we have received from all of our family and friends. Meeting all of our customers on a daily basis is also exciting.
7. What was the most challenging experience you’ve had with the business so far?
Doug: Although I have been in the business for 13 years working for the company that I bought the center from, the most challenging thing has been not having the corporate safety net there. Before, corporate took care of all marketing, human resources, payroll, etc. Now it’s all on us and it has taken some time to make adjustments.
8. What do you see as the business’s place in the community?
Doug: We envision Kingpin’s Alley as being great place for leagues; we have lots of room and can accommodate just about any league. We are very much into helping organizations with fundraising activities. We will be hosting fundraising activities all year long. I think it’s important to help as much as possible, we have this beautiful center and the ability to do so.
9. What should we expect for the Sept 6th & 7th grand openings?
Doug: FUN!!! We will be having a ribbon cutting on Friday and my wonderful wife, Alison has arranged for a dunk booth and everyone will have a shot at dunking me.
10. How can community members get in touch with Kingpin’s Alley?
Doug: There are many ways to reach us at Kingpin’s Alley. People can call 793-9606, or stop into the center and see me. I’m always there – 166 Saratoga Road in South Glens Falls.
11. Bonus Question! What is the highest and lowest you’ve ever scored?
Doug: I have had eight perfect games of 300 so far. The lowest since I began bowling in leagues was an 88 that I shot in the first game of a league session one night a long time ago. I improved on that the next game with a 118. Needless to say it wasn’t one of my better nights on the lanes.
I’ve got news for you, Doug; my best score is lower than your worst score! I’ll definitely be working on my bowling game at Kingpin’s Alley!
To learn more about Kingpin’s Alley and their upcoming events, visit their site and “like” them on Facebook. Then, join the fun at the grand opening events this week at 166 Saratoga Road in South Glens Falls!
Looking for more fun in the area? Keep up with the latest things to do as the colder months approach, and check out the GlensFallsRegion.com fall guide for seasonal activities!
