Bowling Alleys Find New Lanes
Approximately twenty-five (25) years ago, a group of successful Toms River, New Jersey investors decided to purchase a chain of “Playdrome” Bowling Centers. These bowling and recreation centers, located in various parts of New Jersey – Bradley Beach, Lakewood, Windsor, Burlington Township and Glassboro – were profitable for many years. New interests and investors reaching retirement age, caused the ownership group to begin to sell the centers off beginning in 2012. After negotiating deals on three of the locations, Managing Partner, David Wintrode, Causeway Family of Auto Dealerships, Manahawkin, New Jersey turned to Bielat Santore & Company of Allenhurst, New Jersey to sell the final two locations. The real estate agent responsible for the sales, Robert Gillis, originally marketed the properties under the currently popular concept of family fun centers with bowling, expanded arcade gaming with redemption and upscale food and drink. However, both locations were destined for different providences.
Burlington Township – 4486 Rt. 130 North
Ultra-successful builder and entrepreneur, Christopher Vernon of Mercer Management and Development, LLC spoke with Gillis about the possibility of re-purposing the 25,000 square foot building for use as one of his state-of-the-art “Valet Auto Wash” facilities. A deal was struck and this former bowling alley will soon be Mr. Vernon’s 7TH “Valet Auto Wash” location. The others are located in Trenton, Princeton, Lawrence Township, Hamilton Township, Bordentown, New Jersey and Langhorne, Pennsylvania. Renovations to transform the bowling center into a cash wash have already begun and the anticipated grand opening is Spring 2020.
Glassboro – 503 Delsea Drive
Recalling one of the techniques learned in his real estate training seminars at Bielat Santore & Company, Mr. Gillis decided to contact the adjacent property owner, Roy Greenblatt of Matt Blatt Mitsubishi and see if he may have interest in purchasing the neighboring closed bowling alley property. Mr. Greenblatt, also the owner of two highly successful, family run, KIA dealerships in Toms River and Egg Harbor, New Jersey was interested. He and Mr. Gillis then crafted the terms of a deal that were acceptable to the seller, Recreation Centers LLC. As they say, the rest is history! Demolition of the bowling center began last week making way for the expansion of the Mitsubishi dealership on the newly acquired 2.5-acre site.
Since the concept of the new owners does not require a liquor license, both liquor licenses are still available. Contact Robert Gillis for more information at 732.531.4200 or visit www.njrestaurantsforsale.com.
