“insiders” Eliminator Tournament
What: 18-and-older scratch tournament
Where: insiders by Poelking-Marian
When: March 17, 3:30 p.m.
Information: 233-2222
The cozy sitting area, complete with fireplace, and handcrafted bar evoke images of a boutique hotel.
The state-of-the-art sound system and giant video screens, rival those of some clubs.
But then there’s the familiar crashing of pins and the realization that you are in a bowling center – but not just any bowling center. It’s the new eight-lane “insiders” by Poelking-Marian Lanes in Huber Heights. With its cherry lanes, stainless steel ball returns, and custom made masking units, insiders is not your grandfather’s bowling center, or your father’s for that matter.
“This is even more than I expected,” Poelking Marian Lanes proprietor Mike Poelking said.
The Huber Heights bowling center is one of a growing number of what Brunswick calls hybrid centers, which combine two distinct bowling venues – family entertainment and boutique bowling under one roof.
There were some doubters when Mike and Ellen Poelking first started discussing the idea of transforming a portion of their 52-lane bowling center into a separate space. The center’s renovation, which also included the installation of new synthetic lanes and carpeting in the rest of the center, will top out at $1.2 million by the time the final phase, which includes a complete renovation and expansion of the kitchen, is complete. It cost $1.2 million to build the then 28-lane center in 1976.
“In this business you have got to take some risks,” Ellen, the center’s general manager said.
Planning time
Insiders started taking shape two years ago when Mike and Ellen formulated a business plan. There were trips from coast to coast to see other similar hybrid and boutique centers from Alabama to Arizona and Missouri to Oregon. With each visit, the couple tweaked their own designs and plans.
The physical work began in September 2012. Step one was building a wall, right on lane 9, that created a physical separation between insiders and the rest of the center.
Once the wall was up and doors installed, the renovation began – think “Extreme Makeover” – bowling center style. Neutral tones were paired with trendy light fixtures and hi-tech was combined with vintage bowling memorabilia. The result is a one-of-a-kind space that works as well for private parties as corporate meetings.
“Our league bowlers became part of the process, they were part of it, every step of the way,” Mike said. “But when they saw this for the first time, they were awed.”
Party time
Insiders is already booked throughout June for graduation parties and fall dates are already being saved for Ohio State games. Two wedding receptions are also in the planning stages.
Between 40-50 people can bowl at a time but the facility can host at least 80 people comfortably. Sporting events, music videos, even slide shows can be shown on the big screens making the facility ideal for reunions and graduation parties as well as corporate team-building events.
Rental fees vary based on length of the event and day of the week and include a private bar, personal wait staff and unlimited bowling. Semi-private parties can also be booked at a reduced cost.
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