Page 4 - BCM_April_2024

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VOL. 29, NO. 4 Great Center Design
APRIL 2024
Reaches Into Wallets
Publisher
FRANK DeSOCIO
our intrepid editor has been involved with the Bowling Center Architec-
Y ture and Design Awards competition for 24 years, first at Bowlers Journal
Editor International and now at BCM. Over that close to a quarter-century span, it
BOB JOHNSON has been fascinating to watch the design elements evolve.
bob@bpaa.com Most of us Baby Boomers grew up in centers that would come to be known,
affectionately or otherwise, as “boxes.” These were mostly 32- and 40-laners
Associate Publisher with pretty much the same layouts and amenities — a coffee shop or snack
BARBARA PELTZ bar, a pool table or two and a handful of pinball machines or early video games
312-285-5525 such as “Pong,” “Pac-Man” and “Space Invaders.”
barb@bpaa.com Over time, many of the boxes have given way to venues oozing personal-
ity and individuality. The way we like to put it is: Today, when someone says,
Creative Director “Let’s go bowling,” it can mean any number of things. And facility design plays
ANDY NOWAK a huge role in that.
To a great extent, design is about first impressions. That’s why virtually every
Senior Correspondents bar that one-time Bowl Expo speaker Jon Taffer saves on his “Bar Rescue” pro-
MARK E. BATTERSBY gram gets an exterior update or full remake. It’s challenging to invite people in
DENNIS BERGENDORF with an uninviting exterior.
BARRY SPARKS Interior first impressions also are crucial, and so many factors contribute —
DAVE WILLIAMS from colors and shapes to logical guest throughput and lighting. Even the type
of business contributes to design, as a center focused primarily on leagues,
Contributing Writers tournaments and open play calls for a far different approach than one devoted
JOHNNY CAMPOS to family entertainment or an adults-only policy.
ROSIE CREWS The design competition has been around long enough now that we can say,
TERRY JOHNSON as is the case with home interior design, that trends come and go. This explains
GEORGE McAULIFFE why two giants of the retail food industry, Starbucks and McDonald’s, rarely go
HOWARD McAULIFFE more than five years without remodeling a store. Incorporated into each up-
BOB PACANOVSKY date are subliminal design features, based on the latest consumer trends and
BRANDON PALUMBO preferences, with specific goals such as motivating the guest to stay longer and
KEN PATON spend more or to sample (and pay for) additional menu items and products.
GREG PERKINS Great design reaches right into the wallets and purses of guests in ways that
make those customers feel good about spending more money. Whether we like
to admit it or not, our centers are part of the retail world, and success in that
world requires a welcoming, comfortable and motivational environment.
Check out the latest leaders in that realm by turning to page 59 and viewing
the United States winners in the 39th annual Bowling Center Architecture and
Design Awards.

BOWLING PROPRIETORS’
ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
621 Six Flags Dr.
Arlington, TX 76011

Phone: 800-343-1329 BCM Editor Bob Johnson is a member of the Professional
Fax: 817-633-2940 Bowlers Association, United States Bowling Congress,
International Bowling Media Association, California
www.bpaa.com USBC Association and Orange County USBC Association
www.bcmmag.com Halls of Fame. He can be reached at bob@bpaa.com.

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